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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

• New Arrivals
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• COLLABORATIONS

Pacsafe® GO Anti-Theft 34L Carryon Backpack

Color : Fresh Mint

Size for Pacsafe® GO anti-theft 34L carryon backpack (Click to enlarge)

This product is made with post-consumer recycled polyester (rPET), equivalent to 28 recycled plastic bottles, and is treated with a 100% PFC-free water repellency.

SKU : 35155528

• Made with recycled PET
• PFC-free water repellent shell fabric
• Carry-on friendly, complies with most international airline carry-on size requirements
• Can be worn 2 different ways, as a backpack or duffel
• Luggage slip slides over luggage handles to keep your bag balanced on your wheeled bag
• Front pocket fits A4 sized travel binder or organizer for important documents
• External compression straps secure and stabilize contents for ease of carrying
• Internal straps for compression and to keep gear in place
• Internal attachment point for wallets and keys
• Pen loop for easy storage
• Side pocket for quick access to a reusable water bottle or small umbrella
• RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material
• TurnNLock security hook
• Carrysafe® slashguard strap with Dyneema®
• eXomesh® slashguard
• Lockable zip sliders (sliders with lock holes)
• Secure zip tab

Specification

Volume : 34 litres

Height : 18.5 inch

Width : 12.6 inch

Depth : 7.9 inch

Weight : 1.64 lbs

Backpack Strap Length (max-min) : 25.6-36.2 inch

Crossbody Circumference (max-min) : 41.3-52.0 inch

Sustainable Materials

• Recycled Polyester

Main Materials

• 600D Recycled polyester, Water resistant 1000mm, PFC free

Lining Materials

• 150D Recycled polyester, Water resistant, 1,000mm

Material Composition

• 100%-RECYCLED POLYESTER

Orders typically ship within 1 to 2 business days. Shipping time from 2 to 7 working days depending on location.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply return it to us in its original condition & packaging within 30 days of purchase. We only accept returns of non-sale, unused and undamaged items purchased through Pacsafe.com

Already marked-down items cannot be returned and exchanged.

We stand behind the quality and workmanship of all our products. As such, we offer a limited 5 year warranty on backpacks and bags, and a 2 year warranty on other items and accessories.

• 5 Stars 7 Reviews
• 4 Stars 1 Review
• 3 Stars 1 Review
• 2 Stars 0 Reviews
• 1 Star 0 Reviews

Brilliant space saving storage option

I went on a trip to Italy where I was travelling from England to Piza, then Florence, then Rome and finally Sorrento. I wanted to make sure that I could have a backpack that acted like another suitcase but also keep my belongings safe. My only grumble was that the lid needed another pocket. Everything else was brilliant. I got so much in it and it also allowed me to be organised between each location. Knowing that it was lockable when putting this in the storage on the train between locations made me feel safe. I also own the pacsafe sling which protected my belongings whilst sight seeing.

Just the right size. Just the right bag.

Such a great purchase

I absolutely love it. Used for the first time yesterday for quick trip from Munich to London & back. It was fabulous. Light, but plenty of space. It felt secure & also discreet. Walked all around London. Popped on the plane. Perfect 🤩

I can pack a week’s worth of clothes, reading and embroidery material and it is still light enough to take it as hand luggage on the plane. Really useful!

Quality product, arrived quick, not used yet

Exactly as pictured, gorgeous colour, top quality. Will be using over summer. Delighted with crossover bag previously purchased so expecting same.

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Lowest Price Guarantee

Why We Like The Thule Subterra Travel 34L Backpack

Travel with preparedness and style by rocking the Thule Subterra Travel 34L Backpack. This compact 34L capacity bag holds everything you need to stay in touch in the side-access 15" laptop sleeve, front tablet pocket with power organizer, and removable organizer cube.

• All-in-one travel backpack designed with organization in mind
• Durable nylon face fabric holds up to daily wear and tear
• Perforated EVA straps lock in a secure fit and wicks moisture
• 34L capacity offers plenty of storage in a compact size
• Tablet and laptop sleeves allow you to stay connected
• Removable packing cube helps you bring clothes along
• Item #THUZ3RF

Overall Rating

4.5 based on 2 ratings

Review Summary

What do you think about this product?

May 17, 2024

All in one Travel Backpack!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The travel backpack is perfect for traveling and to be used as a weekend bag. You can fit a laptop, shoes and clothes. It also has an extra compartment to organize your items. Additionally, it’s padded on the back which provides comfort for carrying it around the airport. The color and style are unisex! You will love this bag!

Originally reviewed on influenster.com

March 23, 2024

Spacious, durable and versatile

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I'm thoroughly impressed with the Thule travel backpack! Its 26L spaciousness, excellent material quality, waterproof feature, and built-in laptop protection make it an exceptional choice for any traveler. Additionally, the included extra bag adds even more value to this already fantastic product. The design is not only nice but also practical, making it a standout option in the market. Highly recommended!

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• Trip Planning

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L (V2) Review

With its sleek aesthetic and thoughtful internal organization, the Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L is ready for any adventure. We just wish the hip belt was more supportive.

Our Verdict

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• Tub-like main compartment is easy to pack
• Highly functional and versatile internal organization
• Some pockets are liter independent
• Hip belt isn't efficient at helping distribute weight
• Accessing the main compartment through the horseshoe zipper is a bit awkward
• Strap management style takes some getting used to

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 116/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

3.4 lb (1.5 kg)

800Dx660D Nylon

21 in x 13 in x 7 in (53.3 x 33 x 17.8 cm)

Notable Materials

Nylon, Polyurethane, Polyester, YKK Zippers, ITW Hardware, Aluminum

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Full Review

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One of our favorite urban travel backpacks, the Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack 34, has gotten a makeover after its initial release via a successful Kickstarter campaign. Think of this makeover as less of a full-blown plastic surgery job and more like a “got a new haircut and dusted some bronzer on” type of deal. It’s got the same features we liked about the first iteration—thoughtful organization, functionality, and urban aesthetic—it’s just a bit sleeker.

