One Week, One Bag. Topo Design Travel Bag Carryon Backpack REVIEW

[@Windingify]

I used to be all about going super light when I was young and did a lot of travels around the planet with virtually nothing on my back. Even went to South America with just a plastic bag holding only a sweater and a toothbrush. But that was 25 years ago when the world was a different place to live. ( I remember seeing mobile phones on the streets of Caracas, before coming home and they were suddenly everywhere.) I think nowadays we carry so much gear around, even in our daily lives, that going one bag involves too many compromises. There is still a lot to be said about going minimal and all, but I still find organizing in one bag to be more frustrating than easy. Also, the airport security often makes it too much a hassle, when all the goods are in the carry-on. When that is said, a 40L is probably the sweet spot. Great vid as always BO.

[@Youknowthebo]

Very well said, mate. I'm exactly the same like you. I really want to travel with just one bag, but in the end it actually generates more hassle especially when you have to travel with lots of equipment or for business trips.

[@aldoacvs]

Like the video as always. The mountain backpack from Topo Desing is the one I like to see a video from this channel.

[@Hermetic_]

I love watching Bo’s videos even though I already found my perfect work/travel bag (the Aer Flight Pack 2), and fun bag (Topo 3-Day Briefcase). Bo’s video are simply enjoyable to watch, regardless of the content!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much, Mike!!! That sounds like a great bag combination!

[@JasonMaynard]

Hey Bo, I have that exact bag and LOVE IT! I had the original Topo Designs travel bag, which was 33L. It had a number of faults. They did an awesome job in the re-design. I can one-bag with this backpack easily and have had no issues with the airlines to date. (Granted, I do not travel with all that camera gear that you do.) Keep up the wonderful videos. They are always informative and helpful.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much, Jason! And thanks for sharing your experience with the bag. I really like the bag and it will probably stay in my collection ;-)

[@hemanofeternia9954]

Dig the content as always bud! And i didn’t realize they had that zipper security feature on that bag, super simple. And happy new year to you Bo!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, Evan. Happy New Year to you too, mate!

[@KaranBhansali01]

I agree with your review a 100%! Additionally, I'd like to get a removable waist belt as it gets very bulk and a little uncomfortable on the back while carrying.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, Karan. Usually I prefer removable waistbelts as well, but with this I did not mind at all. It adds a little bit of lumbar support and isn't that bulky as I thought.

[@katrin014]

Thanks for this video! I have been waiting for a review for exactly this bag for some time now. Happy you covered all points worth mentioning. Again, thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much, Katrin! So are you thinking of getting this bag?

[@katrin014]

@@Youknowthebo If I can find a good deal for it, yes. I like the many functions but was worried it therefore could be too complicated to use. Especially if the many pockets/functions reduce the packing volume for clothes (which is mostly the case). But your descriptions are actually helpful.

[@Youknowthebo]

At first impressions I was thinking the same thing. All the pockets seemed a bit much, but in practice they were helpful and did not get in my way

[@andymck62]

love your work mate thanks for your effort and time.I am in New Zealand and here and south east asia for travel carry on is limited by size ,,and also by weight.7kg is the normal carry on weight so this limits how mush you can put in a carry on.These lovley big 40 liter bags would be pretty empty to make 7kg..once again many thanks Bo.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much, Andy. That is a very valid point. Weight limits can be an issue.

[@tayzau]

Yes! I've carried my Kelty Redwing 40L backpack on both domestic (U.S.) and international flights no problem! The black color definitely makes it looks more discrete.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for the answer. Someone in the comments mentioned that weight could be an issue. Have you ever had someone weigh your 40L bag?

[@NaturallyNerdy]

I’ve traveled in the US and internationally with the 40L nomadic travel bag as my only bag. Ive never had an issue with it as a carry bag

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for the reply. For me it always depends on the person who checks me in. sometimes they check out my carry on but most of the times they don't even bother to look. I think it also depends on how full the flight is and if you are one of the first or one of the last to check in / board the plane.

