Updated July 19, 2022

What are the best standard carry-on bags in the 35- to 50-litre range? A standard carry-on bag usually rests in an overhead locker during a flight. It’s different from a smaller ‘personal item’ that is typically stashed under the seat in front during takeoff and landing

For recommendations on ‘personal’ carry-on bags in the 15- to 30-litre range, see The best ‘personal’ carry-on bags according to travel bloggers.

 

Best standard carry-on bags according to travel bloggers

For insights on standard carry on bags, I reached out to travel bloggers. What are their favourite carry-on bags in the 35- to 50-litre range? What features did they like most? With use, did they discover any shortcomings? The result is an interesting compilation of 14 tried-and-true bags. If you’re looking for a standard carry-on bag, or know someone who is, the following list might help narrow the search.

1. STANDARD LUGGAGE TRAVEL BACKPACK (35L)

• Dimensions: 54.6 x 34.3 x 19 cm / 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 in (compressed); 54.6 x 34.3 x 24.1 cm / 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 in (expanded)
• Weight: 1.6 kg / 3.7 lb
• Volume: 35 litres (compressed) 45 litres (expanded)

After 12 years of full-time travel, Nora has a preference for rolling luggage. However, for one-bag travel, her favourite is the Standard Luggage Travel Backpack.

LIKES

• It expands from 35 to 45 litres and includes a rain cover, important for one-bag travellers with electronics. The floating neoprene laptop sleeve slides easily in and out of the pack, convenient at security screening checkpoints or when the bag is stowed in the overhead locker.
• The bag has a shoulder strap, zip-away backpack straps, and a grab handle for carrying in three different ways. A pass-through strap allows it to be attached to the telescoping handle of a rolling bag. An adjustable sternum strap (with a built-in safety whistle) and removable hip belt are useful for heavier loads.
• For organization, it has plenty of internal and external compartments and pockets, including a hidden pocket for valuables and a side pocket for a water bottle.
• Sold separately, a set of three multi-functional packing cubes fit perfectly in the bag and join together to create a hanging wardrobe. A fourth packing cube doubles as a packable eight-litre daypack, a very useful item for one-bag travel.

SHORTCOMINGS

It’s a bit boxy, and looks a little unwieldy on someone with a small frame.

Nora Dunn is The Professional Hobo. Check out The Best Carry-on Backpack for One Bag Travel where Nora reviews several bags, including the Standard Luggage Travel Backpack. Also, take a look at the detailed review on Nora’s YouTube channel. It’s excellent.

 

2. COTOPAXI ALLPA 35L

• Dimensions: 51 x 30 x 20 cm / 20 x 12 x 8 in
• Weight: 1.6 kg / 3lb 8oz; with accessories 2.1 kg / 4lb 10oz
• Volume: 35 litres

LIKES

• The Allpa 35L by Cotopaxi opens like a suitcase with an internal mesh divider that makes packing and unpacking super convenient. 
• There are many internal pockets for organization, including two small areas for storing cords or toiletries, one medium pocket that’s perfect for socks and undies, and a laptop sleeve at the back. 
• At the top of the pack is an exterior pocket with additional organizational areas for a passport, travel documents, and other accessories. 
• Extra features include a rain cover, security zippers, and a removable waist belt.
• It meets carry-on requirements for many budget airlines that are strict, including Ryanair.

SHORTCOMINGS

• The bag is soft, meaning that it can take on a weird shape if it’s overpacked. This can affect the zippers that are a little clunky, making it difficult to zip up the bag if it’s packed to capacity.
• An external water bottle holder would be handy.

Brittany Varano is a travel blogger and writer who helps other women teach English abroad, travel solo, and achieve their travel goals on a budget. Learn more about her adventures at life of brit.

 

3. PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK (35/45L)

• Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 13 in / 56 x 24 x 33 cm
• Weight: 4.51 lb / 2.05 kg
• Volume: 35L but compressible to 30L and expandable to 45 litres

LIKES

• True to this company’s name, the bag is impeccably designed, with lots of thoughtful pockets for organization (from a laptop compartment to two hidden pockets to store a passport or cash), huge exterior water bottle pockets, and a clamshell design, making it super simple and easy to access things within the bag.
• The versatility of this bag is incredible. It can be quickly snapped down into the 35L orientation for a quick getaway or expanded to 45L which is generally the largest acceptable carry-on size for most international airlines. Additionally, there are hip straps to help evenly distribute the bag’s packed weight and easily stowed away when carrying lighter loads.
• Many other features add to the bag’s appeal. These include a padded hip belt, stowable sternum strap, protected luggage tag holder, a luggage pass-through for attaching to the handle of a roller bag, 360-degree grab handles, high-visibility grey interior, and much more.
• For photography nerds, this travel backpack is designed to seamlessly integrate with Peak Design’s packing and camera cubes that can be really handy when travelling with a variety of lenses, camera bodies, or other electronics.

