Black Hole Mini MLC

I’m currently on my first trip with the Patagonia MLC, and I’m really enjoying using it! I’m traveling with my two kids (9 & 7), so we aren’t one bagging it (it’s my .5 in a 1.5 system that would be carry-on only in the US, but we’re checking the rollers since we’re over the 7 kg SE Asia carry-on li

I have an Aer Go Pack 2, Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Sling 8L, and four Tomtoc T12 tech pouches that I use for both tech and non-tech items. None of those are padded. My Patagonia Mini MLC 30L has padding on the back but nowhere else. Padding is definitely not essential for me.

I feel like a weirdo but I no long will buy a pack that doesn't have a waist strap. It makes all the difference to me in terms of comfort. My last straw was trying out the Osprey Daylight 26+6 and even though I saw why people loved it, I just could not without the strap. I ended up with the Patagoni

Patagonia MLC 30 (maximum legal carry-on). Has everything you asked for and can convert between a backpack with hip belt and a shoulder bag. It weighs ~2.5 lbs, so not quite as light as you listed… but is the best “personal item” for plane travel.

Sounds like you’re looking for a Patagonia MLC Mini! Advertised as a 30L, has a hip belt and backpack straps that can be tucked away. It’s pretty light but not 1.5lbs light, though probably close. It can def be stuffed under a seat at least in the US domestic flights, I’ve seen many people on Reddit

I recently purchased both through REI (because of their return policies) and the Patagonia MLC was my winner. Test packed both and wore them around the house for an afternoon before making my decision. I’m 5’5” for reference. Two key differences for me: The Allpa lacked flexibility in packing. Usual

I brought the Osprey Daylite expandable 26+6 and used packing cubes. It functioned more as a 2nd suitcase and I kept all my makeup/necessities/changes of clothes/shoes in there in case my checked bag got lost. It was great because I could expand it later if I bought clothes/souvenirs. My medium Bagg

I've been through a few of these hybrid style bags (yes also a r/ManyBaggers problem child here) Timubk2 Scheme Convertible This is the one I've had the longest and probably the most used Macpac Quest 30L Functions better as a backpack then the other formats, but I love that the waist strap also bec

Appreciate the response. It's good to hear from someone that isn't in love with the bag. (1) I'll take a hip belt over nothing. The ability to remove it and use it as the duffel strap is pretty cool. (2) General consensus from reviews seems to be the mini MLC is well built and the Osprey 26+6 is jus

Go for Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC. Spacious main compartment where stuff can easily be found, a great laptop/organizer compartment, side grab handle.