Best Travel Backpack for Carry on 7kg + Light Packing Tips

Hi guys,

Got a couple upcoming trips next year across Asia and Europe. Both of which are low cost budget carriers with just carry on luggage only.

Each trip is 3ish weeks, and Europe trip is in chilly weather, 10-15 degrees ish.

I plan to wear a LOT of clothes when I check in to the flights, and take them off on the plane for added comfort (and to save space in luggage)

Aside from that, any tips for packing light?

But most importantly, seeking recommendations for comfortable, cheap, light bags with enough storage for 7kg?

Thanks guys

Comments

  • +2
  • +5

    Osprey Farpoint 40, not cheap, but you might be able find used ones in gumtree or FB market

    • +1

      Second this.. bought mine a few years ago, and have used it on multiple trips.

  • +1

    Mirror the above two comments - /r/onebag, which will probably lead you to the conclusion of the Farpoint 40

  • Hey we just did this on a flight to NZ with a Kmart 45L daypack for $45. Lighter than other carry on options, cheap and quality decent. Fits the carry on sizes and better yet can be used as a day pack at your destination. I had it packed to 7kg, vacuum sealed my ski jacket/pants/gloves in (if you want to fit more stuff in), and used it for lots of walks / days and it lasted fine. If you have budget you might want to spend more to get something similar with even longer lasting quality. Not that secure though - in Europe watch out.

    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/45l-medium-hiking-pack-4306…

    • Thankyou that's perfect I think we have a winner
      Do you think we can easily fit 7kg?
      I.e. if you hadn't vacuum sealed, do you think we could fit 7kg?

  • +1

    Highly recommend Osprey porter 46; porter 46 is the largest carry-on compatible pack

    • +1

      When I was looking into the bag it is slightly larger than carry on limits. Not that people check.

  • +1

    i have the osprey porter 46 and farpoint 40

    both amazing bags, my go to is the porter 46 for international trips as i can squeeze in that little bit extra

  • +1

    Yes I have tried quite a few and osprey (eg porter or farpoint) really have the best features, design and build quality. So if you are using it often they are worth it. They have grerat compression straps inside to compress bulky clothes. Makes a difference. But for just occasional trips the kmart ones are great value.

  • +1

    I agree with a lot of people that the Osprey Farpoint 40L is a great bag. Strong, aesthetic and clever design. But… it's not the lightest at 1.5kg

    For something lighter that is pure function over form, check out CabinMax 44L Bags. They fit the exact dimensions of European cabin baggage.

    From a packing perspective, optimise your heaviest items. Wear heaviest & bulkiest items. 1 versatile pair of shoes, minimal toiletries, quick dry clothing, sharing items if travelling together (e.g. 1 power bank with 2 ports, 1 multi USB wall charger etc, 1 shower gel).

    The mantra I heard was to lay out what you think you need and then cut it by half.

    • Quick thing to be aware of on European budget airlines too is that many have reduced the Cabin Baggage dimensions unless you buy priority boarding / upgraded allowances (Ryanair, Wizzair, Easyjet). Still for around EUR5-10 it's much cheaper than a check-in bag and avoids the baggage handling issues plaguing many airports!

    • Thankyou for the detailed response and tips!

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