SHORTCOMINGS

• On many of their bags, including the Travel Backpack, Peak Design uses Zoom zippers, as opposed to the most popular YKK brand on backpacks. While the theft-deterrent Zoom zippers have some benefits, like offering waterproof protection, it can be a bit challenging to zip up the bag, especially when it’s on the fuller side.
• There’s no adjustable harness, so it would be a good idea to try this bag on in person, to make sure the chest and hip straps are correctly positioned for your body.

Jessica Schmit is a full-time corporate attorney by day but by night, she’s a travel blogger over at Uprooted Traveler with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel. She enjoys off-beat adventure, a good deal, and the best craft beer a destination has to offer.

 

4. HEYS CLASSICAL WORLD 21” SPINNER (36L)

• Dimensions: 53 x 34 x 23 cm / 21 x 13.5 x 9 in
• Weight: 3.0 kg / 6.6 lb
• Volume: 36 litres

This is by far Lenore’s favourite bag for its durability and functionality. She takes it on all trips and receives plenty of compliments and inquiries.

LIKES

• The Classical World Spinner has the security of a built-in TSA lock.
• It comes with a five-year ‘Prestige Class Warranty.’
• It’s visually appealing and lightweight. The quality is exceptional.
• It fits easily in the overhead storage compartment of most planes.
• The expandable zipper allows for up to 20% more packing space.
• The four wheels swivel 360 degrees.

SHORTCOMINGS

• It’s expensive, and not resistant to scratches.
• It tends to sell out quickly due to its unique design, and shipping may not be available to all locations.

Lenore Golding, known as The Nitty Gritty Travel OT, is an Occupational Therapist and travel blogger from Queens, New York City who loves to travel for both work and leisure. The Nitty Gritty Travel OT features travel itineraries, money saving tips, and travel resources, hacks, and inspiration.

 

5. BÉIS CARRY-ON ROLLER (~40L)

• Dimensions: 35 x 23 x 56 cm / 14 x 9 x 22 in 
• Weight: 5.8 kg / 8.36 lb
• Volume: ~40 Liters

The beige 21” roller is Emma’s top choice in carry-on luggage — a chic, mid-sized carry-on rolling bag loaded with organization and unique features. 

LIKES 

• The beige colour is not something often seen in luggage.
• The two 360-degree wheels have the smoothest glide Emma has felt in a rolling suitcase. They contribute to a seamless airport experience when paired with the memory foam pad on the handle. 
• The zipper to expand the suitcase (by 5 cm / 2 in) is different from the zippers that open and lock the bag, so there’s never any guessing about which zipper to use. It’s a small detail but something to be appreciated.
• The hard-shell suitcase has two spacious compartments, as well as a zip pocket and a PVC pocket that’s perfect for liquids in case of leakage. It comes with two drawstring bags, useful for bringing home wet swimsuits, dirty shoes, or keeping laundry separate from the rest of what’s packed. 
• The weight indicator on the handle is the cherry on top. Lift the packed bag by the handle and a red indicator slides into view if it’s over 23 kg / 50 lb.  

SHORTCOMINGS

• While the bag attachment strap is a cool and unique idea, it only holds a bag weighing up to 7 kg / 15 lb. Still, Emma always finds a way to use it, and it is helpful, but a little extra weight allowance would allow for a better hands-free airport experience. 
• Empty, it’s quite heavy at 5.8 kg. It may not be a good choice for someone who finds it a challenge to pack lightly, or those  struggling to meet the carry-on weight restrictions of airlines.

Emma Sturgeon is an English teacher, adrenaline junkie, and storyteller currently based in Busan, South Korea. Over at Emma’s Daydream, she writes about cheap, accessible travel, teaching English, studying abroad, and ridiculous travel stories. 

 

6. OSPREY FARPOINT 40

• Dimensions: 53 x 35 x 23 cm / 20 x 14 x 8 in (S-M); 54 x 35 x 23 cm / 21 x 14 x 9 in (M-L)
• Weight: 1.41 kg / 3.11 lb (S-M); 1.44 kg / 3.17 lb (M-L)
• Volume: 38 litres (S-M); 40 litres (M-L)

Named as the Best Overall Travel Backpack in 2020 by US News and World Report, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great choice for carry-on travellers. The bag earned its keep on a three-month trip to New Zealand and Australia, a one-month trip to Europe, and shorter trips in between.

