Lightweight airline carry-on pack?

HMG 2400 pack, like the Junction?

Thanks, but maybe not something that costs $320.  :)

I’ve been really happy with my Zpacks Nero. No frame, but I usually use a folded up 1/8 CCF pad in its place.

No mesh on the outside but I like my Osprey Porter 30. It has some foam and plastic that gives it good stiffness despite the lack of a traditional frame. I picked it up on Amazon for $90, iirc. Edit: it’s definitely the heaviest pack I own but it functions very well as a traditional carry-on pack with well thought out pockets and a laptop sleeve.

I have also flown with an MLD Core. No mesh on that either but it’s compact and very light. I managed to use a Core 22 for a seven night summer trip to Detroit a couple summers ago. I enjoyed the challenge of packing everything I needed in such a small pack.

Agree about the Osprey Porter packs if you want a functional travel pack.

I have used an older (40L) GG Gorilla.  HMG 2400 would likely work as would most any frameless pack you don’t over stuff. Six Moon Designs and ULA make packs designed for this hybrid use case but are heavy and not cheap. Remember that stakes and poles can not be carry on.. you need to check them – cardboard poster container works well.

I have a list of travel packs  I have tried. The best value for reason comfort, durability, and price would be Osprey’s Porter.

I’ve carried on my Arc Blast with stays in, no issues on about a half dozen roundtrips.

I opted for the Osprey Transporter 40 and absolutely love it.  Recently used it for a 2 week Costa Rica trip and actually overpacked as it is deceptively voluminous while still meeting airline carry-on size restrictions.  It carries beautifully in backpack mode.

…Looks like it it now called the Transporter Duffel 40