TLDR: If you’re in a hurry the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the Best Backpack according to r/OneBag! This backpack combines the functionality of a serious backpacking pack with the practicality required for one-bag travel.
- Adjustable torso fit
- External Gear Attachment loops
- Padded top and side handles
Embarking on a one-bag travel adventure is an exhilarating experience, but finding the perfect backpack to accompany you on this journey can be a daunting task. Choosing the right backpack for your adventures requires some thought and research. Well, that’s exactly what this article is all about!
We have taken some help from Onebag Subreddit to give you a list of the most sought-after backpacks for one-bag travel. But here’s the deal: while the subreddit is a fantastic resource, it’s necessary to approach reviews and recommendations with a sprinkle of skepticism. Remember, it’s a community-driven platform, and everyone’s experiences and opinions are very diverse as the colors of a rainbow. So, we have gone ahead and taken a moment to double-check the information on the Onebag subreddit. We have compared it with professional reviews and the manufacturer’s website to make sure we provide you with the right information so you’re making the best choices for your adventure.
In a nutshell, this article will help you uncover hidden gems of travel gear. Just remember to approach it all with a bit of critical thinking and create an incredible travel experience.
What to Look for in a One-Bag Travel Backpack
With various options available in the market, it’s important to know what features and qualities to prioritize when selecting your ideal one-bag travel backpack. We’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a one-bag travel backpack. Let’s dive in!
- Size and Capacity: The first consideration is finding a backpack that strikes the perfect balance between size and capacity. Look for a backpack that meets your travel needs while adhering to airline carry-on restrictions. Aim for a volume that comfortably fits your belongings without exceeding weight limitations, ensuring hassle-free mobility throughout your journey.
- Comfort and Ergonomics: Comfort is paramount when you’re relying on a single backpack for an extended adventure. Look for adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel that provides adequate ventilation. Features like a hip belt and load-stabilizing straps help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your body during long walks or hikes. This will not only save you from a lot of body pain issues but also ensure fast mobility.
- Durability and Quality: Your one-bag travel backpack should be designed to withstand the rigors of your adventures. Opt for a backpack made from durable materials like nylon or Cordura, known for its resistance to abrasion and tear. Reinforced stitching and quality zippers are also essential for longevity.
- Organization and Accessibility: Efficient organization plays a crucial role in simplifying your travel experience. Seek a backpack with multiple compartments, including a designated laptop sleeve, pockets for quick-access items, and internal organization panels. Consider a clamshell or front-loading design for easy access to your belongings without the need to unpack everything.
- Security Features: When carrying all your belongings on your back, security becomes a top priority. Look for backpacks equipped with anti-theft features such as lockable zippers, hidden pockets, or slash-resistant materials. These extra layers of protection provide peace of mind, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.
- Weight: Every gram counts when you’re aiming to travel light. Look for lightweight backpack options that prioritize essential features while minimizing unnecessary bulk. Cutting down on weight allows you to carry more of what matters without straining your back.
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1. Osprey Farpoint 40
The Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack is made for adventurous globetrotters who want to travel far and light. This backpack combines the functionality of a serious backpacking pack with the practicality required for one-bag travel. With its lightweight construction, durable materials, and smart design, the Farpoint 40 is the ideal companion for hassle-free travel.
Highlights
- Lightweight and durable: The Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack excels in its lightweight and durable design. Crafted from bluesign-approved 450D recycled twist dobby polyester and treated with a PFAS-free DWR coating, this backpack strikes the perfect balance between strength and weight. These materials not only allow the pack to withstand the harsh conditions of travel but also ensure that it remains featherlight, enabling you to carry it comfortably for long durations.
