Jet Lag: The Game is the rare YouTube series that makes travel feel playful again. Instead of tidy itineraries and hotel vlogs, the hosts turn entire countries into game boards—racing by train, bus, and plane while inventing rules that are half playground, half strategy. The result is fast, funny, and surprisingly inspiring if you’re into lightweight, carry‑on travel. Really impressive what these creators have been putting together.
What is Jet Lag: The Game?
Created by the team behind Wendover Productions, Jet Lag is a travel competition show where players turn geography into gameplay—think Connect Four across the American West, hide‑and‑seek in actual cities, or a giant game of Snake across South Korea. Episodes are tight, clever, and edited with a sense of real stakes; one missed connection can change the entire season. If you like travel with a dash of game theory, this one’s for you.
Where to start (3 great entry seasons)
- Hide & Seek across Japan
- Snake across South Korea — Smart route‑planning to mimic the classic snake video game.
- AU$TRALIA
Why the show works
Real constraints, real tension. The rules are simple, but time, distance, and local transit weave in natural difficulty.
Clever, portable game design. You can picture yourself playing the same games with friends on a future trip. They also offer a version you can buy.
Editing that respects curiosity. Clear maps, legible stakes, and great pacing; you’re never lost.
It celebrates the logistics. Trains, regional flights, bus terminals—the stuff most travel TV cuts out is the fun here. You really see how great public transport really is.
Gear Spotlight: the Cotopaxi Allpa travel pack (the bag you keep seeing)
The hosts often carry colorful, boxy travel backpacks—most recognizably the Cotopaxi Allpa. It’s a clamshell, suitcase‑style pack with a padded laptop sleeve, hip belt, and tuck‑away shoulder straps. Organization is the headline: inside mesh compartments keep clothes, tech, and toiletries in their own lanes, so you’re not rummaging on a platform while the train doors chime.
Which size?
Allpa 28L — Carry‑on slam dunk. Compact for minimalist packers, city breaks, and 2–3 day trips. Factory dimensions are 19 × 12 × 9 in (48 × 30 × 23 cm).
Allpa 35L — Carry‑on for most airlines if not overstuffed. A sweet spot for 1–2 week travel with laundry. Typical listed dimensions are 22 × 12 × 10 in (56 × 30 × 25 cm).
Our carry‑on take: 28L fits under more seats and dodges size‑squeezy gates. 35L maximizes overhead bin space—pack it thoughtfully and you’re fine on most US carriers. If you fly lots of European low‑cost carriers, the 28L is the safer bet.
Standout features we like
Clamshell opening makes it pack like a small suitcase.
Segmented mesh compartments reduce packing cubes clutter.
Lockable YKK zippers on the main compartment.
Tuck‑away straps + hip belt for cleaner silhouette when stowed.
External bottle pocket that doesn’t eat the main compartment.
Pros
Excellent organization without extra cubes
Durable build and comfortable carry for the size
Works as your only bag on shorter trips
Bright colorways (especially Del Día) are easy to spot
Cons
Boxy profile can feel “turtle‑y” on smaller frames when overstuffed
35L depth can edge past stricter sizers if puffed out
No built‑in daypack; pair with a packable tote/sling
28L vs 35L: quick chooser
Choose 28L if you: pack light, fly European budget carriers, or want guaranteed under‑seat fit.
Choose 35L if you: do week‑long trips, carry camera gear, or prefer fewer laundry stops.
The verdict
If you love travel because it’s unpredictable, Jet Lag: The Game is the best thing on YouTube right now. And if you want a bag that keeps up with that spirit, the Cotopaxi Allpa (28L or 35L) is a legit, field‑tested option for carry‑on travel.
Watch: Jet Lag: The Game on YouTube and Nebula.
Bag spotlight: Cotopaxi Allpa 28L / 35L.
Quick specs (at a glance)
Allpa 28L: 19 × 12 × 9 in; clamshell; mesh dividers; laptop sleeve; hip belt; external bottle pocket.
Allpa 35L: 22 × 12 × 10 in; clamshell; mesh dividers; lockable zips; hip belt; external bottle pocket.
Note: Exact weights and materials vary by year and Del Día vs. standard editions. Always check the current product page before you buy.