Best Travel Backpack

April 25, 2018 2:39 PM

In the market for a new travel backpack, but obviously with special snowflakes.

My husband has the Patagonia Headway MLC 45, which I think is almost perfect.

What I like about it:
- Size - looking for something in the 35L - 45L range
- The three sided opening, and dual sided pockets (I like that the main compartment has a mesh zip cover)
- That it can convert from a backpack to a duffle if needed

What I don't like:
- Doesnt have a waterbottle side holder/umbrella pocket
- Not super feminine

Because I have to be absolutely thorough in my purchases, are there other bags out there that might be cheaper that also have similar details and features? Fjallraven has a new backpack that has similar details, and so does the Tortuga Setout Backpack. Ideally looking for something in the $100 - $150 range.

posted by something_witty to Travel & Transportation (14 answers total)

Slightly different, and in a probable deal breaker, double your max price range, but for completion sake, take a look at the very highly regarded Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 (there's also a 30L version)
posted by brainmouse at 2:45 PM on April 25, 2018 [3 favorites]

On the other hand, the eBags brand version of a similar thing might be more comparable.
posted by brainmouse at 2:48 PM on April 25, 2018 [1 favorite]

I have the bag brainmouse linked and its worked really well. It really feels like luggage and the nifty hideaway of pockets are a plus.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 3:12 PM on April 25, 2018

I can heartily recommend the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40l bag - the women's model is linked. They are indestructible, really nice size, a million pockets and convertible. I did two weeks in Budapest out of one.

The water bottle pockets don't work great if it's stuffed really full and the laptop sleeve is away from your back, which can feel a bit off balance if you put a heavy laptop in there, but otherwise it's an excellent bag. Osprey have really good warranties too.
posted by Happy Dave at 3:25 PM on April 25, 2018 [1 favorite]

I think the closest I can find is this:
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 anti-theft 45L carry-on travel pack
It apparently has a water bottle pocket although I don't see it in the photos.

Some other contenders:

Osprey Trailkit Duffel?

MEC OUTPOST Pack?

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L?

Timbuk2 Wander Pack?

Timbuk2 Never Check Backpack Duffel?

Lots of choices in that category, I gave up on travel packs and moved to a roller suitcase a while ago so I don't have a very recent bag like you're looking for.
posted by GuyZero at 3:35 PM on April 25, 2018 [2 favorites]

I think the Cotopaxi ALLPA 35L Travel Pack is pretty rad looking myself. It's not super femme but the blue is nice and bright. I found the old Indegogo page has a bit better description and animated gifs that helped me to get a better view of what it's like inside. Sadly, I need something a bit smaller myself so I can't personally vouch for it.

The Minaal Carry-on 2.0 also has lots of neat features but only comes in boring black or gray. Boo! If you're interested though, this crazy dude has a really extensive review so you can see how all the features work. He has a pretty robust roundup of that sort of bag but other options here if you scroll down to the travel bag section. There's definitely a variation in prices.
posted by Bunglegirl at 3:44 PM on April 25, 2018

It doesn't have a water bottle holder, and isn't necessarily feminine (though maybe the beach glass one counts?), but I have been absolutely in love with my REI Big Haul Duffel since picking up the 60L model 6 months ago (I linked to the 40L model). If a water bottle holder is a dealbreaker, you may want to check out the 40L REI Ruckpack or 40L REI Trail Pack. REI has a generous return policy, so you can actually test one out on a trip and if you don't like it, return it for a full refund within a year.
posted by montbrarian at 4:39 PM on April 25, 2018

I have a Timbuk2 Aviator travel backpack and love it. It's 30L, but holds a LOT more than I expect--I've used it for trips up to a week--and through some bizarre magic it's comfortable to carry even when stuffed to the gills. It has two side pockets that perfectly hold my water bottle or travel mug and my umbrella. And while it's not classically feminine, it's also not unstylish, and it's not remotely sport-y or outdoor equipment-y.

It's been discontinued, but still fairly easy to find online.
posted by rhiannonstone at 6:23 PM on April 25, 2018

I have the Kelty redwing 50, I know they make smaller sizes. It has the 3-sided zip opening and water bottle slot. Plus dual side pockets. It has handles all over it so it easily could convert to a duffel although it doesn’t come with a designated strap. It is not super feminine but I think it comes in a few colors. Mine is black. It’s very sturdy, survived a month each in Thailand and Indonesia and tons of littler trips.
posted by pintapicasso at 6:55 PM on April 25, 2018 [1 favorite]

I bought an ULA Camino for backpacking (multi-day treks) reasons but have since traveled to 10+ countries using it as my luggage. It's a fantastic bag. Lightweight in a weigh/way I never found Osprey, Gregory, or REI packs to be. It doesn't have a lot of pockets, but it does have the water-bottle side packs, mesh pocket front and a great design for comfort. It's durable too. But it's not convertible to duffel and it's currently priced at $260. They do have other packs in the $150 range. Not sure what your definition of feminine is, but I have the purple checked pattern.
posted by perrouno at 9:01 PM on April 25, 2018

Mrs. cnc has an Osprey Fairview 40 that worked great for her on a month long trip to Europe. The drink holders are on the back and not the sides, and she bought the dark gray, which I guess isn't super feminine? It does convert to a duffle, and it has a waist belt that I believe is stowable, which is a nice feature.

The Rick Steves Classic Travel Backpack and Convertible Carry-On are similar to the Patagonia bag, but I personally wouldn't buy a backpack meant to carry any sort of load without a real waist belt.
posted by cnc at 9:05 PM on April 25, 2018

After asking this question, I bought an Osprey Fairview 40, which I absolutely love. It doesn't look as duffel-y as the Patagonia, but it does come with a shoulder strap, and there's a panel that lets you hide the backpack straps (this is also useful if you have to check the bag in a pinch).
posted by neushoorn at 5:36 AM on April 26, 2018

Based on my own quest and MetaFilter responses, I went with the Osprey Porter 46 and I love it. A lot. It's probably the only bag/backpack I've ever owned on which no aspect of its construction bothers me or drives me crazy. It is actually comfortable as a backpack, but when you want to carry it as a duffel, the straps pack out of the way completely. There are lots of loops and holders and places for things like water bottles, tickets and maps. it's tough as nails, is 7 years old and has multiple European and US lengthy travel on it, and looks as good as ever - not grungy in the least. Highly recommended.
posted by Miko at 9:08 AM on April 26, 2018

I have the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack; I've only done one week-long trip with it so far, but I liked it very much. It's 40L, has all the characteristics you're looking for, and comes in a bunch of different colors.
posted by octothorp at 12:10 PM on April 27, 2018