The carry-on cops are looking for you. Well for your bags at least. Many global airlines are enforcing strict carryon weight limits. This is in addition to the size limits we deal with. Gate agents are walking the waiting areas before boarding looking for bags to check. Lufthansa enforces an 8 kg limit while Ryanair’s is currently 10 kg. Both Cathay Pacific and EVA Air have set their limit at 7 kg. With these limits between 15 lbs. and 22 lbs. the pressure is on to start with the lightest bag possible.
Size and dimensions
Frequent travelers need a carry-on bag which is both lightweight and durable. The home run in this category is the Timbuk2 Wingman carryon. The Wingman size is perfect for carryon with dimensions of 20.9 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches. (53 x 40 x 20 cm.) The Wingman weighs in at 2.2 lbs. (1 kg.) This makes for a great carryon bag to beat the weight limits.
Three carry options
The Wingman offers 3 main carry options. The bag feels good while hand carried due to the lightweight. The addition of the shoulder strap offers the option of carrying like a large messenger bag. There are also backpack straps tucked away which are quick to deploy for use. I have carried this bag all 3 ways and it is comfortable in each configuration.
Organization
The main compartment has 2 compression straps to hold your clothing. This section of the bag is large and flexible without organization. Some travelers like a bag with lots of organization and pockets, but that all adds to the empty weight of the bag. I prefer to keep the weight low and use my own organization to match my packing for that particular trip. Carrying this bag I tend to use lightweight packing cubes. It adds organization to a large main compartment. The cubes also work in keeping clothes wrinkle-free. The Wingman has a separate compartment perfect for shoes and a toiletry bag. I use the front zip compartment for my phone, passport, and keys. The bag has a padded compartment which will take a 17-inch Macbook. My 13 inch MacBook Pro fits with room to spare.
I have not had any problems fitting the bag in overhead compartments. A feature I appreciate is the handles on all sides of the bag. This is helpful when pulling the bag out of an overhead bin. Having a lightweight bag also takes much of the effort out of stowing it overhead.
Timbuk2 offers a lifetime warranty again defects in materials and workmanship. I have put the bag through quite a bit of use and it still looks new. The bag is available in black, blue, carbon fiber, and other colors. I have found it available for $90 US. This price is outstanding for a bag with these features and quality.
I strongly recommend this bag. Besides deterring the carry-on cops, your back will thank you.