Source
r/digitalnomad•
RootNYC

Luggage advice

Hi everyone,

I'm now getting ready for my first long-term trip through SE Asia and choosing the right luggage is turning out to be a stressful decision lol I'm all set with a carry on + laptop bag, but my husband needs to pack a laptop, DJI phantom and DSLR in addition to his clothes.

He also has a carry on but we can't seem to find a backpack that will fit all that gear and still pass as a personal item (30cm x 20cm x 10cm on most airlines). Have you ever run into this problem? Ever been stopped boarding a plane for having an oversized personal item?

The alternative would be to just buy a big backpack as the carry on and then pack all his clothes in a smaller duffle bag or something, and that would be the personal item, but even so I'm having trouble finding a good affordable one (the backpack for the drone is already super expensive).

Appreciate your input. Thanks!

Posted Apr 6, 2017, 2:58 PM UTC

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supersonic3974•

You might want to check with the people over at r/onebag

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RootNYCOP•

There's a subreddit for everything, awesome!

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supersonic3974•

Btw, I use the eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible for my Onebag travel. It's a good price, has about 54 L of space, fits carry-on dimensions, has a laptop holder, opens like a suitcase, and can be carried by hand, like a briefcase or like a backpack.

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wanderingdev•

keep in mind that the budget airlines in SEA have smaller and lighter than normal carryon requirements so if you're going to be taking many flights in that region you might want to check them out. they were also more strict about both size and weight in my experience. i traveled with my scottevest there where i loaded up with all my heavy stuff and it saved me several times.

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RootNYCOP•

Yeah that's a good tip, I've only checked out AirAsia and it seemed standard. Will do! Thanks.

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wanderingdev•

you might also consider combing your gear so you're each carrying 1 bulky item (drone/dslr) vs cramming both into his bag.

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RootNYCOP•

Yes, I can carry the DSLR myself, it's fitting the drone in a backpack that's not absurdly huge that is proving to be a problem.

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wanderingdev•

yeah, my friend who travels with a drone and a dslr just finally decided he had to check luggage. hope you find a solution.

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blorg•

It's definitely less. I believe most US carriers don't have weight restriction for carry on, while Air Asia is 7kg- although they are unlikely to actually check this unless your carry-on looks borderline in the size department.

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RootNYCOP•

Great to know. I had already checked the size and weight limit but was trying to understand if it's something they check / enforce strictly. Thanks.

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nichef•

I didn't see anyone mention this but, many countries have strict laws (Vietnam for instance) governing uav's requiring either a special permit or outright outlawing them for civilian use. I would make sure that you are even allowed to bring the drone into the country or you might see it confiscated or you might even been turned away.

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RootNYCOP•

This is great, thanks for mentioning it, I will look into each individual country we're planning on visiting.

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urbangentlman•

sell the phantom and buy the mavic, it would save so much room.

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RootNYCOP•

Haha yes that would be an obvious yet very expensive solution for someone who just quit their day job to travel.

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atirip•

I think 42x32x25cm will fit under the seat. Those are the dimensions that Wizz Air now only allows on board for free, so it must fit.

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RootNYCOP•

Yeah my issue is with the personal item not so much the carry on. I know in Europe most airlines allow for a 30x20x10 personal item such as a purse, small backpack or laptop bag in addition to the carry on. Although I've never had any bag checked / measured apart from a RyanAir flight many, many years ago.

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blorg•

Most budget carriers including Air Asia and Ryanair (now) do allow one personal item AS WELL as the carry on bag. The personal item has to fit under the seat, the carry on in the overhead. Ryanair went through a phase where they were being very restrictive and strictly limited it to ONE carry on only, no personal item, no duty free, NOTHING, but they have considerably eased up in recent years and now do allow a personal item. And Air Asia and other budget carriers in SE Asia definitely do.

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RootNYCOP•

Thank you! Great news :) and I had no idea Ryanair was more chill nowadays. Might have to start considering it an option again!

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