LIKES

• Anne is yet to find an airline that can’t accommodate her Farpoint 40 as a standard carry-on bag. It has passed the inspection of ‘carry-on police’ at countless airports around the globe. If her packed bag is slightly over the 7-kg or 8-kg limit typically found down under, she keeps it on her back and it has always passed the scrutiny of the most diligent of agents.
• For organization, it has just enough compartments, including a lockable laptop sleeve and a zippered upper pocket that’s perfect for a 3-1-1 bag for toiletries.
• Lockable zipper sliders mean that the zippers on the two side-opening main compartments can be locked together (and to a carrying handle) with a combination cable padlock.
• The robust hip belt and sternum strap help move most of the packed weight to the hips, translating into the ability to comfortably walk a considerable distance and use public transportation to get around.
• The harness (backpack straps, sternum strap, and hip belt) stow away behind a zippered panel.
• The unlimited ‘All Mighty Guarantee’ can’t be beat. 

SHORTCOMINGS

• There are outer mesh pockets for a refillable water bottle that are difficult to strap in place with the external compression straps if the bag is fully packed. This is rarely an issue as a smaller daypack/personal bag is used to stow a water bottle.
• The laptop sleeve is at the front of the bag; having it closer to the body would be better for weight distribution. This isn’t ideal for someone who packs a laptop, especially one on the heavy side. It’s less of an issue for folks who don’t travel with a laptop, or prefer to carry it in a personal carry-on bag.

Anne Betts is a dedicated carry-on traveller who blogs at Packing Light Travel. Check out Is the Osprey warranty any good? It’s so good, I’m now a customer for life that describes an experience that tested Osprey’s unlimited warranty.

 

7. PACSAFE VENTURESAFE EXP21 (41.5L)

• Dimensions: 51 x 33 x 20 cm / 20.1 x 13 x 7.9 in
• Weight: 3.5 kg / 7.9 lb
• Volume: 41.5 litres

LIKES

• The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carryon is more spacious than comparable carry-on bags.
• The soft-sided exterior makes it possible to squeeze in a few more things when necessary.
• When it’s not full, the compression straps on the side keep everything together. Nothing rattles around inside as it would in a bag with a hard-shell case.
• Pacsafe loads its bags with a heap of security features such as a locking system and stainless steel cable to attach to fixed objects. Nora loves the bomb-proof puncture-resistant zippers and the slash-proof material. Despite these extra features, the bag is lightweight.
• The wheels are sturdy on all kinds of surfaces.
• The padded side and top handles are great for carrying the bag when necessary.

SHORTCOMINGS

There’s not much internal organization except for a padded laptop sleeve, RFID-blocking pocket for a passport and credit cards, and an internal attachment point for a wallet and keys. However, Nora sees this as an advantage. She has the flexibility to use her own packing tools to organize the bag in a way that meets her needs.

Nora Dunn is The Professional Hobo, where she teaches people how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way.

 

8. EBAGS MOTHER LODE JUNIOR TRAVEL BACKPACK (41.6L)

• Dimensions: 49.5 x 35.5 x 23 cm / 19.5 x 14 x 9 in
• Weight: 1.36 kg / 3 lb
• Volume: 41.6 litres

The Weekender Junior is a smaller version of the Mother Lode Travel Backpack. These popular bags were both updated in 2019.

LIKES

• The three compartments boast several features to keep stuff organized. The main compartment has a zip around mesh panel pocket, a zippered removable pocket, and a divider that can be folded away if not needed. The front quick-grab compartment is ideal for stowing a jacket or items that need to be accessed without opening the main compartment. It has several smaller pockets and slots. The top ‘brain’ pocket is a perfect size for a 3-1-1 bag for containing liquids and gels, and perhaps a small bag containing chargers. A zip panel pocket on the front works for flat items.
• Two internal compression straps and four external straps keep stuff compressed and free from shifting around.
• The harness zips away behind a back panel, and three grab handles on the top, bottom, and side are handy for lifting, lowering, or carrying the bag. Also, the bag comes with an optional duffle bag strap.
• Zip expansion of 3.8 cm / 1.5 in creates extra packing space if needed.
• It has a built-in water-bottle drawstring sleeve and name tag window.
• The padded laptop sleeve fits an 18-inch laptop and is positioned at the back of the bag close to the body.
• Interlocking zippers can be secured with a lock and anchored to a metal O-ring for additional security.
• It’s reasonably priced and in a range of colours.

SHORTCOMINGS

• The lifetime warranty is limited to defects in materials and workmanship.
• It doesn’t have a robust hip belt capable of shifting the bulk of the weight away from the shoulders and neck to the hips.

