tortuga travel backpack review

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Home » Gear » HONEST Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Review: (2024)

HONEST Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Review: (2024)

How’s it going my fellow broke backpacker gear junkies? We’re back this week with a look at Tortuga’s 40L Travel Backpack.

Travelers come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise no two people are going to have the same preferences when it comes to finding the perfect travel backpack. Luckily, you have unsung heroes like me here to take the worry and stress out of selecting a bag online. Just kidding, but I do hope this can provide a little help when you’re picking your next pack.

When I travel, I typically bring the same few items every time. Aside from clothes, my laptop and journals will always find their way into one of my bags. I’ll level with you on this pack right away, Tortuga hit all my personal marks on this one.

With a tech compartment that houses everything that I need neatly in an organized fashion, while giving me the interior space to pack how I feel necessary on a trip-to-trip basis, this truly is a well thought out design for whatever kind of traveler you may be.

But I’ll let you decide if this is the pack for you or not, let’s take a look into what the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is all about.

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Review Quick Answers: Specs

• Price : $349.00
• Volume : 40 liters
• Weight :  4.5 lbs 
• Material : SHELL200D Recycled Polyester
• Laptop Compartment : Yes
• Carry-On Compliant : Yes

What I Liked About the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Adjustable Back Panel
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt

What I Didn’t Like About the Tortuga Backpack 40L

• No Compression straps on the right inside of the main compartment
• Inside Zipper feels backward

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Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Review: Key Features and Performance Breakdown

Interior Organization

The Tortuga Travel Backpack offers a ton of organizational features once you dive into the backpack, and I feel like one section summarizing all of it wouldn’t be fair to the work and thought I think Tortuga put into crafting this travel backpack . So, because I love you all, I broke this bad boy down into more depth below, so have a crack at it.

Laptop Compartment

Something I’ve noticed a lot of lately is companies finding new and creative ways to incorporate your potential tech needs into your carry-on luggage. In the past, I would typically carry a large carry-on duffel bag for clothes alongside my 20L Black Diamond Day Pack, housing all my electronics and journals. Needless to say, I was extremely unorganized and did not provide the love and protection for my laptop one may expect from a digital nomad. 

So all that to say, when there’s a dedicated laptop sleeve offering protection for my 16” laptop (a size not all bags could handle with such grace) it’s a big deal. This Tortuga backpack’s laptop compartment is also home to a dedicated tablet sleeve that can hold up to a 12.9” tablet, an internal zipper pocket to house charging cords, and even has enough space left over to throw in a keyboard if that’s your jam. 

This laptop/tech compartment is also the section closest to your back, so pickpocketers will have a hell of a time trying to reach over the rest of the pack to get to your goods. Not to mention the YKK Zippers are lockable, giving you an extra layer of protection if you deem is necessary.

The laptop compartment is also very well padded, so you can leave the laptop case at home and save on some pack weight.

The Main Compartment

The main compartment resembles that of your standard carry-on suitcase , in that it unzips entirely to expose two large, bucket style compartments. This is a design that may have been around for a while, but this was my first time using a backpack like this.

The right side is an open design, featuring no zippers or compression straps, just a good ole’ deep section to pack into. The left side is completely covered by a mesh panel, allowing you to secure your belongings down a little more. 

Let me breakdown some quick pros and cons, in my humble opinion, about this backpack.

Okay so starting out with pros, if you pack strategically, you should be able to get a week or longer out of this thing. The open design really gives you the ability to pack the way you like to, with options to fit their packing cubes for some extra organization, should you desire. 

Coincidently, I find the openness to be a bit of a con as well. The right side can really only be secured down, or rather organized, if you purchase the packing cubes. I think the inclusion of some sort of compression straps to give a little extra hold would’ve been really nice. Though keep in mind that this section is also the back of the backpack, so when you’re opening up this backpack you’ll more times than not have it lying flat on a bed or table. 

The other small issue I had with this main compartment was the left zippered side. The zipper feels like it’s the wrong way almost, making it difficult to access things on that side without completely opening the backpack. This isn’t the biggest deal, I would just recommend not packing anything on that side you think you may need quick access to while on the go. 

Overall I think the minimalist approach was a good choice, allowing you to pack the way you want with options to upgrade organizationally as you please.

Front Storage Compartment

The front storage compartment is the icing on the cake when it comes to all the internal storage options this pack brings to the table. 

Starting with the fleece-lined smart device sleeve, it’s the perfect size for you to throw your smartphone or kindle in when on the go. There are also dedicated spots for credit cards and pens, saving you the hassle of digging through what can sometimes feel like a bottomless pit of junk. There’s also a mesh pocket that perfectly fits a passport or wallet, as well as a zippered pocket to house any cords or headphones you may want to bring along.

Another feature I really enjoyed with this front storage compartment was the extra space below all the organizational pockets. I typically travel with a large journal and two smaller ones to jot down any notes or thoughts I have while on the go. While I did opt to keep the larger journal in the back with my laptop, the two smaller ones fit with ease in the front area.

