OT: Backpack for business travel

[Likes2ridefar]

I can always fit more in my osprey porter 40 than any suitcase allowed for check in. Great bags though not sure what the equivalent is now.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by mass_biker

I swear by the Osprey Transporter 40. You can wear it like a backpack, or sling it over your shoulder, or carry it like a suitcase. Handles at the top and the bottom. One external zippered pocket for odds and ends. And the straps pack into a rear zippered flap. In this I usually manage to get:

- running shoes
- casual or dress shoes (as needed)
- workout wear (shorts/t shirt etc.)
- undergarments etc.
- 1 suit + 2 shirts + 1 tie
- 1 sweater
- t shirt

Folding/rolling well is the key for optimizing the space for the items above.

My work takes me up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and I’m usually multi-modal (car/Amtrak/plane/sometimes CitiBike in NYC) so this works like a charm in all the annoying overhead bins of trains/planes etc. including RJs.

If I need more space or am going for longer, I typically pair this with a very basic zippered tote for my iPad, notebooks, whatever I am reading etc. Then I have the Osprey on my back, and carry/sling my tote as needed.

My only wish for the Osprey is for an external water bottle sleeve.

MB

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

I can always fit more in my osprey porter 40 than any suitcase allowed for check in. Great bags though not sure what the equivalent is now.

I uses an Osprey transporter 40 and a backpack for 2.5 weeks of travel. worked fine. That said, I am now about to try a Pata MLC45 and see how that works.

in the USA something wheeled is great. if you are dealing with subways/metros/cobbles in EU those wheels are not so great.

[edgerat]

GoRuck GR2 person here as well, I use it with an insert for my camera stuff and still fit my laptop in it without issue and a pair of Vivo shoes that roll up small.

[old fat man]

Patagonia MLC - maximum legal carryon

I've used mine for personal and business travel for 15+ years and it still looks and functions great. All four of us in the family now have our own. It was no problem traveling in Spain for 7 days and recently in Paris for 5 days. I've done 2 week non-business trips myself by packing really efficiently

I love the freedom to maneuver quickly and easily in busy spaces and regardless of the surface by using the backpack. It's soft enough that it easily fits in any overhead bin and I have never been challenged by the airline crew to check it if I don't want to.

My everyday work backpack is a small Osprey something. I used to wear it for bike commuting and it is still in great shape. I will often carry the Osprey with my laptop and miscellaneous stuff while clothes and shoes are packed in the MLC. I've never had a problem carrying on the two backpacks and if necessary, the Osprey easily slides under the seat. When I'm in business meetings, I rely on the Osprey or a small padded laptop sleeve. I have carried the MLC into conference rooms when I'm taking a taxi straight from the client site after the meeting and I never feel like it's too casual/sporty in a suit and tie business meeting setting.

Here's the current version: https://www.patagonia.com/product/bl...gage-backpacks

I"m not convinced newer is better. My 15 yr old version seems simpler and more subtle. We bought used, older ones for the kids last year and saved a boatload while getting a better bag IMHO.

[p nut]

Originally Posted by edgerat

GoRuck GR2 person here as well, I use it with an insert for my camera stuff and still fit my laptop in it without issue and a pair of Vivo shoes that roll up small.

My mistake. Mine is a GR2 as well. I’ve had it for about 10 years or so. Been through lots of trips, hikes, thrown around. The thing is heavy but tough. One of the shoulder straps got torn a little. Goruck repaired it quick. Good as new now.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by p nut

My mistake. Mine is a GR2 as well. I’ve had it for about 10 years or so. Been through lots of trips, hikes, thrown around. The thing is heavy but tough. One of the shoulder straps got torn a little. Goruck repaired it quick. Good as new now.

For those that like a GoRuck style pack, I found this pack to the best of that breed IMHO. Very tough, very light.

https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/ultra-dragonfly/

Each weekly drop sells out very quickly.

[Erikg]

I use a TOM BIHN Tri-Star with the Co-Pilot.
The Tri-Star size works for international flights and is typically used more as a duffle, though it has backpack functionality that hides in a pocket. The Co-Pilot fits perfect in the half split section of the large front pocket of the Tri-Star.

The co-pilot carries essentials such as toiletries, camera and iPad, headphones, note taking stuff, and I typically pull the Co-pilot out of the Tri-Star upon boarding the plane. The Co-Pilot also serves as a personal handbag while visiting the destination, which allows me to keep the bigger Tri-Star with clothes at the hotel. I like that the two bags can nest and pair down into a single bag and also convert to a backpack if needed.