I'm just back from a 15 days trip and I'm so exhausted. It's been 8 years I travel with just a yoga bag. Yes, you read it right. Even for international destinations, I squeeze all my clothes, shoes and toiletries in a 30L yoga duffle bag. It was fine for most of the times but in this last trip I had an extra tote bag with presents from family and I just can't do this anymore, my shoulder was hurting from the bag straps and carrying the extra tote bag was super inconvenient. It's time to invest in something better before I break my back.
I know I want to keep it small and I prefer something that fits under the airplane seat, so I don't need to pay for extra fees on budget airlines. Also I just hate when you buy a carry on item and people at the gate say there is no room on the overboard compartment. No way! My bag stays with me all times, no matter what.
So although I was dreaming about the Travel Pro Platinum Elite Carry-On, I realized that's way too large to be considered an "under seat". So now I'm divided between getting a backpack or a tiny luggage with wheels. It's hard to decide what is better!
Luggage
For a luggage piece, the best option I found was the Air Canada Fusion Underseater 18" Luggage.
Advantages:
- Wheels! No weight on my shoulders!
- If I have an extra tote bag I can combine the volumes and carry less on my shoulders
- Great free space inside and nice outside pockets
- It's soft, so it's easy to compress or expand a little if necessary
- $169.99
- Depth is 20cm/7.8", but some budget airlines have a maximum depth of 15cm/6" for a personal item. Not sure if I would have problems.
- Not my favorite design and I don't like the idea of being a walking advertise for Air Canada
- Hard to carry in rough terrain like sand, snow or old brick roads
- Just 2 wheels = less maneuverability than a 4 wheels spinner
- Capacity 26L
- 2.27kg
Backpack
For a backpack, the best option I found is the PeakDesign Travel Backpack 30L.
- Easy check in even if expanded, usually nobody checks the size of the backpacks
- Great maneuverability, I can walk in any terrain, also easy to get a subway, bus or even a boat
- Great free space and outside pockets, also I love the fact I can tuck in the straps (I hate when the straps get tangled everywhere)
- Could be useful when invited for hiking trips
- Capacity 27L to 33L (if expanded)
- 1.44kg
- Weight is still on my shoulders (but at least in 2 shoulders, not just one)
- Backpacks usually don't go well with my lady like style (although this one is quite minimalist and urban)
- Still would feel overwhelmed if I had to carry an extra tote bag for any reason
- $299.95!
