Best duffle with backpack straps for a smallish person?
June 19, 2024 7:35 AM Subscribe
To reduce back pain I'd like to switch from a shoulder strap duffle bag to one with backpack straps. I'm suddenly overwhelmed by all the different options. What duffles with backpack straps do shorter-statured MeFites like? And if I travel with a 50L shoulder strap duffle now, should I expect that a 50L backpack duffle will also do the job or look into a different size?
I see that Wirecutter likes the Patagonia Black Hole, the Decathlon Forclaz, and the Patagonia Chumpi Del Día. If MeFites have personal experience with any of these bags, would love to hear them! Several of them look very bulky and I'm having trouble finding review photos with a female model.
Some additional details that might be helpful:
(And yes, I do realize that if I want to completely eliminate back pain the only option is a roller bag. I traveled with a roller bag for most of my life and the convenience of a duffle outweighs the drawbacks for me.)
I see that Wirecutter likes the Patagonia Black Hole, the Decathlon Forclaz, and the Patagonia Chumpi Del Día. If MeFites have personal experience with any of these bags, would love to hear them! Several of them look very bulky and I'm having trouble finding review photos with a female model.
Some additional details that might be helpful:
- I'm 5'2" with pretty narrow shoulders and don't want a bag that swallows me whole. Something with a longer but slimmer profile seems like it would fit me better.
- At stores that have separate men's and women's sections, I shop in women's clothing/gear.
- Any bag I buy must fit into the overhead bin in a typical airplane. I do not check my bag, unless the plane is so small that I'm required to gate check it.
- "Basic travel" for me means I'm traveling for 1-2 weeks at a time, mostly to major cities, and not bringing any specialized travel gear. I pack pretty light. My 50L duffle bag does a great job of this now but I'm not sure if I should look for the same size bag since the form factor seems like it will be a little different.
- I'm not a backpacker and don't need this bag to stand up to long, active hikes. I'd only need to be able to comfortably walk up to a mile on well-paved surfaces or have the bag on my back while standing still for maybe 30-45 minutes e.g. on a subway train.
- Nonetheless, I'd still like something that has some padding for comfort.
- My budget is roughly $200, but can be flexible.
(And yes, I do realize that if I want to completely eliminate back pain the only option is a roller bag. I traveled with a roller bag for most of my life and the convenience of a duffle outweighs the drawbacks for me.)
Best answer: My spouse (5'2" F) has the 55L Patagonia Black Hole, and really likes it. The straps are comfortable, it's very lightweight, and it feels like it'll last a couple decades of travel. However I don't think it's suitable for your use case, because it seems loo large to carry on. (Like, maybe you could get away with it if the airline is lax? But it's close). I think it's too bulky to wear on a subway train, and, the profile is wider than it sounds like you'd prefer.
If you can fit your stuff in the 40L Patagonia Black Hole, that could be perfect for you. REI has a generous return policy, especially for members. So you could buy a couple options, try them out at home (or even use them on a trip) and return whichever doesn't work.
posted by hovey at 8:18 AM on June 19
If you can fit your stuff in the 40L Patagonia Black Hole, that could be perfect for you. REI has a generous return policy, especially for members. So you could buy a couple options, try them out at home (or even use them on a trip) and return whichever doesn't work.
posted by hovey at 8:18 AM on June 19
Quite a few Tom Bihn travel bags are photographed with different height people wearing them (including women below 5'3"), if that's helpful, although they are also fairly expensive.
posted by plonkee at 8:42 AM on June 19
posted by plonkee at 8:42 AM on June 19
Came in to suggest hometown favorite Tom Bihn. I’m your height and I followed their recommendations for a backpack for my size and it holds true. It’s incredibly well made and I expect it will last at least until I’m dead. Love the attention to detail and the realistic use cases presented. They do have occasional sales and warehouse seconds, and I would trust that one secondhand would hold up just fine.
posted by Mizu at 8:54 AM on June 19
posted by Mizu at 8:54 AM on June 19
Best answer: I've got a slightly older version of this. I like it. It's not a duffel bag per se (I think of a duffel bag as having a squarish cross-section), it's more like a backpack/carry on. I'm taller than you; the website shows how it sits on various body types. I'm usually packing light enough that I can compress it flatter than shown on that website using its side straps.