[@laurencept5255]

I went on a 5 weeks trip to France, Portugal and Spain and used the Alchemy Equipment 45L Carry On + a little Quechua bag. I got the opportunity to get the Alchemy bag on sale and I'd been eyeing for more than two years so I was excited when I got it. I must say that to me, the AE carry-on is closer to 40L than 45L... maybe even less. I travelled during summer, therefore I had less stuff than someone who would have traveled in colder weather. It's definitely doable and the bag was great. I was never checked for size and I traveled with Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia. I took the bus, the train and it was fine. When I do it again, although I love my AE backpack, for that long of a trip, i'd take something a bit more "strechable" and i think a waist belt is a must. I sometimes felt like my bag was heavy. I used my 10L ultra-compact Quechua or a waist-pack for everyday and kept the AE for my travelling days, taking the bus, train or plane. One bag travel is great to me because I love to have my hands free and being able to just go up and down the stairs without having to worry about a big luggage. But it is also a challenge. Anything you buy, you have to ask yourself " Will it fit???". To me it's worth it for the cheaper flights, but to some it might not be, and I totally understand that. Love the channel and I wish you all the best! ;)

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for the great comment Laurence! As I said in this video: This was the first time I only packed one bag. And it is definitely liberating. I would love to travel with just one bag in the future, but for business trips or longer flights it wont be doable for my packing style.

[@bartolomeo8008]

Great review! I use a Klättermusen Galar duffelbag - 40 liters, messenger style and light on features, but very compressible. I've utilized it on trips ranging from overnight stays to two weeks of flight/train/bus/boat-hopping around Europe, no carry-on hassel.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much. I never heard of that bag. I need to google that one

[@Precogvision]

Great review - your editing is top notch! I would never consider purchasing this bag, but you sure make it fun to watch.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much! I'm happy to know that you enjoy the video although you aren't looking for a bag. But how did you stumble upon my video then?

[@Precogvision]

@@Youknowthebo I've watched a few of your other vids, and am subscribed to your channel. Also read Carrylogy sometimes!

[@daviddessus8323]

Great review man ! I really like the blue version of this bag. It changes from the all black look that everyone, including myself, is looking for. 😁

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, David. The color definitely is attention grabbing, which is the reason why I chose it (especially since all my thumbnails have black bags). But in practice I think the black version would have been more discreet.

[@HorchataPirate]

I often travel internationally in Asia and Europe, using ANA, Singapore, JAL, Qantas, etc. I always have my carry-on luggage, Samsonite, and then my personal item, chrome fortnight 40l. I've never had an issue with chrome bag being 40l. This could be due to the design of the bag. So I personally believe a 40l bag should not be a problem for most flights. Thanks for the video!

[@Youknowthebo]

That is good to know. In my experience it always come down to the person you are dealing with. Sometimes they don't even bother to check my carry on bag, but sometimes they can be really picky about it. Obviously it also depends on how full the flight is, if you happen to board the plane last and all the overhead bins are already full then having a big bag can lead up to them asking you to check it in.

[@kidbach]

That is one swiss army knife of a bag. If I ever need a 40L travel bag( I use my Osprey Nebula 34 now)in my future, this will be definitely at the top of the list. I only travel by train, bus, or car, so, I've never fell victim to the dreaded, "you'll have to check your bag, sir" foolishness. Thanks for sharing, Bo.

[@Youknowthebo]

Hey Mate, Agreed. I never thought I would need a 40L bag, but for my packing style this bag is awesome. But I am affraid that it might be too big for carry on. Especially in asia or some airports in Germany they can be pretty picky. And from a visual perspective: Since I am on the shorter size this bag looks even bigger on me compared to maybe someone with a bigger frame. So I can see how someone might assume that this bag is bigger than 40L when they see it on me rather than on a taller person. I have a friend who is over 2m tall and he only carries big backpacks. On him those bags look tiny.

