Best backpack/carry-on for 6 months in Europe Can anyone advise me of the best backpack to take for an extended trip to Europe? It will be the only luggage I take, and it needs to be small enough to carry on the plane. I won't necessarily be hiking, per se, but will need to carry it on trains, busses, etc. as well. I am a 5'5" grandma, and will also need a pack for my 9 year old grandson. Thank you. (Edited a typo) Best backpack/carry-on for 6 months in Europe Can anyone advise me of the best backpack to take for an extended trip to Europe? It will be the only luggage I take, and it needs to be small enough... » Read More Best backpack/carry-on for 6 months in Europe Can anyone advise me of the best backpack to take for an extended trip to Europe? It will be the only luggage I take, and it needs to be small enough to carry on the plane. I won't necessarily be hiking, per se, but will need to carry it on trains, busses, etc. as well. I am a 5'5" grandma, and will also need a pack for my 9 year old grandson. Thank you. (Edited a typo) « Show Less
328391
Hi Sue! I strongly suggest the TETON Sports Scout3400. It's the perfect size for a carry on so long as you don't over-stuff it. In fact, that's one of the things I like about it so much. You pack it to fit within the carry-on restrictions and then you have a little extra room for things that you purchase along the way. If you check out the 100's of reviews, you'll note that many talk about using it as a carry-on. Anytime you get over 100 reviews with the vast majority being 4 and 5 stars, you know you have a winner. I love mine (green) and my husband loves his (orange). I'm 5'4" and he's 5'10". Have a blast in Europe! Hi Sue! I strongly suggest the TETON Sports Scout3400. It's the perfect size for a carry on so long as you don't over-stuff it. In fact, that's one of the things I like about it so much. You pack it to fit within the carry-on restrictions and then you have a little extra room for things that you purchase along the way. If you check out the 100's of reviews, you'll note that many talk about using it as a carry-on. Anytime you get over 100 reviews with the vast majority being 4 and 5 stars, you know you have a winner. I love mine (green) and my husband loves his (orange). I'm 5'4" and... » Read More Hi Sue! I strongly suggest the TETON Sports Scout3400. It's the perfect size for a carry on so long as you don't over-stuff it. In fact, that's one of the things I like about it so much. You pack it to fit within the carry-on restrictions and then you have a little extra room for things that you purchase along the way. If you check out the 100's of reviews, you'll note that many talk about using it as a carry-on. Anytime you get over 100 reviews with the vast majority being 4 and 5 stars, you know you have a winner. I love mine (green) and my husband loves his (orange). I'm 5'4" and he's 5'10". Have a blast in Europe! « Show Less
328392
Thank you for your kind response. The Scout3400 was one I had been considering for my grandson. Hope I can fit all my stuff in one the same size as well.
596697
Yes, you can take this bag on an airplane. This is my 3rd bag of this style in 2 years & this one glides easier than others, so it makes for smoothe traveling. Please plan ahead if you take this bag on an airplane. I am assuming you'd like to accomplish some work during the flight. Don't over pack the brief case because it becomes heavy. You need to have the bag in the overhead compartment during take off & then you can access it after take off. If you're priority is working while traveling, I would recommend a messenger bag. I only travel with my brief case 1-2x a year & it's hard to accomplish much once you board the plane, due to the enormity of the bag. Yes, you can take this bag on an airplane. This is my 3rd bag of this style in 2 years & this one glides easier than others, so it makes for smoothe traveling. Please plan ahead if you take this bag on an airplane. I am assuming you'd like to accomplish some work during the flight. Don't over pack the brief case because it becomes heavy. You need to have the bag in the overhead compartment during take off & then you can access it after take off. If you're priority is working while traveling, I would recommend a messenger bag. I only travel with my brief case 1-2x a year & it's hard to... » Read More Yes, you can take this bag on an airplane. This is my 3rd bag of this style in 2 years & this one glides easier than others, so it makes for smoothe traveling. Please plan ahead if you take this bag on an airplane. I am assuming you'd like to accomplish some work during the flight. Don't over pack the brief case because it becomes heavy. You need to have the bag in the overhead compartment during take off & then you can access it after take off. If you're priority is working while traveling, I would recommend a messenger bag. I only travel with my brief case 1-2x a year & it's hard to accomplish much once you board the plane, due to the enormity of the bag. « Show Less
1866286
I have taken it as a carry-on several times... The problem comes if you are taking another carry-on besides the case, at least in American Airlines they only allow one carry-on and a personal item (briefcase, purse, backpack etc) and the case doesn't count as a personal item...
512238
Heather M. - Did you end up taking this backpacking? We are going backpacking with a toddler too and I'm curious if you recommend this.
110442
I'm just stumbling upon this now. I have flown with my rabbit on United on 14 flights. Only one flights attendant (on the last flight we were on) gave me a hard time. I just had to switch from the single seat side to the double seat side. On the regional jets (all the flights we've been on), it's tight, but it fits if you tip it a bit to get it in. You won't have much room at your feet. I'm traveling with her again next month and I'm a little nervous because of my last flight experience and also the recent crackdowns on carry-on bag rules.
1788680
I don't know which one is the best since I only own and use the original size. However, if I traveled more frequent I would invest in the travel size to take up less space in me bag.