The fabric is softer, the shape is more round, and the Hypalon tabs on the harness system are cleaner. This makes for a more streamlined look and user experience.

While it may not live up to the “last bag you will ever need” marketing that came with the first version’s initial release, it’s definitely a solid travel backpack with a well-thought-out design. We had some minor issues with it being slightly uncomfortable to carry for extended periods when it’s stuffed to the brim, but your mileage may vary on that. Also, overstuffing your bag is not really recommended, but this is Pack Hacker you’re reading—it’s our job to put these bags to their absolute limits! There’s a lot to talk about with this bag, so get ready for a long read.

Materials & Aesthetic

When we say this bag is sleek, we mean that it’s like a well-tailored suit. You’ll see what we mean by looking at the fabric, so let’s start there. Heimplanet uses their in-house developed material called DYECOShell I, previously known as DYECOSHELL. What’s the difference besides capitalization? This new and improved version is made from an 840D Nylon and 660D Nylon blend, whereas the previous version was an 800D Nylon and 660D Polypropylene combo.

If that just sounds way too confusing, all you need to know is that the new fabric is made of a nylon blend, making it softer and more smooth to the touch. Softer doesn’t mean less durable, though. The travel pack is still sturdy, with a DWR coating for weather resistance. It just doesn’t feel as rough as the first version (a good thing)!

Heimplanet also uses the dope dye method to give the fabric its color. It’s a more sustainable way to dye fabrics using less energy and chemicals than traditional methods. Durable products that are also environmentally friendly? That is definitely dope . At the time of this review, this bag is available in two colorways—Black/Castle Rock which is a darker grey with black accents, and Black/Black because black is awesome. No complaints here.

What makes this pack so visually appealing is the aesthetic versatility. Take it to the office, explore a bustling downtown, and go on a desert hike on the same day and it wouldn’t be out of place. Heimplanet increased the amount of branding since the first version, so there will be no mistaking this for another backpack.

There’s a reflective Heimplanet logo on the front and the back, little wavy planet insignias on the sternum and shoulder strap, another Heimplanet stamp on the shoulder strap, and “HPT” on the aluminum sternum strap and hip belt hardware. Oh, and the aluminum zipper pulls are also Heimplanet branded. Whew, okay, that’s all of them.

Speaking of zipper pulls, there are some seriously beefy water-resistant YKK #10 zippers on the main compartment of this bag we’re happy to see are lockable this time. One of our main gripes with the previous version was the lack of lockable zippers, so we appreciate Heimplanet for making this simple upgrade. You’ll find YKK #5 and #8 zippers that are smaller on the rest of the bag.

Finally, the shoulder straps have a row of Hypalon tabs which we’ll talk more about later. This sounds like a lot (and it is), but all the materials come together to make a travel pack that looks modern while still being highly functional.

External Components

Let’s talk about those Hypalon loops. You’ll find them on the shoulder straps and front of the bag for different purposes. The rubber tabs along the shoulder straps are so you can customize the bag with attachments. For example, you can change the sternum strap’s position if it’s too high or low for you by simply removing it and clipping it into a different set of loops. The bottom of the shoulder straps has a long strip of Hypalon, which we’re not really sure has a functional purpose. More than likely, this is just to give them a cleaner look. The first version of this bag had Hypalon loops going down the straps’ entire length, which looked a bit messy to us. Once again, we thank Heimplanet for incorporating customer feedback into their design upgrades!

Further up the shoulder straps, you’ll find load lifters with strap keepers and another strip of Hypalon to tuck them into. We think Heimplanet shares our disdain for dangling straps because every single one on this bag has a dedicated strap keeper. Yes, every single one—the shoulder straps, load lifters, hip belt, sternum strap, compression straps, all of them. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we’ll take the few seconds it takes to fiddle with the keepers over straps dangling all over the place. Just be aware that people with smaller frames who need to have the shoulder straps a bit tighter will still have some dangling going on. It will be more managed than a bag without strap keepers, but just so you know.

But wait, there are more Hypalon loops to talk about! You’ll also find them on the front of the bag, where you can attach compression straps (sold separately). There is already one row of compression straps near the bottom of the bag. We like these because they don’t hinder access to any compartments. The compression straps you can add on will block the main compartment zippers but are more useful if you want to strap on a jacket or tent. The built-in one goes over the water bottle holder, making it convenient to carry a tripod as it will stay tightly in place.

Going back to the harness system for a minute, it’s worth noting that Heimplanet has done a great job of upgrading the sternum strap here. We had so many issues with the previous one slipping out during use. On this version, the sternum strap hardware is curved on both sides to hook onto the Hypalon. It’s a bit tough to remove, but at least it stays securely in place. Hallelujah! This sternum strap also closes with a magnet instead of a traditional buckle. Your mileage may vary on whether this appeals to you or not, but it does add to the overall sleek “upgraded” aesthetic.

Unfortunately, we can’t give out any praise for this hip belt. It’s more like a seatbelt. It keeps the bag close to your back but doesn’t actually help bear much of the load. Stuffed to the brim on a trip to Nevada, it didn’t provide much support on longer walks. That’s kind of our fault for overpacking, but a more supportive hip belt would have been appreciated in that scenario.

On the back panel is a thick amount of EVA foam padding. It looks a bit like a ninja turtle shell with the classic Heimplanet honeycomb pattern on it. But the turtle vibes aren’t what we like about this back panel. We really dig the bottom pass-through system to tuck the shoulder straps in when you aren’t using them. We appreciate that it’s simple. No flip it inside out, stuff it in, zip it up, and do the hokey-pokey technique to hide the harness system here. It also has a small opening where you can stick your luggage handle through. One-bag travel isn’t ideal for everyone, so having the option to integrate it with a rolling suitcase is a thoughtful touch.

