The best carry-on backpack of all time is a Swedish icefishing pack

In this essay-list I will explain in exhaustive detail why the Fjällräven icefishing backpack is the best carry-on backpack on the market. I've never seen it mentioned in carry-on backpack recommendation lists (looking at you, Wirecutter) but it warrants inclusion at the top of those lists on the merits of the built-in seat alone. I love it! You might too.

i. It fits everywhere, on all planes, every single time. I fly more than I'd like to, and frequently on the teeny tiny planes with limited overhead bin space. This bag mysteriously, miraculously, always fits. Because it's a backpack it sneaks past the gate-check requirements, so there's need to wait on the gangway for your gate-checked item on the flipside, either.

ii. It's also a seat. The internal framing is very sturdy, and it's incredibly handy to have a comfy place to rest and sit down on a crowded train platform or a busy airport gate. It's padded and insulated for all your ice-fishing needs.

iii. Just big enough to work great as an overnighter hiking rucksasck. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable and sweat-wicking. There are lots of additional loops for extra pockets (I like an open-top water bottle one and a lidded one) and also lashing a tent to the top. There's a little cinch strap that's perfect for a plane sweater. There's a built-in adjustable chest strap and it's easy to McGyver a waist strap. The whole idea is a modular pack that works for a variety of outdoor activities. It just so happens to fit perfectly for airplane travel.

iv. Muted colors, and big enough to fit a 14-inch laptop. Because it's a Swedish brand, it's marginally easier to blend in abroad, and it doesn't code as an athletic or school backpack.

v. Build quality is so, so good. Mine has held up well 8+ years, and looks, and feels, still new.

vi. Little pockets for organization, top and front access. Top fits a hardcover book perfectly for easy access.

vii. It's comfy! I can fit 40+ pounds in here on a ruck, or running through the airport to make a flight.

Drawbacks:

i. The rain cover is potentially useful but tacky as all heck. Good in an emergency signalling scenario, but I couldn't bring myself to use the fluorescent orange monstrosity otherwise. The fabric is sufficiently waterproof without it, even in some monsoon downpours.

ii. The name is odd. I get asked about the bag every trip, usually while in the boarding line, and "Singi Stubben" doesn't exactly recommend itself to a monolingual audience. Hence, the Fjällräven ice fishing pack.

iii. The price new is $270 or so. Buy it used!! Lots of good used ones out there.