I’m a 45 yr old mom and I use the Baboon to the Moon backpack that is the size for a US airline carryon. I need my hands to help my kids and it works well. It doesn’t have many pockets or features - it’s basically a rectangle you wear on your back. I use packing cubes to stay organized. We’ve done 3 week long vacations now where it’s all I brought. |
FWIW most moms of kids under 5 are comfortable lifting 20-60 pounds regularly (bags, strollers, bikes, etc.) and carrying kids in that weight range. I am an overweight mom and my personal trainer has us doing farmer and suitcase carries with 30lb kettle bells and then carrying and lunging with a 50lb sand bag. Our group of moms laughed because normally he kicks our butts but those exercises are movements we train for daily! |
I have the Cotopaxi 42 and love it! I am 45 and use it for work when going places where I’ll need to be on foot or on trains, etc.
https://www.rei.com/product/179923/cotopaxi-allpa-42-l-travel-pack |
I came here to link the Mother Lode backpack from eBags which is all I have used for years and it is on CRAZY SALE right now- $60 instead of $199. My kids have the Jr version and that’s only $54! It’s roomy, holds a ton, has comfortable straps on the back and a small strap for your chest so you can walk with it comfortably. I do not carry luggage, I only use this. I can fit 2 weeks worth of clothes and shoes in it along with toiletries and it fits in the overhead . Great bag, I’ve recommended it to many. I think I originally read about it from Rick Steves?? lol
https://www.ebags.com/best-sellers/mother-lode-travel-backpack/117754XXXX.html?dwvar_117754XXXX_color=Heathered%20Graphite&cgid=best-sellers |
Just want to add. This is a 41” inch bag. Is considered a carry on for many airlines- had zero issue using it as a carry on with KLM and various other euro airlines. |
I have that ebags backpack, and I agree with the PP that it is really good. Durable, lots of organizing pockets, comfy straps.
Have had mine for at least 12 years (it used to have a different name). One other thing I really like about it: on smaller planes, they will sometimes make everyone with wheels on their bags gate check it, no matter how small, but not backpacks because they squish. Have used mine successfully with Basic Economy tickets. It easily holds enough for a week (which is all I ever take, no matter how long the trip). |
Great bag for the price. Had it for years. Wouldn't recommend it except for someone young. The lack of a hip belt makes it a no for now- too much strain on the shoulders. That's a requirement I think for anyone over probably 35. |
I was perusing the link above (looks like everything is on sale) and the rolling one is also 70% off. https://www.ebags.com/backpacks/mother-lode-rolling-travel-backpack/117866XXXX.html?dwvar_117866XXXX_color=Brushed%20Indigo&cgid=backpacks |
New poster here Yes, our carry on bags were weighed on Avianca (flying from Bogota to Medellin) too. |
^100% I never really understood that until I reached my 40th birthday. All of a sudden I wondered why I was having so much neck, shoulder and back issues after traveling with my backpack. Upgraded to a backpack with a honest-to-goodness waist belt and will never go back - even the bag I carry my laptop to and from work has to have a waist belt. |
OP, I wanted to do this routines but only use a backpack instead of a suitcase very rarely. I was surprised that a backpack was not big enough. I pack light. Just stuff for a weekend and what's essential from my purse. I even rinse a lot of things out in the sink. The backpack wasn't big enough. I bought a big one and light. I'm 60+ and not particularly fit but it's the way it severely limits my packing that has surprised me. |
We went to Italy for 12 days and Thailand for a week with Tortuga backpacks. Whatever kind you get, make sure you get packing cubes. |
Absolutely. These backpacks aren't designed for everyday wear for sightseeing. You bring a small pack for that - these replace your luggage. |
Oh dang. I’m 38 so I guess I didn’t think of needing a hip belt yet. Good to keep in mind. |