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Which color for carry-on?

Astrid

Veteran

I've spent a few hours searching the Internet for carry-on bags and one bag travel and you wouldn't believe how much information there is... I did like the bag I linked to in the other thread, but I was a bit worried it wouldn't be comfortable to carry for a longer time. So in the end I landed here:

http://www.ospreyeurope.com/de.....Fntq4-oIji

The Osprey Farpoint 40 fits carry-on dimensions and it has the benefit of having a decent suspension system and a hip belt (which a lot of these bags don't have). All reviews say it is comfortable to carry for a while, if you don't go hiking in it. It's also a frontloader, which is great. And lightweight!

Now I'm wondering which color I should ask for. It's available in something called Lagoon Blue and Slate/Charcoal. When you google the Lagoon Blue you get very different color in pics and I worry it's too bright and says "gear" much more than the slate one. That one seems more inconspicuous to me, but of course it's also kind of boring?

Which one would you get and why?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Caro

I would probably go for the blue, because its easier to spot when you are in a crowded place. Most bags are black, so its good to not have your bag looking like everyone else. Then again, if you are going for a more sophisticated look, go for black. Not grey. Safe travels!

Neel

Veteran

Blue ... But then brights always call my name! No other reason!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Caro. Pic #2 is the grey... I do agree with you on the visibility issue for either bigger or smaller bags you don't have on you all the time, but I wouldn't worry much about loosing sight of this one if I carry it on my back as my only piece of luggage.

Thanks Neel!

ramya

Veteran

Blue... Just because bright colors are so happy

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'd go for blue. I just get so bored with black luggage.

rute

Veteran

love the blue

E

Veteran

That's the backpack I got last year after tons on internet reading! I love it!

I opted for the charcoal, because I wanted something inconspicuous and that could fit into a variety of situations (since the backpack straps can be zipped away). I'm happy to take some pics of it/answer any questions you might have. I got it in s/m, because all of the one size fits all packs I tried on were way too long, and it fits just right. I'm 5'3" w a long torso.

E

Veteran

I didn't see the lagoon colour in person so I can't help you there. My store didn't have the backpack in stock so I had to order online. Some more hypothetical thoughts on a subtle colour from a backpacking perspective:

Airline attendants less likely to notice it and want to weigh/measure
Less likely to catch thieves' eye
Doesn't show as much dirt
Could pass for nicer bag if find oneself in an upgrade situation
Easier to resell as it's a gender neutral colour
Stands out less in urban centers where everyone wears black and grey
Goes with any outfit (lol)

I'm sure some of these points are debatable! Just what was going through my head as I opted for charcoal. And you know how much I love teal, but I was afraid it'd be too gearish of a shade.

Gem

I'd go for the grey, but I'm not really one for wearing bright colours

Anonymous

I'd go with the blue, and I'd tie a yellow ribbon on the handle for even easier identification.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the input, Ramya, Janet and Rute.

Eva, thanks! I didn't have this one on my screen initially, because even though it is easily available in Germany it doesn't seem to be a very popular bag choice to do the carry-on without wheels. And when you read the recommendations of US one bag travellers they recommend a lot of brands that aren't available here. Was that the bag you took to Ecuador? And yes, very glad for the size recommendation. I'm 5'3'' too, but I wouldn't say I have a long torso. I already suspected the S/M should be fine, but it's better to hear it from someone who already used it. I don't have a store where I can try it on and because this is going to be a present I have to be precise about what I want to avoid unnnecessary exchanges. Unfortunately the only thing Osprey does is to point you to a crap smartphone app. And you're raising some very good points about the color! I do love the teal in general, but I can't help thinking the charcoal would be the more sensible choice, for all the reasons you listed. If I may ask, how do you pack yours? Packing cubes? Oh and there's a shoulder strap mentioned as a carrying option, but I haven't found any pictures of it. Does your Farpoint have one? And if yes, do you use it or do you just use it as a backpack?

Thanks Gem!

Thanks Bettycrocker! The point of this bag is that I won't ever have to check it, so I don't think there's a ribbon needed.

abc

Veteran

I would go with charcoal for all of the reasons E mentioned. Airports and planes are not the cleanest places. You will most likely end up putting the bag down at some point. On the floor, under the seat in front of you, in an overhead compartment, etc. I would venture a bet the blue would show wear after the first trip. This coming from a lover of bright colors. Just not in luggage - been there, done that.

Now - I hate to ask this, but I have traveled a TON - and I am curious why you would choose anything without wheels to be your carry on? I've been in countless situations where I end up walking more than I counted on and wheels were my savior. I know it can cut into the weight limit but they do make lightweight rolling bags nowadays. Just putting this out there from years and years of air travel experience. Or even a wheeled backpack where you could use it either way.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks abc! You're right, I think I'll go with the charcoal. Most people probably think I'm crazy for not wanting wheels (my family for example), but I just like it better that way. I like to have my hands free! I like going somewhere, taking public transport and so on without taking away lots of room with my bag. Especially when it's crowded. Additionally there are usually quite a few stairs, cobblestones and what have you involved when I'm travelling, so I end up having to carry the wheeled bag anyway in between. Another point is the weather - last winter was warm, but sometimes we have snow and slush everywhere and rolling a bag trough that is hard work. I remember once almost collapsing before I had my wheeled bag in my flat (300 metres from the station). You're right that a bag without wheels that's awkard to carry isn't all that great, but that's why I was looking for something with a decent suspension system and hip belt... I guess the most important point is that I have a real wish to travel lighter. I've taken less and less over the last few years and carrying a bag yourself makes you less likely to overpack.

