Need recommendations for new rucksack

[mikeatspokes]

Hi there, just wondering if anyone has any experience of small rucksacks of around 30l that can pass Ryanair's carry-on hand luggage sizing, 40x25x20cm? I know many rucksacks larger than this will compress down to fit, but don't want to commit until I'm sure they won't charge me extra at the check-in. Unfortunately the Berghaus bag I used on my last Camino had seen better days and I no longer have it, so need to find a replacement for my next adventure.

I have seen a few possibilities but some of these are not available here (in the U.K.) other than online, hence my request for personal recommendations.

Thanks in advance

 

[Bradypus]

I bought one of these earlier this year. Used it on the Portugues, the Ingles and the Frances. Chosen as it is a very close match to the under seat "free" Ryanair allowance but has a comfortable hip belt. Very pleased with it. It will remain my pack of choice for the foreseeable for main season walks. Not big enough for winter gear though. Go Outdoors also sell them.

Technicals Tibet 25 Rucksack | Blacks

£15.00 | A 25-litre rucksack that offers enough space for your...

www.blacks.co.uk

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

40x25x20cm is only 20 litres.

A 30l rucksack will most likely need to checked in.

 

[mikeatspokes]

I bought one of these earlier this year. Used it on the Portugues, the Ingles and the Frances. Chosen as it is a very close match to the under seat "free" Ryanair allowance but has a comfortable hip belt. Very pleased with it. It will remain my pack of choice for the foreseeable for main season walks. Not big enough for winter gear though. Go Outdoors also sell them.

Technicals Tibet 25 Rucksack | Blacks

£15.00 | A 25-litre rucksack that offers enough space for your...

www.blacks.co.uk

Thanks Bradypus, I was looking at the Technicals Glencoe 28l, though I think this is discontinued. Will have to make another trip to Go Outdoors and have a closer look!

 

[trecile]

I understand that you want to save the checked bag fee, but make sure that whatever you buy is comfortable.

 

[mikeatspokes]

40x25x20cm is only 20 litres.

A 30l rucksack will most likely need to checked in.

That's true on the 20l of course, and this is the Ryanair stated capacity, however a larger rucksack can often be compressed into the smaller size, depending on how full it is. I am specifying around 30l because there are few suitable rucksacks available that meet the sizing and are comfortable. The bag I took last year was bigger, but compressed very well. Unfortunately I no longer have it as it was past it's best.

 

[mikeatspokes]

I understand that you want to save the checked bag fee, but make sure that whatever you buy is comfortable.

Thank you trecile, comfort is paramount of course, but I believe it is still possible to have both as I had last year on my first Camino.

 

[Anhalter]

Some guys over at my ultralight forum recommended this Decathlon bag: https://www.decathlon.de/p/rucksack-travel-faltbar-wasserdicht-25-liter/_/R-p-309863?mc=8560421 (german store, but should be available at other Decathlons as well).
But of course you would need a fairly compact and light kit to make things work... 3-4kg tops.

edit: for my taste its missing a hip-strap/belt. but some seem to be fine without.

 

[Tincatinker]

I appreciate that Ryanair can present challenges to the pilgrim that even a grumpy hospitalero on a wet night on the Meseta cannot match. Nonetheless I think I would devote my energies to finding another airline rather than another rucksack. Or just render Caesar his due and sit back and relax.

I’m sure I’ve wasted more time and money on budgeting “budget” airlines than any sensible adult should.

 

[trecile]

Some guys over at my ultralight forum recommended this Decathlon bag: https://www.decathlon.de/p/rucksack-travel-faltbar-wasserdicht-25-liter/_/R-p-309863?mc=8560421 (german store, but should be available at other Decathlons as well).
But of course you would need a fairly compact and light kit to make things work... 3-4kg tops.

I have the smaller version of that backpack, which I love. I use for day hikes on rainy days because it's waterproof.

 

[Robo]

Hi there, just wondering if anyone has any experience of small rucksacks of around 30l that can pass Ryanair's carry-on hand luggage sizing, 40x25x20cm? I know many rucksacks larger than this will compress down to fit, but don't want to commit until I'm sure they won't charge me extra at the check-in. Unfortunately the Berghaus bag I used on my last Camino had seen better days and I no longer have it, so need to find a replacement for my next adventure.