My use case is similar to your own, although I schlepp more than a mile at a time with it when traveling. I use mine without the waist belt (attaches with velcro) and find it easy enough to wear even without them.
posted by adamrice at 9:35 AM on June 19
My use case is similar to your own, although I schlepp more than a mile at a time with it when traveling. I use mine without the waist belt (attaches with velcro) and find it easy enough to wear even without them.
posted by adamrice at 9:35 AM on June 19
I'm not sure if "duffle with straps" means something specific or if any carry-on size backpack is ok?
If the latter, I'd highly recommend the Osprey porter 46L (looks like the updated version is the Sojourn Porter, which looks very similar). I've taken it as carry-on repeatedly for walking-heavy trips of several weeks, and it's also great for carrying home heavy groceries. It has a hip belt and padded back, which makes a huge difference for back pain, and looks more like a regular backpack than like luggage strapped to your back, which is a common issue with these specialized travel bags. It does open up suitcase-style though and is made to fit carryon dimensions, so it's much better for travel than a regular backpack. I also really like that it compresses a lot when it's not overfilled, unlike many similar travel bags.
I also have a Patagonia MLC (45L? not sure) bag that looks very similar to the black hole model, might be the equivalent thing from 10 years ago. It's the max size that fits in carry-on and is very square. It is a great bag too but it's definitely bulky-looking and bulky-feeling on my average-sized female frame (which most bags with near-max carry-on dimensions will be) and the lack of hip strap makes it much harder on the back to carry - though still way better than a duffle shoulder strap. I would choose that one if I'm not walking super long distances anywhere and want a slightly more suitcase-like bag that has more organization inside and can hold a bit more. It has a detachable strap to be carried duffle-style if you want but that's much less comfortable so I never use it.
The build quality is excellent for both bags and both are still like new after ~10 years - MLC is only used for travel but the Porter has been heavily used for daily stuff too.
posted by randomnity at 9:55 AM on June 19
If the latter, I'd highly recommend the Osprey porter 46L (looks like the updated version is the Sojourn Porter, which looks very similar). I've taken it as carry-on repeatedly for walking-heavy trips of several weeks, and it's also great for carrying home heavy groceries. It has a hip belt and padded back, which makes a huge difference for back pain, and looks more like a regular backpack than like luggage strapped to your back, which is a common issue with these specialized travel bags. It does open up suitcase-style though and is made to fit carryon dimensions, so it's much better for travel than a regular backpack. I also really like that it compresses a lot when it's not overfilled, unlike many similar travel bags.
I also have a Patagonia MLC (45L? not sure) bag that looks very similar to the black hole model, might be the equivalent thing from 10 years ago. It's the max size that fits in carry-on and is very square. It is a great bag too but it's definitely bulky-looking and bulky-feeling on my average-sized female frame (which most bags with near-max carry-on dimensions will be) and the lack of hip strap makes it much harder on the back to carry - though still way better than a duffle shoulder strap. I would choose that one if I'm not walking super long distances anywhere and want a slightly more suitcase-like bag that has more organization inside and can hold a bit more. It has a detachable strap to be carried duffle-style if you want but that's much less comfortable so I never use it.
The build quality is excellent for both bags and both are still like new after ~10 years - MLC is only used for travel but the Porter has been heavily used for daily stuff too.
posted by randomnity at 9:55 AM on June 19
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45?
