14 Great Underseat Backpacks for Budget Airlines Part 2: More Space, But Riskier!

In this video I will be taking a look at 14 tech and everyday backpacks which offer a little more capacity for your day to day or quick trips, but that have also worked well for me as an underseat / personal item backpack on multiple international airlines. The dimensions on these are a little riskier on some airlines, but if you need a little more space they may be worth checking out!
Which of these is your favorite? Any great bags you’ve been able to use as a personal item on smaller airlines?
#carryonbag #ryanair #whatsinmybag
Music: “Staycation” - Corbyn Kites
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RyanAir: 15.75 x 9.84 x 7.87 in (25 x 40 x 20 cm)
EasyJet: 17.72 x 14.17 x 7.87 in (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
Spirit: 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Frontier: 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
AirAsia: 15.75 x 11.81 x 3.94in (40 x 30 x 10 cm)
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Evergoods CTB26
Purchase: alnk.to/7M8GXcQ
Full Review: • The PERFECT EDC / Mini...
03:53 - Goruck Heritage GR2 26L
Purchase: prf.hn/l/aQNgJda
Full Review: • Epic Minimal Travel an...
06:22 - Patagonia Mini MLC
Purchase: prf.hn/l/9OpB5pL
Full Review: • One of the BEST Minima...
09:08 - Aer Travel Pack 3 Small
Purchase: shrsl.com/3fitx
Full Review: • Aer Travel Pack 3 | Tr...
11:18 - Heimplanet Transit 28
Purchase: www.heimplanet.com/products/t...
Full Review: • Heimplanet Transit Lin...
13:31 - Trakke Storr 25L
Purchase: bit.ly/3PmY3O0
Full Review: • Trakke Storr 2.0 25l R...
15:36 - Fjallraven Raven 28
Purchase: alnk.to/9IcFtmx
Full Review: • Fjallraven Raven 28 (2...
17:35 - Tom Bihn Synik 30
Purchase: shrsl.com/3dyxj
Full Review: • Tom Bihn Synik 30 Revi...
19:23 - Osprey Proxima
Purchase: osprey.pxf.io/rQMQey
Full Review: • Osprey Proxima 30L Bac...
21:33 - Mystery Ranch Blitz 30
Purchase: prf.hn/l/lGb1wVl
Full Review: • Mystery Ranch Blitz 30...
24:09 - tomtoc T73
Purchase: amzn.to/43k3ReT
Full Review: • New Contender for 2023...
26:16 - Able Carry Max
Purchase: bit.ly/3Fj3ec7
Full Review: • Able Carry Max Review ...
28:31 - Matador SEG28 (SEG30 Discontinued)
Purchase: alnk.to/e75Y4dh
Full Review: • Matador SEG30 Review -...
32:59 - Conclusion
Other Videos to Check Out:
Best Peronal Item Bags Part 1: • Best SMALL EDC | Under...
Top 10 Carry On Travel Backpacks (2023): • 10 Best Carry On Trave...
Evergoods CTB26 and Best Alternatives: • The PERFECT EDC / Mini...
Best Minimal Travel Bags Part 1: • 7 GREAT Minimal Travel...
Best Expandable Travel Bags: • 8 Great Expandable Bag...
Best Packable Daypacks: • 8 Great Packable Daypa...
Best Slim Tech Pouches: • Best SLIM Tech Organiz...
Packing Tips for One Bag Travel: • Minimalist Packing Tip...
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Items in Bag
Wandrd Accessory Straps: shrsl.com/20qyz
Water Bottle: shrsl.com/275i3
Anker Battery: amzn.to/3thjWlU
Anger Wall Adapter: amzn.to/3UFkWMq
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch: shrsl.com/3sgw7
Evergoods CAP2 Pouch: bit.ly/3iecdAk
Tablet: amzn.to/3EptXny
Headphones: amzn.to/3Eo85cm
Sunglasses: prf.hn/l/jWbged9
Playing Cards: amzn.to/3fZ5GLH
Mini Medical Kit: amzn.to/3UKkL2k
Manicure Set: amzn.to/3UKkRXK
Flashlight: prf.hn/l/0GnaAwl
Notebook: amzn.to/3Fw9gqW
Portable Standing Desk: amzn.to/3NWYb4A
Harddrive: amzn.to/3A7Sc7j
Mouse: amzn.to/3WWy3L1
Packing Cube: prf.hn/l/0GBAlL1
Dopp kit: prf.hn/l/ER9ezGO
Hero Clip: amzn.to/3TvWfkz
Multitool: bit.ly/3UMw622
Rain Jacket: amzn.to/3A8BqVu
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[@jasecola]

