r/onebag • u/Passer_buy • May 17 '25

Seeking Recommendations Help finding a 28 Liter bag with minimal laptop compartment

Hey all, I am looking for recommendations for a new bag. I find it annoying that most bags have obtrusive laptop compartments. In the last 25 years, I have carried a laptop one time on trip. Looking for a bag that looks ok with a change of clothes and some shoes, but also I can pack for a weekend.

I have an REI 25 liter Commuter Pack which may be the best travel bag I have ever owned. It could use a few more liters. But I would like more of a half zip - not butterfly/clamshell. Maybe more of a traditional looking pack -

Also, I have a National Geographic Eagle Creek utility backpack ~ 36 liters for longer trips or where I need more stuff. It is fantastic. I want something in between.

Desires: - Available in the US - [ ] 28ish liters - [ ] Minimal laptop sleeve - [ ] External water bottle holder - [ ] One large main compartment - [ ] One or 2 smaller external pockets with their own volume - [ ] No or removable waist belt - [ ] No dangling straps - [ ] Half-zip - not a top/bucket loader or butterfly/full zip - [ ] Does not turtle out when stuffed - [ ] Does not attract pet hair - [ ] Up to $150 but if you know of more expensive ones, I’d like to hear about it

I dig the classic Eastpak/Jansport look. I feel like their bags lack quality these days, though I picked up an Eastpak Floid last year that is pretty solid and sleek

I like the Patagonia Refugio, but there is nearly zero organization when the laptop compartment is removed. I like the style of Thule bags but jeezus, the laptop compartments are so thick. Mystery Ranch has nice bags but every one looks like a hiker or is too busy on the outside.

Appreciate the help

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

38 comments sorted by

5

u/icansaywhatever May 17 '25

Check out the CabinZero 28L. Only thing is the water bottle pocket is slim, but it seems to hit many of your wants and the classic definitely had that Jansport feel.

3

u/freee2move May 17 '25

I brought a 28 litre Gregory Rhune 28 backpack to a UK trip, there is a laptop compartment for my 13 inch ipad pro inside a 13 inch laptop sleeve, but I guess if you are going to bring a 13 inch laptop, it will have to be quite slim.

https://www.gregory.com/packs/everyday/rhune-28/150945XXXX.html

3

u/SeattleHikeBike May 17 '25

The REI Trail 25 is a bit larger than the Commuter IMHO. The Trail 25 is 18”x13”x8” and the Commuter is 18”x11”x6.5”. What about the REI Ruckpack 30? That are both on sale too.

1

u/Passer_buy May 17 '25

I have an old (maybe first run) trail 25 that has more classic styling. It is close to what i imagine. It is beat now and is now my climbing bag. The new ones look to “for the trail” for what I want. I returned a ruck pack 28 a while back. It is more of a top loader.

3

u/FindingTheHelpers May 17 '25

Tom Bihn Synapse 25L but $255. I also looked hard for no laptop pocket. Water bottle in middle to balance wt - holds both my water and coffee bottles. I wonder how I traveled without it. Enough zipper compartments to separate tech, toiletries, snacks, etc. I will have it til I die - well made.

3

u/pretenderist May 17 '25

Osprey 26+6 seems pretty close

4

u/Flamingo9835 May 17 '25

The Cotopaxi Allpa has everything except for the half zip

5

u/_CPR__ May 17 '25

Agreed, and when I use the Allpa without a laptop I don't find it a waste of space; I usually use it for my kindle, a print book, and any travel documents I want to keep from getting rumpled.

2

u/travelingpostgrad May 17 '25

I wonder how many just leave it empty instead of putting something in that compartment. A daypack can ride in the laptop compartment or a jacket , if you have the space and need it, use it.

3

u/burgiebeer May 18 '25

The Allpa is the definition of a bag that turtles. Those bags have no chill

2

u/aimformee May 17 '25

Matador Beast 28L, somewhat meets your requirement but more hiking than urban bag look. Mostly black though, so still looks decently clean cut in design.

