Choose the Right Size for Your Use

  • 10–20L: Daily commute, school, gym bag, day hiking. Fits a laptop, lunch and essentials. Most common size for everyday carry.
  • 20–35L: Weekend trips (carry-on only travel), larger school bag, day hikes with gear. Can fit 2–3 days of clothes compactly.
  • 35–50L: Multi-day travel, week-long carry-on trips, 2–3 day hikes. The sweet spot for travel that avoids checked baggage.
  • 50–70L+: Extended hiking (3+ days with camping gear), long travel, expedition. Requires a proper hip belt and framesheet for load transfer.

Key Features by Use Case

For Travel

  • Clamshell opening (opens fully flat like a suitcase): makes packing and finding items much easier than a top-loader
  • Hip belt: essential for bags over 7kg — transfers weight from shoulders to hips
  • Lockable zips: for security in busy areas
  • Laptop compartment: padded sleeve, accessible from outside
  • Carry-on compliance: check dimensions against your airline (typically 55x40x20cm for most Australian airlines)

For Hiking

  • Framesheet or frame: transfers load to hips for heavier packs
  • Hip belt: non-negotiable for any pack over 7kg
  • Hydration sleeve or side water bottle pockets
  • Rain cover: included or available as an add-on
  • Fit and torso length: most hiking packs come in multiple torso sizes

For School or Daily Use

  • Padded laptop sleeve (16-inch minimum for most modern laptops)
  • Organisation pockets for stationery, chargers, keys
  • Comfortable, padded shoulder straps
  • Durable material — water-resistant nylon or polyester handles daily use well
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    Try it on before buying if possible

    Put some weight in the bag (ask the store to add some items) and wear it for a few minutes. Check: the shoulder straps sit comfortably, the back panel rests against your back evenly, the top of the bag does not extend above your head, and the bottom does not fall below your hip belt. Fit varies enormously between brands and models.

Reputable brands for AustraliaOsprey (hiking and travel — excellent quality and lifetime guarantee), Deuter (hiking), Patagonia (outdoor and travel), Bellroy (premium everyday carry), Fjallraven (everyday and light hiking), Aer (minimalist travel), and Quechua/Decathlon (excellent value budget option). Buy from a store with a good return policy so you can test it properly at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Australian airlines (Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar) allow carry-on bags up to 56x36x23cm and 7–10kg. Check your specific airline as limits vary. A 35–40L bag typically fits within these dimensions, though the exact shape matters as much as volume. Most backpacks marketed as “carry-on” or “cabin luggage” are compliant, but always verify dimensions before travelling on budget carriers with stricter enforcement.
For everyday use, a mid-range bag ($80–200) from a reputable brand offers significantly better durability than budget options. For hiking, quality matters more — a poorly fitting or constructed pack is genuinely uncomfortable over long distances. For travel, the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview range ($200–250) represents excellent value with features that make a meaningful difference. Very expensive packs ($400+) are for specialist use or ultralight priorities — not necessary for most people.