Finally, there are the two nicely-padded grab handles. There’s one on the top to easily grab it out of your car or the airplane overhead bin. Then there’s another one on the side. We like sticking the shoulder straps and hip belt into the back pocket and carrying it via this handle when we’re just taking it short distances. It’s also convenient for getting the bag in side carry mode when it’s on your back and you just want to swing it around to grab something quickly without taking it off.

Inside The Pack

Finally, we’re ready to get inside this thing. There’s a lot going on here, too, so let’s take a sip of coffee and start with the top pocket. First of all, the polyester interior liner is light grey which makes it easy to see everything inside. We love black, but not when it comes to visibility on the inside of a bag. We dig the geometric pattern going on throughout the interior too. It’s like an infinite mandala from outer space.

This top, quick-grab pocket is quite spacious, so if you’ve got a stash of protein bars to carry, drop them in here. It’s also liter independent and doesn’t cut into the front pocket, which is right underneath it. This one isn’t as deep as the quick grab pocket and is better suited for flat items if you’ve got the main compartment packed out. It’s a good spot for your passport and wallet.

The front pocket and side handle work together perfectly when you need to swing the bag around off one shoulder to grab something. When positioned on the side this way, the pocket opening sits right side up. Magic!

Let’s move on to the main compartment. This thing opens all the way up clamshell style. It’s almost beyond clamshell, like a hyper-flexible clam doing a yoga backbend. The compartment itself has a nice tub shape which is incredibly easy to pack. There are two ways to access it and several ways to divide up space once you’re inside.

The main zipper in the back (the massive YKK #10) is the one that opens up clamshell. There’s a padded laptop sleeve with a velcro closure on the back panel when you open it. It’s got some felt lining in the same turtle shell pattern we saw on the outside. On the front of that are several soft, stretchy pockets. There’s a large one for magazines or notebooks, two pen slots, and then two smaller pockets on either side of those. This is pretty slick for keeping all your work stuff organized.

Opposite that are two massive zippered pockets in the same stretchy material. Their 3D design means they lay flat when not in use and stretch out to a remarkable capacity. We found ourselves sticking things that we didn’t have any more space in the main compartment for, in here. This included a makeup bag, which we were pleasantly surprised could fit.

This flap of pockets is actually a divider that you can zip up to separate your laptop from your clothes, which you’ll pack on the opposite side. If you don’t want to use it, just roll up the divider, and it’s out of your way. There’s a little pouch where you can tuck it in at the bottom. Of course, if you go this route, you won’t be able to use those pockets, which we found incredibly useful. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with having another barrier between your precious laptop and other gear. But, to each his own, of course.

The second way to access the main compartment is through a shorter, horseshoe zip closer to the bag’s front. Depending on how strategically you’ve packed your bag, this could be very convenient or a bit strange. In theory, it’s useful for grabbing some quickly, like a jacket. Then again, you could also carry that jacket on the outside if you add the compression straps.

It also makes sense if you want to grab one particular packing cube without opening the whole bag and shuffling everything around. This only really works if the cube you want is near the top, though. We found it most convenient to unzip the divider and pack our cubes into the “tub,” then zip the divider back up. If you do it this way, the back of the cubes will be facing the horseshoe zipper. Maybe this isn’t a big deal for you, but it’s something to think about when you’re packing. It also unzips right against the water bottle pocket, so watch out for that.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Back compartment opens clamshell for easy loading and unloading
• All pockets in the back compartment lay flat when not in use but expand out when packed
• Cube-like main compartment is easy to pack
• Digging the versatility in the organization
• When fully packed, we found it to be slightly uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time
• No issues with durability to report

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GORUCK GR2 Review

Last Updated on December 21, 2023

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In this GORUCK GR2 Review I’ll dive into after testing the GORUCK GR2 I’m certain it is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a travel backpack with a capacity to carry all your baggage that’s also nearly indestructible and bombproof.

TLDR; If you’re in the hurry here’s the pros and cons of the GORUCK GR2 Backpack!

• TSA Carry On Compliant
• Great Material
• Toughest Backpack ever
• YKK Zippers
• Lifetime Guarantee
• Bit Overkill for most people
• New Vietnamese bags aren’t great ($50 extra for USA Made GR2 )
• Pricey ( Tortuga Setout is a cheaper choice)
• Not great for Digital Nomads ( Nomatic Travel bag is a great alternative)

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(Made in USA Version)

Table of Contents

What’s GORUCK and the GORUCK GR2?

The term :GORUCK: is actually a combination of the verb “GO” and “RUCK” which is short for “ rucksack” . It is intended to move with a rucksack and implies action, energy, and purpose you know what soldiers in special forces training do.

Also, the founder of GORUCK Jason McCarthy became a green beret (army special forces) right after 9/11. So GORUCK is Jason’s way to take some of the lessons he has learned in the army and apply it to the community of the civilian world and we can respect that!

So you can already bet that the products are going to be made of extremely strong materials. Moreover GORUCK is a company created by an ex-green beret founder so obviously, the products have got to be badass!

I love GORUCK for it’s strong and durable products but more importantly for its extremely functional product. Their backpacks os as they prefer calling them, “rucks” — are made and built to the highest quality standards just using highly durable military-grade materials.  They have even gone further to offer their Scars Lifetime Guarantee.

However, although this bag was made with durability and functionality in mind it doesn’t look too tactical. The bag can look a little boxy from the back but overall it doesn’t look bulky for a giant 40L backpack.

GORUCK GR2 Backpack Features

The backpack although really good is not for all this I thought it important to cover the most important elements about the bag so that you know what you are getting. My goal is to ensure you make the most informed purchase. Moreover, the backpack will set you back a whopping $495 so you better be sure you want it before you spend all that money.

