I was just in Amsterdam - brought a pair of waterproof On Clouds. It was a great choice for walking around on wet days.
I just wore these to a day in Disney. Hot and humid as expected but these are very lightweight and worked perfectly (I am not a shorts person). I am 5’6" and they fell probably two inches longer than the picture - which was good for me because I wasn’t going for a “clamdigger” look. Higher price point but I’m sure I will wear them in similar situations.
I have a couple of bottoms from Kuhl and for me they tend to be snug, so I sized up in these.
This isn’t so much a travel clothing question - but has anyone found a very lightweight backpack that’s good as a personal item for a plane? I’ve searched for hours. Looking for something not super expensive, but that will be relatively comfortable if I have a thin laptop, change of clothes, and toiletries in it, lol.
The bag I used for a recent 12 day trip is sturdy, meets the airline personal bag requirements - but was so heavy. I realized when I unpacked it that the bag itself weighs a fair bit. Ideally I’d be able to use it in lieu of a carry-on when flying budget air…
Following.
This weighs a little under a pound and a half. The next size up (refugio) weighs 3 oz more. They used to make a nylon one that was a tote/backpack that i used to its death.
There’s a smaller lighter sling but it looks smaller than what you need.
Thank you, gardenstatelegal!! That looks great.
Btw, I got my recommendation for a four-wheel, carry-on bag here on CC (Travelon) - it was absolutely perfect for my 12 day trip!!
I own a Patagonia tote bag that can convert to a backpack. I’ve had it for over 10 years…wish they still sold it. It looks kinda like this one:
However I like mine better because it looks like a nicer tote bag (all black and less “tall”). I have used it many times as my personal item on flights by throwing my purse, electronics and other things into it, while still being able to have a traditional carryon bag with me.
The reason I like its convertible nature is for longer walks with it. Carrying it on my back (thru places like Heathrow) spares my shoulder from getting sore. I suggest if you go this (convertible) route to make sure the handles are long enough to be comfortably worn on the shoulder yet not too long where the bag would touch the ground if holding it down by your side.
Note: in my opinion the over the carryon handle “sleeve” some bags have, don’t necessarily do a good job with unstructured soft sided bags.
Anyway, I was thinking since you’re looking for lightweight bag, LeSportsac might work. I don’t own (or even handled) a LeSportsac backpack but have seen them while traveling. Maybe check them out.
Good luck!
I used this on my recent 14 day trip and carried 2 days change of clothing, an iPad, and other paraphernalia. It was very convenient and a great replacement for the older backpack it replaced. Weighs under 2 pounds and has very well cushioned straps so you don’t feel any strain whether you haul it over one shoulder or on your back. Easily slides on a trolley handle. It has 2 places for your laptop or iPad.
ETA: For some reason it won’t let me post the correct link. My back pack is the F.A.R Backpack 26L from Away. Some colors are on sale right now. I’m going to try the link again and hope that it works.
Backpacks that can be secured on top of roller carry-on bag are a plus. I use a few backpacks (from work and left by the kids), and they can be propped there. But a system like above would be better.
If you want a super lightweight one, I have this and love it. It says it 0.7 pounds. I like it because if it’s not full, it can mush up easily and doesn’t stay backpack size. It’s nice to squish around under an airplane seat or in an off shaped spot in a trunk. I am really hard on mine and it’s still going strong at 6 years. I take it hiking, flying, moving, etc.
It’s a little cheaper at Amazon, but it wouldn’t do a nice link from there.
Best travel clothing that I’ve ever had has been from REI. Great quality, can be used for exercise, heavy walking or just everyday clothes. Many items they sell don’t wrinkle, easy to wash when traveling, fast drying.
I know you asked for not expensive, but I love my Dagne Dover diaper bags; yes, I said diaper bag! The square shape makes packing easier, and it doesn’t drop down to my rear, as I am short. It comes in 3 sizes, and there are items included with the bag I didn’t need, but I love the bag for plane travel. I have had people come up to me at the airport and ask about the bag. It is a popular bag for new mother; my daughter was the one that suggested it as a few of her friends use this bag.
Dagne Dover also makes a a backpack, but again, I loved the shape of the diaper bag.
I’m not a backpack person, but this Lulu backpack is awesome and fits over a suitcase handle.
This is an updated version of the Lululemon backpack that I use for travel. I love it. Comfortable, holds as much as my previous tote bag, excellent trolley strap, and not too many pockets. I hate purses and bags with too many pockets, because I can never find anything!
This one is a bit larger capacity than the one mentioned above.
I will second Venture Pal. I’m not a backpack person but got this as a gift and have used it a few times. Extremely light and versatile; also cheap! On my last flight, I used it as my personal item along with a carryon bag - just stuffed my purse inside.
Weird that the one size of their bag is acting up on Amazon.
LOL - We still have our navy LL Bean diaper bag purchased for second kiddo in 1992. For many years at work I used it as a gym bag. Still looks like new.
For our first child, we had a series of cheapo diaper bags. (Kmart kept allowing me to replace after quick breakage; lots of wear and tear back/forth to daycare). Those were cutely patterns, and my husband would not carry them. Hence the navy choice for next kiddo.
I have had several iterations of this Eddie Bauer bag, and my current one is a dark blue, though there are jazzier colors. It stuffs into its own pocket, is light, and there is a separate area for my laptop. Plus the back and straps have some padding. Stowaway Packable 30l Backpack | Eddie Bauer
After my last couple of trips, I really appreciate a trolley sleeve. My advice is even with a backpack, a trolley sleeve is nice to have
We love having a way to slip our backpacks onto our rolling suitcase handle. Ogio is the brand of the backpack we bought from Costco. It is a bit heavy but love the padding and hard case for glasses. I believe it was $50 when we bought it.