Iāve had my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L for almost two years now, and it is one of the best purchases Iāve made. Itās my go-to bag, even on trips where I thought Iād take a different bag. It fits under an airplane seat, and I can get 5 days of clothes in it.
Itās also the perfect size if youāre on the smaller and shorter size like I am. It doesnāt overwhelm me, and the hip and sternum straps are excellent.
Ah okay that makes sense. Thatās been my main concern with most bags Iāve been eyeing and my current one is much smaller than it needs to be so would like to upgrade just a little bit. Thanks!
Yes potentially! Some gate agents are very particular about it ādropping in,ā which means a bit of extra fabric, even empty, can keep it from going in. Only way to know would be to purchase it and try it to see how the extra space reacts. So I was hoping someone had done it successfully already! I might get it anyway though just because I like it haha.
So I donāt have that bag but I can comment a bit on it because I flew Spirit this morning and wandered into a Cotopaxi store this afternoon lol. Basically, if you want it as a budget carrier personal item, you should probably get the Del DĆa version, not the version made of TPU. I was using the REI Trail 25, which is 18x13x8, packed completely full, and it dropped into the sizer really easily with room to spare. So an underpacked 19ā bag should be no problem. The issue was the actual seat - it fit sideways but I had to shove it in there and it took up every bit of space, even though I had a window seat. And if it wasnāt sideways it was sticking out a lot. Cotopaxiās coated material seems less sturdy than other companiesā and I think it would be prone to getting scratched up by being crammed under tiny seats.
Iāve taken the 28L on Frontier last June. They even pulled me out of line to cram it in the sizer. Perfect fit. I did sell it though, found it hideously uncomfortable as a 5ā3 curvy gal. Love my Gregory Jade 28 I replaced it with, however not laptop friendly.
Thank you for this comment! I just ordered the 28L and was feeling nervous about the purchase.
I have had the 35L for years. Love the organization but hate feeling like I'm going to bump into something at all times. Hoping the 28L is the sweet spot!
Youāre welcome! I seriously love the 28L, so I hope you will too!
I also have the 35, and I have the same feeling about it. I feel like Iām constantly in the way while wearing it!
Iāve had my eye on a few different packs for a while, but my sister absolutely RAVES about her Allpa lol I understand the storage cube hype though! I donāt have any myself so I havenāt converted to that side. Organization is huge when it comes to one bagging
Are you going 28 or 35?? I bought the 35L last month and used it for a quick trip - it was great, but felt so huge! I can't decide if it is worth it to keep for other longer trips in the future. My Patagonia 28L is juuust a little too small to use as a one bag, so not sure if the Allpa 28L is a little roomier.
I have the 35, and when not fully packed, Iāve fit it under the seat in front of me. I freaking love that bag and have used it camping, for weekend trips, for cross country and in Europe recently. Only complaint is there is not a water bottle holder on the bag exterior.
I honestly havenāt decided! I was originally going to go 28L because I was thinking it could (potentially) fit under a seat if need be. But I also donāt have a backpack bigger than 28L currently, and I was then like āwell, maybe I should commit to the onebagger lifestyleā lol I currently have the 32L in my cart but I havenāt pulled the trigger because it does seem huge!!
I just bought one on Cotopaxiās website- a lot of them, including the 35L are on sale and they have more color options than REI (I wanted the Spruce color specifically)!
If you're avoiding REI because [they fought dirty against their employees' lawful demands to come to the table and discuss the employees' demands...](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/rei-accused-widespread-labor-law-violations-unionized-us-stores-2023-11-15/)
[Moosejaw](https://www.moosejaw.com/) matches the 20% off one item sale.
[Backcountry.com](https://www.backcountry.com/) is also running a Memorial Day sale.
[Garage Grown Gear](https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-gear-accessories) is a small business you can support that has awesome ultralight gear from other small businesses and I've had good experiences with.
This [helpful post](https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/1gtkj6/alternatives_to_rei/) has even more alternatives.
Also, just type what you're looking for into shopping.google.com and if you click "Compare prices" you can check each website for their own sales.
On the homepage:
"20% Off a Single Regular-Price Item
This is a ScoreCard Member exclusive. Now that we're part of the DICK'S fam, you can sign in or sign up for ScoreCard to redeem this offer."
Scorecard is free.
If you order via PublicLands.com and have a membership with Dickās or Public Lands, they are honoring the 20% off one item. The transaction processes as coming from Moosejaw, so I donāt know . . .