I'm very much on the fence about getting either the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small or the City Pack Pro for a personal item backpack. I'm kind of leaning towards the City Pack Pro for the smaller size/weight, but there is something about the extra volume that has me leaning towards the Travel Pack 3 Small for more versatility to use a one bag travel on shorter trips. I also like that the Travel Pack has the full length admin pane that they didn't implement on the City Pack Pro for some reason (a decision I don't understand), as well as a side grab handle. Tough choice! By the way, I've been watching your reviews for a long time now and love all the great work you do! I don't know why I'm so obsessed with watching backpack and travel gear review vids even when I'm not looking to buy anything, but I'm glad folks like you are out there making them!

[@arlencarlson]

I too am hooked on watching backpack review videos-whether shopping or not.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! I’m glad the videos have been helpful and I also watch tons of other bag and gear reviews, there’s just something really interesting to me about learning how others use their gear! Between the tp3 small and city pack it’s definitely a tough choice. If I had to pick just one, I would probably lean towards the tp3 for the reasons you listed (side handle, admin pocket, and the side compression straps). If you haven’t seen it, I have picture on my instagram showing a side by side of the city pack and tp3 small if you want to see how they look near each other :)

[@DaemonViews]

I had the same decision and went with the CPP. I somewhat like the admin pannel not being full depth. This way a pouch sits at the top and doesn't slide down and interfere with the bottom zipped pocket. In that zipped pocket I had my Sony overear in case. Fits well. Liked the water bottle pockets better. And like the absence of load lifters as it just adds clutter. The larger volume can be a positive or negative. The compression straps are nice. Although the CPP is small enough. Bit small for a real travel pack for me. But it's my on plane pack which carries my essentials and 2 days of change clothes if the airline loses my bag.

[@ChrisCarries_EDC]

Great video and an excellent idea well conveyed! I went through this process with my CTB26 and the GR2 26 - I actually found your comparison video very useful: it shows the GR being much more of a "classic" backpack look on the back, i.e. lower profile, than the CTB. They both take the same amount of stuff but the CTB's geometry makes it look a lot bigger. Also the CTB's straps need to be wider/thicker as for heavier loads it's uncomfortable. I ended up selling the CTB and getting the GR2 for these reasons.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! I’m glad the comparison video was helpful and as much as I like the CTB I agree, the gr2 26 just feels less bulky overall

[@DaemonViews]

Given that there is a 7kg weight limit on most airlines I fly, the evergoods has been comfortable enough. I totally agree though that the straps are thin and my goruck is a lot more comfortable. But I have rucked my cpl24. Just to give people a bit of an idea. 7 kg with the evergoods is fine. More is starting to push it.

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

If you don’t need a separate laptop pocket, the Evergoods Half Zip 26L is a good personal item bag. Holds a lot and looks like a regular, minimal backpack.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and great call out! Definitely a fan of the CHZ as well!

[@JC-wj3hx]

nice! always looking at your reviews lol! I'm now looking for a backpack for the wife! :) Any recommendations? Because she has some back issues.. maybe something with more padding.. similar to say the Cabinzero 36L ... anything under 150 US?

[@tap42al]

Have you tried the Aer Pro pack?? Thanks

[@MrPinpoint007]

I’ve had success with greenroom 136 rainmaker large and Cotopaxi allpa 28 on frontier.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing those recommendations! Both are awesome bags!

[@copper7187]

Awesome video, as always. Do you think that the Evergoods CPL28 or Bellroy transit 28L will fit into this video?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! Great callouts, I think both of those fall into this same category (likely a little over the listed dimensions but I would personally feel comfortable carrying them on)

[@chevy03racing]

Ive used the Fjallraven raven 28 with ease through airlines fits under the seat well even on a smaller plane packed with sweaters and a jacket and few clothes.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s great to hear you have had good experiences with the Raven!

[@exergyone7164]

I have used as personal item on Spirit and Frontier these bigger bags no problem: Aer TP2, Thule Subterra 40L, Heimplanet Transit 34L, and Evergoods CTB35.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with those larger bags, awesome to hear those can work as well!

[@xylesx]

Great video as always! I’ve been on the fence for the Aer TP3S for some time now. I’ve been using the Evergoods CPL24 for my work and travel personal bag. Would you say the TP3S is comparable to a CPL24 in size when compressed using the straps?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I think the tp3small is still going to feel a little bigger overall but not overwhelmingly so

[@xylesx]

@@dannypacks cool! Thanks for sharing. I might go for the City Pack instead for a smaller carry.