- Stowaway harness and hipbelt: The Farpoint 40 offers a clever stowaway feature that allows you to safely tuck away the harness and hip belt when checking in your backpack. This feature protects the straps from potential damage and provides a sleek and compact profile for hassle-free transportation. When it’s time to hit the trail or explore your destination, the harness, and hip belt can be quickly deployed, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
- Comfortable fit: Osprey understands the importance of a comfortable fit, and the Farpoint 40 is designed keeping exactly this in mind. The Farpoint/Fairview Series provides a gender-specific fit, ensuring that both men and women can find a pack that suits their body shape and size. The backpack features an adjustable torso fit, allowing you to customize it to your requirements and measurements. This properly fitted pack will enable you to explore more with maximum comfort and support.
- Smart organization and accessibility: This backpack has great intelligent organization and easy accessibility features. When it comes to efficient packing and unpacking, the large panel zip access to the main compartment makes the process a breeze. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful internal organization features like compression straps and a zippered mesh pocket, to ensure that your belongings stay secure and neatly arranged throughout your journey. It also offers external pockets designed for easy access to essential items. The external zip toiletry pocket provides a convenient place to store your toiletries, while the large front shove-it pocket allows quick access to frequently needed items.
- Travel-friendly features: This backpack meets most domestic carry-on requirements, eliminating the hassle of checking in your bag. The quick access zippered sleeve accommodates laptops and tablets up to 16″, ensuring the safety of your devices while on the move. You can pair this backpack with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack, for additional flexibility and convenience during your travels.
- Superior suspension and back panel design: The Farpoint 40 features a 4 mm LightWire peripheral frame that helps in efficiently transferring the load from the harness to the hip belt. This decreases strain on your shoulders and back. The backpack also provides stability and even weight distribution across the back panel, thanks to its Atilon frame sheet. The mesh-covered ridged foam AirScape back panel enhances ventilation on this backpack, keeping you cool and comfortable, even in warm climates.
- Breathable harness and hipbelt: The Farpoint 40 features a lightweight and breathable stowaway reverse spacer mesh harness. This provides excellent ventilation and reduces any sort of sweat buildup. The adjustable sternum strap includes a built-in rescue whistle, offering an added safety feature for outdoor adventures. The hipbelt is also made of breathable reverse spacer mesh to ensure a snug fit and add extra support during long days of carrying the pack.
What Onebag Redditors Said About It
u/wild_whiskey_western “The 40 is the perfect size. I’ve had it for 5 years now and have traveled around the world for several months with it being my only bag. I haven’t had any problems with it counting as my carry on and it usually goes under the seat in front of me when there isn’t overhead space.”
2. AER Travel pack 3
The AER Travel Pack 3 is the ultimate carry-on companion for modern travelers. With its versatile design, smart organization, durability, and thoughtful features, this backpack allows you to travel light and stay on the go. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or an explorer, the AER Travel Pack 3 is the perfect companion for your journeys.
Highlights
- Versatile and durable design: The Travel Pack 3 is built to last, thanks to its 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior, which is not only incredibly robust but also bluesign-approved for sustainability. The YKK zippers and Duraflex plastic hardware ensure reliable performance throughout your travels. This backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of travel, making it last for a long time.
- Smart organization: Having efficient organization is key, and the AER Travel Pack 3 delivers on this front. The lay-flat main compartment offers spacious storage and easy packing, allowing you to maximize the use of every inch. The padded, suspended laptop pocket is perfect to keep your laptop safe with a soft lining. Additionally, the quick-access top and side pockets provide convenient storage for small valuables, ensuring they’re always within reach.
- Stability and comfort: Carrying your belongings should be a breeze, and Travel Pack 3 understands this. The compression straps with magnetic fasteners keep your load secure and stable, even during dynamic movements. Load lifters provide additional support and comfort, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. The internal frame sheet provides structure and support for even weight distribution for a balanced carry.
- Additional features: The AER Travel Pack 3 goes above and beyond with its thoughtful features, enhancing your travel experience to new heights. The backpack features an expandable water bottle pocket. It also has a hidden smart tracker pocket to discreetly store your tracking device. You can enjoy stability during active adventures with attachment points for a removable hip belt. The luggage handle pass-through lets you attach the backpack to your rolling suitcase. For added security, AER travel back has lockable zippers.