E

Veteran

I can try to take some pics so you can see its scale on women our size. Might take me a day or two!

It does come w a removable shoulder strap but it's v basic webbed material w/o any real padding. I haven't used it because my health issues require something better than that! The hip belt and shoulder straps are great tho: well padded, adjustable so you can get the fit right for you, and even w my pain issues I can carry it around loaded up without any issues (I aim for the 10% of my body weight rule which would be 11 lbs but realistically I end up at 13-15, as I'm not an ultralight packer, just a light one.)

I did take it to Ecuador and it did great! I've taken it on a couple domestic trips too, and even packed quite fully I haven't had any issues carrying it on. I really like being able to zip up the straps. I plan to use it on all of my future trips and far prefer it to a wheelie for my travelling style.

The main compartment is open, except for a mesh pocket on the lid, so for my 4 week trip I used 2 med packing cubes for clothes and a small one for electronics/nonliquid bathroom stuff/bits and bobs. On a shorter domestic trip though where I was staying in one place the whole time I just used the smaller one and rolled my clothes in the main compartment like a dresser drawer. Both ways worked. There's a hidden pocket at top of outside which is nice for either keeping something discrete or your liquids bag if you have do that.

Now that I get around w/o a car I use it for library trips or big shopping errands too. I'm definitely pleased w my purchase and would make it again.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the great write up, Eva! It would be awesome if you could take some pics, but no hurry!

I don't necessarily need the shoulder strap, so that's not a problem. I do have a bag with shoulder strap right now and I don't like to carry it for too long, that's why I was searching for something different in the first place. Just curious about it because it wasn't pictured online. It's good to hear that the bag is comfortable to carry backpack style even loaded up.

I'm not an ultralight packer either, at least not yet. But it's getting better. Normally airlines here have a carry-on limit of 22 lbs, but I think the last time (for Scotland) my bag was around 13lbs (minus the camera bag). That was for three weeks though and I did take too much. I'm definitely planning to get myself a few more fast drying staples in the long run to make taking multiples unnecessary.

Gaylene

Veteran

Exactly what Eva has said for all the reasons she has outlined. My carryon is a different brand, but looks and sounds like an identical twin. I chose black because it is practical and looks like luggage, not gear. I also upgraded the shoulder strap to a more comfortable, padded one. I use packing cubes to keep everything neat and accessible, as well as to serve an an internal compression system.

I am also a huge fan of plastic Ziplock bags for compressing and packing items. I can fold my full-length raincoat into the large size, expel the air, zip up the bag, and slide it easily into a pocket.

Having a bag that is more or less the same size and weight of some of the tote bags I see women carrying on a regular basis means that no one gives me a second glance in a major metropolitan area. I like that.

ETA: I also refuse to carry a pack that weighs more than 12-14 pounds; with a bit of planning, and some judicious elimination, I have no problems traveling for a month or more with just a carryon--and looking good enough to stay in five-star establishments. Actually, if you have enough for a week, you have enough for any number of consecutive weeks. To my mind, it has always made more sense to do a spot of laundry rather than to haul around pounds of dirty clothes. I like to be the boss of my suitcase, not vice versa.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Gaylene! The Charcoal it is. And good idea about upgrading the shoulder strap, I didn't even think of that. But that's definitely an useful purchase, if the strap that comes with it is just a very basic one.

ETA

And yes, I totally agree! I remember when we as a family went to Norway for three weeks and we took all that stuff... And then ended up shipping one big suitcase full of dirty clothes home with the post because with souvenirs we would have been way over the weight limit flying back. Ridiculous.

But it is definitely not the norm, to think like that. I'm sure I will get some strange looks when I wash stuff in the sink in Italy.

ETA2

I've seen the list for Italy with the luggage information and just one other woman has chosen carry-on only besides me. All of the men have carry-on luggage, with the exception of one.

E

Veteran

The camera stuff is what bumps me over 11 lbs! Even though w micro 4/3rds things are comparatively smaller, in Ecuador I brought a zoom lens (for the Amazon), and that was as big as the camera body. I love packing lightly though & hope to pack less with each trip!

I've PMed you some pics.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the PM. And yes, the camera stuff takes a lot of weight and space. I only have the 17-50 lens right now (besides a fast 50), so I'm only going to take the body with the one lens in a neoprene sleeve in my handbag. No camera specific bag.

abc

Veteran

Astrid, your reasoning for not wanting a rolling bag is sound. Glad you've thought it out and really know your needs well. I am excited for your trip and am inspired by your (and others') ability to pack so lightly (not counting the camera equipment bc we all know that is essential!) I can't wait to hear about your upcoming travels. Glad you found the right bag.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks abc! I look forward to building that travel capsule... I'll definitely do a post about it, I think.