[@mickrileybcn]

Just bought this and have tried to pack it.This pack can be packed for a long travel period (4 weeks+ easily), especially if you combine it with a normal sized day pack.As it is soft and without a frame it fits inside all airline companies bag size tester.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

I am in love with this bag. There is so much detail in the design of this bag. The zippered sections help the bag maintain it's structure. In the good ole USA (where everything is big) one is rarely stopped by airlines. My go-to single bag used to be the Osprey Porter 40l but being one big well made it hard to section off the contents. Time to upgrade that laptop to something a bit smaller. 13" is now the new 15". My Microsoft Surface devices are my travel computers of choice. Thanks as always

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, Anthony. I really would love to travel with a 13" laptop, but work wise I need a 15" laptop. All the ports and the screen realestate is important to my workflow. And the 13" macbook pro is nowhere near as powerful for my needs. Nor is the 15" but for all my clients and my work I need to stay on Apple unfortunately. If not I probably already would have switched to PC

[@yiorkis401]

Thinking of this in black or the Aer 2 🤔

[@Youknowthebo]

Although The AER Travelpack is one of my favorites I now would probably choose this one. But the laptop compartment is really annoying, be aware of that.

[@yiorkis401]

Bo Ismono my concern are the flights in Europe w/ the Topo , but yeah really digging this bag too ! Gr8 vids btw

[@dalepritchard7326]

My 44l cabin zero bag fits in the the things easyjet uses to measure bag sizes

[@Youknowthebo]

Wow, that's pretty impressive. 44L sounds massive

[@dalepritchard7326]

@@Youknowthebo It doesnt have alot of compartments but the main section can hold alot and it is light. I use it for work to as I am away all week.

[@missjessiesoyeux]

I love this bag but why they didn't put a real hip belt , if we hike or what , its always more comfy with hip belt ... so sad

[@hawkkamania]

So many compartment ,I hate to access the main compartment by unzipping zipper 2 times, I"ve been using Tortuga setout for quite a while now ,It's a 45L backpack and I've never checked the bag. Maybe this is because I didn't fully utilise the bag(because this bag is really big) and I've cinched it down quite a bit for ten day Vietnam trip.

[@themartian1]

Just don't zip the inner one and roll it up.

[@anhtruong420]

Hey Bo at 1:02 I see the Topo Kettlesack!! Will you do a review of this bag soon?

[@Youknowthebo]

You have seen correctly. Yes, I am currently reviewing it. It should be ready in the next few weeks.

[@anhtruong420]

@@Youknowthebo Yayy! I can't wait!

[@sng2225]

Hi Bo. Happy new year! I really applaud your desire for one bag travel. I don't consider myself an expert but also like to try to travel with only a single bag. Yes i use an Osprey Transporter 40 for longer trips when flying and even the draconian restrictions in the asia pacific region are satisfied. Though for situations where you travel on smaller planes then this won't apply such as propeller powered planes. I have for a 4 day trip managed to travel with my Northface Borealis which is 28 litres (one bag of course). Try one bag underseat airplane once you master one bag cabin travel! Unfortunately one bag carryon only travel means having to sacrifice bringing everything you may want. Tim Richards is travel writer for Lonely Planet who uses the rule of 3 for his clothing which means a lot of washing. I am not that extreme, though it is interesting. Also i have the same tripod as you and sometimes i skip using it for a smaller less convenient tripod. I don't bring a laptop and just use my phone a Galaxy Note.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the great comment! I was actually comtemplating about the Note9. I was wondering if I could use the Note as occasional replacement for my laptop and camera. It would be great to use just the phone from time to time instead of lugging around my computer.

[@zibo29]

Still loving my Peloton, almost same total capacity, but ability to be smaller for every-day use. Still no such alternative with this kind of versatility!

