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Travel backpacks

I'm looking at the two backpacks that can be purchased through Rick Steves - the convertible carry-on or the through the back door classic bag. I have also looked at the Cotopaxi backpacks. Can anyone give me some advice or reviews on which is the best. I'm a woman 5'4" and I want something to take along with my carry-on or checked suitcase or that could be used alone as a carry-on for short trips.

I’m about your height. Look at bags about 18” - 19” long, 28 - 35 liter range. For minimalist - lean toward 28 liters. For heavier packing - lean toward 35 liters. Look at Osprey bags, Patagonia bags, etc.. Stay with a backpack rather than an over-the-shoulder bag. Once a 28 liter bag is packed, you don’t want to carry it over-the-shoulder. Examples: Patagonia.com has a 28 liter and a 32 liter black hole bag. This is a good place to start. Use packing cubes. Cabin Zero has a 28 liter “military” bag that is a good size.
Think about straps and padding as well. Get a bag with a trolley strap to secure the bag over the handle of a rolling suitcase. Zippered tote packs may work for you as well. Amazon has a packable GOX bag with a trolley strap.

Posted by
1167 posts

I, personally, don't think the RS backpacks are the best or most comfortable.

Get on YouTube, look at a husband & wife travel team, called AWAY TOGETHER w/NIK and Allie -- they posted some great BEST OF backpack videos -
There are several recent ones to watch
--THE BEST PERSONAL ITEM BACKPACKS FOR 2025 (TESTED HEAD TO TOE) - this was 3 weeks ago
def see this one -

--IS THIS THE ULTIMATE ONE BAG TRAVEL BACKPACK (posted 3 wks ago)

--THIS NEW TRAVEL BACKPACK IS ABSURDLY GOOD (posted 2 wks ago)

--WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS TRAVEL BACKPACK (posted 6 days ago)

You'll get some great suggestions in these videos.

Posted by
1508 posts

I would rate the convertible over the classic bag because of the hip belt. If you are not in a rush, the RS bags go on sale from time to time and you can save about 20%. The Cotopaxi are more stylish but more expensive. Ospreys are also more expensive, but are technically superior with their designs, internal frame and form fitting straps. I would buy a bag that could meet or even exceed the maximum carry-on capacities, approximately 40 l. A big soft bag can always be compressed down to a smaller size and weight. On the other hand if you buy a smaller bag, say 28 l, you are really limiting what you can carry, including shopping and souvenirs. Some bags can even expand so you can really stuff them and check in the bag on your return.

Posted by
17264 posts

If you have a store like REI or similar near you, you could go there to check out some backpacks. They carry Cotopaxi and Osprey as well as other brands.

As for the Youtube reviews of backpacks--be aware that often they "love" the backpacks that pay the best commissions.

Posted by
346 posts

I, personally, don't think the RS backpacks are the best or most comfortable.

I agree. Have a convertible carryon that I’ve used for several trips but it’s not very comfortable to carry. I decided to retire it and find something I liked better and decided on the Osprey Fairview. I haven’t taken it on a trip yet but it seems more ergonomic and comfortable than the RS bag. It is female sized, which could be an asset. My second choice was the Cotopaxi Alpa. It was a tough call, but I liked the Osprey slightly better.
If you go with the RS bag, packing cubes are a must, IMO. There is no structure without them and everything will sink to the bottom.

Posted by
8409 posts

You might want to look at this post:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/ny-mag-article-on-best-carry-on-backpacks

I really do love my Cotopaxi! I have the Allpa 35L. I am a very light packer - 13.5 pounds total on my back. That’s the amount whether it’s a 2-week or 4-week trip. I also bring a small tote - mainly to hold my purse on the plane and have anything handy I want during the flights or train rides.

I am 5’8”, so what feels great for me may not work for you. Try some on at a sports/outdoor store.

Posted by
1513 posts

I've been happy with the RS Appenzell - which is pitched as a large day pack or a child-size backpack. I use it as my carry-on - I check my RS 22" original carry-on.. It is 18" long and 1,400 cubic inches/23 liters. I think it's too big for a day pack - I put my Civita daypack inside of it. But I like it for getting around the airport and on the plane.

Posted by
3018 posts

The RS convertible carryon is a great bag but it's a little too big unless you need extra stuff like handouts or dressy outfits. Esp for short people, when walking with it, even cinched well, the bottom might be bumping/rubbing against your rear beltline. For me personally, a sternum strap is more handy than a waist belt.

Posted by
1276 posts

I really do love my Cotopaxi! I have the Allpa 35L. I am a very light
packer - 13.5 pounds total on my back. That’s the amount whether it’s
a 2-week or 4-week trip. I also bring a small tote - mainly to hold my
purse on the plane and have anything handy I want during the flights
or train rides.

Thanks for the tote idea Jean! I'm taking a 6-day trip to Germany on LH (from Sweden, so no jet lag) & was thinking I'd wear my hiking boots & change into flip flops on plane, this should work well for storage on flight. And I had to stop and admire someone's Cotopaxi after security, just beautiful! Wish I could carry a backpack, better with a 2-wheeler.

Drainsrust (would love to know the origin of your username, ha.) If REI is convenient, great to go try on backpacks and walk around with them, I seem to recall can even load them up with stuff to try weighted. Good luck!

Posted by
167 posts

I found the convertible carry-on uncomfortable as well. It never made it on an international trip. I have an Osprey Fairview rolling backpack. It's fitted for women and much more comfortable. I've had good luck using it as my carry-on for three trips to England.

