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This guide will help you decide which size Setout Backpack is right for you, teach you how to measure your torso to determine whether the bag is the proper size for your body, and show you how to test for a proper fit once you receive your new travel backpack.
The Setout 45 is a maximum-sized carry on backpack that will fit on most airlines.
17-19” Torso length
If you’re packing for a long-haul trip, the Setout 45 is probably for you. You’ll have enough room to bring everything you need for months (or years) on the road without checking a bag.
If you’re new to carry-on only travel, or like to bring a little more rather than just the bare essentials, the 45 is the right bag for your packing style.
If you typically pack light, but buy things on the road, the 45 is for you. You’ll have plenty of room in your bag for art and souvenirs. Compress the bag with the straps when it isn’t full to stabilize the load.
The Setout 35 is slightly smaller than the 45 and fits the strictest airline carry on limits.
Men's: 17-19” Torso length
Women's: 15.5-18” Torso length
If you frequently fly on budget airlines (like RyanAir), consider the Setout 35. We’ve flown on budget airlines with the 45 without issue, but it’s technically breaking their rules. If you mostly fly on budget airlines, take shorter trips, and want peace of mind at the gate, the 35 is the way to go.
If you’re a minimalist packer, the 35 is probably for you, no matter the duration of your trip.
Both the 35L and 45L Setout Backpacks are designed to fit enough clothes, accessories, and toiletries for one week of travel or more. In the 45L Setout Backpack, you’ll also have room for an extra pair of shoes, an extra outfit, or souvenirs.
For more information on what fits inside the Setout Backpack, read our sample packing list.
The Setout Backpack is designed to fit a majority of people. Here's how to measure your torso to see if a travel backpack will fit before you order, and how to test fit once you receive your new bag.
Before ordering a travel backpack, measure your torso to see if you fall within the range each bag is designed to fit.>/p>
Once you know your torso length, compare it to the bags' specs. The Setout Backpack fits 17-19" torsos.
The same concept applies to travel backpacks. Before traveling with a new bag, make sure to do a test run.
It's impossible to tell if your new travel backpack will be comfortable if you test it when it's empty. In order to do a meaningful test fit, pack clothing in the main compartment and your laptop in the computer sleeve before putting on the bag. You don't have to pack exactly what you would on a trip, but make sure to pack approximately the same amount of stuff so the weight is as close to a real-world situation as possible.
Put the shoulder straps on first, then clip the hip belt around your torso.
Adjust the height of the shoulder straps but pulling on the webbing at the base of the foam sections.
Move the sternum strap up or down so that it's just below your collarbone, then tighten until the bag is taught against your body. Tighten the hip belt until it's snug, but not suffocating. The base of the hip belt should rest right on top of your hip bones. If it's too high or too low, it won't successfully transfer weight from your shoulders.
In order to tell if your bag will be comfortable enough for a long walk through a city to your Airbnb (or a sprint through an airport terminal), walk around for a little while. Pay attention to whether or not the hip belt is transferring weight from your shoulders, and see if anything is gaping or tugging.
The shoulder straps will be a bit stiff at first - that's normal. They're made from a custom injection-molded foam that will conform to your body and get more comfortable over time.
If you have questions about the Setout Backpack that aren't answered on this page or the product pages, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to help you have a great trip.