The GORUCK GR2 is a bag that is built to survive the most hardcore and harsh environment and I think it is among the best looking travel backpacks out there. Its design is Simple, quite minimal but on the inside, it is made of bulletproof durable and excellent materials with the military-grade build quality, and enough space to carry all your baggage and more. In short, this is a bag that will last you all your life!

Reason to buy the GORUCK GR2 Backpack

• Desig n :   Super Tough and versatile
• Material : Real military-grade tested materials to survive the best
• Compartments: Pockets, Mesh, Compartments and A LOT MORE.
• Weatherproof: Not waterproof but water-resistant
• Extra features: Comfortable shoulder straps with extra padding.

GORUCK GR2 Design

GR2 is an excellent bag and part of the reason why I love it is because it is remarkably comfortable to carry over long distances and periods of time. All the GORUCK GR2 are designed to be worn up high on the wearer’s back with the straps pulled tight.

This ensures a well-balanced distribution of weight over shoulders, the upper back and overall stability and comfort even whilst moving around. Every nook and corner of the bag is carefully designed to ensure extreme comfort and functionality.

GORUCK GR2 Dimensions

The GORUCK GR2 is available in 2 different sizes 34l and 40l. In terms of features, the GORUCK GR2 34L is exactly like the GORUCK GR2 40L backpack, and the only difference is the size and the weight and the capacity of course.

GORUCK GR2 34L Review

The GORUCK GR2 34L is a mid-sized ruck and is best suited for long weekends. Or for shorter people. I recommend getting the GORUCK Gr2 34L if you’re under 5’8” (like me :P ) however if you’re a brave and strong homo sapien you can probably handle the 40L.

The GORUCK GR2 34L backpack weighs 4.35 Lbs and the dimensions are 12.5″W x 20.05″H x 9″D

GORUCK GR2 40L Review

The GORUCK GR2 40L is a much larger Ruck and is best suited for extended stays and even traveling long term.

The GORUCK GR2 40L backpack weighs 4.75 Lbs and the dimensions are 12.5″W x 22″H x 9″D

However, although the backpacks are big both are TSA carry-on compliant meaning they will be allowed as carry-on without any issues. Both big bags that can also equip laptops with a 17”+ screen so I recommend going for them if you need something to carry a lot of luggage.

Cross-sectional review

Materials and Make:   The rucksack is made of 1000D CORDURA which is a strong a slash-proof material basically ain’t nobody cutting through that backpack unless you got a saw or something and if you got someone chasing you with a chainsaw then even a military-grade backpack cannot protect you. The materials and components are extremely durable to last you a while without scratches and tear even if heavily used. Remember this was made by a former Army Special Forces it’s going to be strong.

YKK Zippers : For some zippers aren’t something to talk about but not for the GR2. In Fact, these zippers are so strong they are proven to thrive in war. These are the same zippers used by the army in middle east sandstorms

1000 denier Cordura: The name already sounds so cool but you will be surprised to know this is the same material used by marines in the army.  In fact, it is the most preferred material for special forces rucks due to its strength to weight ratio and also for its extremely durable nature.

Other highlights regarding material:  

• Extra padding straps to ensure the external components are extremely strong to handle heavy payloads of baggage.
• Bombproof laptop compartment

Should I go for the GORUCK 34L or the GORUCK 40L?

This is easy if you know for what you will need the backpack for. Based on the duration of the bag you can choose what would be the best suitable option for you. Obviously, if you are going to be traveling for long then you need something to carry a lot of your baggage with. If you are only going on short trips then you need an overnight backpack in this case I recommend the 34L even over the GR1 which I talk about further in the article.

Drawbacks of The GORUCK GR2 Backpack

Although I have a lot to say that is good about the GORUCK GR2 there is nothing that is perfect in this world. The GORUCK GR2 although one of the best travel backpacks on the market currently does have some flaw. These are some things I feel are overkill and may not really be used.

These are by no means dealbreakers because these may actually be something you are looking for. It’s purely subjective I just want to give you my perspective on what I think about the travel backpack.

1. Military-grade is a bit of overkill

The product description is a bit of an overkill. If you go to the product description you will see words like

• Bullet-proof
• Bombproof compartment

It is made by a former Army Special Forces who wanted to bring something from his time to the civilian community but I feel unlike those in the army these situations rarely would occur in the usual everyday life of a traveler. Unless you’re traveling through war struck countries like Syria you will barely need something like this.

However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have and it will in no means affect the functionality of the bag. I definitely see former army brats getting something but not for the functionality but because that’s what they’re used to using. I just find it overkill not necessarily and not necessarily drawback.

2. Expensive

The USD $375 price tag is definitely on the expensive side. However, if you look closely at the cost to make the bag and what goes into it you will quickly realize it is justified.

• Firstly it is made in America by fine manufacturing practices and by only American skilled labor so definitely, the cost will be higher than the average backpack made in China.
• Secondly, the work that is gone into it the military-grade materials it is made of the testing done to ensure it is actually something that can survive the worst add tremendous tangible value to its customer.

If you can afford it and are wondering whether the GORUCK GR2 is actually worth the price tag than the answer is YES! It is made with fine materials, following the best practices and only after a series of durability tests.

3. Non-USA Made Bag Aren’t Worth it

In the past year GORUCK moved a lot of their production overseas to Vietnam. Lots of folks are unhappy with this as there has been noticeable quality degradations across their entire product line, with only a very minimal price decreases.

The USA made GR2 is $375 while the Vietnam made GR2 is $325. The difference is only 50 dollars when you’re getting a far more inferior product. It’s best to spend the extra bucks and get the USA made version

GORUCK GR2 vs GR1

If you’ve previously used the GR1 the first obvious difference is the size between the GR2 and GR1 the former being 40L while the latter being only 26L. So if you’re looking for something you can take with you around the world then you definitely need the GR2.

However for those of you that find a 40L bag too big there is also a 34L option available! Although this version is the same as the GR1 the internal compartment capacity is actually bigger than the GR1. You will find that there is more room for stuff because of the increased capacity.

