It may not fit your need, but Osprey travel backpacks…

by bk , Close enough, Thursday, April 02, 2026, 09:21 (57 days ago) @ Jay

Farpoint and Farview. They make a 40L and a 55L that will qualify as carry-ons. (They hedge on the 55L, but it should fit just fine.) The 55L comes with a daypack that can attach to the outside of the larger pack. The 40L has a couple extra pockets, including a laptop pocket.

They do not have wheels, but the straps can be zippered away so that the bag can be checked if necessary. I bought both when last year’s models were on sale. I’ve used the 40L. My son is currently in San Diego for work and took the 55L (and day pack), so I can get a more formal review of that one later if anyone wants it. He has a friend that travels a fair amount for work and uses the 40L as his main luggage.

I also had a colleague at work that one of each before she and her husband took a trip to New Zealand. They loved them for that trip. Her two kids are heading to London soon and will be taking them as well.

Obviously, you have to be okay strapping it to your back or carrying it with a side handle like an old suitcase. But so far they have proven very functional for a shorter, non-work trip for me.

Also, when not on sale, they are pricey. But they come with Osprey’s warranty.