Posted by
2568 posts

What about prices of the packs mentioned? Isn't that part of the equation as well? Some of the bags mentioned are in the $185-$215 range, absent sales. Visit an REI store, if one is nearby. Oh, and a quick check on the REI website lists the Patagonia Black Hole 32L bag, dulse mauve in color, at $118 (only a few left).

Posted by
9315 posts

I'm a woman 5'4" and I want something to take along with my carry-on or checked suitcase or that could be used alone as a carry-on for short trips.

So it sounds like you are looking for something that will work more as a personal bag that is a bit smaller; maybe a 25 to 35L capacity? Obviously it would have to fit under your seat, since you would already have a carry-on suitcase that would go in the upper bin, and many of the bags mentioned would not.

I just bought this backpack, which I took on a 2 week trip to London/Paris, and really liked it. It opens up clamshell style, rather than from the top, and will fit under the seat. It has a laptop compartment, lots of smaller zippered pockets, is comfortable to carry, and can hold a LOT of stuff. This trip I just took was a test run for the bag, and I will definitely using it again. There is an expandable version (38L), which might work for you, since you want it both as a carry-on for short trips, but a personal bag for longer one. I had the non-expandable one (28L), since I just wanted a personal bag. https://bagsmart.com/products/blast-quick-access-carry-on-travel-backpack?variant=41156224516178

Posted by
1167 posts

the YOUTUBE videos i recommended are NOT sponsored = it's why we love following them for years. They pay out of pocket for all the packs and luggage they review.

Here’s a few more bits to add to the RS forum bag obsession therapy gathering. Amazon has ecohub bags. If it is going underseat, rather than in overhead bin - go smaller - do not exceed 28 liters. Look at 17 - 18” bags with a depth of 6 - 8 inches. Some airlines are tight on Underseat dimensions. This is because of space. Check with your specific airline, if known, about underseat/personal bag allowance size.

Some airlines are tight on weight. Smaller bags usually means less weight unless carrying cans of Alaska salmon, gold bricks, or other heavy items. By reducing weight - airlines can reduce fuel consumption and save money and reduce pollution.

Make your own criteria. Are you carrying a computer? Weight of bag? Length/size of bag, pocket arrangement, water bottle/beer can holder, trolley sleeve, cost, country where it was manufactured, etc..

YouTube Videos as mentioned above can be helpful. OneBag Travels with the green circle logo is good. Keep in mind: some of these videos are just for marketing/profit. Also, some are for businessmen and not fun seeking ladies who are smaller and packing differently. That’s why I developed my own criteria.

Posted by
8409 posts

Sandanciso brings up a critical point. Be sure you are trying on potential backpacks that have your expected content weight inside them. Which means you want to figure out ahead of time how much you are planning to bring. Backpacks can feel fine empty in a store, but loaded, some will quickly be eliminated. I found the waist/hip belt design essential.

The same backpack can be fine, or not, depending on the amount of contents. I love my Cotopaxi, but I would not even consider taking it if I was trying to carry it full at 17-20 pounds. I’ve been that crazy neighbor walking around with my filled backpack on a few walks, just to determine what is my comfortable carrying weight - LOL!

The smaller inter-Europe airlines set my tightest dimensions for my two items I can carry on - my backpack & my personal item tote since I won’t check my luggage.

Posted by
32462 posts

As you only require the backpack for carry-on, a smaller size should suffice and you won't have to be concerned with a waist/hip belt. If you want something from the Rick Steves products, have a look at the Oslo or Appenzell packs - https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/travel-bags .

You could also have a look at......

Posted by
9315 posts

As you only require the backpack for carry-on...

drainsrus1, the two RS bags you mention are 41L, which would be too large to fit under a seat, yet you mentioned that you want to bring something with a carry-on suitcase, which means it must go under the seat. So that definitely affects the size, as I mentioned above. It would be helpful if you would clarify what exactly you are looking for. Thanks!

Posted by
369 posts

Osprey. Without a doubt. My family of Four all use them and I have been backpacking with Osprey for 30 years. I probably have 10 bags at least and never had a single problem with them.

I would NOT buy a backpack without a hip belt. Too often, you may have to walk around a bit while waiting for the next train, or run through an airport. The hip belts make a HUGE difference.

For larger volume, the Fairview is an excellent 40l bag with great fitting adjustments for most anyone. My wife loves hers. Also, this is as large as I would go for a travel pack as, if I need to carry more than this, I would prefer a suitcase. I have never had an issue with getting the 40l in any overhead bin, domestic or international.

My daughters use the Sojourn 30 and love theirs equally as well. This could be an excellent option if you travel light.

Posted by
8409 posts

Yes, please respond back and let us know if your intention was this item is your “personal item” for the flight that must fit under the seat, or are you wanting a backpack that is your one item that goes into the overhead compartment on the plane. The Cotopaxi 35L I mentioned above is intended as an overhead compartment answer, not something to stuff under the seat for a long international flight.

The two RS bags you mentioned are both in the overhead compartment category, too. ”I want something to take along with my carry-on or checked suitcase.” If you bring one of those, you can’t also bring into the airplane a 2nd carryon suitcase.

Posted by
27 posts

Thank you for all the advice and help. I loved watching the Away Together with Nik and Allie YouTube videos. I am following them now. I have checked out many of the backpacks that have been recommended and have found several I like. I think I will forgo the RS backpacks, but I do want one with a waist strap. I will head to REI to check out what they have and look at sizes and see how they feel on. It is so hard to purchase items on the internet when you can't try them on and see the size. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!