[@arlencarlson]

With the Fjallraven 28, it is easy to overpack and make it too thick. If you keep that in mind and underpack it a bit, under-the-seat travel works well with it.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and great point! If you completely stuff it it can definitely start to look bulky

[@OccupiedMuffins]

Agreed, 26-32 ish liters can work well for a lot of stuff if you don’t pack it to the seams.

[@Jaifii]

Great video!! Would you recommend the Patagonia Mini MLC or Aer TP3 Small for a travel + college backpack? Both of them look pretty similar (shape-wise) - was wondering if either would look too large and out of place for school.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Both are great options, I would personally lean slightly towards the tp3 small for college due to the more robust harness and the shape might be slightly sleeker

[@Jaifii]

@@dannypacks figured as much! Appreciate the prompt response 😁

[@rptempmail1]

thanks for your roundup videos. can you please also make a part3 round up video of best maximum legal carryon sized backpacks for those of us whom have to go on longer trips without wanting checking in a luggage or whom are not light- or pro- travelers ? thanks j advance!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll have to start thinking through a list of some of the ones I’ve used in the past!:)

[@PackingLess]

Hey Danny, another great video, the Able Carry have some of the most comfortable straps to wear for extended periods of time in my opinion. Whsts the bag on your rolling luggage at 0:35?

[@ibeauf]

At 6:27, he uses the same clip, it is the Patagonia Mini MLC

[@dannypacks]

Thank you Dean! I definitely agree on the able carry straps and like the other comment mentioned that is the Patagonia mini MLC, one of my all time favorites

[@PackingLess]

@@ibeauf Thank you! Dont know how I missed that haha

[@PackingLess]

@@dannypacks Thanks Danny, dont know how I missed that haha. Might have to check out the mini MLC, its not too heavy while empty too right

[@notchristina542]

Thank you.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@michaelklein23]

Can vouch for the ctb26 haven't had any issues with it. Want to try the aer travel pack in xpac but not the small and the gr2 34l

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and great to hear you have had good experiences traveling with the CTB26! The aer and goruck bags have been great as well so far for one bag travel

[@rknapp12]

Great video, I’m stuck. I have an Aer PP24 that I use for 1-2 night work travel, but it’s just a little too small for me. Would also like to be able to use it for occasional EDC. Looking at either GR2 26L or Aer TP3S and an outside chance at the CTB26L. What would you recommend?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! All of those are definitely great options. If you need water bottle pockets or a luggage pass through that would help eliminate the gr2. Besides that it will come down to aesthetic, harness and organizational preferences. I’ve done a video comparing the CTB and tp3 small and the gr2 and the CTB if you want to get a sense of some of the size and organizational differences

[@tromp2000]

Hi Danny, I'm new to your channel! I've been interested in the Osprey Proxima and you have one of the only reviews for that backpack. My question is regarding the backpanel, is it flexible enough to be able to squish in an personal item sizer if it came to that? I'm almost decided to get it but that still worries me a bit.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel!:) the bag is fairly flexible so I think it would be able to squeeze if needed, especially if it’s not completely packed out and if you don’t need the height to squish down too much

[@tromp2000]

@@dannypacks thank you so much Danny!

[@vickanid1862]

And yet people really love the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack from Amazon. It has a 4.7/5 rating from over 94K reviews! And it's only $22. I prefer the YOREPEK Travel Backpack, Extra Large 50L. It's rugged, water resistant, has a USB port and is quite comfortable to carry through the airports. It has a 4.7 rating from over 44K reviews. I've used it on both oversea trips and local excursions; properly packed, it's good for 10 days. I did add a cross strap to it for my comfort, but others might not need it. And, it's only $28!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing some more budget friendly options! There’s definitely some bags in that category I’m hoping to check out in the future

[@PaulAnthonyAlvarez]

*5.11 Tactical PT-R Gym Backpack 30L* Honorable Mention! PT-R > 14 Backpacks for 1/10 the costs! I also own a $500 GORUCK GR1 X-PAC and I stopped using it, because the PT-R exceeds expectations in features and practical real-world use with perfect pockets layout! Last, it is my EDC and for anyone the perfect Backpack for EDC, Gym, and/or Travel and is 90%+ Carry-on Compliance for Airlines (under the seat at 18"H x 12"W x 9"D). Thanks #1 Danny Packs!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’m not familiar with that one but it sounds like a great option, I’ll have to see if I can get one to try out!