Anne Betts is a dedicated carry-on traveller who blogs at Packing Light Travel.

 

9. KELTY REDWING 44

• Dimensions: 64 x 38 x 30 cm / 25 x 15 x 12 in
• Weight: 1.2 kg / 2 lb 10 oz
• Volume: 44 litres

Nic’s Kelty Redwing 44 is her only bag while travelling the world full-time. It comfortably fits enough clothing and provisions for long-term travel, as well as the school supplies Nic uses to work online as an English teacher.

LIKES

• It can be used as a top loader or a panel loader. Having both options can be very handy on the road. 
• There are six gear pockets in addition to the main compartment: two large zippered pockets on the sides, two smaller mesh pockets on the bottom of each side, a separate top compartment, and a front organizer pocket. The large zippered pockets on the side have a pass-through behind them which can be used to store long skinny objects like umbrellas.
• It’s comfortable! Nic hasn’t used it for hiking or trekking, but for general travel it’s comfortable to wear. It feels very secure, and the hip belt successfully takes pressure off the shoulders. 
• This bag is durable. Even after being put through its paces, all seams are holding strong. There are no loose threads or zipper problems to report. 
• The deep green colour subtly differentiates it from all the other black bags out there, but it isn’t so bright that it draws unwanted attention. (The Kelty Redwing 44 is also available in blue and black.)

SHORTCOMINGS

One shortcoming is that the bag lacks pockets on the waist belt for easy access to items such as keys, phone, and passport. Other than that, it serves its purpose well and is an excellent carry-on bag.

Nic is an online English teacher and full-time traveller with a passion for house sitting and slow travel. You can read about her travels on her blog: See Nic Wander and her detailed review of the Kelty Redwing 44.

 

10. CABINZERO CLASSIC 44L BACKPACK

• Dimensions: 51 x 37 x 20 cm / 20.1 x 14.6 x 7.9 in
• Weight: 760 g / 1 lb 11 oz
• Volume: 44 litres

CabinZero’s Classic Backpack comes in three different sizes (28L, 36L, and 44L) in a range of colours and at prices that will appeal to budget travellers. A unique feature of CabinZero luggage is that bags include an Okoban Tracking Tag. Register the tag on Okoban’s site and it will be integrated in the worldwide tracking system used by airlines to track down missing bags.

LIKES

• The top and side handles help lift, lower, or carry the bag when it’s not in backpack mode.
• The shoulder straps have an airflow system to improve ventilation and comfort.
• The water-resistant coating offers a measure of protection against water damage.
• Lockable YKK zippers help improve security. 
• The large compartment opens clamshell-style, providing easy access to what’s packed.

SHORTCOMINGS

• While it has a laptop sleeve, it’s the outside pocket. Cristina prefers to carry a personal carry-on bag for her Ultrabook and use the sleeve for miscellaneous items such as an empty water bottle, wet wipes, masks, train tickets, or boarding passes.
• It doesn’t have an RFID-blocking pocket, or an anti-theft system.
• There’s no side pocket for a water bottle.
• There’ no sternum strap or hip belt, unusual in a 44-litre backpack.

Cristina Puscas is an avid Argentine tango dancer and instructor who loves to combine travel with tango events and discovering local vegan foods. Check out Cristina’s adventures at LooknWalk Greece  and her review of the CabinZero Classic 44L Limited Edition Flags backpack.

 

11. BRIGGS & RILEY DOMESTIC UPRIGHT (44.6L)

• Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in
• Weight: 4 kg / 8 lb 14 oz
• Volume: 44.6 litres

LIKES

• The Briggs & Riley Domestic Carry-On Upright is Carol’s go-to rolling bag. It’s still going strong after 4 continents, 14 countries, and 16 US states. She’s always surprised by how much can be packed into this suitcase. 
• Briggs & Riley make high quality bags. Nothing breaks. But just in case it does, they have an unconditional lifetime guarantee to fix things like zippers and wheels.
• This model has an expansion zipper, allowing it to be converted to a medium-sized checked bag. 
• The semi-soft material allows for some over-stuffing.
• The exterior pocket has several compartments within it, making smaller things easy to find. 

SHORTCOMINGS

• While this bag is technically within carry-on regulations, it’s on the large side. You’ll have to load it sideways into some overhead compartments. Forget about carrying it on if you’re flying a small regional jet. 
• The bag is heavy. You can drop some of the weight if you choose the model without the expansion feature. 

Carol Guttery blogs at Wayfaring Views where she offers independent travellers alternative itineraries and practical travel advice.

