Does anyone have a suggestion for a backpack which would be usable for an airplane carry on? The limit is 14 x 9 x 22. It would seem that it would be possible to get enough in a pack that size to survive for several days if your luggage got lost. I did a search but cannot find anything in past discussions. Cheap or used would be good. Durable and comfortable are not prime considerations. Hopefully it would only be used while in transit to and from the destination.

Over the years I have accumulated a number of pieces of luggage. Different pieces for different uses. I once had a serious luggage and travel accessory gearhead thing going .

I have an older model ebags.com rolling backpack carryon the size you mention. I like that it rolls but wheels make it heavy not as crammable. I believe Rick Steves also has several models on his site. Also, eBags.com is a nice place to check out features and sizes.

The thing about maxing out size is there is always a real chance of not being able to find overhead space. Ironically, my experience is that the bigger the plane, the less the overhead space.

A favorite of mine, and able to hold several days of stuff, is a Jansport Merit. It's about 19 inches tall but no frame or wheels so it can be crammed down a little if needed. It fits head-in (not sideways) in most overhead compartments so more likely to find room overhead. It can fit under the seat in a pinch (cramming) but uses all foot space. This is about as big as a pack can get and still fit head-in in most overhead compartments and have the underseat option.

My first one tore a strap and Jansport repaired it for the cost of shipping it to them, so a very good and reliable warranty. It's also very reasonably priced, often around $50. Lots of color and pattern options too. Shop around as different stores seem to have different colors and patterns.

With many airlines now charging for checked bags, the competition for that overhead bin space is intense!

My regular backpack will work fine if I take the removable stays out. I'm not too sure what I'd do with them, though! Stick them down my back after I go through security, maybe? I never yet have flown to a backpacking location; I prefer to drive and take my dog. Being retired, I have plenty of time to do so.

I have an REI travel pack I bought in 1992. It has stays, shoulder straps and a hipbelt, plus a zippered panel to cover the shoulder straps and hipbelt so it looks like a regular suitcase should I want to walk into a fancy hotel. I've used it exclusively for luggage ever since and it still holds up fine. The leather cover for the handle has a small tear but otherwise the pack/suitcase still looks new. I don't know if REI makes them any more. It is not, however, lightweight!

It still fits in all the gizmos they have to measure carry-on luggage, but the last time I flew (2 weeks ago) I had to check it (no carrying it through airports with my plantar fasciitis) and I was glad I did, after watching the cutthroat competition in the airplane aisle!

I have use an MEC 30 litre alpinelite bag for this purpose. - and it can be done - but there are a few challenges related to the security theatre you have to go through - knives and trekking poles aren't going to be allowed on. and your stove of course must be fuel-less. Your bic lighters may also be prohibited.

Generally these can be worked around by aquiring at the destination, but it can be problematic.

I haven't used it (yet) for an airline carry-on, but I have used a Deuter AC Trail 32 pack as luggage for a 5-day visit to my daughter's; it worked really well, and wasn't any larger, packed, than the small carry-on suitcase I have flown with. I hate wheeling those things through airports and jockeying them in and out of cars, so a backpack really appeals to me.

For several years I have used a Lowe "Alpine Attack Summit" as a carry on; it has worked superbly, usually fitting comfortably under the available seat space so that I actually have access to its contents during the flight. It has been particularly useful on trips where there has been some hiking or field work involved. At 1800 cu in, it is on the small side, but still quite useful. A current equivalent would be the REI Flash series.

Right--a daypack of 20L or less should fit nicely under the seat in front with room to spare. Mine (women's REI Stoke 19) was great for my recent flight to Ohio (family wedding). I carried only a light sweater, rain jacket (never used either), paperback book, camera, water bottle. It might be that up to 25L would fit.

Thanks all. It looks like the Jansport Merit would do what I want. I do not intend to use it for backcounty travel, just for getting around while traveling. You can usually take one checked bag and one carry on so by having something like that and putting the essentials in the carry on it would be possible to continue even if the main bag is displaced for a day or so. The good thing about the Jansport is that it can be purchased for about $40. I do not intend to become a frequent flyer. I much prefer to drive or take the bus or train.

I have used a Gossamer Gear Gorilla as a carry one. Works fine provided you don't stuff it completely full. The SMD Traveler has a better feature set, but once I hit the trail the Gorilla is more comfortable for me.

As far as backup style luggage (e.g. you carry it with backpack straps, but I wouldn't recommend it for multiple miles in the back country) my first suggestion would be Osprey's Porter 46. I have been using this for 10 years or so. A few more ideas are listed on my recommendations for lightweight travel

--mark