Hi everyone! I was hoping you all would be able to recommend some carry on bags to me. I have a giant backpack that I used for my last trip, that I had to check, and I REALLY want to just carry on this time. that said, I want the bag to be as roomy as it can be. I've been having a hard time finding something suitable, as most of the bags I find are either a tiny bit to long (about a couple of inches; is that even a big deal?) or much too small. There's one I think is perfect (the Wayfarer from Mountain Equipment Co-op) but it is exactly 2 inches too long.
I've got the Rick Steves 21 inch bag on my list so far, and thats it. I don't have a problem with that bag and I'll go with it if its the only one there is, but I want to know if there are any other options.
What I want is a bag that is as close to the standard size limit as possible without going over. I'm a 29 year old woman who likes clothes and shoes so it has to be roomy as well as comfortable to wear. I really do prefer a backpack, convertible to suitcase if possible, but I'd rather not have wheels as I'd like to avoid the extra weight of them. I'm not picky about looks, just practicality. So what else is out there other than Rick Steves? Please be as specific as possible about brands and styles!
Thanks so much everyone 
Carry-on Backpack suggestions
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Actually I should say that the Wayfarer is 2 inches too big over all; it's 27.2 x 12.8 x 8 inches.
Years ago, in my carry-on phase, I bought the smallest wheeled Orvis Battenkill piece they had and loved it. Sadly they no longer have the very small one but do have one just small enough for carry-on. They're quite squarely built so you can pack the most possible in them and I recommend them highly.
www.orvis.com/luggage
Click on "Shop Battenkill luggage".
My husband & I have both been using an earlier version of ebags Weekender for 4 years. No wheels, so even when we are on a small plane we usually don't have to gate check.
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/weekender-etech-20-convertible/242274?productid=10211618
I'm 5'3" and used it as my sole luggage for 16 days to Italy--planes, trains, vaporettos, car.
Apologies, the Orvis are, of course, not backpacks.
Have you looked at the Eagle Creek convertible bags? I used an Eagle Creek for years, but I always checked it (extra liquids, Swiss army knife, etc) so I'm not sure of the exact dimensions, but it wasn't very big.
LHS: I've added the weekender to my list! Thanks
Mmeperdu: no problem, I haven't completely and totally discounted wheel bags, so I'll keep it in mind!
Thursdaysd: I like the eagle creek digi hauler, it's on the list too! There are a lot of nice wheeled bags too, so if I end up going that route, I have them bookmarked
LHS, one question, do you find the lack of waist strap problematic at all? Or does the sternum strap make up for it?
Do not forgo a waist strap. A GOOD waist strap. My first convertible backpack as from Rick Steves, and it had an inadequate waist strap. I replaced it with the Eagle Creek, and it was SO much easier to carry. Without the waist strap all the weight goes on your shoulders.
Thurs: that's what I was thinking; it was certainly the case with my big pack!
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ahiddenbird, The weekender has a removable waist strap, you can see it in the 6th photo in the link above. I rarely attach or use it, only if we have several blocks to walk, usually don't attach it in an airport. In fact, actually just checked to see if I still have the waist strap
.
Also take a look at the Osprey Porter 46. It has a waist strap, a sternum strap, and load-lifters (all of which tuck away nicely when you don't need them), and is very well made.
Thanks Moongoddess! I've added it to my list
For yrs a backpack user ,my current one an Eagle Creek Twist
Pack 26 [with wheels] was excellent but as i,ve got a bit
older arthritis restricts me using it so decided on standard
carry on 22" by 14" by 9" and packed in weight to 15.5lbs
Bought a soft side pack then light wash/wear clothes and got
it under by a pound----it requires washing 1pr underwear & 1pr
sox [both nylon]and a drip dry shirt each night.
It took getting used to but having no joint pains was worth it
3 months thru East Europe worked fine
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