[@adavelaar]

I love the comparison of all the bags. I'm just shocked how pricey some of these are.

[@iAmEhead]

Yeah, it's ridiculous. These are hipster designer bags. Not for your average working class hero.

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I’m so torn on the Tom Bihn Synik 30. Sometimes I think it’s ugly and too saggy-looking to be comfortable. Other times I’m ready to tell TB to take my money.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Although it’s not my favorite aesthetic the functionality is tough to beat!

[@P0WSEETr]

Tomtoc T73 looks great!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Definitely an awesome bag!:)

[@elcancion]

I was hoping to see my cabinzero military 28 in this ranking 😢

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Haven’t had a chance to check that one out yet, but hopefully I can get one to test out at some point!

[@wendystephens4819]

What’s the blue backpack behind you?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That is an old version of the Burton tinder pack

[@arlencarlson]

One more comment-in a couple weeks I am going to try to use the Pakt 35L Travel Backpack as under-the-seat personal item. Should be possible I think…it’s actually a bit smaller in looks than the Able Carry Max.

[@dannypacks]

Will definitely be curious to hear how it goes! I can see it working since the structure of the bag isn’t super rigid

[@macgruff69]

So how did it go? Were you able to store it under the seat?

[@arlencarlson]

@@macgruff69 Yes, went under the seat. Just have to be careful about not stuffing the expansion pocket. Also related, I have heard reports of one person putting the 45L under the seat as well--not sure how well that would work since it is longer.

[@macgruff69]

Thanks for the reply. I just bought the 35L a few days ago and plan on using it this way. Now I am deciding what smaller pack to put inside. The Pakt 15L seems just a little too small for what I want to do and I need a pack that will hold two 32oz water bottles. I was leaning towards the Aer GoPack 2 but not totally decided yet. I do want to take advantage of being able to put it in the expansion section.

[@arlencarlson]

@@macgruff69 Yes, the 15L can be small. I have both. And I do have to say I prefer the Go Pack a bit more…fits more, better back straps, and material would probably allow for easier packing. The 15L is great if you want a cross between a sling and a backpack. I am not sure what I would choose for my next vacation. For work/tradeshows the GoPack wins for sure.

[@_ssarine]

First, thanks for the video. Second, why don’t any of the bag reviewers ever talk about vertx stuff? Third, I’m flying with spirit in a week and the only good bag I have is a vertx gamut 3.0. It’s a 25L bag but the measurements are (outside) 21x11.5x8. I don’t think it looks much bigger than many of the bags you reviewed, but for being the same (or less) liters as many of the bags you mentioned I’m trying to decide if I should risk using this as a personal item.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good question! I think Vertx bags are great in general, I just haven’t had as much opportunity to use them regularly. Although it might be a little risky, I would probably use that as a personal item given the dimensions

[@_ssarine]

@@dannypacks I just wanted to let you know that I was able to fit the vertx gamut 3.0 into the personal sizer for spirit airlines. I did have it fully packed with a little space at top if I need to squish the top down in order make it fit. I also used packing cubes.

[@christines5247]

Confused as to why evergreen is on preorder when it’s been out a while.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! They usually run preorders when they are out of stock of a certain item

[@wabisabi6983]

One of the 25 L bags is $450.00!

[@ArtaghVril]

Very great Vid, but a little ironically: it's titled "14 Great Underseat Backpacks for Budget Airlines" but the backpacks aren't budget at all. I could find only two for less than 200 bugs (without sales and without shipping or other extra fees). If I could afford this much for a small bag, I could also afford the extra fee for bigger luggage at the airport if really necessary. Even my 110l Berghaus Crusader wasn't as expensive as most of this small ones😆

[@thefury2000]

It’s “budget airlines” not “budget bags”

[@ArtaghVril]

​@@thefury2000 oh damn, I just overlooked that ^^

[@mdubb4855]

Try the REI Flash 24, a 24L ultralight pack.

[@noctilucent7396]

Gr1 heritage

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely one of my all time favorites!

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

The Patagonia looks almost perfect, if it weren't for that ostentatious branding. Not only is it tacky, but I'm not buying something that screams EXPENSIVE BAG from across the terminal.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a fair point! Hope they release bags with more subtle branding at some point

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Disgraceful blackmail as people who have to carry xtra meds wont be able to take just 1 tiny bag clearly discrimination