AER Go Pack vs REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack - Women's

These are going to be more suitable for ‘true’ one bagging (ie when you travel without a checked bag). If you decide to opt against a checked bag, perhaps look at a packable day bag and one of your options above, or take a look at the Peak Design Travel Bag, as this is designed with photographers in mind, is effectively a big bucket of a bag, and can expand from 35-45l (although I think when expanded to the full 45l it is slightly too big for most airlines). For a daily carry, you ideally want to be looking at something 25l or less, even under 20l.

I was very excited about this backpack as I needed a reasonably priced back pack sized between 2 of my hydration day packs and my full sized metal frame 65 liter backpack. I was looking for something that would easily carry a days load for camping (or long overnight hikes) and this fit the bill in terms of price and size (about 22 by 14 by 10 inches packed) . I was very impressed upon opening the package by the light weight yet durable fabric. It’s not ultra thick which saves weight but yet is perfect for the loads I’m carrying, which would typically be a full days change, a sleeping bag, battery pack, flashlights, some food, snacks and a hydration pack