What most people don’t realize is the organization in the interior is more important than the capacity of the backpack.

It is all about how well the interiors are designed to ensure space is used efficiently. And the GR2 34L is designed exactly for that. It is much more organized than the GR1 26L .

Although I like the GR2 I have mixed feelings about the GR2 34L version. You could say it straddles in the gray area as to whether it is too big or whether it is of the perfect size.  To be honest most people do not know or aren’t sure what do do about the size. It is wholly too large as a day back and likely too small for travelers that live out of their backpack.

Physically it is a half-inch wider and taller than the GR1 in size and due to this, there is an extra space because of the depth that is created. This also keeps it from looking like an overly large bag. Most people are hesitant about getting the 34L because it is quite similar to the GR1 but with an extra section bolted on it and this alone isn’t worth the extra money to get it. However what most people do not know is the organization is quite different and the add-on built-in field pocket and mesh zipper areas really make quite a difference over the GR1.

Verdict : I recommend the GR2 40L for most people unless they want to travel light for short trips which is where I recommend the GR2 34L.  If you are looking for an overnight bag then go for the 34L which is perfectly sized to be a normal-sized bag but with extra capacity than most of its competitors.

GORUCK GR2 VS TORTUGA OUTBREAKER 45

Based on durability it easily beats the Tortuga Outbreaker 45 which isn’t made remotely as strong as the GR2. Moreover, the 45L capacity is quite a lot for the average traveler you’d be better of with the smaller 34L GORUCK which will be much more durable and functional than the Outbreaker.

Overall if you want a bag that will last you a long time and is made of hardcore military-grade materials that can survive anything then I suggest you go for the GORUCK GR2. I agree you may never encounter a situation to test its bombproof compartments or the bulletproof materials but hey bragging rights, right?

MAIN COMPARTMENTS OF THE BACKPACK:

Main Clamshell Compartment:  The term clamshell because it actually opens up like one. This is to make it easy to see and access everything. This opening style is very different than the top loading backpack it may take some time getting used to.

Inside the main compartment you have:

• A hole on the top for your laptop/water bladder
• Molle Webbing to clip items and add other MOLLE accessories
• Flexible pocket to place documents
• Two mesh pockets (one ⅔ of the compartment and another ⅓ of the height)

Inside the Secondary Compartment you have:

This as well opens up clamshell style for ease of access and also contain a couple of key pockets to help with an organized packing system.

• Large zip pouch with not one but two mesh dividers inside.
• Another 2/3 mesh pocket right at the base.
• Also at the top flap of the second compartment, we also have a ⅔ mesh zip compartment on the bottom, and lastly one more 1/3 fully concealed pocket at the top. That’s a lot of mesh compartment.

Is the GORUCK GR2 worth it?

If you’ve read this far then you are probably quite interested in the GORUCK GR2 which is why I’ll cut to the chase in this section and get to exactly why you should buy the GORUCK GR2 and why you shouldn’t.

• Reason to get it: You need an extraordinary travel backpack that is made of the best to survive the worst. In this case, there is no doubt this is the right pick of you the military grade materials, zippers are only used by those in the army so you can bet your ass they’re the best and the company behind is built over something genuine so you can expect an extraordinary experience with this product. However, it comes at a price.
• Reason to ditch it: You aren’t looking for anything over the top and need something that is generally a decent travel backpack. In this case, most of the features are just an overkill and you’ll be better off getting a normal travel backpack for cheaper.

Overall if you want the best and extraordinary something you will have to give out is money. If you can afford the $375 then go for it or else you should reconsider your options.

I hope you liked this comprehensive review of the GORUCK GR2 I tried to cover everything with a goal to help you choose the best travel backpack for your journey. Do leave a comment if you have any question to ask!

GORUCK GR2 vs GR3

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About Jeremy Noronha

Hey! I’m Jeremy Noronha and I’m a online marketer and full time traveler.

I’ve been living out of a single backpack traveling the world since early 2016. I used to work as Technical SEO Consultant (Former Head of SEO at Foundr.com) and travel blogger.

I now blog on JeremyNoronha.com writing about whatever is on my mind 😁

Reader Interactions

November 14, 2018 at 12:32 pm

Thanks for all the information. I see that you posted this review in September of this year, and listed the price of the GR2 as 395 USD. In all of my searches I can only seem to find 495.00USD as the list price… I’m wondering if this was a typo on your part, or if the prices have really gone up that much in a couple of months?

I appreciate your clarification on this matter!

November 14, 2018 at 12:42 pm

Hey Melanie!

GoRuck was running a promo when I published this article! Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I just updated the article to show 495 as the list price. My advice would be to wait until Black Friday as it’ll be updating this post with the best discount for their sale if they’re having any.

November 19, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Hey Melanie, GoRuck’s Black Friday sale is currently going on so you should be able to get it for 385 USD now :)! here’s the link

March 9, 2020 at 10:13 pm

Thanks for the review. It’s very informative. I know this post is a couple years old but I’d like to point out the company was started by a former Green Beret, not a Marine like you mentioned in the first point of the Drawbacks section. Otherwise I do think your review covered a lot of good points.

March 26, 2020 at 2:29 pm

Thanks so much! And sorry for the mistake. Just updated the post 🙂

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Product Info for Thule Subterra Backpack - 34L

Features of thule subterra backpack - 34l.

• Easy access to contents through wide rolltop opening with magnetic closure
• Keep clothes organized while traveling thanks to removable packing cube
• Protects your laptop (15in MacBook Pro or 15.6in PC) in the padded laptop sleeve with SafeEdge construction and secure flap closure
• Access your laptop through the top-loading compartment or the side zipper
• Cords are neatly managed between your device and your mobile charger in the internal PowerPocket
• Protect your tablet in the dedicated storage pocket with soft, interior lining
• Quickly retrieve internal contents through zippered side access panel
• Carry comfortably with breathable perforated EVA shoulder straps with mesh covering and padded back panel
• Make traveling easier by attaching to rolling luggage using the pass-through panel
• Securely keep small items and a water bottle within reach in the expandable, zippered side pocket

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• HEIMPLANET Transit Line 34L

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Heimplanet transit line 34l - review 2024.

