If you could only have one backpack……

Dont ask for people's choice if you are going to claim they don't qualify!

I'd get a mchale if I had the cash and only one choice. If not my gg gorilla.

Just measured my HMG Windrider. 22x13x9". 22" with the top compressed all the way down and 9" with the pack uncompressed back to front.

I have used the gg gorilla for trips up to 7 days between resupply. It's carry on legal size wise (those some international region carriers limit you to 5kg which I am over if fully packed). You have to be careful not to get straps hooked when pushing under the seat.

–mark

I'd get a Mchale if I had the cash and only one choice
+1 very modular. Only have to buy once construction.

Re Posted 01/28/2012 20:43:43 MST by Michael Lang (mpl_35)
Dont ask for people's choice if you are going to claim they don't qualify!

I'd get a mchale if I had the cash and only one choice. If not my gg gorilla.

Ha Ha Ha, too funny. It's not me claiming they don't qualify, there Michael, it's the Airlines who have the carry on size restrictions. 22 inches is the length limit.

A little heavy, but I've found the osprey talon 44 to be a real jam up piece of work and it's a legitimate carry on.

I foolishly took a carry-on sized internal frame pack for three weeks of travel in Colombia. Although I'm barely 5'10", the pack wasn't tall enough to transfer load to my hips.

If I were to do it again I would use a frameless pack that uses a pad as frame. Possible to squeeze into that 22" box, but able to transfer load.

Maybe Golite Pinnacle?

Clay, actually almost all airlines just limit to 45 linear inches, not specifically 22x9x14. Just saying. So many of the above packs would def fit in that category as long as they weren't packed to the gills.

United's policy – http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1032,00.html

IF only 1 pack:

1) Must be durable.
2) Must be airplane carry on able for those international trips.

I have an eagle creek travel panel loader and its the dimensions Clay above stated.
Made from Cordura. Carried hundreds of days as both a travel bag and also as a backpack in the mountains. Looks like the day it was bought. Gotta love durability. Its shoulder straps are hidden for airplane travel in back pocket that also just, surprise, surprise fits a frame sheet. Make your own here for appropriate stiffness due to weight carried.

It has 5 zippered compartments as well all YKK.
1 Main 2 subs and 2 "loose ends" compartments not counting the back panel.
D rings for strapping on things like sleeping pads/crampons.
Ice axe carrying is a bit rough though.

Weight: 1.75lbs.

Not made anymore. Got mine on closeout and no way in heck would I sell it.

i dig my berghaus! signature german quality with a well-earned reputation.
while it likely disqualifies as superlightweight according to present-day standards, it's BOMBER!
come trail, crag, or anything and everything in-between, it continues to service me with it's signature simplicity. virtually frameless, and entirley pocketless, it hasn't an expandable lid, nor does it accomodate a bladder system, but at 3000 cubes, it gets the job done. i've owned it for over a decade now, used it for two thru hikes and many climbing excursions. imho, lightweight is virtuous, yes. i'm also an advocate of cutting corners in the right places. for me, a chinsy pack isn't one of them. sometimes you just can't beat the real mccoy. lt

Err – Berghaus is British!

neil~
i'm glad you were paying attention. :)
happy monday morning! lol! lt