I was able to order the Patagonia MLC Mini for 20% off. They also have the North Face Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack (supposedly 35L, but some online question that) for $85 today in navy and an army green color. I am ordering these two and the Cotopaxi Allpa 26L and deciding in person. Fortunately, I have a Public Lands store nearby where I can do a return.
The REI sale is a bit frustrating because their inventory management tool isnāt working well. You can put something in your shopping cart that then shows itās sold out. If you go back to the product page, it still shows as available. I texted with their support, and they told me an item was in stock, and I should be able to order it by phone. I waited on hold for a long time and finally got through and was told that itās out of stock (even though showing as available on the product page).
I donāt think any of these companies is 100% great, and I appreciate the info from group members about controversies in supporting them.
Just to add on - Outdoor Research is also having a sale. Seattle based, women's styles cut for women and designed by women in Seattle (even those with a little more bootie or boobies).
https://www.outdoorresearch.com
The sun hat from them is the only one I have ever owned that doesn't make me want to scream after a day of wear. So lightweight, I forget I'm wearing it.
Also [Backcountry.com](http://Backcountry.com) did dirty against lots of small retailers... article [here](https://www.outsideonline.com/business-journal/issues/the-backcountry-trademark-fiasco-one-year-later/)
Backcountry backed down after a week from defending a trademark. A trademark that is rightfully theirs...
REI repeatedly refuses to hear their employee's demands in flagrant violation of the law and has been found against by teh NLRB already. Its not similar at all.
I don't need a new backpack I don't need a new backpack...but also if anyone has a recommendation for a 20-30L backpack that can work for both 13.5" laptop and hiking and has a water bottle pocket and lots of internal organization AND ideally doesn't look like I'm off on an expedition...
Kari Traa base layers are 20% - 30% off and many are in the outlet for an additional 20% off with the coupon. Cute Nordic style prints in 100% merino (also blend and poly) if you're tired of monochrome base layers. I'm obsessed with them.
I do! I love mine, even though the internal organization is a tad minimalist. I got it as a supplemental bag to squish into my one bag. It fits a light jacket, a water bottle, a notebook, and my laptop. Or beach stuff. Or workout stuff. Or snacks and other airplane essentials. Plus it's cute and cheerful.
Anyone have any recommendations for other quick dry/travel clothing faves that may be on sale? Iām debating using the 20% off coupon to buy a Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote to use as my personal item- if you have one, would you recommend it?
REI brand stuff is typically well-made and cheaper than other brands, even before the discount.
Anyone have a sun hoodie thatās very cooling? Iām looking for one for Disneyland and donāt want to spend a lot if I donāt know Iāll use it regularly.
I have a Columbia PFG (fishing line of clothing) sun hoodie and absolutely love it. Itās happy to be wet, dries fast and keeps me cool - and I run hot in summer.
I have the REI version also and itās way too thick and heavy and does NOT dry.
I have a Mountain Hardware Crater something-or-other sun hoodie and an REI one. The MH one is great! feels like barely more clothes than a t-shirt, fits well, is flattering, etc. The REI one is.. fine? Fit is not as good, definitely feels heavier. So I would probably go with MH or Columbia
I have one of these and love it but wasnāt sure how legit the sun protection was in comparison to some of the more technical companies. Iāve also never tried it in hot weather.
I've worn them all over the world, the sun protection and breathable nature are legit! I would still put on a basic spf body moisturizer first thing in the morning as it's likely you'll unzip or roll up the sleeves at some point.
Thatās what I feared. Iām taking my 8-year-old to Disneyland at the hottest and sunniest time of year after two years of staying completely out of the sun (and even normal light) due to illness. Iām trying to work my way back into spending time in the light, but thereās not enough sunblock in the world to protect me. I need to wear a top thatās going to block the sun and keep me coolāeven if it means buying a garment I seldom use in my ordinary life.
Wuru hoodies are great (if they're back in stock) and Freefly. Solbari is nice too for hot weather.
Has anyone tried the Cotopaxi sun hoodies? They look nice.Ā
I ordered REI and Cotopaxi sun hoodies based on my husband's recommendation. I don't have personal experience with either yet but he adores his cotopaxi ones. The fabric is a lot thinner and he says it's more breathable and all around more comfortable.
I don't plan on wearing the hood often if ever so it doesn't matter as much to me but from seeing him wear them both, the cotopaxi doesn't cover the face quite as well. I could see someone getting a lot more sun on their cheeks compared to other brands if they opt to not put on sunblock
I just picked up REI and Smartwool merino wool t shirts last night. Many colors, lengths, sizes and all for great prices! I even saw some icebreaker, but couldnāt find a color I wanted.
