edit #2: skip the paragraph and see my edit #1

Hi! I travel domestically in the US via American Airlines and usually bring a carry on suitcase & a backpack. I have recently been told that my suitcase is actually too big to be a carry on..after all these years they decided to JUST now have me put the thing in the sizer which of course led to them gate checking it to my destination. I have been meaning to get a new one anyway, so i have been doing some research and just found the Patagonia Black Hole 70L. It looks like I can get last seasons for just $140 and this would be big enough for me to one bag it. Does anyone have experience flying with this? Do you think I will be able to use it as a carry on or is this too big? I’m a 5’4” woman if that means anything, I don’t exactly want to look insane with a huge bag on my back but I can just carry it like a duffle if thats the case…What do you guys think?

edit #1: thank you guys! i guess i’m now asking for some suggestions..

i’m open to either a suitcase or a backpack. potentially both but one bagging it would be dope if i can pull it off. my budget is under $200 but i’m willing to go over if its something I LOVE. i’m really looking for quality, i’d rather invest in something worth it than waste my money on something i will need to replace in a couple years or less. I’m usually packing about 7-10 outfits when traveling, a few pairs of shoes, some toiletries, laptop & chargers. for suitcases, i think i want 4 wheels.. probably soft sided. if its a backpack, i like the idea of a clamshell but also was looking at the roll down ones too. i just want to be able to open it up all the way & not just from the top. compartments in either are definitely not a must. i’m honestly open to duffles too especially if they are able to be converted into a backpack like this Patagonia one.. i tend to overpack so if its expandable but also maybe a sort of compression system, that would help a lot but isn’t mandatory.

any suggestions are super appreciated!!

I had a mini mass messenger bag and just scored a critical mass at the thrift shop for a solid deal in a cute color. I was stoked to see it had a buckle on the shoulder strap for stabilization, but i cannot for the life of me figure out where the clip goes. It does not look like there are any buckles broken off. Can any slayers help me out? edit: I don't think i'm an idiot... but sure do feel like one.

I've been lurking on this sub for a while, and after going down multiple rabbit holes comparing countless packs, I finally pulled the trigger on a Patagonia Black Hole 32L.

The main reasons I went for it:

• Design & material - I'm absolutely in love with the clean, understated look and the weather-resistant(ish) fabric. It feels like it can take a beating without looking worn.

• Versatility - The minimal internal organization is a big win for me. It means I can set it up however I want with packing cubes, pouches, or just throw everything in for a quick trip.

• Multi-purpose use - While it's going to be my go-to travel bag for one-bag trips, I also plan to use it for EDC and work. It feels like the kind of pack that can transition from a flight to the office without looking out of place.

• Size sweet spot - 32L feels like a perfect middle ground for me - enough space for multi-day travel, but still manageable for everyday carry without feeling like I'm lugging around a suitcase on my back.

• Price - It was a bit pricier than what I usually pay for a backpack, but now that I have it in hand, I honestly believe it's a bargain.

So far, first impressions are great. I'll be putting it to the test on a short trip in September, and I'll come back with a post on how it performed and how I've been using it.

For those of you who own a Patagonia Black Hole - do you still love yours as much as when you first got it?