Why use a travel backpack instead of luggage? Suitcases are great if you’re staying in one location. If you’re moving around a lot, luggage is horrible to haul onto buses, taxis, or trains. If you’re staying in the island resorts luggage is your best option. If you want to see the country even for just a few days, I would consider a travel backpack or luggage.
I’ve spent a long time researching the best overall travel backpack for affordability, quality, value, and best overall deal. It is the Osprey Porter 46. You’ll be able to fit weeks worth of clothing into this magical never-ending bag and you won’t get stopped for violating carry-on regulations as long as you follow my tips.
At the time of writing this, it is listed on sale for only $55.93 on Amazon. You might be able to find a better deal on the Osprey website, so make sure to compare.
I’ll go into some more details on the features, how to avoid checked baggage fees, and other concerns that you might have.
Why It’s the Best Backpack to Buy
I really love this backpack for the security. The compression ‘straight jacket’ straps make it difficult for anyone to get into your pack without you noticing. It also hides the zippers very well while offering an option to clip the zippers together for added security.
The laptop compartment is also very securely positioned directly to your back while having enough padding to avoid discomfort. This compartment doubles as a quick access slot for cash or passports and is really well designed with security in mind. Another quick access pouch for essentials is at the top of the bag on the front. While this is less secure, it is great for snacks or other items.
For those of us with cameras or other fragile equipment, the Porter 46 has an exorbitant amount of padding. This is really great for a large pack since it’s easy to knock into things accidentally.
I spent a lot of time going through all the reviews of a ton of different backpacks on different websites and this is the one that hits the sweet spot for me in so many ways.
What Size Backpack for Traveling
The ideal backpacking size is 35-55L. While 35L might only allow you to pack 3 outfits, 55L will probably end up costing you a checked bag fee. I like to get my carry-on filled up just about as close to the limit as I can and I’ve found 46L to be about as close as I’m willing to risk it.
While 40 liters may be plenty for a 1-2 week trip, I like this bag because you always have extra space and to bring home food and souvenirs. I suggest bringing along this affordable daypack as well just in case you need it.
You’ll be able to pack a weeks worth of outfits along with plenty of accessories but you might want to taper your packing a little bit in order to avoid risking checked baggage.
Largest Carry-on Compliant Bag: Osprey Porter 46
There have been negative reviews online where travelers with this bag get flagged for checked luggage, but this is completely avoidable as long as you don’t overpack. Trust me, it will be very difficult to overpack this bag but it’s definitely possible. You’ll be able to fit all your accessories plus 5-7 outfits while still having plenty of room. I would even recommend buying some packing cubes to compress your belongings even further, but it’s not completely necessary.
After you pack, use the straight-jacket compression belts to tighten down the pack so it’s no thicker than 9 inches. As you’re waiting to board the plane, try out the airport’s carry-on luggage checker and make sure you’re able to squeeze your bag in there. The bag is flexible so as long as you practice what you’re doing, you’ll be able to show the airline it fits.
After you pack, the bag might be a a bit too long for regulations (regulation length is 22 inches) but there’s no frame and you’ll be able to squeeze it within regulation.
If traveling with a backpack as opposed to luggage I definitely understand any concerns you may have about carry-on restrictions. I am certain you won’t have any issues so long as you don’t overpack and practice getting the bag into the carry-on luggage checker while awaiting your flight.
Other Concerns
Your Height: If you’re under 5’3 or even 5’5, you will probably find the Porter 46 to be uncomfortable. I would look into getting the Osprey Fairview. It’s a less-sturdy pack but will be easier on your back and better suited for your size.
Small Shoulder/Hip Straps: The straps are designed to pack into the bag so that is can convert into a duffel bag. While this is a great feature, the shoulder and waist straps are a bit too thin in my opinion. While still being strong enough to carry the bag under load, this is not a deal breaker for me.
Shoulder Strap for Duffel Conversion Sold Separately: Shoulder straps are a great way to convert this pack from backpack to duffel bag. You may have extra shoulder straps at home, so this might not be an issue. If you want to purchase from the Osprey site, it is only $14, but I don’t like paying for add-ons that should be included.
Water Bottle Holster: There’s no water bottle holster on this pack. A good workaround is to latch a carabiner to the empty shoulder strap buckle and attach your water bottle there.
Additional Concerns
There have also been reports of minor hip pain while carrying large loads. I think this is something they can improve upon for future product versions, but it is far from a deal breaker. And while the straps may appear to be a bit small, they are made of very strong and durable material.
Conclusion
I really like the additional padding on this bag. It feels less like a traditional backpack and more like a travel bag with security for my belongings. The pack is also water resistant to a certain point, so it’s great if you’re caught outside in the monsoon rains for a few minutes.
I would argue that this pack pays for itself. It is the largest carry-on compliant bag and will save you checked bag fees for years to come. If you’re worried about hurting your back, almost any shoulder straps can latch on and convert this bag into a duffle.
The security, padding, and price make this bag a best buy in my opinion. Please do additional research on your own before buying this bag as it may not be best for you. Thank you for taking time to read and have a great day!