[@v1d300]

As much as I like compartments there is a just a bit too many thin compartments in the front for my taste. It surely doesn't scream a big bag but does look a little bulky when filled. Great review by the way. I like to say the way you show all the compartments and way you fill it really gives a good perspective.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, mate! In a way it is bulky, but for 40L it's not as bulky as I would have anticipated.

[@Punirus]

Nice review! I am looking for an Goruck GR2 Alternative. Perhaps this is one. Thank you!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, Erik! In terms of functionality it's definitely a good alternative. But somehow I don't think that someone who likes the look of a Goruck bag would actually like this colorful Topo bag

[@Punirus]

Bo Ismono I love the Goruck look, but the all black Topo looks good. I love the bright yellow lining, a pretty tactical feature!

[@Youknowthebo]

Bright inner lining is a must for me. I really wish more bags would use something bright. especially top loading bags.

[@maguzzy]

Hey Bo, thanks for putting this review together. I have two questions not relating to this bag. First, I picked up a Sony Nex3 for travel and looking for a good walk around lens . Second, do you have any recommendations for a travel sling that's about 10 -12 liters for that camera, passport and other small items?

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for watching, Michael! I use the sony 16-50mm kitlens on my a6300 a lot. Many of the shots in my videos are made with that lens. You can get it very cheap. Obviously it does get a lot of flak for being a kitlens and not having the greatest image quality, but I wholeheartly disagree. It's a great value and the image quality is great for what it is. Furthermore it is really compact to travel with. Have you watched my slingbag video? Maybe there is something you like. Although they are probably too small. I'm about to test the Funk St. Commuter sling. From first impression that could fit your requirements, but I haven't tested it yet.

[@asphalttour1241]

I watched the Video twice and analysed/compared it with my HeimPlanet 40 liters with Topo Design. 👏🏻 I traveled Carry On with my HeimPlanet 40 liters 21 days in the USA (BackPack)👌. I think the advantage of the Topo: 1. Lighter inside 2. SECURE zippers what I really missed during my trips in cities! 3. Also more place and compartments. What i still miss is the water bottle compartment 😉 may one day the 40 liters will have it or someone comes with a smart idea. Overall looks like a well made and great bag; also it´s not so often that you BO Ismono rate a bag so high 😊😉👏🏻 Thanks again 🙂

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, mate. Personally I'm really happy that there is no waterbottle compartment on the outside. A) It would make the bag even more bigger and B) someone could slip something in there. It's not always about someone pickpocketing something out of your bag but also sometimes into your bag.

[@chrisp.5309]

I just did my first trip (was in the U.S.) with my Monolith 40l and carried it on. I had it packed pretty full, weighing in at about 21 lbs/9.5 kg, and while the airline didn't check, I almost freaked out when I boarded and realized the smaller aircraft had small overhead bins, but I was able to cram it in.

[@DoktorWahrheit]

Decathlon 0.-8 Liter Flaschen und Karabinerhaken - irgendeine Lasche zum Anhängen gibts immer.

[@FaerieDust]

I use a wheeled suitcase, an IT Luggage carry-on, their "World's Lightest" series - the bag just weight 1.69 kg when empty! It's a 38 liter bag, so I think a 40 liter backpack should work out to more or less the same size (since the backpack doesn't lose useable space to wheels). Honestly, I could probably live out of my suitcase for a fairly long time. I lose a lot of space to my medications and skin care (I have prescription meds, including a Schedule II narcotic, that need to be kept in original bottles + packaging + paperwork, and I have two separate skin conditions that require very specific lotions), and to shoes (I need big orthopedic shoes, insoles, and a bunch of extra stuff)... But I still manage perfectly fine! Tablet, ereader, phone, a crossbody bag, a full size paddle brush, a towel, some hair care products, and clothes. I always end up packing way more than I need tbh, I don't understand what people put in bigger bags??

