Mrs. and I are trying to travel as light as possible for our upcoming trip to Thailand and the Philippines.

We are looking at getting a couple of backpacks that are relatively small, yet have internal frames for support.

Your input would be helpful with these two questions:

1. Will the aluminum and composite stays in the backpack raises eyebrows during x-ray? I assume that since many rollaboards have aluminum handles and such, we should be okay;

2. From my research, it looks like the linear dimensions of the packs we want to purchase fit within the carry-on limits. Can I assume they'll fit in not only the overheads from LAX to Manila, but from Manila to Bangkok as well?

Philippine Air posts a 15-pound carryon limit which should be easy for us to go under.

My only concern is that we may jump on a smaller plane to get to some smaller islands and I assume overhead space on those planes is quite tight, if any at all.

Comments and tips are greatly appreciated!