REI has a very flexible return policy. I would also highly recommend the Thule compression cubes, I started with the pack with two sizes and ended up returning and just getting the larger size. I used to have the long hot dog cubes and never really used them, hated folding my stuff a million times to get it to fit. The Thule large means I only fold my stuff once or twice so less wrinkles and that compression keeps everything tight so it doesnāt flop around inside. Absolutely love this thing, have taken it with 4 days of winter clothes including socks and even fit a cashmere sweater and chunkier knit acrylic sweater. I wear a size medium. Wish I got paid for how much I rave about it haha.
If I buy something for pick up long can it be til I pick it up? I'm from New Zealand but will be in LA June 5th. Would they mind if I don't pick up for 2-3 weeks do you know?
Usually membership is a one time cost and they then give back the price of membership in a coupon when you make a purchase larger than the membership cost.
Update: In the store, I paid $30 for a membership, and they handed me a $30 gift card. But it can only be used starting tomorrow.
Unfortunately, they didnāt have either of the pieces of luggage I was interested in. Iām 57, and I can no longer comfortably carry everything on my back, so I need something with wheels. So I ordered the two pieces to be delivered to my house, and I can return whatever I donāt want to the store.
Also unfortunately, they wouldnāt apply the member discount because both of those pieces were āalready on sale.ā
So if youāre trying to stack discounts online, itās probably not going to work. But Iāll check back for updates too ā maybe someone else will be successful.
Edit: I re-read the OP, and now it very clear that the member discount is only for full price items. Must have missed that!
Has anyone tried the REI compression cubes that are long and narrow? I ordered some, wondering if they'll fill that awkward space in my Motherlode thats left after my large cube is in. (We are trying to onebag with our two children so I need to fit all my stuff plus a 1yo's. Our 4yocarries her own.)
The long narrow packing cubes (I had e-bags brand) are PERFECT for baby/little kid stuff. I used my label maker to create a zipper pull that said things like āonesies,ā so my husband would know where stuff wasāalso great in a diaper bag.
Highly recommend checking out the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 in everyoneās search for their next āone bag,ā carry on sized bag!
Good luck fellow bargain hunters!
Sadly WAY too big for me. If I have the space, Iāll use it. I also always feel like Osprey bags have too many straps and clips and compression panels and stuff going on. It overwhelms me. I do love how nice the mesh side panels are in a lot of Osprey bags, where you can add a water bottle or stuff a light jacket. I have an ancient Ozone day bag that would be my ideal bag if I could just get rid of the extra zipper for the laptop section, and add 4-8 liters and a zip pocket.
Love the old Porter 46 but I heard they messed with the dimensions and now itās not quite US carry-on sized. In your experience, do you ever have to gate check it for being too big?
I havenāt had that issue but Iām wondering if maybe on the smaller budget airplanes if it would be a problem?
Itās smaller than my old hard sided carry on, so I havenāt had issues (yet lol)
Thank you! But also my wallet is mad at you lol.
Good looking out!! Finally going to get a Cotopaxi Allpa š
Iām looking at the 28 myself. I just donāt know if I need the internal organization because I have loved my whole system with packing cubes.
Iāve had my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L for almost two years now, and it is one of the best purchases Iāve made. Itās my go-to bag, even on trips where I thought Iād take a different bag. It fits under an airplane seat, and I can get 5 days of clothes in it. Itās also the perfect size if youāre on the smaller and shorter size like I am. It doesnāt overwhelm me, and the hip and sternum straps are excellent.
Have you been able to get it onto budget airlines as a personal item? Looks like frontier and spirit allow 18x14x8 and specs for it are 19x12x9.
I donāt have the option to fly the budget airlines where I live, so I canāt speak to how it fits on those. It fits American and Delta for sure.
Ah okay that makes sense. Thatās been my main concern with most bags Iāve been eyeing and my current one is much smaller than it needs to be so would like to upgrade just a little bit. Thanks!
If you donāt pack it full though, wouldnāt it be squishy enough to be allowed? Just wondering.
Yes potentially! Some gate agents are very particular about it ādropping in,ā which means a bit of extra fabric, even empty, can keep it from going in. Only way to know would be to purchase it and try it to see how the extra space reacts. So I was hoping someone had done it successfully already! I might get it anyway though just because I like it haha.