[@victorpitta1234]

Hi Bo, Will you review the Instinct backpack? I got interested in this backpack and apparently they've had a successfull kickstarter campaign. Your opinion is always revelant, keep up the good work!

[@Youknowthebo]

Hey Victor. Never heard of them before. I'll google them. Thanks!

[@missjessiesoyeux]

what about water bottle? can we put it? thanks

[@Stormbrise]

Given that I have to comply with EU airline carryon sizes I think the 30 liter bag is the max for me to take.

[@Youknowthebo]

Agreed. To be completely safe I would also go with the 30L version if you want to fly with this bag.

[@antonio_a87]

the 30liter one seems like it would be a great size for most things

[@Youknowthebo]

30L is definitely more usable for many cases, but I haven't been able to travel with just one 30L bag yet. So this extra 10L helped a lot with my packing style.

[@webbryan1]

Sir, can you review the arc'teryx brize 32, please? (for the same purpose as the one reviewed)

[@Youknowthebo]

Hey Ryan, Arcteryx is on my wishlist. I'm not sure if I can get one though. I'll see what I can do

[@webbryan1]

@@Youknowthebo that's awesome, Bo Thanks!

[@fav169]

Can you make a review of the one plus explorer?

[@Youknowthebo]

Do you mean the phone company One Plus?

[@fav169]

Bo Ismono yes

[@sabihspeaks]

HNY Bo. Love your approach to bag reviews in general. Unfortunately with this one couldn't agree to the overall score. Firstly, being positioned a carry-on bag and already being over the dimensions (by design) of most airlines carry-on restrictions is a big design weak point to me. Secondly, use of extensive 100D cordura and 409D pack cloth with so many zippers and a waist belt will definitely make this bag weigh almost half of the 7kg weight limit as well. Thirdly, the whole front organization area is super unsafe (esp. if travelling in crowded sketchy areas or in Asia in general). Last but not least, too many compartments in a travel bag mean not so much space left for actual clothes. I use a MEC Fast track Shoulder bag (a Canadian version of the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 40) for my carry-on needs and I am fairly certain while that is a 40l bag as well, this would perhaps fit only 3/4th of that one. Since you are new to the one bag travel world I am guessing the reviews of such bags would get better with time. Looking forward.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much, Sabih. I 100% agree with you on most of your points, which is why I emphasized that I am doubtful about the "carry on friendly" tag of this bag. and the front organization is not the safest, but the safety loop is actually pretty good, not 100% safe but still a good addition. At first I had the same assumption like you in terms of "too many compartments, mean less space", but in practice I was so suprised how much I was able to fit into it. And in terms of scoring: To be very honest, if this were just me, there would be no scores on my reviews. But since this is also on carryology there needs to be a score in place for comparisons sake. and in comparison to many other bags this scoring is pretty justified IMO ;-)

[@sabihspeaks]

@@Youknowthebo appreciate the detailed response, Bo. Look forward to some more great reviews in the coming days.

[@Youknowthebo]

You're very welcome. And thanks for watching my videos!

[@palftorrenz]

Have you tested a USWE bag?

[@Youknowthebo]

I haven't heard of them before. I'll google it.

[@soccerslus]

As far as the airlines go, I've never had an issue with this bag, but if they gave me a hard time I'm pretty sure I could cram this thing into the testing bin by the jetway since the backpack is very flexible. Also, I'd like to add that with topo designs you have the ability to attach another bag to this with the clips at the top and bottom of the bag. I travel with the Topo Designs daypack attached to my 40L travel bag. When I get to my seat I disconnect the two bags and have all my little electronics right in my seat and the 40l goes up in the storage bin.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for the comment, Bruce. That feature to attach another bag is awesome. I need to use that someday in the future.

[@limjazzdedragonheryadi1290]

This is what I need...