 

12. TORTUGA OUTBREAKER (45L)

• Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in
• Weight: 2.3 kg / 5.1 lb
• Volume: 45 litres

LIKES 

• The Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the most spacious backpacks allowable as carry-on luggage. 
• It’s front loading and opens fully like a suitcase, so it’s easy to access everything. 
• The padded removable hip belt takes weight off your shoulders and back. This is a hard-to-find feature in many carry-on travel backpacks. 
• The 4-layer waterproof sailcloth feels very durable. It’s highly water-resistant so a separate rain cover won’t be needed for most travel.
• Security features include large padded fleece-lined laptop and tablet sleeves, and lockable zippers. 
• The simple sleek black design doesn’t stand out too much. 

SHORTCOMINGS

• It’s quite heavy. Simon is currently trying out the new Tortuga Setout, a lighter version of the Outbreaker. He may switch to that.
• It’s expensive at 349 USD. 

Simon Fairbairn and Erin McNeaney blog at Never Ending Voyage, where you’ll find a detailed review of the Tortuga Outbreaker. Erin has written a book, The Carry-On Traveller: The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light.

 

13. OSPREY PORTER 46

• Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 28 cm / 22 x 14 x 11 in
• Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.4 lb
• Volume: 46 litres

LIKES

• It’s made of durable materials. Daina and her partner each have an Osprey Porter 46. After dozens of carry-on only flights since 2011, their bags show very few signs of wear and tear.
• It’s spacious. For example, with strategic packing, the bag carried what was needed for a 14-day trip across both warm and cold climatic zones.
• It’s lightweight, and can be worn as a backpack. This promotes greater freedom and mobility in crowds and unusual circumstances. (Have you tried walking to a boat through shallow water with your rolling bag?)

SHORTCOMINGS

It’s not comfortable when walking long distances. After about 30 minutes with a fully packed bag, the shoulders start to ache. 

Daina is an avid underwater and drone photographer who uses her limited vacation days to find adventures both close to home and abroad. Check out some of these adventures at Headed Anywhere, and Daina’s detailed review of the Osprey Porter 46.

 

14. NORTH FACE BASE CAMP DUFFEL – S (50L)

• Dimensions: 33.05 x 53.35 x 33 cm / 13 x 21 x13 in
• Weight: 1.19 kg / 2 lb 10.2 oz
• Volume: 50 litres

LIKES

• The North Face Base Camp Duffel (Small) is super tough, made from recycled, water-resistant materials using double stitching for outstanding durability.
• It can be carried duffel or suitcase style. Four grab handles, two on each end and two on the sides allow for easy hauling or dragging over shorter distances. Or it can be worn as a backpack using the detachable, adjustable straps designed for an ergonomic fit with minimal twisting.
• The D-zip opening features a weather-resistant, zippered flap to protect belongings from the elements.
• Inside the main compartment is a secure zippered mesh pocket. The two end-cap semi-circular zippered mesh pockets accommodate smaller items.
• Four compression straps, two on the front and two on the back, help compress what’s packed inside.

SHORTCOMINGS

• There’s not much internal organization in the main compartment, except for a pocket specifically designed for small items such as passport and credit cards. This is where packing cubes come in handy! They provide the flexibility to organize the contents of the bag in a way that meets your needs.
• It doesn’t have a sternum strap or a robust hip belt capable of shifting the bulk of the weight away from the shoulders and neck to the hips.

Giorgy is the author and creator of the G-Extreme Travel blog.

 

 

RESOURCES

If you’re researching carry-on bags, you might be interested in 33 Features of a perfect carry-on bag: buying guidelines.

Complementing the article, 33 Features of a perfect carry-on bag: buying guidelines, are two 5-page Worksheets for Choosing a Carry-on Bag. One is for travel backpacks, and the other is for rolling bags. Both list features to look for in a bag, with space for you to record information on bags under consideration. Use as is, or adapt them for your needs. Copies are in the Resource Library. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to sign up for access, or use the sign-up option in the sidebar.

If you have, or are looking for, a travel backpack, see Effectively tame dangling straps with Web Dominator. With the Web Dominator clips, dangling straps are suitably constrained and dangle no more.

And finally, if you own an Osprey bag, or are considering a purchase, check out Is the Osprey warranty any good? It’s so good, I’m now a customer for life. It profiles two experiences putting Osprey’s warranty to the test. My Osprey Farpoint 40 fell off a motorcycle in New Zealand and a friend’s bag wore itself out after many years of faithful service. Both were replaced free of charge.

 

Care to weigh in? What’s your favourite standard carry-on bag? What features do you like, and what are its shortcomings?

 

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