- Perfect dimensions and capacity: With dimensions of 21.5″ x 13″ x 9″ (54.5 cm x 33 cm x 21.5 cm) and a generous volume of 35 liters, the AER Travel Pack 3 strikes the perfect balance between compactness and capacity. It meets most airline carry-on size restrictions, allowing you to skip the baggage carousel and move freely through airports. The backpack weighs a mere 4.12 lbs, ensuring that it won’t weigh you down as you explore new destinations.
What Onebag Redditors Said About It
u/ deank11 “Just bought the TP3 and took a 1-week trip with it. The trip was both work and pleasure so I had to pack the laptop, keyboard, mouse, etc. No external monitor though. The organization was great. The bag was very comfortable to carry. Fit in the overhead bin of a couple of small planes no problem.”
3. Goruck GR1
The Goruck GR1 Travel Backpack has earned its reputation as the greatest rucksack ever built. Proven to Special Forces standards and tested in Baghdad, NYC, and thousands of Goruck Events worldwide, this backpack is the epitome of excellence. This backpack is backed by extensive testing and a strong purpose. It uses the all-new 210D HT (High Tenacity) Cordura fabric on the back panel and shoulder straps making it withstand the most demanding environments and adventures.
Highlights
- Bombproof laptop compartment: The GR1 features a separate compartment next to your back that is extra-reinforced, providing the highest level of security for your laptop. This compartment is built to withstand combat situations, ensuring your laptop stays safe and protected, even in the most challenging environments. You can set your ruck down with confidence, knowing that your laptop is shielded by a false bottom, rendering it impervious to impact.
- Opens flat for easy packing: Packing and organizing your essentials is effortless with the GR1. The backpack opens flat, allowing easy access to all your belongings. This convenient design feature enables efficient packing, ensuring that everything has its place and can be easily located, even while on the move. Drawing inspiration from Special Forces medical rucks, the GR1 offers functionality that meets the demands of any adventure.
- Special forces grade materials: This backpack is crafted with durability in mind. The GR1 is constructed using 1000D Cordura, the preferred material for Special Forces Rucks. This material has been rigorously tested and proven to withstand the harshest conditions, including combat. The GR1 is built to thrive in any environment, making it a reliable choice for those seeking exceptional performance and durability. The extra-padded shoulder straps and top handle help you carry heavier loads and the rainproof design ensures that your belongings stay dry in all weather conditions.
- Thoughtful organization and customization: The GR1 offers multiple pockets for efficient organization. With three internal pockets, including a large elastic pocket, a large mesh zippered pocket, and a small go-to pocket, you can keep your essentials neatly arranged. The external slant pocket provides quick access to keys, snacks, and other small items. Additionally, the three rows of external and internal MOLLE webbing allow you to customize your GR1 according to your unique needs. Moreover, the YKK zippers have silent, glove-friendly zipper pulls that are constructed from parachute 550 cord. These zippers operate smoothly and securely, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to your belongings.
What Onebag Redditors Said About It
u/Expired8 “If you plan to make this your main bag for pretty much everything, it’s definitely worth it. I can see it holding up for the rest of my life. I did have 2 or 3 bags laying around, and now I only have the GR1. If you keep an eye out, they’re on sale every now and then”
4. Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack
The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack is the go-to choice for travelers who want to maximize their packing capacity without the hassle of checking a bag. With its spacious and organized design, this backpack combines the convenience of a suitcase with the versatility and comfort of a hiking pack. Engineered to meet international and US carry-on size limits, the Travel Backpack ensures you never have to worry about baggage fees or lost luggage. Get ready to embark on your week-long or even longer adventures with room to spare.
Highlights
- Easy to pack: Say goodbye to the frustrations of packing and unpacking. The Travel Backpack is front-loading, providing easy access to your belongings. The spacious main compartment features a large mesh pocket, allowing you to keep your items organized and within reach. Padded, fleece-lined sleeves protect your laptop and tablet, while the deep front pocket with an organizer panel and Kindle sleeve keeps your essentials neatly arranged.
