u/Exact_Bat8450

Looking for advice on duffle bags for an African safari trip!

We’re doing 12 days with two layovers each way, and my husband is really nervous about checking bags after an airline lost his luggage on a previous trip. So now we’re thinking carry-on only if possible.
I’m looking at 40L duffles/backpack-style bags, but I’m wondering if those are realistically still considered carry-ons for European airlines too? I know some of them are stricter with size/weight limits. From what I’ve read, 40L can work.

Also struggling with spending $150+ each on something like the Patagonia Black Hole when we’ll probably never use these bags again after this trip. Any affordable alternatives people actually like? Bonus points if you’ve used them successfully as carry-ons internationally.

Would love recommendations (or reality checks 😅).

Looking for advice on duffle bags for an African safari trip!

We’re doing 12 days with two layovers each way, and my husband is really nervous about checking bags after an airline lost his luggage on a previous trip. So now we’re thinking carry-on only if possible.
I’m looking at 40L duffles/backpack-style bags, but I’m wondering if those are realistically still considered carry-ons for European airlines too? I know some of them are stricter with size/weight limits. From what I’ve read, 40L can work.

Also struggling with spending $150+ each on something like the Patagonia Black Hole when we’ll probably never use these bags again after this trip. Any affordable alternatives people actually like? Bonus points if you’ve used them successfully as carry-ons internationally.

Would love recommendations (or reality checks 😅).

31F, intermediate lifter, training consistently 3–5x/week for several years. Main goals are body recomposition (build muscle + lose fat), eventually get to ~150–155 sustainably (currently at 167), and become more of a hybrid athlete without sacrificing strength.

Just finished a 4-week block with:
3 lifting days (lower / upper / full body)
1 Zone 2 day
1 HIIT + mobility day

Progress seemed solid? PDF has numbers
Averaging ~10k steps/day consistently

Equipment limitations:
Full barbell setup
Pull-up bar
Adjustable DBs only up to 45 lbs
No machines

Biggest issue is some movements are getting capped by equipment (ex: goblet squats with 45s are already at 12 reps).

Looking for advice on:
What should I definitely keep from this block?
What should I change/remove?
Should I continue the same exercises another cycle or rotate some out?
More hypertrophy-focused or strength-focused next?
Better lower body quad work with limited DB weight?
More running volume or keep cardio stable?
Good substitutions when DB load becomes limiting?
Nutrition advice/macros for a mini cut while still supporting lifting + running performance?
Anyone successfully use higher weekend calories/social flexibility while cutting?

Would appreciate input from people balancing lifting + running long term.