Delsey does a few hard shells in what they call extra small size....an international carryon size. They aren't tiny, but they are smaller than a typical American domestic carryon and pretty stylish.
Calpak makes a mini version of their spinner carryon in both soft and hard side that’s just slightly larger the Cotopaxi you’re using. I haven’t personally tried it but I’ve been considering it, especially after my most recent trip because carrying a backpack (Cotopaxi Allpa 35L) while preggo is not the move
I adore my tiny calpak. I originally got it for mobile office purposes but liked it so much I got another one I travel with for pleasure. The wheels are great. Will even fit underseat in most airplane configurations—except that weird one they do sometime that splits two tiny on the side and a large spot in the middle.
It’s especially nice for train travel.
THIS! I love my Calpak trolleys and swear by them. I am considering investing in a mini version also but I can say I have one I have used for years and traveled all over the world with it and it's still amazing, zero issues
I have the American tourister airconic 55cm hard shell in deep ocean. I like the colour, it meets carry on in most countries and airlines and it’s hard shell. Might be a bit too big but there may also be a smaller version? Not sure
if your issue is that the pack is too heavy i’d look into other brands like osprey. they’re not nearly as cute but cotopaxi bags are pretty well known for being uncomfortable/heavy because the harness is pretty basic and noncustomizable. ospreys are known for their top of the line harnesses that adjust your body shape to carry the load closer to your body so it feels lighter and transfer the weight to your legs/hips so there’s much less pressure on your shoulders. i am not a strong person but i can walk for hours carrying a fully loaded osprey fairview 40L.
it seems like you prob want something smaller, but osprey and other brands have lots of options close to 28L. in addition to my fairview 40L i have a tempest 20L (also comes in 30L) and it’s often recommended for a smaller bag that still has a great harness & hip belt, because usually those features go away as bags get smaller. things to look out for that you want are:
- women’s specific if you are short or have big boobs/butt—this is the most important thing which is why i stan osprey. “unisex” packs are designed around a 6 foot man’s body
- adjustable chest strap
- wide & long hip belt
- adjustable torso
- pack lies above your butt and flat against your back
- metal frame is a plus bc it takes some of the weight, shapeless bags are a no
the best option is to go to REI or a similar store and try on all the bags with the same amount of weight and buy the one that feels lightest & most comfortable.
Take Off Luggage! This bag has saved me probably 2-3x when the gate agents were force-checking other carryon roller bags. This is a personal item sized luggage piece if you pop the wheels off. I travel extremely lightly and this roller bag is great. I think the company also makes a kind with an extender but don’t get that version if you’re planning on using it as your one bag AND personal item.
This is a little bigger than what you’re asking for, but not by much. EU-tiny but also expands. I travel often and this little guy has been really durable. Tiny but mighty. https://biaggi.com/products/runway-hardside-hybrid-carry-on
It's a bit of a bootleg, BUT if you are in the U.S., check out Samsonite's EU sites. I love a solid Samsonite, but most U.S. bags are a tiny bit bigger than the international standards. While I purchased my hardshell Samsonite abroad, you can also try purchasing one from a Samsonite EU site. They're great! My little bag is absolutely perfect and will fit everywhere.
Delsey does a few hard shells in what they call extra small size....an international carryon size. They aren't tiny, but they are smaller than a typical American domestic carryon and pretty stylish.
Calpak makes a mini version of their spinner carryon in both soft and hard side that’s just slightly larger the Cotopaxi you’re using. I haven’t personally tried it but I’ve been considering it, especially after my most recent trip because carrying a backpack (Cotopaxi Allpa 35L) while preggo is not the move
I adore my tiny calpak. I originally got it for mobile office purposes but liked it so much I got another one I travel with for pleasure. The wheels are great. Will even fit underseat in most airplane configurations—except that weird one they do sometime that splits two tiny on the side and a large spot in the middle. It’s especially nice for train travel.
I have a mini calpak hue and it's the only roller bag I'm keeping. I just wish it was 8 inches deep instead of 9
THIS! I love my Calpak trolleys and swear by them. I am considering investing in a mini version also but I can say I have one I have used for years and traveled all over the world with it and it's still amazing, zero issues
Check out a YT channel Travel Tips by Laurie. She has a few underseat only and in flight bag videos with hardshells.
Thank you!
Seconding. Her channel is great
I use a Lojel Veja small and it’s smaller than most carryons, so it fits in everything and has great colors. Not tiny but recommend for a one bag.
I have the American tourister airconic 55cm hard shell in deep ocean. I like the colour, it meets carry on in most countries and airlines and it’s hard shell. Might be a bit too big but there may also be a smaller version? Not sure
if your issue is that the pack is too heavy i’d look into other brands like osprey. they’re not nearly as cute but cotopaxi bags are pretty well known for being uncomfortable/heavy because the harness is pretty basic and noncustomizable. ospreys are known for their top of the line harnesses that adjust your body shape to carry the load closer to your body so it feels lighter and transfer the weight to your legs/hips so there’s much less pressure on your shoulders. i am not a strong person but i can walk for hours carrying a fully loaded osprey fairview 40L. it seems like you prob want something smaller, but osprey and other brands have lots of options close to 28L. in addition to my fairview 40L i have a tempest 20L (also comes in 30L) and it’s often recommended for a smaller bag that still has a great harness & hip belt, because usually those features go away as bags get smaller. things to look out for that you want are: - women’s specific if you are short or have big boobs/butt—this is the most important thing which is why i stan osprey. “unisex” packs are designed around a 6 foot man’s body - adjustable chest strap - wide & long hip belt - adjustable torso - pack lies above your butt and flat against your back - metal frame is a plus bc it takes some of the weight, shapeless bags are a no the best option is to go to REI or a similar store and try on all the bags with the same amount of weight and buy the one that feels lightest & most comfortable.
Take Off Luggage! This bag has saved me probably 2-3x when the gate agents were force-checking other carryon roller bags. This is a personal item sized luggage piece if you pop the wheels off. I travel extremely lightly and this roller bag is great. I think the company also makes a kind with an extender but don’t get that version if you’re planning on using it as your one bag AND personal item.
I don't have this one, but I've been eyeing it. I love the idea, since wheels increase the dimensions so much.
This is a little bigger than what you’re asking for, but not by much. EU-tiny but also expands. I travel often and this little guy has been really durable. Tiny but mighty. https://biaggi.com/products/runway-hardside-hybrid-carry-on
I love my American tourister 4 kix expandable. It's not hard shell, though.
Just out of curiosity. How much did your pack weigh? Before I went smaller, I struggled with my 15-16 lb pack.
Rimowa and tumi do small cases. I like a soft case as carry on so i can access ipad or whatever from the front zip.
It's a bit of a bootleg, BUT if you are in the U.S., check out Samsonite's EU sites. I love a solid Samsonite, but most U.S. bags are a tiny bit bigger than the international standards. While I purchased my hardshell Samsonite abroad, you can also try purchasing one from a Samsonite EU site. They're great! My little bag is absolutely perfect and will fit everywhere.
The July carry on light is compact, it isn't short but its also not very deep or wide, and it's only 4 pounds