Rugged "carry on" backpack?

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Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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I need to purchase a rugged backpack that I can put underneath the airline seat in front of me. I have an airline compliant rollerbag but, my backpack is too lightweight to carry any real weight and I'm worried about busting a seam. I used a Deuter Futura 28AC on my last trip. I really like this backpack for general stuff but, unfortunately I had to carry about 8 linear inches of paperwork in it when I traveled home. This really overloaded the backpack but, I was stuck with either paying an extra $100 or lugging the paperwork home in the backpack.

I want a really good backpack and I willing to pay good money for it. I'm not looking for an $800 Tumi or something along those lines though. I'm thinking something in the $200 range is great and in the $400 range is reasonable because this is an investment that will pay for itself in two to four round trips.

Thanks!
Sid
 
I have a Blackhawk X-1 Raptor backpack that I have hiked with for 2 years, 5 days a week. With this use, the pack shows minimal wear. No issues with the zippers or stitching. I have packed it full and it would still fit in the planes overhead compartment, and probably under the seat, as well. I bought the pack on ebay for around $100, and I would buy another.
 
I have this
http://www.rei.com/product/812400/jansport-odyssey-daypack?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-gpeLink-_-product-_-812400&mr:trackingCode=BB7B6B10-4356-E011-BB8E-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&{copy:s_kwcid}=&mr:adType=pla&gclid=CJr91dn3uasCFYNo4AodbgHvpg

i carry it every day at college, and i have flown with it, it fits under the seat as long as it isnt stuffed full
 
crazyengineer, posting the URL won't take us to it. Posting jansport-odyssey-daypack will.
 
These are insanely tough, waterproof [about 95% - definitely can be submerged for short periods] and comfortable. The 40 litre and 50 [if not completely full] would both be fine on an aircraft. I commonly travel with a 55 litre [not full] and have been fine. The 40 is a sweet little unit and pretty subdued looking as well. I cannot stress how well made and tough these packs are. Around your upper $400 mark.

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs/Arrakis-40#
 
I also like the Maxpedition Fliegerduffel adventure bag. It has many features that would suit your criteria much better than a back pack. The Doppleduffel is the next size up.
 
I also like the Maxpedition Fliegerduffel adventure bag. It has many features that would suit your criteria much better than a back pack. The Doppelduffel is the next size up.
 
+1 for the x-1 raptor. I have a black hawk 3 day assault pack I dont need. I have the cammelbak BFM I love. I have flown with is before. And also taken it to iraq and Afghanistan. No problems.
 
For size- you know that as far as your need of contents and what will fit regs of airline. As far as tough- Kifaru, Tactical Tailor, Maxpedition. I have loaded them heavy and they have withstood heavy abrasion from rock and grit.Some of my favorite small to medium packs are Maxpedition Condor or Baby Condor and Tactical Tailor Medics bag. The medics bag has the foam around the sides to form it like a suitcase when open and opens fully. Having rushed through foreign airports with a roller and small pack, keeping tickets/passport ready, I understand your preference for somethign that keeps hands free. I use a document wallet around my neck for passport/tickets/reservations to simplify things a little more and remove the wallet from my pocket. Sitting on a wallet on an 15hr flight sucks big time!
Bill
 
All good suggestions, but personally, considering your wide budget margin, have a look at GoRuck

The GR1 is the flagship model. Their small(er) packs: the Echo and Radio but I read somewhere that even the largest GR2 model could be used as carry on.

- Tough. How tough? They're made by a former SF guy who tests them in the GoRuck Challege (just Google).
- Minimalist designs without too much straps or unnecessary add-ons and flash.
- Wide clamshell or panel opening.
- Rides high on the shoulders and efficiently on the body eliminating the need for sternum or hip belts. (All reviews on them say so)

I consider them as "investments" too if I had the money. . .
 
Sid, on the lower end of your price range, I have a 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 that has worked out well thus far. Seems to be nicely overbuilt, size is just about perfect for a carry-on and it has lots of pockets and zip enclosures for smartly organizing all your gear. MSRP is $179, but I hunted around the interwebz, found a price about $60 less (non-camo version) and took advantage of the Optics Planet price match service.

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks/MultiCam-RUSH-24-Backpack.html
 
Sid Post said:
I'm not looking for an $800 Tumi or something along those lines though.
Click to expand...

$800!? Really?

Do the materials and construction of these Tumis really justify that kind of premium, or are we just in overpriced, haute couture territory?
 
this is a change in direction the but the kelty redwing is a grate carry on pack. At about $120 some will question it's quality but mine has cared 50-60 lb. with out damage or discomfort I am confident it would hold more but if I need to carry more I use a bigger pack. It also has some out standing features such as;

it has a heavy synthetic zipper

the zippers run three side on the compartments for easy loading and unloading, plus one dose not have to take things out to get to the bottom

it has wide well padded shoulder straps (and belt if you want to use it)

it has compression straps

it will fit under a seat (leaving very little leg room if the pack is full but will fit) or in the over head

it is low profile, and dose not draw unwanted attention
 
dogwood dan said:
this is a change in direction the but the kelty redwing is a grate carry on pack. At about $120 some will question it's quality but mine has cared 50-60 lb. with out damage or discomfort I am confident it would hold more but if I need to carry more I use a bigger pack. It also has some out standing features such as;

it has a heavy synthetic zipper

the zippers run three side on the compartments for easy loading and unloading, plus one dose not have to take things out to get to the bottom

it has wide well padded shoulder straps (and belt if you want to use it)

it has compression straps

it will fit under a seat (leaving very little leg room if the pack is full but will fit) or in the over head

it is low profile, and dose not draw unwanted attention
Click to expand...

i have one and love it... seems like good quality to me. i use mine mostly for weekend packing trips. love that pack
 
Osprey Stratos 34. Very rugged and lightweight. $150-range. All the other recommendations here are all great packs, but dimension-wise, the airline might not allow them if they do a spot check. Verify the dimensions before you buy! The standard that most airlines are using these days is 45"-55" on the lenient side [length + width + height]. The Stratos's dimensions are: In: 24.5 x 14.5 x 13 = 52". You'll definitely be good to go since they never pull out a tape measure. But they can definitely eyeball and tell if the bag is too big. YMMV, just my 2 cents. :)
 
5.11 rush 24 is a less expensive abrasion resistant pack with good organization.

Google true north tactical for London bridge's made in Asia line, which is probably fine. Natchez shooting sports has eagle a3 packs cheap
 
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