My current setup is a Cotopaxi Nazca 28L [0], which I think is the ultimate bag for traveling light. It comes in just over (by about half to 1 inch) most airlin

My current setup is a Cotopaxi Nazca 28L [0], which I think is the ultimate bag for traveling light. It comes in just over (by about half to 1 inch) most airlines' personal item size, but since it is soft, it can, if needed be pushed into their testers. I've never had this happen though of around ~100 flights over 12 months of continuous travel. At this point, I don't pay for a carry on, and if I have to pay the $99 at a gate, its been worth it to not over the previous N flights. The bag is clam shell and on one side I have a single packing cube with all of my base and mid layers, then tech in the upper section of one side of the clam shell. The other side is my jacket + rain coat + quick dry towel + sleeping bag/sheets if I'm bringing that. If anyone is interested I can write a full packing list. But with this setup I've traveled. 3 x 4 month trips without issue in hot and cold climates in the same trip. [0]: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/travel/travel-backpack/cotopaxi-nazca https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/travel/travel-backpac...