Few days away travelling bag

I am needing to get a new bag for a few days away. This is mainly for work so will include laptop and smarter shirts etc.

Ideally it will be big enough to do 3, sometimes 4 days.

I walk a lot, plus train travel & underground predominant, so a rucksack style is needed. Doesn’t need to be carry on compliant.

I do tend to have a bottle or reusable cup I like to access.

I do like the idea of being able to keep a wallet, phone etc safe, not in some back pocket dangling…

I’ve narrowed it down to the following, but any other thoughts welcome.

Decathlon

Osprey:

I’ve got an Osprey Farpoint 40 that I’m very pleased with. The harness is comfortable, and stows away which is handy for busy trains, sticking in the boot etc so that it doesn’t catch on things.

I’ve used it for up to a week away, including carrying my ski boots and gear, I just have to do a small wash halfway through.

It’s got an outside pocket for a water bottle, a laptop sleeve and a pocket for keys, phone etc.

It’s front loading so easier to put clothes in folded up.

It is also carry on compliant.

I have the same Osprey Farpoint.

It’s very good.

I didn’t pay anyway near that, it was about £90 about 6 years ago, I think it was on a special offer?

Cheap luggage is awful, spend the extra and it will last.

Matt, your Osprey link takes me to a Thule backpack…which I think aren’t made by Osprey?

The Forclaz looks like it has a few extra compartments which are probably handy to have…the Osprey that @Kramer links to also looks good in terms of space, but doesn’t look as handy for storage compartments.

I have discovered that as I’ve gotten older, my ‘few days away’ bag needs to get bigger – I seem to have a larger pile of medications (which my partner insists I double up ‘just in case’!)…looking at those bag choices, they all look like good options, but I suspect my 3 or 4 days kit would have them absolutely stuffed! When did I go so soft???

I compared the Osprey bag and an Eagle Creek bag in a shop and chose the Eagle Creek one. In retrospect I think I made a mistake. It is a good size and contains a lot of stuff while fitting in an airline bin, but it is very unstructured and not comfortable to carry for any distance. I think the Osprey one sacrifices a bit of weight and space for structure but is probably better to carry.

Yeah, I’m using a Patagonia snowrider I think, it’s the same kind of shape as the forclaz. It’s obviously a ski tour pack but it has a zip opening back and compartments that a laptop/shovel slip into. Generous 30 litres, maybe not enough for you but the concept seems to work well. Very easy to pack and also see everything when unzipped

It doesn’t scream outdoor man  on a train, it’s quite subtle. So a good allrounder that covers lots of bases. Lots of similar around

I was going to recommend the Stubble & Co bag I have, but after checking the price I shall not!

They have had a significant price hike and whilst I think the bag is great, I wouldn’t pay the current asking price of £195 for it.

If you can find one 2nd hand then I’d offer it up.

Farpoint 40 is excellent, cabin compatible, really tough, various compartments including a decent laptop slot, plus hide away rucksack straps.

Good for a weekend away and used two for a three week uzbhekistan train and plane trip

Small or XS TNF duffel for me.

And either way, definitely no Osprey as they sponsored that ridiculous 8,000m helicopter challenge

Osprey is good,  I have the lowe alpine version as I think it is designed a bit better for travel.

No outside access into the main storage (the access is via the back system). It looks cleaner and has a really good back system too. Plus I think it was cheaper than the osprey too

@thegeneralist – What is the 8000m helicopter challenge and why is it ridiculous?

I bought this for air travel: https://cabinmax.com/collections/ryanair/products/manhattan-stowaway-xl-20l-40x25x20cm-ryanair-free-under-seat-backpack-shoulder-bag?variant=34928626532518

You get a surprising amount in it, I’ve done 4 days in Rome and 4 days away at work with laptop with it.

Osprey Farpoint as above. Excellent bag.

Ignore – posted nonsense

It doesn’t quite meet the brief as it’s a holdall/shoulder bag not a rucksack, but I have a 5.11 gear bag. I’ve used and abused it for hundreds of trips over about 11 years and it’s as good as new. It’s by far and away the best quality, most sturdy piece of luggage I’ve ever owned.  It’s fairly heavy duty cordura type material and it just oozes quality.  A point of failure on a lot of luggage over time is the zips – but these seem absolutely bullet proof.

I’ve got other bags, pull alongs, rucksacks etc.  But if I’m going away for anything less than a week it’s the one I always grab.  It does have a bit more of a ‘tacticool’/military aesthetic than I’d prefer, like a lot of their gear.  Not as bad irl as in the pictures mind – just looks like a heavy duty holdall. If you search the luggage section of their catalogue though, a lot of their kit is a little more subtle, a little less SF wannabe! I also have one of their messenger bags which is of equally good quality and I know they make travel rucksacks too – example. On quality and durability alone, highly recommended.

What is the 8000m helicopter challenge and why is it ridiculous?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/kristin-harila-norwegian-claims-record-ascent-worlds-14-highest-mountains

To be honest it was neither here nor there, but the Osprey press release was just odious. Completely missed the point of what cutting edge mountaineering is.

That link at top should have said Thule, not Osprey… I’m tempted to spend the modest amount extra for the Thule, it looks more thought out and better harness etc.
Is 40lt about right for 3-4 days of travel?
I currently use a laptop bag and 25lt Lowe Alpine bag for 2-3 days, I just need a touch more capacity and one bag ideally.

