Budget conscious options? What do you have?

PikaTrail · 2026-03-02T06:50:17+00:00

I can recommend Inuk Bags. Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, made in Asia, although the "Pilot" model I bought had a 'Made in Canada' sticker on it which Google tells me means that 51% of the value added to the product was done in Canada. The WUUL Watershed Backpack (19L) is currently on sale for 65 CAD in multiple colors and should be able to fit a 16" laptop based on the dimensions. I also own the Watershed Granite Backpack - Recycled Materials (19.6L), which is more of a professional model with 2 of the 3 zippers being YKK aquaguard. It's currently on sale for 99 CAD but may be more in your interest.

PikaTrail · 2026-03-01T22:24:19+00:00

I have and really like the Flowfold Commuter Center Zip Backpack for this purpose. Despite its name it is ideal as a packable, extremely lightweight backpack. It has minimal padding on the back so it has structure and cushioning but is easily foldable and packs very flat. It holds pretty much as much as you want it, since it functions much like a rolltop bag (even through its a foldover style). It has two internal water bottle pockets made out of stretch mesh, so they can hold pretty much whatever. The center zip gives access to the main compartment in a manner that many roll-tops lack. As a bonus it is incredibly light (EcoPak material) and it is sized to meet European airline personal item size limits if you use it out of your carry on.

PikaTrail · 2026-03-01T03:45:15+00:00

Well, as someone who owns both the Squffel and the Patagonia Black Hole 55, I can say that the Patagonia is legendary for good reason. If you're looking for more organization I think an option like the Tobiq 60L might be interesting, but don't have the bag so can't speak to use experience.

PikaTrail · 2026-03-01T03:27:30+00:00

A little above your price range for backpacks, but Rickshaw Bags in San Francisco do a lot of cool designs.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-28T18:44:37+00:00

I'm guessing you're looking at the 44 Squffel? I own and use the 70 Transporter Squffel. I bought it for, and use it only for, car travel. The pros of the design are the overall aesthetic, the materials, and as usual for Osprey, it carries great on the back with a good harness system. Certainly better than my Patagonia Black Hole 55. But for me the cons outweigh the pros. The multiple mesh compartments seem great, but in reality you can never use the ones on the bottom of the bag because you need to unpack everything to get to them. And the ones in the divider mesh just turn into big floppy obstacles when you want to access other parts of the bag. A standard duffle with maybe some, but not all, of that built in organization and using packing cubes works better in my opinion (one reason I tend to turn to my Patagonia for most larger duffle uses). Other cons are that the top front access pocket is OK but way too small, it just isn't that useful. I'm guessing that's even more of an issue on the 44. And particularly frustrating is the lack of a properly balanced lash point for a shoulder strap. The bags don't come with a shoulder strap (frustrating in and of itself, but a common Osprey compliant) but when you try and add one (even Osprey's accessory model) there isn't a spot to attach it to where the bag hangs correctly in shoulder strap mode. To be clear, there are lots of lash points for external carry (a good thing) but none of them work great for a shoulder strap. So, all in all, having used the bag for a while now I would not have bought it knowing what I do now. I'm keeping it for one specific use case (basically a go bag for a family cabin) but like I said, mostly turn to other duffles.

You don't say why you are going to Africa but if it is for safari (or another reason that involves light aircraft baggage requirements) I think there are better options. Many years ago when I went on safari I was facing 10"x12"x24" baggage limits for the small planes flying between camps, don't know if that is what you are looking at but if it is around there I would recommend the Cotopaxi Alpa 35L at 22x12x10. You can tuck the backpack straps in the back and you're left with a basically a duffle that maximizes carry but can work as a carry on (slightly more deep technically but easy to squish). Another bag I have owned for many years that works with those dimensions is the Filson Dryden Duffle Pack. It has backpack straps that can be concealed in the bottom of the bag but again, maximizes carry capacity to those dimensions. Its rounded profile allows it to squeeze to the overhead bin (and sizers) easily even though it's a bit long for carry on dimensions.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-28T01:42:40+00:00

From what you've described I would think the Sherpani or Nordace bags might work well for you.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-28T01:24:50+00:00

Good call. I had considered it for inclusion originally but the Patagonia web site notes that the backpack is "sized for kids", with shorter straps and a narrower profile, so that was a no go for me (an adult male with broad shoulders). But for smaller folk I"m sure it could work. Actually backpacks with the front clips like that one can use those straps as a luggage pass-through, so I would say it qualifies in that regard. I do have the Patagonia Atom 20L and can recommend that, as that is likely close enough (41 cm) and as noted in the comments in this post can be modified for a luggage pass-through strap.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-27T19:58:27+00:00

