Decent backpack for 5 days

[Babysharkdoodoodood]

Not the most stylish of things but I need a backpack to use for 5 days in the Netherlands in November.

I'm trying not to take any other luggage as I'm going by train.

Any ideas as I'm clueless

Osprey ones are good and the straps are padded so more comfortable.

If youre not going to use it much again - Herschel - https://herschelsupplyco.co.uk/shop/backpacks

Or if you want one to use regularly that will last a lifetime - Filson canvas - https://www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk/filson-rucksack.html?c=Tan

I'd be very tempted to go to an outdoor shop/website such as mountain warehouse or Blacks and just get the most minimalist rucksack you can find. If you're not particular about brands you can usually find something pretty cheap. The mountain warehouse medium sized ones here https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/travel/backpacks/medium-backpacks/ have some useful photos giving you an idea of how the various sizes look on people's backs. I'm looking for a new medium-sized rucksack myself, and that's what I'll be doing.

PS. I'd also either look for one that is water resistant or buy a separate cover - it's amazing how damp everything can get when its on your back!

https://www.arket.com/en_gbp/men/bags/product.72-hour-3-way-duffle-bag-black.0986204001.html

this one from Arket looks good for a 5 day trip. I have the smaller 24 hour one and it’s great

Oh. I really like that one.

@Babysharkdoodoodood I'm not sure if you're looking for a proper carry it anywhere hiking style rucksack, or simply a bag. If the former, then I second the recommendation for Osprey packs. They are superb - I have literally hiked hundreds of miles with one with no issue at all. The approx 40l ones will fit in handluggage without issue, and hold a surprising amount.

If going down that route, it's worth getting some waterproof stuffsacks to keep everything organised within the bag, or it quickly becomes a tangled mess.

If you're looking for a more stylish bag then, sorry, outside my expertise.

I’m having the Exact same dilemma !!! Except for 6 days. Are you going for 40, 45 or 50l?? Also does anyone know if eg 45 or 50l can still be counted as hand luggage ( ie the overhead locker, clearly not as small bag under the seat in front !)

I think it depends, if you'll be carrying the bag for hours each day then go for a hiking style bag for comfort at the expense of it bring a bit trickier to pack 'nicely' and get to things near the bottom of the bag.

If on the other hand you'll only be carrying it when you are moving from A to B something like the CabinZero 44L backpack might be a nice compromise and can fit in overhead luggage racks and the side and top handles make lifting it easy https://www.cabinzero.com/products/classic-44l-georgian-khaki
They recently had a coronation weekend sale and several items were 50% off so it might be worth holding out for their next sale!

Important trivia - if you want comfort, get one which also has a waist strap. Reduces the strain on youir back. What are you actually going to be doing? It's probably worth taking a few minutes to read this very useful article, which isn't just about the wheels option. https://www.twoscotsabroad.com/rucksack-with-wheels/

I bought an Easpak one and lived out of it for a couple of weeks. It has three compartments and the front one can serve as a handbag if need be as it's so roomy. As it's a orooer back pack i can do it quite heavily and it's ok.

Sorry, apologies, I have just realised the article above is really frustrating as none of the bloody recommendations are in stock :(

Unless you're actually hiking with it DO NOT GET A TOP LOADER!! Total pain in the butt to pack and unpack.

Get a clamshell instead with packing cubes.

I've had my Osprey Porter for 6 years and have done 3 month trips with it. All the straps fold away so its perfect for airports and is ok to take in to plane cabins but Ive just checked how much they are going for now and its bonkers.

The Cabinzero above it a good option.

I took something very similar to this for 3 weeks in the US. I took no other luggage and only went to a laundromat once. The packing cubes were great.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YYOJ-Carry-Fidget-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B08JC9Z2X9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=S47BYFL9SB4U&keywords=aselin+40l&qid=1684316037&sprefix=aselin+%2Caps%2C570&sr=8-3

dunno if that link worked, here’s the one I took but I couldn’t find it in the UK, you might have better luck.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Backpack-Approved-Rucksack-Weekender-Overnight/dp/B07V9V8TY5/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=ID51ZQLYYREJ&keywords=aselin+40+lt+travel&qid=1684316231&sprefix=asel%2Caps%2C279&sr=8-3

No specific recommendations but would suggest that you look for one with a waist strap because a heavy bag will swing about and pull on your shoulders. Small packing cubes will help organise your clothes, keep things less creased and it's much easier to pull them out and repack. Use a small slim cross body bag (or bum bag) for your phone, passport, tickets, lip balm etc.
Decathlon are very popular on my hiking FB pages if you don't want to spend much (if you won't use it again). This is a good compromise or you could look at their 40l size if you need more room. This is a good regular shape to maximise packing and you can strap your coat underneath. Padded back as well as a hip and chest strap.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/30l-walking-rucksack/_/R-p-301675?mc=8550766&c=BLACK

Shein - probably good for a single use https://www.shein.co.uk/Release-Buckle-Decor-Functional-Backpack-Mothers-Day-Gift-For-Mom-p-11153496-cat-2151.html?src_identifier=st%3D2%60sc%3Dbackpack%60sr%3D0%60ps%3D1&src_module=search&src_tab_page_id=page_goods_detail1684329239330&mallCode=1

I'm only going from Eurostar to hotel to train to hotel x 3 then back on Eurostar. No hiking involved. Purely a luggage option.

So far the Arket one is my favourite

Get the Arket one! You won’t regret it