1201343
I have a VERY LARGE 3yo that fits alright in here... he's wearing 5t or size small if that's a helpful Guage. I don't know that if his little brother (almost 2) was as big a guy as he is they would fit comfortably in it for much longer than another year. So I'd say it depends on how long you plan on using it? We also have a 6 row expedition. Folds up and fits just fine in the back w all rows up. Of all the strollers I've ever had (5 maybe?) This one's been the easiest to Collapse and lock.
42202
Not a great choice for either I would say... its not an offroad stroller, and its simply too large to be reasonable at a busy airport. I wont lie, this sucker is heavy and long. I would take measurements of your vehicle before you buy because it wont fit in some. That said for things like zoo days or parks with sidewalks, we absolutely love it. Our 4 year has some physical limitations and the back seat allows her easy in and out and lets her feel like a big kid without being strapped into a traditional mobility stroller. I completely endorse it, but you need to be aware this is probably not an every day kind of stroller. Not a great choice for either I would say... its not an offroad stroller, and its simply too large to be reasonable at a busy airport. I wont lie, this sucker is heavy and long. I would take measurements of your vehicle before you buy because it wont fit in some. That said for things like zoo days or parks with sidewalks, we absolutely love it. Our 4 year has some physical limitations and the back seat allows her easy in and out and lets her feel like a big kid without being strapped into a traditional mobility stroller. I completely endorse it, but you need to be aware this is probably not... » Read More Not a great choice for either I would say... its not an offroad stroller, and its simply too large to be reasonable at a busy airport. I wont lie, this sucker is heavy and long. I would take measurements of your vehicle before you buy because it wont fit in some. That said for things like zoo days or parks with sidewalks, we absolutely love it. Our 4 year has some physical limitations and the back seat allows her easy in and out and lets her feel like a big kid without being strapped into a traditional mobility stroller. I completely endorse it, but you need to be aware this is probably not an every day kind of stroller. « Show Less
1444158
you can carry on almost all multi-tools that are under 7" long and do not have a blade. So get a Leather Man take off the knives and its good to go through TSA Security for carry on. However TSA Still recommends taking these items out of your bag so they can look to verify there is no blade faster, and they wont have to dig through your bags for it!
491892
Hi, It worked well for my two sons on a 10 day backpacking trip in New Mexico and on long trips. I have the Red Cloud and really liked it as well. The external pockets are great an easy to access. The belt, chest and back straps worked wonderfully. It is well made and quite durable. It should easily handle what you need it for. For transatlantic flights, I would recommend putting it in a large duffel bag to protect the straps and zipper etc.
1996400
I had not problem with this pack. I travelled with this bag as a carry on to four different countries. The trick is not to pack the "day pack" with things when you take is as a carry on. So that way it do not look too wide. Also if that so you can always detach the day pack and put it under your seat or carry it as a personal item.
1442258
I have traveled with the carseat and alone with a 2-3 yr old, both internationally and domestically. Now, I'm a pretty strong woman, but it's not very joyful carrying this over your back along with carry on bag, stroller, kid, backpack, and or whatever you choose to bring with you. It does not come with the back straps, they have to be purchased separately (I purchased on amazon) and they have about a 6 inch long padding strip (which is very minimally padded). My daughter is 3 now and I have no plans to travel anytime soon, but if I do I'll be checking in the seat, not bringing it on the plane. Now, the seat itself is incredible, it's fits on any airline seat, its comfortable, safe, amazing quality. Although I can't really give a great experience traveling with this seat, I do have to say it is and was a lot easier than when I used to have to travel with a regular carseat. It is also alot easier if you are traveling with an adult companion (I've always traveled alone with toddler with this seat), and can find a way to add a little extra padding to the strap, then you will be golden! Hope this helps!
431576
I used my nest with my daughter until she was 9 months old and now I'm using it with my son and he is 6.5 months. We use it instead o a pack and play. It's fantastic since it is his suitcase as well. We used it for a few big airplane trips with my daughter and are using it for my sons luggage and and crib for an upcoming disneyworld trip this month. You would still need to purchase a pack and play when they are older (9months plus) but it's awesome when thy are small. It's also great for day trips ,camping , beach trips ....
1439865
Looks like the others have answered this. I'll tell you this though - it's a GREAT hardside. I've had about 4 or 5 well chosen (I thought) travel bags and this one is head and shoulders above them!
1846503
absolutely! I flew to Europe last month and I used to carry all my traveling needs, such as contact lense case, books, traveling documents, spare t-shirt, socks, and iPad and even a laptop. I also has some snacks in it and my 3 month old daughter diapers, toys and bottles! Is a huge bag and you can carry lots in it, but it does get heavy very quickly, so be careful!
2028550
Yes, my friend took two rifles on our trip to Africa. No problem. I took two rifles and two cases, paid for the extra luggage !!Needless to say bought one as soon as I got home !! Enjoy
925516
I think it'd be much too big to bring as a carry on. I'm not sure I'd trust baggage handlers. I mean, it is pretty durable, but I've seen the way they pitch stuff around. It's durable plastic but still plastic. It's withstood us beating the crap out of it for 5 months.