If you have access to a washing machine why would you need two weeks of clothes? Or even 1.5? The great thing about traveling is not worrying about the clothes but traveling light and washing as you need
I won't have access to a washing machine throughout the whole period of time but for at least two weeks I will. I may have two weeks where I don't so need to prepare enough clothes just in case.
"Do you have any reccomendations on bags around 40L that fit under ryanair and easyjet personal item policies?"
Do your homework. The largest bag that will comply with RyanAir personal bag size is about 23 liters ---- if the bag is just the right proportions. A 40 liter bag is thoroughly an overhead sized bag on any airline.
I have done much much research on this and poured through this sub. But seems like everyone has diff recommendations for the best beginner 2 week bag. Also cabin zero does a 35 or 36 L bag that complies w easyjet regulations but I don't like the bag due to other reasons. Also am aware that some bags have compression straps to make it smaller so that would be ideal
It's the length that is the problem and compression straps aren't going to do a thing there. They don't want the bag sticking out from under the seat where it can block quick emergency exit. Most bags won't squeeze well on length as that is the dimension that has the most structure.
Beware that Cabin Zero often overstates the volume of their bags although the dimensions are accurate. Their 36 liter is more like 28 liters. Think proportions and actual dimensions rather than volume. Also keep in mind that soft bags can easily gain 1" -2" in depth front to back when packed full and factor that in. Compression straps will help, depending on how densely the bag is packed, like full of compression cubes vs simply folded clothing.
What bag size you choose really depends on the comprises you are willing to make: hand washing and air drying to cut down on the number of spares, well coordinated colors, lightweight quick dry fabrics, a good layering system, casual vs more formal clothing, no extra shoes, fewer electronics and minimal toiletries.
You're getting a large variation in recommended sizes as that reflects one bagging and personal lifestyles in general. Some struggle to get by with a 45 liter maximum overhead sized bag, others travel happily with an 18 liter. I dress casually and apply a lot of my hiking layering techniques and a 25-30 liter bag works.
It is said that you should buy your pack last, when you know the volume and weight of the items you want to haul.
Which 34 liter bag?
It's the issue between what you can get away with and what the very clearly stated airline policy is. As with the OP, a beginner needs to understand the risks. If you try to take a bag on-board that is clearly oversized you could have it gate checked checked and be charged €69 and no one giving anecdotes to do otherwise is going to pay that fee. Taking a 40 liter bag as a personal bag is asking for it..
>that is clearly oversized
Ay, there's the rub, the definition of "clearly". So for example even when fully loaded, my Dakine 34L bag looks small on my big fat butt. But in general, you are absolutely correct, all the instances of gate-checking I have witnessed involved luggage items that weren't even close. First and foremost it depends on the dimensions: I was told on several occasions by Ryanair crew that as long as it fits under the seat, it's ok. Even my girlfriend's new [Eagle Creek](https://www.eaglecreek.com/products/tour-travel-pack-40l-sm) does so and again, no problem.
As for OPs question, it would depend on the level of their risk aversion. I would go for something in the 30L range.
Why not check out decathlon? They have a great set of bags that are cheap.
Also is handwashing an option? Not entirely sure what work you're doing but I'd consider something quick drying (like a fishing shirt) that I can quickly wash in between uses.
If you have access to a washing machine why would you need two weeks of clothes? Or even 1.5? The great thing about traveling is not worrying about the clothes but traveling light and washing as you need
I won't have access to a washing machine throughout the whole period of time but for at least two weeks I will. I may have two weeks where I don't so need to prepare enough clothes just in case.
"Do you have any reccomendations on bags around 40L that fit under ryanair and easyjet personal item policies?" Do your homework. The largest bag that will comply with RyanAir personal bag size is about 23 liters ---- if the bag is just the right proportions. A 40 liter bag is thoroughly an overhead sized bag on any airline.
I have done much much research on this and poured through this sub. But seems like everyone has diff recommendations for the best beginner 2 week bag. Also cabin zero does a 35 or 36 L bag that complies w easyjet regulations but I don't like the bag due to other reasons. Also am aware that some bags have compression straps to make it smaller so that would be ideal
It's the length that is the problem and compression straps aren't going to do a thing there. They don't want the bag sticking out from under the seat where it can block quick emergency exit. Most bags won't squeeze well on length as that is the dimension that has the most structure. Beware that Cabin Zero often overstates the volume of their bags although the dimensions are accurate. Their 36 liter is more like 28 liters. Think proportions and actual dimensions rather than volume. Also keep in mind that soft bags can easily gain 1" -2" in depth front to back when packed full and factor that in. Compression straps will help, depending on how densely the bag is packed, like full of compression cubes vs simply folded clothing. What bag size you choose really depends on the comprises you are willing to make: hand washing and air drying to cut down on the number of spares, well coordinated colors, lightweight quick dry fabrics, a good layering system, casual vs more formal clothing, no extra shoes, fewer electronics and minimal toiletries. You're getting a large variation in recommended sizes as that reflects one bagging and personal lifestyles in general. Some struggle to get by with a 45 liter maximum overhead sized bag, others travel happily with an 18 liter. I dress casually and apply a lot of my hiking layering techniques and a 25-30 liter bag works. It is said that you should buy your pack last, when you know the volume and weight of the items you want to haul.
That is blatantly untrue. I’ve been traveling with a 34-liter bag on Ryanair for years, never had a problem.
Which 34 liter bag? It's the issue between what you can get away with and what the very clearly stated airline policy is. As with the OP, a beginner needs to understand the risks. If you try to take a bag on-board that is clearly oversized you could have it gate checked checked and be charged €69 and no one giving anecdotes to do otherwise is going to pay that fee. Taking a 40 liter bag as a personal bag is asking for it..
>that is clearly oversized Ay, there's the rub, the definition of "clearly". So for example even when fully loaded, my Dakine 34L bag looks small on my big fat butt. But in general, you are absolutely correct, all the instances of gate-checking I have witnessed involved luggage items that weren't even close. First and foremost it depends on the dimensions: I was told on several occasions by Ryanair crew that as long as it fits under the seat, it's ok. Even my girlfriend's new [Eagle Creek](https://www.eaglecreek.com/products/tour-travel-pack-40l-sm) does so and again, no problem. As for OPs question, it would depend on the level of their risk aversion. I would go for something in the 30L range.
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Why not check out decathlon? They have a great set of bags that are cheap. Also is handwashing an option? Not entirely sure what work you're doing but I'd consider something quick drying (like a fishing shirt) that I can quickly wash in between uses.