We gave our Review Team one job: Find the best and most popular products and review them. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

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With the Heimplanet Travel Pack 34, you’re truly paying for quality and style. The clamshell design makes storing and organizing your items simple, quick and intuitive. There’s enough space for a weekend trip while the pack itself is compact enough to use commuting to work.

This premium backpack is made of high quality and sustainable materials and has a sleek and stylish appearance. The thickness of the padding and the quality of the material will definitely protect your belongings in most situations. This makes it the perfect backpack for business trips or a work backpack where it’s exterior matches your professional environment.

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

• DiveIn Score: 4.8/5
• Construction: 5/5
• Storage: 5/5
• Water and Impact Protection: 4.8/5
• Price/Quality: 4.5/5

When we review a bag we take into consideration the main purpose it will be used for. How it performs as a hiking backpack that’s comfortable on your back during long walks, a travel backpack that’s both smart and tough as well as great for long weekends away, or a commuter bag that fits extra folders and will protect your laptop against bumps and rain.

Although you could still use this pack to go hiking or camping, the style indicates that this is not its intended purpose. But with the solid construction of the Travel Pack 34, it survived several day trips into the forest looking no worse for wear. For a hiking or camping backpack though, you can get away with something a bit cheaper and save this for transit, travel and work.

At no point in time during two months of testing was there any discomfort caused by the straps. This includes during biking, walking and hiking.

With the clamshell style opening two compartments up, clearly intended to demarcate documents, computer, books, moleskins, etc., on the one side and clothing, toiletries, etc., on the other, it stretches 34L capacity to the max in a very intuitive way. You know where to stash each item as if they belong in their own little slot.

What the clamshell opening does is it gives you an easy way to fold open all your belongs for packing and unpacking in a way that seems all rather professional. Accessing the clothing section is also easy, thanks to the addition of a zipper both externally and internally for when in clamshell mode or backpack action.

And speaking of zippers and clips, all are of premium quality and original design. The zippers are sturdy aluminum–rather than plastic–and the clips have magnets for easy and secure opening and closing. Fastening the chest strap is remarkably easy.

If you want to have something that proclaims professionalism with an amazing functionality, the Heimplanet Travel Pack 34 hits the mark.

• Best Suited For: Day Trips, Worktrips, Work pack
• Material: Dyecoshell fabric.
• Volume: 34L
• Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 7 inches
• Weight: 3.4 pounds

Construction

This transit line is made out of two main fabrics called Dyecoshell fabric. It’s a blend of 800D nylon and 660D polypropylene that‘s not only durable but also water-resistant.

Dope dyed fabrics use fewer chemicals by adding colorant during the spinning process. That substitutes the most polluting process of textile production – dying.

It also features durable YKK zippers, a polyester lining that has a pattern that’s reminiscent of their tent designs, and also aluminum hardware which is a refreshing change from plastic that we see across other packs.

This is a premium pack from a clearly premium line.

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External Specs and Features

To kick off the external components of this bag, it has a padded top handle as well as a handle on the side. The subtle padding and material help the handles blend in seamlessly without creating a bulk look.

The elastic stretch pocket is great and fits various sizes of water bottles or umbrellas easily. There are two permanent compression straps at the bottom and additional straps at the top that are sold separately. These straps compress the bag a little bit more when needed. It also allows you some extra external storage if you’d like to store a jacket or tripod to the side of your backpack. Every strap on this pack, including the harness system, comes with some kind of elastic or plastic keeper that allows you to have a dangle-free experience when you’re using your backpack. Also makes it pretty easy to grab and use.

Moving on to the straps, the transit line travel pack features a densely padded EVA foam and although it looks thin, the foam is very dense and comfortable to carry. Also, there’s a padded back panel and a nice pass-through panel for a roller luggage handle. The waist strap doesn’t really have a lot of padding on it and doesn’t distribute a ton of weight, but it does hold the bag closer to your body.

Starting with the quick access pocket at the top of the pack. This is a great place for just stuffing things into as you’re popping through security, your phone, your passport, or anything you want to just toss in there for quick access.

On the front, there is a side access pocket as well to just quickly flip this bag around to access it from the side.

The main clamshell opening of this pack opens up completely flat.

The back panel features a padded laptop compartment with a velcro strap to keep your laptop in place.

The secondary pocket can easily be used to store all needed cables and chargers. One side is stretchy mesh material similar to where the water bottle pocket is for more organizing space. There are two pens, pencil, or stylus pockets in the middle.

Moving on to the other side of the pack it has two meshy-like 3D pockets, a larger one on top and a smaller one at the bottom.

Like all bags, there will always be a pros and cons list. It’s up to you what is more important and what you can’t compromise on when it comes to your bag. But this bag was great to use in so many different ways that it would be hard not to recommend it if money is no object.

Heimplanet is a great company producing great products in a sustainable way. It’s a shame that quality sometimes scares people off, but this is a case of you get what you pay for, and you’re paying for something that will last you a long time.

Overall my favorite part of this backpack is that all items for urban work and travel can be organized efficiently. The construction of the laptop sleeve nicely secures up to a 15-inch computer while the look fits in perfectly in a work environment. That being said this backpack is also durable and spacious enough to use as a day bag on a camping or hiking trip.

This backpack is ideal for people with a professional career that like to take their job on adventures over the weekend.

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This backpack is out of stock on Heimplanet’s website and other European websites. Does this mean it is being discontinued or that a new version may be coming out. I am hesitant to buy one if a newer version is coming out, but don’t want to miss out on this if they have discontinued it. I’ve messaged the company but haven’t heard anything.

