Over the past few weeks, I’ve flown to Noosa and Melbourne, only packing a hand luggage bag. It’s the age-old dilemma of whether or not to risk it and squash as much as you can into a bag (of only 7kg!), or whether to suck it up and check in a suitcase.
But, as we all know, checking in a suitcase is often more hassle and money than it’s worth, so you might be pleased to hear I’ve found arguably the best bag for hand luggage on the market – particularly if you want enough space to pack all the bits you need.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Functional Training Backpack 35L
Though it’s primarily designed to be a gym bag, the LSKD Functional Training Backpack is insanely versatile. I use it to go to the gym, to carry my stuff to work, and as hand luggage on trips away.
It’s comfortable, spacious, and ergonomic. So far, I really can’t fault it when I’m schlepping around at the airport. But why?
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Why I love it:
- The bag is crafted from Cordura Ballistic Nylon, a rugged, durable, and military-grade material, so you can trust it to last a lifetime.
- It comes with removable internal dividers so you can separate your shoes, toiletries, and clothes if you prefer this style of organisation.
- The left-hand side compartment is a water-resistant toiletries section. Here, I keep my toothbrush, face wash, and other minis.
- It has a dual-opening ability. You can unzip the bag from the top or open it up from the front. I love this feature as it means I can open up the top and grab what I need if I’m in a rush or tight on space.
- There’s water-resistant shoe storage to keep grubby sneakers contained.
- The front of the bag has padded sections that laptops and tablets easily slot into.
- There are two expandable water bottle holders to fit a range of different sizes – very handy if, like me, you’re a big bottle fan.
- The shoulder straps are also nice and wide, and padded, alleviating any shoulder discomfort. Comfort when on the move is king, so the plush spinal padding eased the load on my back.
- It fits perfectly into the overhead locker, even when it’s packed to the brim. I’ve had backpacks before that get stuck.
- It comes with a suitcase carry sleeve for easy carrying.
- It has a generous 35L capacity. For a weekend away, I could fit a pair of sneakers, platform sandals, a towel, bikinis, dresses, workout gear, toiletries, makeup, and more!
At $300, it might feel pricey. But it’s actually cheaper than many other premium carry-on luggage options. It fits pretty much the same amount and has more versatile uses than a suitcase-style bag does. To me, that makes the price much more justifiable.
Looking for something a little smaller?
Functional Training Backpack 27L
I appreciate that not everyone wants a large bag. So there’s a smaller 27L option for those who prefer to size down.
While the core functionality of both backpacks is the same, the 27L is better suited for everyday efficiency, while the 35L is for maximum versatility and longer trips.
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