[@DoktorWahrheit]

I'm not but a friend of mine uses the farpoint 40 for months in latin america

[@aln8702]

Asura here again, New account, again. I noticed the klettersack video you're working on as well. I personally dislike that bag a lot for its lack of Organization. I much preferred the mountain pack. Also there is a carryology version for the klettersack but it has cobra buckles instead of the normal ones that are a hassle. Personally I'm more of a fan of the Burton Tinder bags, returned my klettersack after is was too much of a hassle for me.

[@Youknowthebo]

Hey Asura, Yes, I'm currently testing the Klettersack. It's pretty much back to basics with it's minimal organizational style. I'm honestly not sure how I like it yet. The quality of the bag is pretty great though.

[@bamaloo6791]

I come to you for height references as I'm only a cm shorter while most reviewers are 180 plus

[@bikecommuter24]

I would love to be able to one bag travel. Not going to happen anytime soon, unless someone makes a Doctor Who Tardis inspired backpack where you can big things into a small space. That bag looks big, I like the blue sometimes I get tired of always having black all the time LOL but every time I order a new bag I pick black. LOL I was just talking to someone about this topic and dealing with weight limits and how one time I got through check in with a 7 KG limit with 12kg of gear.

[@Youknowthebo]

Or a Harry Potter spell to make it's internal size bigger ;-) Weight limits are also a big factor. It really always depends on the person at the check in. If you play it cool, most of the time they don't even bother to check your carry on. But then if you're unlucky someone right before boarding the plane might tell you to check it in. It's hit and miss sometimes

[@bikecommuter24]

That would work too. 👍 I don't have have problems in North America, Europe or Asia its the other countries its only happened a few times, my camera bag looks small, I call put it that little box thing they have and I have plenty of room all around. 7kg is light, considering my main camera and biggest lens when connected together weighs 1400 grams, my small DSLR camera is 700 grams my laptop is 1400 grams, my batteries weigh 80 grams and I got six of them, plus lenses so you can it adds up fast. I once had to wear my main DSLR and big lens fit the next biggest lens on my small DSLR and hand carry my laptop put my batteries in my pockets thank goodness I was wearing cargo shorts at the time. Next time I'll just leave my camera bag home and put everything in my pocket. The Flight Attendants got a laugh out of that. the fun part my bag fits under airline seats I bough it for that feature.

[@jackiechow860]

Messenger mode looks ridiculous...

[@Youknowthebo]

True, and it does get very heavy on one of your shoulders.

[@hehenotbad911]

Try nomatic travel bag, im sure it can 100% satisfying you 😇

[@Youknowthebo]

Nomatic is on my wishlist 😉

[@hehenotbad911]

@@Youknowthebo looking forward for nomatic with your review version 😁

[@c.straub4452]

hi have you ever tested a douchebag or wich bag would you recommend for school

[@Youknowthebo]

Hey Constantin, No, I Haven't tested Douchebags yet. But I want to. Recommending a bag for school is pretty difficult for me, because it has been about 20 years since I've been in school, so I don't know how many books or items you need to carry. Can you tell me what you need to pack and how much you want to spend?

[@c.straub4452]

@@Youknowthebo normaly I have to carry 3 thin folders Some days I have to bring my 13 inch laptop so a laptop compartment would be great I have around 200 euro to spend but lower would be ok Thanks for replying that fast

[@kntwing23]

thumbs down for not having a link for the b. pack..

[@Youknowthebo]

I decided against links for products that I review in all my videos. Here is why kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXnYeYVsa9CsbbM

[@stuartmooreis]

I use one of these all the time for travelling and have never had a problem. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GO3AM3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks, Stuart. Is it actually 40L? It does look so small on the pictures.

[@stuartmooreis]

@@Youknowthebo It's actually 44L but I do compress it a bit with the straps just in case, so probably about 40L. It's not quite a Topo or Aer ;) but it has lasted me a few years now.

[@yonggor]

i don't like the color of the video, too flat, too grey, too little detail. i understand it's to mimic so called trendy "youtuber look", but to my humble eyes, it doesn't make the cut.