Between my laptop bag and my carry-on I come close to the 28 pound mark. I don't check bags so the carry-on has to carry all my clothes for whatever trip I may be taking. I've done as much as 11 days in the summer and 7 days in the winter with only a carry-on. In the bag though I carry a ballistic nylon bag for dirty clothes for the trip home. That bag I check. Having a bag of laundry go missing on the way home doesn't bother me that much.