I’m not expecting much flying, it’s trains and buses and city meetings… Just going to become monthly for bigger trips to that there southern England and Londonshire.

I don’t see how using helicopters to shift supplies is “cheating”.

What’s the difference between that and using Yaks?

Although I’m not a cutting edge mountaineer.

Using it to dodge the Khumbu Icefall is cheating.

What’s the difference between that and using Yaks?

Yaks don’t climb to camp 2!

But they do take the vast majority of stuff to Basecamp.

Better to use a helicopter than to kill a few sherpas.

I was looking for a similar thing a few weeks back. Decided on the Eastpak Travelpack 42

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/eastpak-travelpack-42-2-in-1-duffel-backpack

I’d think 40 litres would do you just fine. Maybe also have a look at the Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36 or the 40 version, which are designed to do pretty much what you’re asking. I’ve not used them and they’re not cheap at RRP, but my experience with the brand’s more technical packs is that they make really well designed, solid kit that does what you want and more. Google suggests you can get them for way less than RRP.

https://rab.equipment/eu/lowe-alpine-escape-flight-36

https://rab.equipment/eu/lowe-alpine-escape-flight-pro-40l-cabin-pack

That said anything from a decent pack brand that meets the brief should work fine I’d have thought.

Decathlon is my go to and this bag is brilliant. Perfect size, good features, great organisation and much cheaper than Osprey etc.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/travel-backpack-40-l-travel-500-organizer-khaki/_/R-p-338564

I have discovered that as I’ve gotten older, my ‘few days away’ bag needs to get bigger – I seem to have a larger pile of medications (which my partner insists I double up ‘just in case’!)…looking at those bag choices, they all look like good options, but I suspect my 3 or 4 days kit would have them absolutely stuffed! When did I go so soft???

say what, now?
I’m taking a bunch of pills every day now, a couple are supplements, but without the boxes a week’s supply would fit in a small ziplock freezer bag tucked into an inside pocket. I can’t imagine what you’re actually carrying.

Errr less than a week I take about 25ltr aiguilleal alpine rucksack. Fits everything in. I know I’m a light packer but 40ltr would a 2 week holiday for me.

Chamonix

Also got an osprey farpoint here. Good kit, comfortable, strong, counts as hand luggage for aeroplanes. Other than being a bit pricey I don’t think you can go wrong.

The laptop is loaded at the front of the bag (ie away from your back) so it’s a bit more comfy than one where the laptop is pushing into your back with relatively little padding

I have a 5.11 daysack that I have used for the last 10 years for this purpose. I think it’s the Rush24. It has a space for a 15″ laptop, you can open out the main flap thing and fit folded up shirts. Honestly, I think it is too fussy with pockets on the front; I’d rather swap the many small ones outside for a couple of bigger ones, but it works for me when I need to take the bike in for work.

I really like this one by topo designs. Nice rectangular shape. Plenty of handles. Comfy straps. Two pockets, I have a water bottle in one and a brolly in the other.

Global Travel Bag 40L

There is also a 30l version. Very well made and it’s standing up to a lot of abuse so far. Strongly recommend it.

What about Bellroy ?  I have one of their smaller bags/slings and the build quality is great with useful features.

https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-sojourn-porter-30-f23

I used the 30l version of this for 2 months of travel, it’s a very well thought out backpack.

I used some Alpkit cube bag things inside to keep stuff sorted.

@harry_the_spider

Didn’t you test one?

I’m after something similar to be fair

However….

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/suit-carrier-holdall-shoulder-bag-55x40x20cm-p58135.aspx/

This looks promising

We got a couple of these olpro ones, they’re great for the price https://olproshop.com/44l-travel-bag/

I got a Mystery Ranch Scree recently which has been good for work trips away, and also handy for walks with the baby giving quick access to baby equipment. The bag is well made, although it does have a lot of straps hanging off it which are a bit annoying when it’s windy.

I saw an ad for this Salkan which looks great, but no idea if the quality matches the price tag.

Are you into leather? If so, you can check these backpacks: https://vonbaer.com/collections/mens-leather-backpacks

Very comfortable and also stylish. If you care about style, that is.

I use an Orca triathlon race day bag- has a shoulder strap (removable) and rucksack straps.

Probably 30l-40l ish, takes all the stuff I need for a week (including multiple shoes, laptop etc), and has all the large and small pockets for gadgets that a triathlete would need on race day.

My wife won it at a race and never used it, so I’ve taken ownership and hammered it weekly as a gym/weekend/work travel bag for 4 years, no signs of wear yet.

Can’t find the same one again- they all seem to be massive or rucksack style now.

We’ve a Pacsafe 45EXP. Used it over the summer as a carry on for a few international flights. Good kit.

I have an Osprey Nebula. Think it’s a slightly older version than the current one. I’ve used it for a couple of nights away when working and managed to get the below in it:

* Laptop, charger and associated gumf

* Running shoes, shorts and t-shirt

* Casual shoes, jeans couple of t-shirts and a fleece.

* Couple of work shirts

* Toiletries

Generally wear my suit when traveling or have it in a suit bag. Has a couple of side pockets that will fit a standard bike water bottle in.

I think it’s nominally a 32l bag. But that decathlon one looks good TBH.

Costco have a Samsonite travel rucksack at the moment for ~£30, MrsRNP bought one and has whisked herself off to France with it.

I’ve the osprey farpoint…oh has the women’s one.

Get the osprey…

Fantastically made, useful and can be a backpack or hold all…

DrP