I think, like many companies, stock has been disrupted by supply chains. We’ll try to figure out what future there is for the Transit Line bag. It’s quite a good one, so I imagine it won’t disappear entirely. Maybe a new iteration, as you suggest. Meanwhile, it is available on Amazon, I can see.

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Unisex Strato Backpack Compact Boot Bag

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Columbia Men's Mazama 34L Travel Backpack

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St Petersburg Itinerary: how to spend 4 days in St Petersburg

Due to the current situation, I advice against travel to St Petersburg and Russia at the moment. All affiliated links related to Russia have been removed. But I have decided to keep my posts about Russia as it remains a beautiful country. I hope that circumstances change and that travel is possible again in the near future.

4 days in St Petersburg may sound like a lot of time to make a nice St Petersburg itinerary. But let me be honest. There are so many things to see and do in St Petersburg that 4 days is actually not that much.

The Venice of the north is full of excellent museums, extravagant palaces, classical architecture, beautiful canals, ancient churches and elegant gardens. Though St Petersburg is mostly shaped by its time as the capital of imperial Russia, there are some traces of its Soviet history as well. 

In the end, St Petersburg has something for everyone. This 4 day St Petersburg itinerary includes St Petersburg top attractions and is a balance between indoor and outdoor activities. It will help you to make the most out of your time. 

My St Petersburg itinerary

I actually had more than a week in St Petersburg and it was my third visit. I know that many of you probably aren’t that lucky to have this amount of time available. However, I believe that 4 days in St Petersburg is the minimum amount of time you need. 

You might find lots of St Petersburg itineraries online for less than 4 days. However, this means you either have to rush things or miss out on some of the city’s top attractions. 

This 4 day St Petersburg itinerary includes the most beautiful and important sights. If you have more time though, I can recommend my St Petersburg travel guide for inspiration.

How to spend 4 days in St Petersburg

Day 1 self guided walking tour of st petersburg.

On your first day in St Petersburg I can recommend my own self guided free walking tour of St Petersburg . It goes along the Nevsky prospekt all the way to the  Hermitage, Vasiliyevski island and the Peter and Paul fortress. This walking tour will be a great introduction to St Petersburg and takes in some of the most beautiful areas of the city with a number of top attractions.

It will be a long day and it would be impossible to visit all the museums and churches you come across on your way. You will have to make some choices. Below I give some recommendations.

Alexander Nevsky monastery   

The walking tour starts at the Alexander Nevsky monastery . This is one of the oldest monasteries in St Petersburg. It was built by Peter the Great who thought it was the place where prince Alexander Nevski won a battle against the swedes. Even though this was not the case, it remains a very sacred place for the locals. The cemetery grounds include famous Russian people like Tchaikovsky and Dostoevsky. 

Anichkov bridge

If you are interested in the second World war you can make a quick stop at ploshchad vosstaniya to see the Leningrad hero city obelisk. Otherwise I suggest you take the metro from the Alexander Nevski monastery straight to Mayakovskaya metro station and walk from there to the beautiful Anichkov bridge. This is the oldest bridge across the Fontanka river with two impressive horse sculptures on each side.

Fabergé museum

Near the Anichkov bridge is the Faberge museum in the Shuvalov palace. This small museum is well worth a visit for its lavish rooms and excellent Faberge jewellery art collection. Faberge had a unique style that was rich in decorations and intricate details. The Romanovs were so impressed by his work that they appointed him to be their imperial jeweller. 

Most famous are the elaborate Fabergé eggs that Faberge made each year to present to the Tsars during easter. The museum has 9 of them along with other items made for the Romanovs such as clocks, tea sets, silverware etc.

Kazan cathedral

After the Fabergé museum you will pass by several interesting buildings on the Nevsky prospekt such as the 18th century trading arcade of Gostiny dvor, the Art nouveau Eliseyev food hall, the Catherine Park and the Singer building with its large bookstore.

One of the main attractions is the large Kazan cathedral . It is dedicated to our lady of Kazan, one of the most sacred icons in the Russian orthodox church. The design was inspired by the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and meant to impress people with its size. The interior is like a big hall with columns on each side. Look closely and you will see there are numerous sculptures as well as icon paintings to look at. It is one of the few churches in St Petersburg that is free to enter. 

Church of the savior on the spilled blood

From the Kazan cathedral it is a small detour away from the Nevski prospekt to see the church of the savior on the spilled blood. It was built in the early 20th century on the location where Tsar Alexander the Second was killed in 1888. It is worth visiting inside for the lavish decorations containing paintings and mosaics with scenes from the bible.

Vasiliyevski island

To reach Vasiliyevski island you will pass by the Admiralty and Hermitage. Today you will enjoy its beauty from the outside. The Hermitage is one of the largest museums in this world and you will need a full day to explore its large art collection in the lavish rooms of the winter palace, the former residential palace of the Romanov Tsars. 

You will visit the Hermitage on the second day of this St Petersburg itinerary. For now, I suggest you enjoy the beautiful views on the winter palace and the Neva as you cross the palace bridge and stroll along the Strelka of Vasilievsky island. Although the original walking tour ends at the Peter and Paul fortress I recommend you end your day at Vasilievsky island to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Neva river. 

Vasiliyevski island is one of the oldest parts of St Petersburg. Peter the Great initially wanted this to be the center of his new capital and build several important buildings here such as the state university and the stock market. His successors found it more practical to stay on the mainland and didn’t develop the island further, but it remains a historically important part of the city.

Lunch tip : Pelmeniya (dumpling restaurant near the Fabergé museum) or Shtolle (savoury and sweet pastries near Admiralty on the Nevski prospekt)

Dinner tip : Market place (self service buffet restaurant at Vasiliyevski island)

Day 2 Hermitage & St Isaac cathedral

On the second day of your St Petersburg itinerary get up early for your visit to the Hermitage museum.