I carry it as a single strap duffel, but it can also be carried as a backpack.
posted by notyou at 10:11 AM on June 19
I carry it as a single strap duffel, but it can also be carried as a backpack.
posted by notyou at 10:11 AM on June 19
Response by poster: hovey: it seems loo large to carry on
By 0.8 inches! That's just cruel, jeez.
randomnity: I'm not sure if "duffle with straps" means something specific or if any carry-on size backpack is ok?
It refers to the shape of the bag. That said, I'm also open to more traditional travel backpacks if the fit is right. Copronymus has the LL Bean Approach 39L and it's both too small capacity-wise and too wide/bulky for me; I thought that maybe the less structured design of a duffle with backpack straps would be better suited to my frame. It looks like Osprey makes some women's sizes though.
posted by capricorn at 10:17 AM on June 19
By 0.8 inches! That's just cruel, jeez.
randomnity: I'm not sure if "duffle with straps" means something specific or if any carry-on size backpack is ok?
It refers to the shape of the bag. That said, I'm also open to more traditional travel backpacks if the fit is right. Copronymus has the LL Bean Approach 39L and it's both too small capacity-wise and too wide/bulky for me; I thought that maybe the less structured design of a duffle with backpack straps would be better suited to my frame. It looks like Osprey makes some women's sizes though.
posted by capricorn at 10:17 AM on June 19
Response by poster: notyou, are you a similar size/shape to me? That one looks like it might be too wide/bulky for me as well but if you've been wearing it comfortably that's a helpful data point!
posted by capricorn at 10:21 AM on June 19
posted by capricorn at 10:21 AM on June 19
Tom Bihn Tristar is back in stock. I have one that has traveled 700,000 miles and the only sign of wear is discoloration on the piping on two corners. Fits in overheads globally. However, I recognize that $380 is not in the flexible range for a $200 budget. But if you're willing to stretch this is the most durable bag I've ever owned.
posted by FerrisWren at 11:26 AM on June 19
posted by FerrisWren at 11:26 AM on June 19
I really like the Osprey Farpoint / Fairview (women's version) bags for travel. They have a couple compartments so it's easier to keep organized than a duffel, compression straps so you can fit a lot, and they have very comfortable backpack straps, including a hip strap, that zip into a compartment on the back of the bag, so they disappear when you don't want them to keep them from snagging on things.
They come in a few different sizes that can work depending on which airlines you use and how much you want to take the risk. They are all reasonably rectangular, so you're not losing a lot of space relative to the carry-on envelope. Depending on the airline, the maximum theoretical size of a carry on bag can be as low as 45L or so, assuming a perfect rectangle with zero thickness, so you aren't going to find a 50L bag or even a 45L bag that will fit in all airlines' carry on envelope.
posted by ssg at 11:49 AM on June 19 [1 favorite]
They come in a few different sizes that can work depending on which airlines you use and how much you want to take the risk. They are all reasonably rectangular, so you're not losing a lot of space relative to the carry-on envelope. Depending on the airline, the maximum theoretical size of a carry on bag can be as low as 45L or so, assuming a perfect rectangle with zero thickness, so you aren't going to find a 50L bag or even a 45L bag that will fit in all airlines' carry on envelope.
posted by ssg at 11:49 AM on June 19 [1 favorite]
I really do like Tom Bihn bags (I've got an Aeronaut 30), though they are pretty overbuilt and can be slightly heavy for the size. Also I don't think I've ever seen a sale?
I don't own one, but have been tempted by Baboon to the Moon bags. They go from a 40L to a 60L though, so those options might be too small and too big, respectively.
posted by Pryde at 1:26 PM on June 19
I don't own one, but have been tempted by Baboon to the Moon bags. They go from a 40L to a 60L though, so those options might be too small and too big, respectively.
posted by Pryde at 1:26 PM on June 19
Best answer: The YouTuber on Gear for the Girls is five foot two.
