Carry on Backpack

Yeah usually if the flight is full there is more scrutiny when it comes to bags. They may have you put it in the box to see if it fits.

Every airline has there own set of rules as far as dimensions. All you can do is follow the rules.

Sometimes they start checking bags during the end of the line of the boarding process at the gate that meet the restrictions.

But this is usually because the passengers that boarded before you have already taken up all the bin space.

Unfortunately a lot of times dummy inconsiderate passengers will shove their coats in the bin space taking up all the space where your bag would normally fit.

I ordered the arcteryx 30 L pack that fits all of the airline carry on dimensions that I’m flying. I was just curious. The arcteryx 45L appears longer and narrower then the Tortuga. I’ve looked at a lot. I know it’s expensive. It opens up in the clan shell. I just prefer more of a back pack. If I look at the Tortuga and the arcteryx the Tortuga looks bigger but it’s just the difference in dimensions. The Tortuga sticks out more.
I’m still debating on which one to get. If I could manage 3 weeks w a 30L I might try that.

The carry on back pack options are all over the place in dimensions. But those Tortuga’a are some that I’m considering. I thought the weight is what they are more worried about as long as the bag isn’t gigantic looking.
Thanks for the replies

This is highly dependent on airline. They may make you weigh it and they may make you put it in a sizing box.

Your pack is over on two dimensions. The question I would have: what size is the frame? Does it bend? Will you underpack your bag? All of these affect how easily your bag goes in the box.

You also need to check each and every airline. Each one has its own rules. Some discount European airlines have smaller dimensions for hand luggage. If that is the case then you will have to check your bag (and maybe have to pay for it).

There are several travel packs that are compliant. I like the MEI Voyageur as it has a true suspension system and a clamshell opening. And it is significantly less expensive and lighter than the leaf

Tortuga has a page “comparing” the Outbreaker Vs the Voyageur. They make several false and misleading statements. It really turned me off to the company.

I fly a lot and find that if you carry it on your back while boarding they don't see much in weight or the size compare to a bag rolling on wheels

The max dimension for most carryon bags is 22X14x9 or less. You need to look at the carryon baggage policies for all the airlines you will be flying on your and work with the most restrictive one. If you don't over pack the Arc'teryx you probably can use it with no problem.

My experience is that they only check very infrequently, and the check uses a frame. If you can shove the bag into the frame, you can shove it under the seat.

They don't get out a tape measure - they rarely (but occasionally) weigh the bag or ask you to place it in the sizer box. Therefore, if the weight is within limits and if the bag is soft and has some give the exact dimensions are not important if it is very close - if you are a small bit off and the bag isn't hard or jam packed you can easily fit it in the box.

Ok. Thanks for all of the responses. I’ll look into some of the other backpack options you all mention. I was more interested in personal experience. I flew on a smalller airline in Mexico where a carry on was weighed and I was over their 12kg or so limit and they made me check it and due to that I missed a flight, having to wait for it and go back through security so I don’t want to deal w that. I can keep it under the weight which will be 22lbs for Norwegian airlines and one other KLM. Since the pack I am considering is larger in one dimension but meets the criteria in the others I was more concerned w this. The same pack but in 30L meets all airlines(that I checked) for size. I’ll test it out and see if I can fit everything I need. I might even make some cheap box and see if I can fit it in. I didn’t like the having to check it in option in Mexico and having to deal w security and waiting. Thank you all for the responses. And I know the Arc’teryx LEAF 30L or 45L isn’t technically a carry on but it opens up like the clam shell, fits really nice along your back, and Is a single compartment, so I like that. Thanks

Get the backpack that fits you the best and don't sweat the airline rules so much. If your backpack is soft-sided, then you'll be able to mash it into odd-shaped overhead bins provided the backpack is not too full. And if you have to check it, it's not the end of the world.

Oh and the Arc’teryx LEAF does have a back internal frame. It’s small so I can squeeze the height dimension some. The sides have compression straps so the width and depth I can get. I plan on washing clothes while their and have a bunch of lightweight clothes so I can meet the weight. I just don’t have the experience with the European airlines which from what I read scrutinize more bc of the low prices. I also don’t want to be one of the people who bring some overly large carry on. But usually the backpacks seem to have more leverage here since it’s not a hard case. I’ll prob do a 30 or 35L pack just to make sure.

I was more interested in personal experience. I flew on a smalller airline in Mexico where a carry on was weighed and I was over their 12kg or so limit

12 kg is incredibly heavy if you aren’t taking camping or mountaineering equipment.