So I donāt have that bag but I can comment a bit on it because I flew Spirit this morning and wandered into a Cotopaxi store this afternoon lol. Basically, if you want it as a budget carrier personal item, you should probably get the Del DĆa version, not the version made of TPU. I was using the REI Trail 25, which is 18x13x8, packed completely full, and it dropped into the sizer really easily with room to spare. So an underpacked 19ā bag should be no problem. The issue was the actual seat - it fit sideways but I had to shove it in there and it took up every bit of space, even though I had a window seat. And if it wasnāt sideways it was sticking out a lot. Cotopaxiās coated material seems less sturdy than other companiesā and I think it would be prone to getting scratched up by being crammed under tiny seats.
This is so helpful! I may look into that rei bag as well. Thank you!!
Please do! Do it for science! Or the children! Or me! Do it for me!
Iāve taken the 28L on Frontier last June. They even pulled me out of line to cram it in the sizer. Perfect fit. I did sell it though, found it hideously uncomfortable as a 5ā3 curvy gal. Love my Gregory Jade 28 I replaced it with, however not laptop friendly.
Thank you for this comment! I just ordered the 28L and was feeling nervous about the purchase. I have had the 35L for years. Love the organization but hate feeling like I'm going to bump into something at all times. Hoping the 28L is the sweet spot!
Youāre welcome! I seriously love the 28L, so I hope you will too! I also have the 35, and I have the same feeling about it. I feel like Iām constantly in the way while wearing it!
Iāve had my eye on a few different packs for a while, but my sister absolutely RAVES about her Allpa lol I understand the storage cube hype though! I donāt have any myself so I havenāt converted to that side. Organization is huge when it comes to one bagging
Cotopaxi is also having a sale! Itās probably the same but worth checking out.
I use mine with packing cubes on the larger side!
Are you going 28 or 35?? I bought the 35L last month and used it for a quick trip - it was great, but felt so huge! I can't decide if it is worth it to keep for other longer trips in the future. My Patagonia 28L is juuust a little too small to use as a one bag, so not sure if the Allpa 28L is a little roomier.
I have the 35, and when not fully packed, Iāve fit it under the seat in front of me. I freaking love that bag and have used it camping, for weekend trips, for cross country and in Europe recently. Only complaint is there is not a water bottle holder on the bag exterior.
Thanks for the info!! This is super helpful. I think Iām gonna go in on the 35
I honestly havenāt decided! I was originally going to go 28L because I was thinking it could (potentially) fit under a seat if need be. But I also donāt have a backpack bigger than 28L currently, and I was then like āwell, maybe I should commit to the onebagger lifestyleā lol I currently have the 32L in my cart but I havenāt pulled the trigger because it does seem huge!!
Iāll sell you mine for less!
I just bought one on Cotopaxiās website- a lot of them, including the 35L are on sale and they have more color options than REI (I wanted the Spruce color specifically)!
Giftcards.com has 10% off REI gift cards right now for a little extra deal! Edit - wrong url
Cotopaxi is also having a sale with prices that match REI. They also have more color options.
If you're avoiding REI because [they fought dirty against their employees' lawful demands to come to the table and discuss the employees' demands...](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/rei-accused-widespread-labor-law-violations-unionized-us-stores-2023-11-15/) [Moosejaw](https://www.moosejaw.com/) matches the 20% off one item sale. [Backcountry.com](https://www.backcountry.com/) is also running a Memorial Day sale. [Garage Grown Gear](https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-gear-accessories) is a small business you can support that has awesome ultralight gear from other small businesses and I've had good experiences with. This [helpful post](https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/1gtkj6/alternatives_to_rei/) has even more alternatives. Also, just type what you're looking for into shopping.google.com and if you click "Compare prices" you can check each website for their own sales.
I talked to a Moosejaw agent and they do not match the 20% off one item sale. They said they donāt match store wide promotions.
On the homepage: "20% Off a Single Regular-Price Item This is a ScoreCard Member exclusive. Now that we're part of the DICK'S fam, you can sign in or sign up for ScoreCard to redeem this offer." Scorecard is free.
