I'm in search of a perfect backpack that I could bring with me on the plane as a small bag. I'm usually flying with Ryanain and if you buy the cheapest fare ticket, small bag is all you are allowed to bring with you. Even if you add 20kg check-in luggage, the small bag is going to be your only companion on board. It measures 40x25x20cm and if it doesn't fit into baggage size frame in the airport, you can get extra charged. It's kinda tricky to find a bag on the market that would fit these measurements, I don't think many manufacturers (or any, tbh)thought of that and it's really frustrating. I'm not someone who travels with a small handbag or everyday backpack, it's just not enough for me. I always have couple of cameras, sometimes my 15inch laptop, souvenirs or little gifts that I could easily pull out the minute I reunite with my friends' and my brother's little ones, so I want all of 40x25x20cm, no mm less. To be honest, I haven't travelled for what it feels like million years, as we are still in the middle of pandemic and lock-down, and I am struggling to remember all the stuff I usually carry in my travel backpack. Maybe it's not the best time to look for that perfect backpack after all... But hey, as they say, prepare sledge in summer!
So what am I exactly looking for? As I said, it cannot be smaller than 40x25x20cm, I'm gonna be a maximalist about that :) I am also looking for a lightweight bag, with as little unnecessary pockets (they call it organization) and zips as possible. The bag has to have some safety features, like hidden zips, maybe hidden pockets as close to my body as possible, etc. It also has to fit my 15inch laptop and have enough padding to protect my cameras and other stuff sitting in the bottom of the bag. I've researched a wide range of brands, starting with very cheap ones, finishing with expensive ones. I read a ton of reviews on the internet and watched Youtube videos, that mainly helped me eliminate certain backpacks from my list.
I settled down on 2 brands - Samsonite and Pacsafe. Both of them are not cheap, so I secretly hope I am not gonna like any of the backpacks I chose. I purchased them off Amazon as they had the best prices. They fit my bill the best, but I have some doubts, as they have features that I love, but they also have features that I don't think will work for me. These backpacks did not have many reviews, so I am gonna review them myself for myself and you.
I hope this will be helpful, so stay tuned. And if you have any suggestions for brands or certain backpacks, leave your comment down below.