I have seen a few possibilities but some of these are not available here (in the U.K.) other than online, hence my request for personal recommendations.

Thanks in advance

That's always a tough one. I would never try to 'push' the capacity rules just in case someone decided to be very strict about it.

For our next Europe trip, that is likely not a Camino, I have researched the carry on sizes of all the discount airlines that we might use. It will be a kind of flying version of 'back packing' around Europe for a couple of weeks.

I came to the conclusion that the 'free' carry on with some airlines was just too small to be useful. Ryanair being 20L. We don't want to have any checked in luggage as it will slow us down at Airports, and we'll be hoping on and off public transport and want to travel light.

So I looked at the next best option, which as a 'regular' booking that included a 10 kg 44L carry on bag. This is roughly the same across many other discount airlines. So we are planning on a 40L Osprey Travel Pack. That is designed for carry on travel. It has decent straps, hip belt etc.

Our Camino packs, at 24L and 34L would also fail the free Ryanair carry on allowance. They don't really squash down as they have internal frames.

So I would tend to go for the next level of ticket, rather than compromise on my Camino pack.
Really a case of taking what suits best for a Camino or saving €35 on the ticket (in our case).

 

[David]

Thanks Bradypus, I was looking at the Technicals Glencoe 28l, though I think this is discontinued. Will have to make another trip to Go Outdoors and have a closer look!

Technicals is made by the owner of Go Outdoors group and they still sell them, but only in grey now.

Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack | GO Outdoors

An active daysack, ready to handle any adventure. The Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack combines tough fabrics with padding to provide long-lasting and comfortable carrying in any environment.

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Bradypus's Tibet 25 (there is also a 35) is a great pack at a ridiculously low price. Proof that you don't have to spend silly money for a great and practical pack. Well made and so on, like all Technicals, but I wonder if it would be better with side compressions straps (though I may be wrong, I often am). But the design is right for carry-on isn't it? No frame so easily "squeezable"?

There is also the fairly unknown JAM brand - they do a good looking 25, also silly cheap - but like the Glencoe, it too has a rigid frame ...

JAM Air Rucksack Waterproof Hiking Camping Hydrate Backpack

Take to the trails with the JAM Air Rucksack! Comfortable, waterproof and lightweight. Carries all you need for your next great adventure. Available in 2 sizes and a range of colours. Discover lots more outdoor accessories in stock now!

www.xs-stock.co.uk

Re your beloved but now gone Berghaus - have you thought of looking for a newer used one on Ebay?

and .... I don't fly so don't know about this carry-on and cargo hold thing, nor the prices .. but if you are going on Camino in summer have you thought about using the carry-on backpack problem Ryan Air have gifted you to think "minimalist" Camino? - Like this perhaps? - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167057085814

Great time to choose a pack - the January sales are coming!!

 

[TravellingMan22]

If you are in UK and have a Sports Direct near you, have a look in there. My local one had a range of sizes, some which are within the size parameters, and were clearly labelled to indicate that. I think the brand was Slazenger so should be of a decent quality. Good prices too. TK Max may be worth a look too. I should be in my local ones tomorrow afternoon UK time so will try and take a look and advise.

 

[mikeatspokes]

Some guys over at my ultralight forum recommended this Decathlon bag: https://www.decathlon.de/p/rucksack-travel-faltbar-wasserdicht-25-liter/_/R-p-309863?mc=8560421 (german store, but should be available at other Decathlons as well).
But of course you would need a fairly compact and light kit to make things work... 3-4kg tops.

edit: for my taste its missing a hip-strap/belt. but some seem to be fine without.

Thanks, but a little too minimal for me! Think I was carrying about 7kg last time and I only had essentials for the most. Compared to some, I was ultra lightweight lol!

 

[mikeatspokes]

I appreciate that Ryanair can present challenges to the pilgrim that even a grumpy hospitalero on a wet night on the Meseta cannot match. Nonetheless I think I would devote my energies to finding another airline rather than another rucksack. Or just render Caesar his due and sit back and relax.

I’m sure I’ve wasted more time and money on budgeting “budget” airlines than any sensible adult should.

You are of course correct Tincatinker, but Ryanair is the only option for me as the flight out is already booked and the only practical choice on return. I have to buy another rucksack as I no longer have the old one or another that's even close to being suitable.