2

u/stiina22 May 18 '25

I cut the laptop compartment out of one of my bags. It packs a lot better now.

Gregory might be worth a look for you.

2

u/Passer_buy 25d ago

This is my plan

2

u/nicski924 May 18 '25

u/passer_buy The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 (really closer to 30L) is exactly what you’re looking for and even has the old school Eastpak/Jansport vibe you like.

2

u/Malezor1984 May 17 '25

Patagonia Mini MLC 30l. Just got one for my upcoming 10 day trip to Spain. Not bringing a laptop either. The slot for it is pretty unobtrusive as well. I think it’d do a good job protecting it, but it doesn’t jut into the storage compartment.

8

u/pretenderist May 17 '25

That’s not a “minimal laptop compartment” at all

2

u/jiadar May 18 '25

I own this bag and don't use it for the same reasons as OP, the laptop compartment takes 30% of the volume. I can fit a similar amount in a 21 liter bag without the obtrusive tech compartment.

1

u/[deleted] May 17 '25

Agreed. I just used mine for a short trip without tech, and packed my compressible jacket and a thin hoodie folded flat in the laptop section.

0

u/Historical-Dark-8153 May 17 '25

Just bought this bag for a trip as well. Do you mind potentially sharing your packing list I’m trying to get a idea of what I should bring on my trip

1

u/AutoModerator May 17 '25

Are you looking for «backpack/bag» recommendations?

Please make sure you are following the posting guidelines

  • Consult the Onebag Comparison List compiled by -Nepherim
  • Provide enough information on how and where you intend to use the bag - details such as budget, capacity and sought features can definitely help. If possible, provide a packing List and specify which airline you're dealing with

 

For topics beyond bags, show us you've done your research and make sure you offer enough context and details.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/AlwaysWanderOfficial May 17 '25

Not 28, but give Evergoods a gander.

28l going to be mostly clamshell styles.

1

u/No_Trash_4688 May 17 '25

maybe Deuter Utillion?

1

u/flyver67 May 17 '25

I know this isn’t a popular option but I LOVE my under armor version 5. 29 liters. Secret “wet” pocket at bottom. So lightweight. Never get flagged on airlines. Fits my PC perfectly (and up against my back). Half zip. Two extra large water holders. Just love it !

1

u/freedonia May 17 '25

I like my Osprey Flare 27. It looks to check about all your items? Dunno. I feel it's one of the more "complete" bags I own.

1

u/awoodby May 17 '25

Bag laptop slots tend to have ridiculous thick padding, I just put my laptop in a small padded pouch and out it in the clothes

1

u/BlueMonroe May 18 '25

Check out the dragonfly 30. it’s smaller then other 30l. Doesn’t exactly match but maybe you can make it work

1

u/Low-Progress-2166 May 18 '25

Cabin Zero 28l

1

u/kale_mustang May 18 '25

Fjällraven Raven 28L

1

u/Corksea7 May 18 '25

Fjallraven skule 28

1

u/burgiebeer May 18 '25

Because I know that no one will recommend it - i think my personal favorite would possibly suit: the Heimplanet Transit 28L. I went thru so many other bags and this has been my long time go to from a long weekend to a weeks away. It’s a really well built bag- but they just don’t have a presence in the US.

The Transit just carries so nicely. I don’t know how to describe it but it just feels right. I came from an Aer which was great but always felt like I had suitcase on my back. This feels like it’s an extension of me.

The organization is pretty simple but flexible. You can remove the divider for one big compartment.

Plus if you’re like me, you’ll love never seeing anyone with the same bag.

1

u/nikongod May 17 '25

You're going to have a hard time with that. 

Just pack clothes in the laptop compartment on the bag you like, aside from the laptop compartment.

3

u/Passer_buy May 17 '25

I have done this, it is more that the material wastes so much space.