The ULTIMATE rucksack

[GoldenCagedBird]

Ill, immobile and miserable so dreaming of getting ready for holidays

I need a bag which is ‘small cabin bag’ sized for me and baby DD. It will be used for weekends away, and as a carry on bag for flights.

It doesn’t need to be a changing bag, but small pockets will be great so I can stash wipes. It should be big enough for an adult change of clothes, a small packing cube of baby bits, toiletries, nappy change stuff and baby toys.

I purposely haven’t posted this in style and beauty- but if it looks great. That’s a plus. I like neutral earthy colours (cream, brown, tan) and black. Would prefer canvas over pleather. No more than £120- but ideally cheap as possible. Would prefer something that doesn’t scream SPORTS but if it’s practical and amazing I want to know about it.

Basically the biggest best rucksack.

I have some lovely sweaty Betty running backpacks and a fjallraven which are lovely but just not big enough, nor do they even expand at a push.

Cabin zero I have the orange one. It's kind of a dusky orange.

Not to be confused with the cabin max which is day glo orange.

Kipling?

www.kipling.com/uk-en/sale/by-type/backpacks-c10508/

Roka?

Have a look at the Patagonia Black Hole ( in various lovely colours). Foldable Rucksack with shoulder hold tote handles too. Just as name implies, it holds an amazing amount but is neither big nor ugly.

Sorry, the Ultralight Black Hole, not the basic one.

I have the 20l version of this one and love it: www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/laptop-bags/raven-282?c=357&sl=One%20Size

I have one from rat bags on the isle of Scilly. They're made from offcuts from their sail making business and come in basically whatever colour and shape you want. I think they can personalise too e.g. add extra pockets. Basically indestructible. www.ratisland.net/shop

One of my favourite rucksacks is an Outpack Domke I bought second hand it's actually a large camera rucksack but has lots of compartments/padded waist strap handles etc. Unfortunately no longer made but just a thought you could look at camera rucksacks as a different idea they usually are well made because of the value of people's kit.

Patagonia Refugio. Fab bag for day to day, enough room for bigger day trips etc. Just the right balance of some small pockets for things which need to be separate, with a big main space (which I use with packing cubes for kid clothes). Waterproof, which wasn’t something I considered previously but has proved useful!

We got the Osprey Farpoint for carry-on only holiday last year and it's been such a good purchase. Took it on and off aircraft, trains, carrying onto local public transport and between accommodations - fits so much and is so comfortable.

We got the 40L one which is the size of a larger cabin bag, but it sounds like the 20L daypack might suit you better?

Roka is pretty robust and comes in great colours - I've used mine daily for near on two years, including a liquid spillage inside, and it's fab

It's a daily use though, not a 'pack for a holiday' carry-on type!

Look at Nordace, I have the Sienna in the beige shade. It would fit in everything you've listed.

Another vote for Roka. They are great bags.

I have bought myself and my ds these, absolutely awesome, fits in loads, cabin size. Charging port and show section.

Only gribble is it arrives folded and takes a while to flatten:
Large Travel Backpack Women, Carry On Backpack Men,Hiking Backpack Waterproof Outdoor Sports Rucksack Casual Daypack School Bag Fit 14 Inch Laptop with USB Charging Port Shoes Compartment amzn.eu/d/eYP6uNl