Thank you Jen! This was so useful! My husband has an Osprey kestrel that he used for our trip to Shetland in lieu of a wheelie bag. It was also perfect for hiking. I need a new bag and like you, prefer to carry vs. wheel and go light. But I had no idea there were those side pack options! How cool! My favorite trip I took a school size leather backpack to Belize for 10 days and hung sandals on the outside. So easy!
My 24 y.o. still has her L.L. Bean backpack from kindergarten (purple and covered with cheery butterflies) and it's her easy peasy go-to when she needs a carry-on bag for 7-10 days.
I gave my niece a set of L.L. Bean powder blue monogram luggage for her high school graduation and she’s been all over the world with it. Their stuff holds up!
I just listened to your interview with Janelle and immediately came over to check out your minimalist packing ideas. 30L seems like a great size. I own a Mother Lode travel backpack and it's just a bit too big for me. Last summer I did train travel (exclusively) in Germany with the CTS Convertible backpack and loved it! Small enough to make me pack smart & under 10LB. Has the suitcase opening (like you mention being a big plus). Only thing it's missing is a hip belt, but I'm not doing true backpacking or through hiking. Would love a post about your favorite Merino wool products! They are investment pieces and some are very thin/prone to holes. I have an Icebreaker tee that's lasted years but not finding good quality replacements. I'll put in a plug for Darn Tough merino socks (lifetime warranty)!
Hi. My Mother Lode is the Jr, which is around 40L. I agree, it is a bit large if I'm trying to go really minimal. My Osprey Porter is 30L and because the construction is more rigid, it too sometimes feels too bulky. I have an Eagle Creek that's a traditional backpack design and is only 20L, but I'd really like something that size that opens like a suitcase. I'll keep looking...
Finding good quality merino can be tricky, I agree. I am planning to write a post about merino wool clothes and will push to get that done sooner rather than later.
Thank you Jen! This was so useful! My husband has an Osprey kestrel that he used for our trip to Shetland in lieu of a wheelie bag. It was also perfect for hiking. I need a new bag and like you, prefer to carry vs. wheel and go light. But I had no idea there were those side pack options! How cool! My favorite trip I took a school size leather backpack to Belize for 10 days and hung sandals on the outside. So easy!
My 24 y.o. still has her L.L. Bean backpack from kindergarten (purple and covered with cheery butterflies) and it's her easy peasy go-to when she needs a carry-on bag for 7-10 days.
I gave my niece a set of L.L. Bean powder blue monogram luggage for her high school graduation and she’s been all over the world with it. Their stuff holds up!
If/When I ever have the opportunity to travel again I think you've converted me.
I just listened to your interview with Janelle and immediately came over to check out your minimalist packing ideas. 30L seems like a great size. I own a Mother Lode travel backpack and it's just a bit too big for me. Last summer I did train travel (exclusively) in Germany with the CTS Convertible backpack and loved it! Small enough to make me pack smart & under 10LB. Has the suitcase opening (like you mention being a big plus). Only thing it's missing is a hip belt, but I'm not doing true backpacking or through hiking. Would love a post about your favorite Merino wool products! They are investment pieces and some are very thin/prone to holes. I have an Icebreaker tee that's lasted years but not finding good quality replacements. I'll put in a plug for Darn Tough merino socks (lifetime warranty)!
Hi. My Mother Lode is the Jr, which is around 40L. I agree, it is a bit large if I'm trying to go really minimal. My Osprey Porter is 30L and because the construction is more rigid, it too sometimes feels too bulky. I have an Eagle Creek that's a traditional backpack design and is only 20L, but I'd really like something that size that opens like a suitcase. I'll keep looking...
Finding good quality merino can be tricky, I agree. I am planning to write a post about merino wool clothes and will push to get that done sooner rather than later.
Also, if you look at my Where In the World tab, you'll see a link to posts that mention minimalist packing.
I'll check that out - thank you!
Also, I just realized that you were commenting on my post about luggage and not a different post, so I apologize for the redundant info in my comment.