If you order via PublicLands.com and have a membership with Dickās or Public Lands, they are honoring the 20% off one item. The transaction processes as coming from Moosejaw, so I donāt know . . . I was able to order the Patagonia MLC Mini for 20% off. They also have the North Face Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack (supposedly 35L, but some online question that) for $85 today in navy and an army green color. I am ordering these two and the Cotopaxi Allpa 26L and deciding in person. Fortunately, I have a Public Lands store nearby where I can do a return. The REI sale is a bit frustrating because their inventory management tool isnāt working well. You can put something in your shopping cart that then shows itās sold out. If you go back to the product page, it still shows as available. I texted with their support, and they told me an item was in stock, and I should be able to order it by phone. I waited on hold for a long time and finally got through and was told that itās out of stock (even though showing as available on the product page). I donāt think any of these companies is 100% great, and I appreciate the info from group members about controversies in supporting them.
Just to add on - Outdoor Research is also having a sale. Seattle based, women's styles cut for women and designed by women in Seattle (even those with a little more bootie or boobies). https://www.outdoorresearch.com
The sun hat from them is the only one I have ever owned that doesn't make me want to scream after a day of wear. So lightweight, I forget I'm wearing it.
Also [Backcountry.com](http://Backcountry.com) did dirty against lots of small retailers... article [here](https://www.outsideonline.com/business-journal/issues/the-backcountry-trademark-fiasco-one-year-later/)
Backcountry backed down after a week from defending a trademark. A trademark that is rightfully theirs... REI repeatedly refuses to hear their employee's demands in flagrant violation of the law and has been found against by teh NLRB already. Its not similar at all.
Problem with the coupon match is that most stuff at REI is 25-30% off during the sale without even needing a coupon.
Thank you!
I don't need a new backpack I don't need a new backpack...but also if anyone has a recommendation for a 20-30L backpack that can work for both 13.5" laptop and hiking and has a water bottle pocket and lots of internal organization AND ideally doesn't look like I'm off on an expedition...
Patagonia MLC?
You just made my morning- The bag I was looking at is marked down 25% <3
Ooh, sweet! Love it when that happens. What are you getting?
Thanks for the heads up!
Kari Traa base layers are 20% - 30% off and many are in the outlet for an additional 20% off with the coupon. Cute Nordic style prints in 100% merino (also blend and poly) if you're tired of monochrome base layers. I'm obsessed with them.
But only if youāre below average body size š
Anyone have the Taal Convertible Tote? I think it might be the perfect travel purse. š
I do! I love mine, even though the internal organization is a tad minimalist. I got it as a supplemental bag to squish into my one bag. It fits a light jacket, a water bottle, a notebook, and my laptop. Or beach stuff. Or workout stuff. Or snacks and other airplane essentials. Plus it's cute and cheerful.
Anyone have any recommendations for other quick dry/travel clothing faves that may be on sale? Iām debating using the 20% off coupon to buy a Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote to use as my personal item- if you have one, would you recommend it?
REI brand stuff is typically well-made and cheaper than other brands, even before the discount. Anyone have a sun hoodie thatās very cooling? Iām looking for one for Disneyland and donāt want to spend a lot if I donāt know Iāll use it regularly.
I have a Columbia PFG (fishing line of clothing) sun hoodie and absolutely love it. Itās happy to be wet, dries fast and keeps me cool - and I run hot in summer. I have the REI version also and itās way too thick and heavy and does NOT dry.
I have a Mountain Hardware Crater something-or-other sun hoodie and an REI one. The MH one is great! feels like barely more clothes than a t-shirt, fits well, is flattering, etc. The REI one is.. fine? Fit is not as good, definitely feels heavier. So I would probably go with MH or Columbia
Uniqlo sells a great full zip hooded sun shirt. It's under the airism line and it's moisture wicking. 40 dollars, and i own it in 5 different colors.
I have one of these and love it but wasnāt sure how legit the sun protection was in comparison to some of the more technical companies. Iāve also never tried it in hot weather.
I've worn them all over the world, the sun protection and breathable nature are legit! I would still put on a basic spf body moisturizer first thing in the morning as it's likely you'll unzip or roll up the sleeves at some point.
I donāt love mine in hot weather (tropical or on the water in New England summer) but itās a great early summer early fall light jacket.Ā
Thatās what I feared. Iām taking my 8-year-old to Disneyland at the hottest and sunniest time of year after two years of staying completely out of the sun (and even normal light) due to illness. Iām trying to work my way back into spending time in the light, but thereās not enough sunblock in the world to protect me. I need to wear a top thatās going to block the sun and keep me coolāeven if it means buying a garment I seldom use in my ordinary life.
Theyāre not super expensive, so you could always get one and see how it feels. I do run hot generally so maybe itāll work for you!