You may want to examine your stuff. Too many electronics? Heavy clothing? Too many shoes? Heavy toiletry bag?

Aim for an 8 kg limit and you may hit 10.

I have the Osprey Fairmont 40 which is carry on dimensions for Europe ... and I think 40L is the largest accepted if I remember correctly.

You have two problems.

First, yes the size matters. The 22x16x9 or similar (usually 55 x 40 x 20 cm) is because that's the max that will fit in the overhead bins correctly. They won't let you bring something longer, as a carry-on, because you have to put it in the overhead sideways. It takes more than twice as much room - leaving that much less space for other passengers. 55 cm is the normal limit. That's 21 2/3 inches. A bag that is 22 inches might need to be checked, especially if it's a hard bag. 40 cm is 15 3/4 inches. 25 cm is a little under ten inches. If you stuff a bag, that would otherwise fit, it will be too big (probably both size and weight). I wouldn't mind traveling with a backpack except I don't want to check anything.

Second, if you want to carry-on for free, you need to cut the size down even further. In my experience, you can expect to carry on one small bag (40cm x 20cm x 25cm or roughly 15 3/4" x 7 7/8" x 9 7/8") for free. It needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you and you're not supposed to use overhead bin space. You can carry a cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm), essentially the carry on you're thinking of, with a maximum weight allowance of 10kg for an additional fee. Any checked bag has a fee. Your ticket is the contract that describes what's included and what costs extra.

All that said, my experience with American carriers is they enforce the rules rather loosely for their premium passengers then force the "end of the line" passengers to check their appropriately sized bags.

Some European carriers (Lufthanse, SAS, Wow, Icelandair, Air France and Ryanair so far) are much more democratic about it, they check every one's bag pretty closely and stick to the limits. Aer Lingus and British Airways seemed fairly easy going (at least the last time I flew with them). Everyone seems to be tightening up though.

It seems to me you want this particular bag and would like someone here to tell you it will be fine or you are trying to convince yourself it will be fine. Even though the bag is over on two dimensions.

Follow the rules as stated and you won't have a problem.

Look at the airlines you are flying. Conform to the one with the strictest rules. Then you know you will be okay on the others.

I have seen every single passenger being made to put their hand luggage in a sizing box as we board the plane, with several ending up paying extra to check the luggage - even if it’s just an inch too long.

Bargain European flights make money every way they can, and - especially if a flight is crowded - they can (and will) enforce the rules to the letter.

I bought this one, and I believe it will work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074362KC8/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

13 x 7.9 x 19.7 inches/33 x 20 x 50 cm

Thanks for all of the responses. The suggestions help.
No I’m looking for someone to tell me the bag is alright with 2 of the dimensions alright and one too large. It’s more just to see personal experiences from others. The carry on backpack sizes are all over. The 45L is too large so they make a 30L that appears to meet all of the airlines that I checked at 21x12x9.
I don’t like when others take up too much space either bc obviously if affects other passengers. Just looking for feedback. I plan on bringing light clothes and wear the heavier clothes to fly. I’m also going to check out the backpacks mentioned here. I do prefer the arcteryx bc it’s narrow and it’s really nice but yes expensive. The max weight is around 22lbs so I’ll see I’f I can pack all I need and be under this number, perhaps around 10-12lbs. All of the responses are appreciated

The Hynes backpack does look nice. Short in the length which would seem is the most important dimension. It comes down to how light can I pack and wash clothes once there. I see some in other forums try to get a size that fits under the seat, that’s very minimal. Where I’ll be mostly is in Sicily at the end of June/July so the temps are rather warm, t shirts and shorts. But I fly into Amsterdam where I’ll be for a few days 1st where at night it looks to get chilly. Perhaps one light down jacket.
I only have the experience of a budget airline in Mexico where on the way to the destination I was fine on the way back, a lot of people checked in ahead of me and I’d say it was almost that they ran out of overhead bin space. They did weigh it but I didn’t check. I only had T-shirt’s and shorts so I’m not sire if I was technically above there weight. I assume the person wouldn’t lie. But it’s hard to believe.
Those types of airlines do save you a lot of money so I’d rather be under there size and weight and not have to deal with checked bags and all that.

The max weight is around 22lbs ....
Norwegian Air's carry-on weight limit is 10 kg but Lufthansa, SAS and Swiss Air (to name three that I have flown) have a lower limit of 8 kg (17 lbs).

True backpacks with harness, load carrying hip belt and internal frame system tend to be too long for 55 cm maximum length limits unless you have a short torso.