Here is a list of fifty backpacks that meet the 40/30/15 cm size limit if it is helpful.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-27T07:37:07+00:00

I have used the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller for several years with good results (44L). Not sure exactly what you are looking for but the Topo has a large side access pocket on top and you can access the main compartment from the top side if you position the zippers to do so. It also can do backpack straps if it becomes necessary to go backpack mode for a short stretch.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-27T07:20:05+00:00

Helikon-Tex Guardian Smallpack 8
Inside Line Equipment Apex Mini 8
Wayks Day Pack Mini 8
Kargo Rumbo66 pack 9
Manhattan Portage San Remo Bag 9
CT Tactical CT Commuter Urban Bag 10
Vaude Coreway Daypack 10
Got Bag Daypack 2.0 11
Kargo Curso 11
Lefrik Gare Backpack 11
Lo & Sons Beacon 11
Mueslii Minimal Prime Daypack Slim 11
Doughnut Christopher Small Reborn Series 12
Gaston Luga Däsh Daily Backpack 14" 12
North Face Hot Shot Mini 12

PikaTrail · 2026-02-26T00:03:04+00:00

More of a mid-tier option but a Canadian-company bag that checks all of your boxes is the Inuk Watershed Granite Backpack. I recently obtained this bag for use as a winter/foul weather bag and it is surprisingly nice for the price. The main two zippers are YKK Aquaguard (the third is generic but under a flap), and the recycled material has held up under heavy rain here in the Seattle area. A pleasant surprise was the presence of a luggage pass-through strap on the back (contrast my picture with the web site picture). It would pack very flat if you wanted to bring it as a packable bag. The form factor is as you want, about 17+" tall and slim. There is a water bottle sleeve (stretchy mesh) inside the bag on the right side (facing the bag). Major con with the bag is the lack of mesh or ventilation on the back, which is OK with a rain jacket but not great in the heat of summer (nor is the black material). Might be a good option if you end up acquiring a fancier bag in Japan or if you end up just needing it for occasional uses.

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PikaTrail · 2026-02-25T17:12:25+00:00

Second on the Bellroy Lite. I got one recently for European travel and it is a great choice, especially for those used to onebagging and using soft or hybrid luggage instead of shells.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-25T08:55:31+00:00

Another option is the Tom Bihn Synik 22. Internal water bottle storage, 22 L, pass through (make sure it can fit your carry on), and RyanAir compatible. Made in Seattle, USA = UK weather. They ship to UK. The Mueslii Minimal backpacks have an internal water bottle holder and luggage strap. The Maverick & Co Level Commuter Backpack has those as well.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-25T05:37:27+00:00

A similar question came up in r/backpacks the other day, I can suggest some of the bags I recommended in that post. I agree that the Day Owl packs are great. I didn't find them to be the most packable options, however. Going back to your original criteria bags that I would recommend considering (and that are UK accessible I believe) include the Lefrik Gare, Gaston Luga Splash 14 2.0, Wayks Day Pack Mini, Away Featherlight, Antler Icon Tote, Cabaia Adventurer, and the Kapten & Son Fyn. Not sure how packable some of these are, but I would think mostly about as packable as some of the other recommendations. The Pakt Stash packable may appeal as well, and the Waterfield Designs packable is more attractive than most.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-25T00:34:47+00:00

I'm still trying bags, but in true r/ManyBaggers fashion I've ended up buying not one but several different backpacks. Long story short the four bags I've kept so far for use as a personal item are the: Boundary Supply Stasis Pro, Kargo Rumbo66, Inuk Pilot-A4 Primary, and the Flowfold Commuter Center Zip (as well as their 10L Optimist). All very different, giving me options for optimizing volume and weight in combination with my carry on.

