Recommendations for a backpack for a one bag trip needed!

[FirstTimeSoloTraveller]

I need a bag that fits some very specific requirements.

I'm headed to the Italian Grand Prix next year and it'll be my first ever solo trip. I can get flights for £30 each way if I go one bag, with easyJet, so it needs to be 45 x 36 x 20 cm.

My packing list is simple - a cap, 4 t-shirts (one for each day of the race weekend), two pairs of shorts, underwear for the 4 days and a small amount of toiletries - my skincare routine is 4 items, I will take minimal makeup, deodorant and a mini perfume or body spray, a camera and some pens. One pair of pjs (a top and some shorts). Phone charger & portable charger, but that's it,.

I will not be doing anything else - I won't be changing for dinner, I will either eat at my hotel, or in Milan with other fans. I'll wear the same clothes to travel home as I wear to fly out. One pair of shoes that I'll wear.

HOWEVER, I also need the bag to be fit to come to the F1 with me. It needs to be able to fit 4 or 5 empty 500ml bottles of water (to refill and not have to pay a silly amount of money for drinks at the circuit), as well as things like a pad to sit on, snacks etc that I'll purchase before the race, and anything else I want to take (mainly suncream, but I will buy that at the airport to avoid the liquids issue).

Any recommendations for this? I'd prefer something that will stand up to other trips, if this one is a success I plan to go on more solo trips abroad.

The recommendations that keep coming up are things like the Lululemon Wanderlust or the Patagonia Tote but these seem pretty expensive and I'm not sure if there's anything else? They MUST be a backpack for the comfort of the race, and I'd rather get something that I can shove a bumbag into for the essentials (passport, wallet at the airport and portable charger and ticket at the race)

Check out decathlon bags maybe ?

Definitely a better price! Do they last, do you know? I've had the carryon sized backpacks before and they're always falling apart by the end of the trip!

I use a Roka Canfield for work, and it's like a tardis!

Décathlon ones last a while! I have a few, the oldest one is from when I was in high school… and well that was a while ago?

I swear by this bag from Decathlon when I travel now. It has an insulated compartment at the bottom that's useful for keeping things cold, but I also find it really handy for easy access to my bag of liquids at airport security. It has two side water bottle holders and a sit-mat included in the bottom. I recently took it on a work trip and managed to fit outfits for four days, an extra pair of shoes, big headphones, spare book, toiletries, snacks. I think it would definitely fit what you need, depending on how bulky the clothes are.

I think there's a 30L one as well that might be able to get away with as hand luggage too.

I've bought lots of stuff from Decathlon over the years and always found them good quality and value for money.

EDIT: the link didn't work. It's the 'Quechua Insulated backpack 20 L - NH Arpenaz 500 insulated - Blue'

The link just takes me to the landing page for all backpacks!

the sit mat sounds ideal though, because the grandstands are so uncomfy!

Sorry, I'm not sure why that happened! It's the 'Insulated backpack 20 L - NH Arpenaz 500 insulated - Blue'. Should come up on google. I love it!

Thank you!! Sounds like a strong contender!

If you put cabin max into search engines you’ll get suggestions usually suitable for Ryan air so double check easyJet’s requirements. Do check the exact f1 rules re bags because typically they will not allow larger bags into sporting events, never been to Monza though.

I was actually there this year, they were very relaxed. I’ve never been to a race where it’s an issue before! But any cabin sized bag will be fine I’d imagine!

Highly recommend Cabin Max. I have the under seat rucksack and the next size up for the larger easyJet size.
I easily fit 4 days' worth of clothes into the under seat bag for a trip last December, including extra boots. It opens like a suitcase so really easy to pack.
Their service is excellent and both bags have lasted really well.

Oh this could be a shout! But I don’t know how convenient it would be for the f1...

I love Osprey. I only buy them now.

I've got one of these: the-foldie.co.uk/products/the-foldie%C2%AE-backpack

https://amzn.eu/d/dMkndKf

These work well. Flew back yesterday and they were being very strict over bag sizes.

What about this bag from Carradice’s factory outlet? It will last a lifetime.

https://ebay.us/m/8GED4u

They make top notch bags (mainly for cycling so suitable for all weather) and are made my hand in the North West. They usually sell for twice the price so this is a real bargain. I have an almost identical bag from their collaboration with Lanx.

For £145 I'm not a huge fan of how it looks

It’s not £145, it’s £75.

Karrimor Urban. I got mine from Sports Direct. Sturdy and well-made, with lots of pockets to keep stuff separate and plenty of space to pack.

Comfy to carry too. I bought it as my "small bag" as I've had the same Karrimor cabin luggage case for over 10 years now, I'm hoping the little one will last as long!

This is a great little rucksack. It’s the right size (47 (H) x 32 (W) x 18 (D) cm - so 2cm too tall but since it’s a squashy rucksack that would easily be fine). It’s very well made and I think looks quite clean and tidy. Quite a few colours. Bought the black version for OH as a work commuting backpack - it’s capacious, sturdy, and comfy to carry around. It has the laptop bit you wouldn’t need, but you could keep book / passport in there for security.

We looked at quite a lot and this one was much nicer in person than a lot of others. And v good price.

eta - I like the navy/mustard, or the teal, but they’re all good.

eta again - it’s about 30 litres, so plenty of space. But also looks neat.

Even for £75 I’m not too keen 😅

Oh this does look good!! I like the outside pockets for water, because it means I can carry more bottles 🤣

Kipling do very practical luggage including backpacks.
The zips are strong and good padded straps.
I have 2, 1 is smarter, 1 is bright colours

Do you think it would be enough for a longer (8 day) trip?

They do a few sizes, from tiny up to massive holdall sized.
I also have a couple of suitcases, they are lightweight but sturdy