E-mail: Password:   Sign in with Facebook Forgot password? Creating a new account is quick and easy.5*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you choose to buy a product I link to. *Update September 2016: The search is over! I now use the Timbuk2 Aviator backpack. Check out why I think the Aviator is the best carry-on bag.I like a challenge. Perhaps minimalism appeals to me so much lately simply because it is such a challenge. Remember when I told you everything I have fits in my car? Well, as of December, I was able to eliminate items and condense everything I have into the trunk of my car.“One bag travel” is a subculture of sorts. Its members are kind of the Puritans of the travel world in that they eschew anything unnecessary to their ultimate aim (for one bag travelers, that would be to travel with, erm, one bag). They are strict with what they bring on their trips and are adamant about simplifying everything down to the bare essentials.And now, as I prep for 3-month trip to South America, I’m going to try to pack everything into one bag.

(Okay, one carry-on bag plus a “personal item,” which will either be a small backpack or purse).Thus begins my quest to find the perfect carry-on bag.What bags am I eyeing so far?Timbuk2 AviatorDimensions: 13.4″ Top Width x 15″ Bottom Width x 22.8″ Height x 9.4″ Depth Volume: 30L Price: $183.33This is the one bag travel bag I use today! (January 2017 at time of writing.) I still love the Tom Bihn Aeronaut, but it was a bit too large for me. Check out my full Timbuk2 Aviator review.Tom Bihn AeronautDimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ Volume: 2700 cubic in / 45 liters Price: $250What a handsome fellow. The folks at Tom Bihn were kind enough to send me an Aeronaut (plus some packing cubes) to review on my blog. This sturdy, high-quality bag can be carried as a duffel or as a backpack. More details to come in the review!Tom Bihn Tri-StarDimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 8″ Volume: 2000 cubic inches / 33 liters Price: $280 I’m starting to really be drawn to the Tri-Star, which is the Tom Bihn bag that is one step down in size (33 liters) than the Aeronaut (45 liters).

Minaal Carry-On BagDimensions: 21.65′ x 13.77′ x 7.87′ Volume: 35 L Price: $299This backpack was launched through the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, so it shows it already has a huge cult following. It was designed by two New Zealanders with lots of travel experience and very charming accents (seriously, just watch their Kickstarter video) who set out to create the perfect carry-on for digital nomads.Patagonia Transport MLCDimensions: 22″ x 16″ x 9″ Volume: 45 L Price: $179Out of all the bags mentioned above, this one is the most budget friendly. I also appreciate that, like the Aeronaut, it has the ability to be carried as a duffel bag or as a backpack.What do I look for in the perfect travel bag?Versatility – Namely, I want the option to carry it as a backpack or duffel bagSize – Will it fit in the overhead bin on flights? – Will it be small enough for me to carry it with relative ease? I’m small, so I don’t want to be carrying something that’s 1/3 my size. – Will it still be large enough to fit everything I need?

Durability – This bag will be thrown into overhead bins on flights, trains, and buses. It will endure rain, dirt, and dust. I’ll probably drop it a few times (I’m rather reckless with things I own). Will it be able to withstand the abuse?Bonus pointsAbility to safely and easily stow my laptop, camera, and camera lenses. meeko backpack– Packing a camera is so tricky! pogu backpack coverIt’s oddly shaped, delicate, and it has other lenses that have to go with it. mammut backpack nirvanaIf the bag has features made specifically for securely stowing these items–even better!ogio bounty hunter laptop backpack review

Looks – Okay, let’s not fool ourselves here. It would be nice to not look like a grungy hobo while I’m traveling. If the bag is sleek and stylish, I’ll be one happy traveler.Why I Hate Wheeled BagsAhhh the rollaboards (wheeled bags). I would be lying if I told you I’ve never eyed them with envy at the airport as they glide effortlessly across the tile floors–while I schlep a 20-pound bag on my pathetic, wimpy shoulders. where to buy tortuga backpack torontoBut I am still very anti-wheeled bags. ezoo backpackI’ve had many a heated debate over them. So what’s the big deal?The wheels + the extending handle add unnecessary weight.They’re a one-trick pony. Sure, it’s nice to be able to wheel through an airport–but that’s probably the only place you’ll be doing much wheeling. They also usually don’t convert to a duffel bag or backpack (but I know there are some out there that do).

They also tend to be rigid, thus making it difficult to smoosh them into tight spaces.However, if you are able to show me a wheeled bag that is still lightweight, versatile, and able to meet the above requirements–I might yet be converted! What bags do you recommend? Leave a comment below! I’ll write a review for any suggestions I think are awesome.**Update: Check out my review of the bag I ended up bringing with me for one bag travel for 5 months in South America! The Tom Bihn Aeronaut.5 Previous Post Next Post The Inspiring Blogger Series: Sign in to follow this Jessi, April 11, 2014 Page 1 of 6 Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment Sign up for a new account in our community. Register a new account Already have an account? Sign in to follow thisVous voulez voir cette page en français ? Would you like to give feedback on images or tell us about a lower price? About Outlander Packable Backpack With a stylish look, this packable go-anywhere pack is for super-minimalists who make every gram count.

The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use or occasional travel. Adjustable breathable straps make it easy and comfortable to carry for all day use. Folds into zippered inner pocket to fit anywhere. Unfolds from pocket to backpack. Must have on every trip. Features a classic shape with several pockets for storage and organization. This backpack has a roomy main compartment, two front zipper pockets to hold small accessories, one internal security zippered pocket for valuable items and two side pockets for water bottle or umbrella. LIGHTWEIGHT(0.46 Pounds/0.5 Pounds) and ROOMY(20 Liters/33 Liters). A true space saver. Stuff the bag into its own pocket for storage---no extra fees, and unzip it when you reach your destination. Avoid overweight charges, simply unfold from your luggage and use it as a carry on for your excess baggage. The backpack is made from highly rip and water resistant nylon fabric, provide strengthen and long-lasting performance with minimal weight. Stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased longevity.

Durable 2-way Abrasion Resistant SBS Metal Zipper across the backpack. Dimensions: 20L: Unfold: 16.92x10.63x7.08 inches, Fold: 6.29x5.90x1.97 inches Dimensions: 33L: Unfold: 19x13x8.2 inches, Fold: 6.29x5.90x2 inches. Warranty: Our Promise-Lifetime Warranty-Exchange, return, whatever it takes. The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use or occasional travel, and great gift for everyone.Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Backpack Daypack+Lifetime Warranty Sunland Microfiber Ultra Compact & Fast Drying Travel Sports Towels Mountaintop 25L Foldable Daypack Lightweight Backpack for School, Travel, Hiking Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Backpack Daypack See all 343 customer reviews See all 343 customer reviews (newest first) Most recent customer reviewsI was impressed after buying one to the extent that I ordered a second one. Small backpack which is exactly as we wanted :) Product arrived as promised. Purchased as a gift - exactly as desired.