Duffels with backpack straps are typically not designed for comfort or an adjustable fit. In addition bags around the maximum carry on size, are intrinsically bulky. Keep in mind that there is a lot of leeway and inconsistency on how bag manufacturers state capacity let alone dimensions.
posted by oceano at 2:48 PM on June 19
Duffels with backpack straps are typically not designed for comfort or an adjustable fit. In addition bags around the maximum carry on size, are intrinsically bulky. Keep in mind that there is a lot of leeway and inconsistency on how bag manufacturers state capacity let alone dimensions.
posted by oceano at 2:48 PM on June 19
It's discontinued, but if you can find an Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 45L, that's what I (5'4") use. There's a vertically adjustable chest strap and a hip belt, in addition to the backpack straps. It's so manageable that I ended up buying one for each of my kids, and they've used them from about age 10-18. These have served us for international carry-on for years. The dimensions as 12.5" x 21.5" x 10.5". The model name shows up on the size comparison table that oceano links to, but maybe that's a different version of the bag because the dimensions aren't the same as my version.
posted by cocoagirl at 3:47 PM on June 19
posted by cocoagirl at 3:47 PM on June 19
Best answer: The Black Hole and the North Face Basecamp
bag style is a great solution for carrying a duffle more comfortably, but if you are trying to solve for back pain, please consider a bag with a proper hip belt. It makes a huge difference.
Also, if you are getting help at REI, there have sand bags to pack weight in bags you are trying on. It is very well thought out.
posted by advicepig at 7:06 PM on June 19
bag style is a great solution for carrying a duffle more comfortably, but if you are trying to solve for back pain, please consider a bag with a proper hip belt. It makes a huge difference.
Also, if you are getting help at REI, there have sand bags to pack weight in bags you are trying on. It is very well thought out.
posted by advicepig at 7:06 PM on June 19
Best answer: @capricorn I am in fact sized differently than you (I’m a six foot tall, 175 pound man); I shared the recco as another candidate for further investigation.
Here is a review of it written by a woman who stands 5’3”. Pix included!
posted by notyou at 9:21 AM on June 20
Here is a review of it written by a woman who stands 5’3”. Pix included!
posted by notyou at 9:21 AM on June 20
Osprey Fairview 40L has a hip belt to take the weight off your neck and shoulders. It fit in the overhead bin of every flight I've used it on, though I've not flown the ultra skimpy baggage airlines like Spirit. If you tuck all the messy straps away into the zipped storage pocket, this backpack turns into a lumpy suitcase with a sturdy handle. Until recently It came in two torso lengths - a shorter XS/S and a taller S/M - so take that into account when reading reviews. The compression straps are great, the water bottle pockets are useless. I'd buy this backpack again.
posted by jointhedance at 8:43 AM on June 24
posted by jointhedance at 8:43 AM on June 24
Best answer: I ended up buying the Women's 40L REI Ruckpack, which at the clearance sale price of $117 was half the price of the competition. Thank you everyone for your advice, in particular:
* hovey for noting that anything over a 40L runs a high risk of being checked at the gate, and that REI has a very generous return policy (a year for co-op members, including used items as long as they're clean)
* oceano for pushing me to look at travel backpacks rather than duffles (duffels? I guess both are correct?) with back straps
* advicepig for recommending a bag with a waist strap and for informing me about REI's sandbags for testing how the bag fits fully packed - this was really helpful!
posted by capricorn at 3:13 PM on June 29 [1 favorite]
* hovey for noting that anything over a 40L runs a high risk of being checked at the gate, and that REI has a very generous return policy (a year for co-op members, including used items as long as they're clean)
* oceano for pushing me to look at travel backpacks rather than duffles (duffels? I guess both are correct?) with back straps
* advicepig for recommending a bag with a waist strap and for informing me about REI's sandbags for testing how the bag fits fully packed - this was really helpful!
posted by capricorn at 3:13 PM on June 29 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: (OK, it's not half the price of the very similar Osprey linked above, but it's still slightly cheaper)
posted by capricorn at 3:16 PM on June 29
posted by capricorn at 3:16 PM on June 29
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posted by capricorn at 7:42 AM on June 19