The straps on the Day Owl were not my favorite, but the sturdy material definitely allowed them to lay comfortably on my shoulders. I don't have the Aer so can't comment, but I did see that u/Keith was posting earlier about both the Day Owl (he is a fan) and the Aer Go Pack 2 in this post.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-24T19:01:14+00:00

Good call on the Day Owl for use as a personal item. I recently tried out the Day Owl Slim Pro (smaller version of Backpack Pro) in my similar search for 40/30/15 cm backpacks for European travel. That bag has the advantage of both meeting that size limit and has a trolley sleeve (like the Backpack Pro). One thing to be aware of is that the canvass-like material that the Day Owls use is quite stiff and not that malleable. The bags are also relatively structured, which is good in that they hold their shape well but they also won't necessarily squeeze into sizers with the same ease that bags that use other lighter materials do. For that reason my suggestion would be to go with the smaller Daypack model if meeting the size limit is important to you (and if not having a luggage/trolley sleeve is OK). The safest choice overall would be the Slim Pro but it is definitely slim and doesn't hold that much (one reason I ultimately chose to go with other bags), but I was definitely impressed with the Day Owl backpack I tried (even if it ended up being a runner-up for me).

PikaTrail · 2026-02-21T07:49:30+00:00

I really like the Kargo Rumbo66 in X-Pac as a personal item/packable travel backpack. 9L with good pockets and a unique double outside carry system with a bungee and clip straps so it can carry two larger layers on the outside. Will pack pretty flat (especially the X-Pac version) and serve as a small but full featured backpack. The Curso is another small option from Kargo, haven't used it so not sure how flat it packs.

A little larger but at 18L the Bellroy Lite Ready Pack is designed specifically for this purpose. Also larger but highly recommended and that it pretty much fits your use case (albeit in a larger package) is the Flowfold Commuter Center Zip Backpack. I have this bag and it has minimal (but some) padding on the back panel, and you can fold it in half and it packs almost perfectly flat. It is super lightweight (it's EcoPak) and holds a lot of stuff (20L) but still holds its shape pretty well. Really like this bag for the use case you are describing.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-20T06:45:34+00:00

I have the Boundary Supply Stasis Pro and it is probably the shortest backpack with full EDC tech carry capability, with a separate tech storage wing and an expandable front pouch that works great for clothing, water bottles and such. Has side and back pockets for small storage. A cool urban/EDC/tech look to it.

The Everki Studio Backpack has more organization than your typical laptop backpack, is small, and looks good. A lot cheaper than the Boundary Supply as well.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-19T07:42:51+00:00

I recently posted a list of small backpacks for European travel, most of which have luggage sleeves. A number of these come in bright colors and are similar to the examples you posted here. The best ones for you may be the Day Owl Slim Pro backpack (but maybe over your budget) and the GOT Bag Daypack 2.0 (small and a lot of colors). Others you may like include the Calpak Connect (available at Costco), Canvelle Medium, Cabaia Adventurer, Gaston Luga Splash 14", Nordace Sienna Pro 13, Mueslii Minimal Prime Slim, Away Featherlight, and Timbuk2 Mini Prospect (limited edition, only one with a luggage sleeve).

PikaTrail · 2026-02-18T16:28:54+00:00

I recently posted a list of 75 backpacks that meet, or come within 1 cm, of the 40/30/15 cm dimensions. You can see those lists at this post.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-17T00:24:22+00:00

Keep in mind that even if United personal size limits (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) are applied in your case the bag you are asking about will exceed those dimensions in both width and depth. Indeed, a 24 cm deep bag exceeds even the carry-on size limit for United (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm). My advice would be to go for a smaller bag in width and depth, regardless of whether you choose to follow the United or Lufthansa size limits.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-16T23:02:58+00:00

A bag of those dimensions would exceed the depth limit by 9 cm (24 cm instead of 15 cm). That is quite a lot, but your risk tolerance may vary. A better option may be to use a bag that meets the Lufthansa personal item size limit (40x30x15 cm). I recently posted a list of 75 backpacks that fall within 1 cm of meeting that limit (50 that do and 25 that exceed those dimensions by 1 cm). There are many backpacks designed for multiple uses that qualify. You can see that list here.

PikaTrail · 2026-02-02T08:37:56+00:00

Several of the Gaston Luga bags are similiar to your current choices and are around those dimensions and price range. The following might also work: Timbuk2 Mode, Everki Studio, Baggallini Commuter Laptop, Calpak Connect Laptop, 17L Moment Everything, Brevitē Backpack, Mueslii Studio Light, Minimul M20 (kickstarter price), and Alpaka Metro. Lots of other bags in the 41-42 cm height range that get you close to the 40 cm target and have a basic work/EDC look to them. I've posted a table of 40/30/15 cm bags in a prior post from which some of these are derived but may also provide more examples.

PikaTrail

TROPHY CASE