- Quick access: The Tortuga Travel Backpack features two external water bottle pockets, a top pocket with a key clip, and a flat front pocket that offer additional storage options for quick access to your belongings.
- Comfortable to carry: Designed with your comfort in mind, the Travel Backpack easily adjusts to your height, ensuring a perfect fit. The hip belt takes 80% of the weight off your shoulders, allowing for a more balanced and comfortable carry. The thick, soft shoulder straps with foam padding alleviate strain, even during extended journeys. For added support, the backpack includes a removable hip belt, sternum strap, and load lifters, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit no matter how far you roam.
- Built to last: Constructed with durable, waterproof sailcloth fabric, the Travel Backpack can withstand harsh conditions and rough use. This fabric is highly resistant to ripping or tearing, providing long-lasting durability. The lockable, water-resistant zippers keep your belongings secure and protected. Featuring best-in-class buckles and hardware, this backpack is designed to endure the demands of frequent travel. This backpack is also backed by Tortuga’s Worldwide Warranty.
What Onebag Redditors Said About It
u/bdan650 ” I enjoy the Tortuga 40L’s clamshell and consistent shape. The fact that it doesn’t change shape when packing and its carry-on compliance are big winners for me, in addition to a detachable sling hip belt. The simple luggage style design is a big winner for me too.”
5. Peak Design Travel Backpack
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The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a rugged and expandable carry-on backpack designed to adapt to your unique travel needs. Built with exceptional accessibility and durability in mind, this backpack features top, side, front, and rear access through weatherproof UltraZips. It meets international carry-on size requirements while offering the versatility of expanding to a 45L gear-hauler or collapsing to a 35L day bag, making it the ultimate choice for one-bag travel.
Highlights
- Travel ready: The Peak Design Travel Backpack features theft-deterrent zipper pulls, ensuring the security of your belongings. The protected luggage tag holder keeps your identification safe, while the luggage pass-through allows for convenient attachment to a roller bag, enabling effortless transportation. The padded shoulder and waist straps can be easily stowed under magnetic flaps.
- PD travel ecosystem: The Peak Design Travel Backpack is designed to seamlessly integrate with other Peak Design products, including Packing Cubes, Camera Cubes, and Pouches (sold separately). This compatibility allows you to customize and organize your belongings efficiently, making the most of the available space.
- Rugged protection: The Peak Design Travel Backpack is 100% weatherproof and has a recycled 400D nylon canvas shell, coupled with a rugged 900D waterproof bottom liner, ensuring durability and protection. The backpack’s ultralight padded foam provides security and structure, safeguarding your belongings. The high-visibility gray interior enhances visibility and makes it easy to locate your items.
- Huge capacity: Whether you need to pack more or compress your load, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has you covered. Expansion zips enable you to fit additional gear, while the external carry straps can be conveniently stowed beneath a magnetic flap when not in use. The backpack also features hugely expandable side pockets, perfect for water bottles, tripods, and other items. A soft-lined zippered top pocket provides a secure place for your keys, glasses, passport, and other small essentials. Internal zippered mesh pockets keep your belongings organized, and dedicated padded sleeves protect your laptop and tablet.
What Onebag Redditors Said About It
u/HighlandH “I travel with the same bag and love it. I’m heading to Italy next week with it. I’ve started utilizing the pockets more for stuff and that’s made a difference. I feel like I can maximize what I bring but then expand the bag to the full 45L as I buy souvenirs along the way.”
These are some of the most preferred bags by one-bag travelers. Selecting the perfect one-bag travel backpack is a critical decision that can significantly impact your comfort, organization, and overall enjoyment during your adventures. By considering factors such as size, comfort, durability, organization, security, weight, and style, you’ll be well-equipped to find the backpack that perfectly aligns with your travel needs and personal preferences. So go forth, explore the world with confidence and happy travels, fellow one-bag enthusiasts!
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Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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