Pack for backpacking AND carry on for plane

"The carry on size restrictions are 24x17x10."

Wow, that's pretty generous. Which airline? All the ones I know have a "45 linear inches" limit — meaning L + W + D can't exceed 45" (e.g. 22 x 14 x 9).

Most packs up to 40L will come within the "45 limit" — although there are exceptions. Also, even if your pack exceeds the max. dimensions slightly — you may still be able to carry it on by not packing to the full.

As Ben said most airlines have a 45 max linear inch requirement (typically broken down as 22x14x9) but I know Alaskan airlines allows bags up to 24". Be aware that a lot of airlines, especially in continental Europe, have a 20" max length requirement even though they often still have the same 45 linear inch requirement (or the closest centimeter equivalent). Most bags 40 liters or smaller will work. Frameless packs are nice because they have more flexibility as far as fitting them into the overhead bin. I've traveled pretty extensively with my Jam2 as a carryon but even my north face prophet 65 meets requirements as long as it's not too full. Typically with carry-ons the most important dimensions are the length, and the thickness (depth) anything rigid over 22" inches will have to be turned sideways earning you the ire of other passengers and flight attendants. Anything much over 10" deep/thick will have some trouble going in but with a more flexible bag you can shove them in.

I would recommend any 30-40 liter bag with a reasonably durable fabric as a good carry-on. I work in a specialty luggage retail store and you'd be surprised how much damage even carryons get so it may not be the best place for a 30denier silnylon.

I think I'd have a hard enough time just getting onto a plane with a few items I would normally have for a backpacking trip. Things like a knife, matches, alcohol for a stove, etc.

Is this just a backpack for "backpacking across europe" type stuff or do you intend to do backcountry camping with this pack? It might be easier to FedEx the pack to a pickup spot on the other end.

My GG Mariposa plus is my default travel bag these days. Anthing up to a week travel. Just apply the same ultralight philosophy to your wardrobe as you do to your camping gear. Fits nice in an overhead compartment. Easy to carry through aisle in middle of plane. Just as I can't imagine lugging a 50-lb pack; I can't imagine waiting at baggage claim anymore.

mountain smith ghost.
if you can find one

i brought my golite pinnacle on airtran once without a complaint (just without the top portion being expanded).

Pinnacle and anything smaller shouldn’t be a problem (as long as its not fully stuffed). In my experience a stuffed bag smaller that the carry on limit LOOKS larger than a larger bag less stuffed. Therein lie the problems.

Sidebar: After my last trip I (and maybe others) will be investing in a cheap, light canvas or tough nylon duffel to put my pack in for those unexpected checked bag scenarios. We had to grab a small connector plane and baggage handlers beat the life out of my Pinnacle… grease stains, burn holes, and all!

I can see rips and slashes. But grease stains and burn holes? Maybe they went hiking with your pack! :)

Yes, you can buy one of those lightweight, packable duffles to house your backpack — but you can also use those FREE super huge and tough plastic bags that many airlines give out — to protect child carriers, golf bags, etc., etc.

United Airlines have them out in the open so you can just grab a few and not even have to ask! It's what I used back in the days when I checked my hiking pack.

Depends on your baseweight and food weight. But a Jam works quite nicely. Being frameless, also very "scrunchable" into overhead compartments and such.

Another vote for Jam. Have also taken my Pinnacle carry-on but it is a bit large for most of my trip, backwoods or city.

May be off topic, but I've been very succesful in taking my UL kit along on Business trips (for some local fun) and getting it all in a 22" roll aboard.

That way, my fragile stuff is protected from crushing, tears, stains, etc. and because it's UL, makes it easy to get into the overhead (weight wise).

I have a SMD traveler, part of its design was the ability to bring it on a plane…

link:
http://sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=59

Hi, I'm new here, and just getting started, but I got a Gregory Z35-R as a gift, and I have used it for a carry-on bag. I like the pack very much. Good luck

I hope thay had a good trip!!!!!!!

It looks like it got caught on the edge of conveyor belt as I can guess.

Good looks on the free bags but a cheap duffel would provide a second bag if needed and more stout protection from the venomous throwers.

+1 on jam suggestions as well.

Worked like a charm! Flew out to LAX from IAH, had only my Kestrel with me…the reason I love this pack for traveling is under the hood, this pack has some netting (zip-pocket) where I store all my liquids..no need to pull out a plastic baggy with all your liquids- I just flip the hood open and lay it down. Everything is easy to see and never any hassle. Did Vivian Creek (San Gorgonio mt./San Bernadino) with my girlfriend. Pack is a little heavier than I would like but is pretty tough so it is perfect for travels. On the return flight my pack was full and I had no problem sliding it into the overhead storage head first. Hope this helps!! – J

have used my cilogear 45 as a carry on before… worked well.