Forget rings…I mean, they are cool and all…but when it comes to precious items on a journey, even Bilbo Baggins would have to agree, it’s all about a well designed travel bag.
Whether we travel for business, adventure, or to catch a bucket list event, we all seek a travel bag to carry as much on to the plane as possible.
It’s the worst when you get all the way to the gate, or even into the plane, and then realize you have to check your bag.
For years, I have been on the search for the perfect carry-on compliant bag. A bag I could fit under a seat, would fit a few days of vacation needs, and provided features to help make the security checkpoint process a breeze.
The new crop of travel bags for 2024 do not disappoint.
What exactly makes a perfect carry-on travel bag?
The best travel bags need to be versatile for all types of trips.
I want a bag that can be used for a trip to Burgundy, France for a wine exploration as well as my trip to Montana for snowboarding. And let’s not forget the occasional business trip or destination wedding trip.
In that vein, rolling carry-ons were excluded as they often cannot fit under seats and are at more risk of getting checked at the gate when overhead space is not available.
Also, anyone who has traveled to old European cities (Venice, Italy for example) will tell you the cobblestone and roller bags often do not mix. A great travel bag should offer options for carrying so you can keep moving without straining your spine.
Strap design is critical. Standing in line for the security check, it helps to have a bag that has stowaway straps and easy to grasp handles for plucking the bag into the bins.
A business trip requires that our bags now have proper storage for our laptops and tablets. At security check, easy access or computer compliant features speed up the process to get us to our gate quicker.
It's a scramble as you approach the security gate conveyor belt. Electronics, shoes, and belts, are to be placed in bins. Then immediately upon exit, these conveyor belt items need to be gathered again.
Security checkpoints have a way of making you feel like a hot mess, even when you think you have prepared for it.
Bags That Ruled Before
5 years ago I booked a 3 week trip to France to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I purchased a large hardcase luggage bag and went on the search for a carry-on bag to ensure I would be okay should the checked suitcase be lost in the layover stop.
I bought Ebag’s TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible. Its design, at the time, fit my needs well; giving me a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and easy access laptop storage.
Bags were placed on the conveyor belt without bins at that time. I was always worried about the straps getting caught and loved that these just stowed away in seconds.
The only problem with this bag concerned the ability to stowe it under the seat during the flight. The bag often did not fit under the seat. They also produced the Slim Pro model which does fit under the seat with it’s design, albeit without the stowaway straps.
Today’s bags are made to tackle all the airline requirements, and they have other improvements as well. Patagonia and Osprey have created designs that take the concept of travel savvy to the next level.
Definitely Bilbo Baggins Approved.
The MLC bags from Patagonia are part of their Black Hole collection. Black Hole bags are travel bags that are made from highly durable, recycled, water-resistant materials. The collection includes duffels, backpacks, cubes, and even a fly-rod bag.
The MLC bags are offered in a 45L and 30L version.
The 45L does not always meet the carry-on requirements and often cannot fit under the seat. However, this size offers suitcase-like compartments that allows you to pack up to a week of travel for efficient packers.
The 30L version is my favorite of the two sizes. This bag has many of the same features as the 45L but can easily fit under the seat in an airplane. There is no guessing if it will meet a particular airline’s carry-on requirements.
Wearing it like a backpack, you have a place for a water bottle (mini only). The straps stowe away completely and the hip belt converts to a shoulder strap. There is a small easy access zippered pocket for items such as keys, passports, and your wallet.
For the business traveler, there is a compartment that fits up to 15in laptops, as well as your myriad of cords and chargers. (I have a 16in laptop that fits in the compartment easily!)
The most notable difference between the mini and regular MLC sizes is how the bag opens to the main compartment. The 45L opens as a suitcase while the mini opens like a clam (vertical configuration).
Complaints, while few, have more to do with personal usage. For those not needing Laptops, the compartments can seem wasteful. The larger MLC gets complaints for not including a zippered, easy, accessible pocket.
Retails for these bags are currently at $239 and $199 respectively.
Like Patagonia’s MLC, Osprey offers the Transporter in 2 different sizes (44L and 36L).
The 44L meets all domestic carry-on restrictions whereas the 36L will also meet most of the international carry-on requirements.
The features that standout with this series of bags are that they both have a top pocket for easy access of passport, keys, etc. They also have a front compartment that is separate from the laptop sleeve compartment for storing files, pens, and other items.
Both also open like a suitcase with one side equipped with compression straps and the other side a closed compartment perfect for shoes.
The bags are durable and water resistant with its TPU coating and pfc-free water repellency.
The only drawbacks to note are the lack of water bottle holders and the shoulder strap needed to be stowed away when not in use. Stowing it means less room for your stuff.
Retails for these bags are currently at $220 and $200 respectively.
Which Bag Rules them ALL?
Of Course, the bag that meets your particular needs best will rule them all (for you). Both the Transporter and the MLC are spectacularly designed. If I could combine the best elements of each into one bag, well, that truly would rule them all.
If you want to put your hands on the precious Patagonia and Osprey bags, please head over to Onion River Outdoors.
Not near Montpelier, VT? No problem. You can shop on the website and get it delivered to your door.
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