Yes I’ll be on Norwegian there so 22lbs is around 10kg. But I’m also flying on KLM which I see the weight is 26lbs but the dimensions look to be 21.5x10x13.5. So here I’m over again with the 30L at 21x12x9. So I assume I need even smaller. Or if I need to check this in this would be the one leg of the flight where I wouldn’t be going back into the airport. So not as bad.

The Arc’teryx LEAF 30L, I wouldn’t say I’d use it for back packing trips but for a carry on it looks good to me. I like that it’s narrow and not a big rectangle or square shaped. That’s appealing. It’s not even technically a carry on bag from arcteryx. A friend is mine has it, it opens up fully like the clam shell design. And it’s just one single compartment for the most part. I do like just one compartment . And it has a hip belt that’s removable if I didn’t think I needed it.
I’m not 100% sold on the arcteryx. I looked at the osprey 30L too. But even the osprey wouldn’t meet some of the requirements. Hence why the personal experience from here helps.

But I fly into Amsterdam where I’ll be for a few days 1st where at night it looks to get chilly. Perhaps one light down jacket.

You won’t need a down jacket in June/July unless you are up in the mountains. A light sweater combined with a rain shell should be sufficient for your needs.

I keep looking at your choices and your weights. You keep choosing really heavy weight bags as well as packing heavy. What’s going on?

A heavy bag isn’t necessarily a strong bag. Weight does not mean you’ve brought enough of the right gear.

What are you bringing that is so heavy?

BTW, a rectangular bag maximizes internal space. That’s why a travel pack is shaped differently than a backpack. They are designed for different tasks. You wouldn’t race in a pickup truck. You wouldn’t move using a convertible.

And another thing...
Why are you so focused on the Arc’terxy brand? You seem to think your choices are limited to 45 liters or 30 liters. They are NOT. There’s 40 liter packs, 35 liter packs etc.

You seem weirdly stuck on a single solution. And it isn’t the best one!

I assume it’s my personal preference. I realize there is more than 30L and 40L. I prefer the single compartment. I don’t need a laptop sleeve all sorts of other pockets. I can use the pack I’m talking about for more than just travel. It fits me really well and it’s comfortable. I prefer the arcteryx bc the only zipper is secure against my back. Not that I’m worried about being robbed but it is nice to me.
The 30L pack is the one I like that meets most carry on dimensions. But I am going to check out the other packs mentioned above.

I was more concerned about the dimensions of carry ons as some mentioned meet the limits.
On some forums people mention their bag of choice and don’t mention any issue. But then I check the dimensions and it’s over. If so then airlines aren’t always checking this if the bag appears small enough.
But to be safe a 30L meets most that I checked. 35 and up and this isn’t the case. And I’f I don’t need a laptop pocket or other pockets then tbe single compartment bag is utilizing the best space for me

OMG you are overthinking this.

Wth a soft sided bag, the thickness dimension--the smallest one like 9" is usually capable of being "smushed" down a bit if you don't overpack. Some bags even have external cinch straps for this.

Are you planning to do serious backpacking over there or just want a bag to lug your stuff? There are plenty of inexpensive bags that will work:

Here is eBag's page of travel backpacks. You should be able to find one that will work for you.

https://www.ebags.com/category/backpacks/travel-backpacks?sort=featuredproduct

The Ebags Motherlode Weekender Junior is one I have used and found very good.

Well that sums up what I was more concerned with. As long as your bag is soft and can be smushed the minute changes in dimensions is irrelevant. Not everyone agrees on that.
Again. I’m not a fan of a ton of small pockets. It’s a waste of space. The bag I mention is one compartment w 3 smaller useful pockets. It’s a backpack but opens up just like every travel bag mentioned. It’s considered a multi use bag. It has compression straps so I can squeeze it down. To me that’s the best use of space. Not having 20 pockets. Again personal preference. But as the main question was referring to dimesnsons, you answered. It’s nof that important as long as your close. Thank you all

Many bags have a single main compartment

Many bags have side compression straps.

Many bags are backpacks that open up like a travel bag.

Many bags can be used for multiple activities.

And... most bags are around $300 less expensive than the LEAF. Just saying.

And most bags are lighter. That’s something to consider if you are concerned about weight restricted airlines.

The big question I would have is does it have an internal frame? If it does, you can’t squish it down. You’d have to measure the length of the aluminum stays or framesheet within the pack. The LEAF has aluminum stays so they could extend beyond the acceptable length. That is your limitation.