Hermitage 

The hermitage has one of the largest art exhibitions in the world with over 3 million items collected by the Romanovs and other noble families over almost 3 centuries. Most of the collection was from Catherine the Great. During her life, she acquired over 4,000 paintings, 38,000 books, 10,000 gems, 10,000 drawings, 16,000 coins and a natural history collection filling two galleries.

Tsar Nicholas the first opened the Hermitage as a museum to show parts of the collection to the public. It is so huge that only a small percentage is on permanent display. This includes the egyptian and classical antiquities and paintings from all over Europe covering different time periods and various styles.

The rooms of the Hermitage are just as impressive as the collection. The Winter palace was the official residence of the Tsars until the Russian revolution. The Bolsheviks looted the place and left a lot of damage. However, it soon opened as a state museum and some of the rooms such as the malachite room, the dining room, the library, the throne room and the big hall were renovated back into its original state.

St Isaac cathedral

The Hermitage will take you most of your day. In the afternoon, if you still have time, you can visit the St Isaac cathedral that is just around the corner of the Hermitage. 

The St Isaac cathedral is the biggest cathedral in St Petersburg. It was built by Tsar Alexander the first and dedicated to Saint Isaac, the patron saint of Peter the Great. Because of the unstable soil, the construction took over 40 years.

In Soviet times the church became a museum of the history of religion and atheism. It has remained a museum ever since, nowadays mostly showcasing its lavish interior and golden dome with angels. 

Dinner : Pkhali Khinkali (Georgian restaurant near St Isaac cathedral) or Stolovaya no1 (cheap Russian food between Hermitage and St Isaac cathedral)

Insider tip : The Hermitage has free entrance on each third thursday of the month. It will be very busy, but a great way to save money if you are on a budget. 

Day 3 St Petersburg metro tour & Peter and Paul fortress

On the third day of this St Petersburg itinerary we start with another free self guided tour of the St Petersburg metro . 

St Petersburg metro

Above the ground, the city is all about the 18th and 19th century nobility,, but below the ground you still find traces of its Sovuet history. The St Petersburg metro might not be as famous as the one in Moscow, but some of its stations are just as beautiful.

The St Petersburg metro was built with the same Soviet ideology that they were to be the palaces of the people. Therefore you will find lofty ceilings, lots of marble and communist symbols and grand statues. According to the Guardian, Avtovo is among the top 12 most beautiful metro stations in the world.

The Peter and Paul Fortress

End your St Petersburg metro tour at Gorkovskaya metro station. From here you can walk to the Peter and Paul fortress. This is where the history of the city began. The citadel was the first thing to be built by Peter the Great to protect his new capital against attacks from the Swedes. It was later notorious for its prison. First it was used by the Romanovs for political prisoners and later by the Bolsheviks. 

Lunch : Teremok (best Russian blini pancakes, there is a teremok street food stall near the entrance to the Peter and Paul fortress)

Dinner : Koryushka (a bit upmarket cafe near the Peter and Paul fortress with great views on the neva river and the winter palace)

Day 4 Visit one of the palaces outside of St Petersburg & Marinsky theatre

On the 4th day of this St Petersburg itinerary you can visit one of the palaces outside of St Petersburg. You have to choose between Peterhof & Oranienbaum or Tsarskoe selo or Pavlovsk. A difficult choice.

Peterhof & Oranienbaum

Peterhof & Ornanienbaum are very close to each other so this would allow you to visit two palaces. The gardens of Oranienbaum are particularly impressive in winter, but the palace is average, contrary to the extravagant Peterhof palace. 

Inspired by Versailles in France, Peterhof is all about showing off the Romanov’s wealth and power at that time.The main palace with its impressive cascade full of fountains and statues is the main attraction, but it’s a large complex that has much more to offer. In its large lower and upper gardens are several pavilions, smaller palaces and a church. 

Because the gardens at both palaces are a big part of the palace grounds they are a good choice when the weather is good. Don’t think winter is a bad time. Especially then, the gardens offer winter wonderland sceneries.  

Tsarskoe Selo

At Tsarskoe selo the focus is more on the palace itself and the lavish rooms than on the gardens. This is a great choice if the weather isn’t too great. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the opulent and beautifully decorated rooms of the Catherine palace.  

Pavlovsk isn’t as extravagant and famous as Peterhof or Tsarskoe Selo, but it is my personal favourite palace near St Petersburg. It was a gift from Catherine the Great to her first son Paul. With his good taste in fine arts he developed a simple, but beautiful and elegant palace surrounded by a large park with ponds, lakes and forests.

Mariinsky theatre

End your 4 day St Petersburg i tinerary with a night out at the Mariinsky theatre . This 19th century theatre where people like Tchaikovski once had their premiere still offers excellent ballet and opera performances.

When to visit St Petersburg

St Petersburg is often considered to be a summer city that is famous for its white nights. In reality, St Petersburg is a year round destination. Even winter with its cold weather and gloomy dark days can be very rewarding. In fact, it’s a magical time with its winter wonderland sceneries and frozen Neva. 

With so many museums, palaces and churches there is enough to keep you busy indoors if the weather is not in your favour. If it is, there is also plenty to do outside to enjoy a nice sunny day in St Petersburg.  

Where to stay in St Petersburg

Hostel 1703 : Hostel 1703 is a great hostel in the center of St Petersburg with female only and male only dormitories

Whisper hostel : Whisper Hostel is a new budget hostel with great dormitories including female only and male only if you prefer. A bit further from the center than hostel 1703, but it is close to a metro station.  

Like hostel : Like hostel is a good hostel near the Mariinsky theatre and Nikolski cathedral. It has both private rooms and dormitories. 

Pension Marlen : Pension Marlen has excellent private rooms for very reasonable prices, especially considering its central location near the Mikhailovski gardens.

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