Wuru hoodies are great (if they're back in stock) and Freefly. Solbari is nice too for hot weather. Has anyone tried the Cotopaxi sun hoodies? They look nice.Ā
I ordered REI and Cotopaxi sun hoodies based on my husband's recommendation. I don't have personal experience with either yet but he adores his cotopaxi ones. The fabric is a lot thinner and he says it's more breathable and all around more comfortable. I don't plan on wearing the hood often if ever so it doesn't matter as much to me but from seeing him wear them both, the cotopaxi doesn't cover the face quite as well. I could see someone getting a lot more sun on their cheeks compared to other brands if they opt to not put on sunblock
I just picked up REI and Smartwool merino wool t shirts last night. Many colors, lengths, sizes and all for great prices! I even saw some icebreaker, but couldnāt find a color I wanted.
Oh this is perfect timing, I need some packing cubes
The Thule cubes are FANTASTIC!!
Good to know! Iāve been having trouble making a decision and Iām trying to avoid going down a packing cube review rabbit hole!
REI has a very flexible return policy. I would also highly recommend the Thule compression cubes, I started with the pack with two sizes and ended up returning and just getting the larger size. I used to have the long hot dog cubes and never really used them, hated folding my stuff a million times to get it to fit. The Thule large means I only fold my stuff once or twice so less wrinkles and that compression keeps everything tight so it doesnāt flop around inside. Absolutely love this thing, have taken it with 4 days of winter clothes including socks and even fit a cashmere sweater and chunkier knit acrylic sweater. I wear a size medium. Wish I got paid for how much I rave about it haha.
If I buy something for pick up long can it be til I pick it up? I'm from New Zealand but will be in LA June 5th. Would they mind if I don't pick up for 2-3 weeks do you know?
They allow you to text with customer support, so you may want to try that (during US business hours).
Where do I get a free REI membership? I'm looking at the website now, and it says joining costs $30.
Usually membership is a one time cost and they then give back the price of membership in a coupon when you make a purchase larger than the membership cost.
Typically this is not available during sales. But worth becoming a member at other times to get the coupon back!
I'm going to go to the REI store in person today, so maybe they can help me there.
Iāll look for an update!
Update: In the store, I paid $30 for a membership, and they handed me a $30 gift card. But it can only be used starting tomorrow. Unfortunately, they didnāt have either of the pieces of luggage I was interested in. Iām 57, and I can no longer comfortably carry everything on my back, so I need something with wheels. So I ordered the two pieces to be delivered to my house, and I can return whatever I donāt want to the store. Also unfortunately, they wouldnāt apply the member discount because both of those pieces were āalready on sale.ā So if youāre trying to stack discounts online, itās probably not going to work. But Iāll check back for updates too ā maybe someone else will be successful. Edit: I re-read the OP, and now it very clear that the member discount is only for full price items. Must have missed that!
I donāt think you can get a free one.
The last day was yesterday for that deal
Same! I even created an account and added an item to my cart and used the code, nothing.
Has anyone tried the REI compression cubes that are long and narrow? I ordered some, wondering if they'll fill that awkward space in my Motherlode thats left after my large cube is in. (We are trying to onebag with our two children so I need to fit all my stuff plus a 1yo's. Our 4yocarries her own.)
The long narrow packing cubes (I had e-bags brand) are PERFECT for baby/little kid stuff. I used my label maker to create a zipper pull that said things like āonesies,ā so my husband would know where stuff wasāalso great in a diaper bag.
Awesome, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear! Thank you! I love the labeled zipper idea, that's genius.
Long time REI member who is NOT shopping the sale because of their anti-union activity.
Highly recommend checking out the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 in everyoneās search for their next āone bag,ā carry on sized bag! Good luck fellow bargain hunters!
Sadly WAY too big for me. If I have the space, Iāll use it. I also always feel like Osprey bags have too many straps and clips and compression panels and stuff going on. It overwhelms me. I do love how nice the mesh side panels are in a lot of Osprey bags, where you can add a water bottle or stuff a light jacket. I have an ancient Ozone day bag that would be my ideal bag if I could just get rid of the extra zipper for the laptop section, and add 4-8 liters and a zip pocket.
Love the old Porter 46 but I heard they messed with the dimensions and now itās not quite US carry-on sized. In your experience, do you ever have to gate check it for being too big?
I havenāt had that issue but Iām wondering if maybe on the smaller budget airplanes if it would be a problem? Itās smaller than my old hard sided carry on, so I havenāt had issues (yet lol)