Lowe Alpine AT Lightflight Backpack - 40 Litres, Black

I travel frequently and almost exclusively with hand luggage only (mostly with a Samsonite wheeled duffle bag weighing 2.1kg empty which I know is not the lightest available but it's professional looking for work).Wheeled bags are obviously heavier than any back pack would be and this is an issue in the Middle East and Asia where hand luggage limits are only 7kg. Some airlines are very strict with this limit and as such a lighter bag is essential.With this bag I can carry 28% more luggage without risking rejection by the airline!!. (2.1 - 0.7 = 1.4kg lighter = 6.3kg vs only 4.9kg of clothes). I considered the more durable version of this product and the Osprey backpack, however, those both weigh 1.4kg making this still 0.7kg lighter, which means I can carry 12% more than with those two options on the same flight.All the numbers aside, this bag is incredibly spacious and durable. I just packed all the clothes for both myself and my partner for a 1 week tropical holiday (this weighed in at 13kg with cameras and laptop etc all in the bag with only a little space left over). I must admit I was worrried about lifting the bag at 13kg but the handles and stitching all felt strong. I was, however, concerned that rough handling at this weight may result in the fabric tearing (certainly not the stitching).The reason the bag is so light is because it has minimal bells and whistles (read: no extra pockets and sub-pockets) and the fabric is a perfect balance between strength and weight. As such, no one can expect this to be as robust as a bag 2-3x its weight, however, I am shocked at how strong it does feel.The stashable straps are incredibly easy to fix and unfix (it takes seconds). There is a very handy pocket which can be accessed from the top to store your passport and travel documents in (it's a lot bigger than I expected and could easily hold a stack of 12 passports and a wallet!). There's an elasricated side pocket for a water bottle (it can hold a 1.5l bottle if the bag is not packed full or a 500ml bottle otherwise).Inside there is one meshed zip compartment intended for clothes but it easily swallows up a large laptop (my 15" MacBook Pro had plenty of space so a 17" widescreen should also fit). Compression straps inside hold everything in place while the ones outside ensure the weight is loaded correctly and kept close to your back. The zips deserve special mention because they're solid, thick, have two layers, and feel robust (they also claim to be tamper proof - I couldn't stick my biro pen through it, which is the most common method of theft from zipped bags).The only thing I wish this did have which it's bigger brother has is the chest strap to improve shoulder comfort - this would add only a couple of grams to the weight (you can of course create your own make-shift strap). Waist/hip straps would also be of benefit but it would add weight so I wouldn't recommend it be added to this model.If you are looking for a lightweight carry on to maximise your weight allowance and are able to treat your bag with reasonable care this bag should last you many years and you will be so glad you bought it.I recommend the 50cm version as most people shouldn't need the extra space and it encourages you to take more stuff and increase your overall weight (I can fit the same in this as my 55cm wheeled case). This version can easily swallow 13kg of clothes and electronics for a 1-2+ week holiday. I'm 6' 2" and find it comfortable to carry.

Very lightweight rucksack and well made. Ideal for long weekends away and can take on flights as hand luggage (took it on BA no problem and it's also suitable for easyJet at the time of writing).It could do with some more pockets or maybe just one big one the same size as the rucksack on the front as it's only got one small one. Fine for my partner but not for me as i carry all the travel documents and paraphernalia when traveling!It opens all the way round like a suitcase so is easy to pack and no wasted space. Lots of carrying options too.

I used this recently on a trip to Munich, I traveled light and I got everything in I needed for a 4 day trip, very handy with no hanging about at the luggage carousel, it's light but well made, really pleased with my purchase.

My boyfriend has the the previous model of this bag. The material is much more durable, more pockets and generally more space. i was a bit disappointed by this design. I appreciate the lightweight material is to allow for more weight on an airline. I bought the Osprey farpoint instead. A little bit more expensive but far better quality. More pockets which are padded to protect you items I.e. Laptop. Comfortable and supportive back straps which zip away.

A really flexible *large* capacity bag. There are no sections in this bag (one zipped mesh area) and so you use the space available as you want to. great looking and absolutely ideal for travelling particularly in planes (assuming you don't overfil it.

Cannot fully assess it yet because it has not been used properly but initial impression is it looks like it will do the job. Lightweight but with care could last the test of time.Seller was on time with delivery and all was good.

What I would leave out is the side handle - I think think the top one is enough, never had a need to cary it by the side.One or two extra smaller pockets would be handy though - it has a small one at the back top side.

Bought this for our sons birthday as he he was always borrowing ours? Ideal as an extra bag for a flight or weekend. Great quality and handy with straps you can tighten to reduce size...