Additionally on the front of the bag, attached to the front compartment, there’s another small stuff area with a side zipper access point. This portion does cut into the front storage space a little, but you should still be able to throw a journal or hat inside without too many repercussions. 

The Exterior

Tortuga has upgraded from their previous backpack model’s material, X-Pac VX21, to their new SHELL200D. This new material is comprised of three layers of laminated sailcloth (per their website): 

• Recycled polyester face fabric with C0 DWR treatment
• 45° recycled polyester cross-ply
• Recycled ripstop polyester backing fabric

This material was originally created for use as the sails of racing boats, but Tortuga deemed it worthfully of racing you through the airport and all your travels. The material is also 100% recycled, in case you needed another reason to love this pack.

I really like the look of this material as well, with their black logo hiding in the matte black material, it truly looks and feels great. 

The exterior also features two water bottle pockets, allowing you to stay hydrated on the go. They stretch to allow different sized bottles, though I wasn’t about to fit my 64oz Hydro Flask in there. But again, a 64oz metal bottle is rather large and I don’t ever travel with it, so take that with a grain of salt. 

Fit and Sizing

Starting out with fit, this backpack feels really good on your shoulders and back, as the thick mesh shoulder straps and hip belt make for a comfortable ride.  

Another really cool feature that I’ve never seen before was the adjustable back panel. With backpacks from brands such as Osprey and Gregory, you will typically get fitted for a pack that best suits your build, resulting in the same pack varying in back frame sizes of Small, Medium, Large, and so on. But Tortuga has found a way to more or less create a one-size-fits-all pack by incorporating an adjustable back panel with the ability to slide up and down, making sure it sits on your back perfectly.

Combining this feature with the hip belt, it was nice to really get the weight off my back and onto my hips, resulting in a rather pleasant backpack experience. 

Carry Options

While the obvious carry option is the shoulder straps attached to the pack, Tortuga also tossed in a couple of handles for those times you want to slip through the airplane walkway without smacking poor fellow travelers. 

The first is placed on the top of the bag between the tech compartment and main compartment zippers, giving a balanced feel in your hand. Most backpack top handles are stitched onto the back panel of the pack as though it was an afterthought, so I did like the forethought to allow this pack to be handled like your typical luggage. 

The second is on the side of the bag, allowing the bag to be held sideways like a traditional suitcase or duffel bag. 

Weight and Capacity

Quick answer:.

• Weight : 4.5 lbs
• Capacity : 40 liters

Long Answer:

Offering 40 liters of space and a ton of different packing options, I think 4.5 lbs is extremely reasonable. I also think if you’re traveling with this type of backpack, you’re more than likely not standing on a scale and watching every last pound going into your pack. 

Tortuga says this is perfect for trips a week or longer, and I would agree. Unless you like bringing your entire flat along with you, this bag offers more than enough space and packing options to comfortably hold your clothes and electronics.

I was even able to fit my AeroPress in alongside my belongings, so add coffee gear to the list of packing options I suppose. 

Toughness and Durability

The SHELL200D feels as tough and durable as the specs lead it on to be. With the addition of the YKK Zippers, Woojin Buckles, and the waterproof nature of the material, you don’t have to worry about your belongings getting damaged in a surprise storm. 

Another thing sometimes overlooked is how easily some packs can pick up dirt. I tossed this thing on the ground when packing it, as well is carried it around the desert while I was there, and a couple lights pats cleaned this thing right up. Maybe you like a dirty bag, but people sharing the overhead space on the plane will probably appreciate this thing not taking your last adventure home with you. 

Now odds are when you’re traveling, this pack will be close by your side or on your back the majority of the time. But for those time you want to leave this thing behind or add an extra layer of security, the YKK zippers include small holes for you to throw a lock on there. 

Also, I’m not sure if you would consider this security, but I do like that the tech compartment is located against your back, giving you one less this to worry about someone trying to access it without you feeling or knowing about it.  

Tortuga Travel Backpack Aesthetics

Tying back to my earlier comments about the matte black look, I personally think this bag looks great. I like to travel under the radar when possible, and this bag isn’t flashy or attention seeking. 

I also really enjoy the sailcloth material, as I don’t feel like I’m carrying a massive cube of a suitcase on my back. Where some companies have tried to accomplish similar goals yet produce massive turtle-shell-looking bags, this flexible material looks and feels more organic to travel around in.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Is The Tortuga Travel Backpack Worth The Price?

You will have noticed that this pack does not come cheap. In fact at $349 its decidedly bloody expensive so the question inevitably arises as to whether or not its worth it.

The answer is never quite so clear as a straightforward yes or no and the truth is more nuanced. In our view, good quality travel gear is worth investing in. We are the kind of travellers who use our gear a lot and spend large chunks of time living out of backpacks and cases so we well and truly value them. The Tortuga Travel Backpack has enough good features and is made from high quality materials to justify the price tag in our experience but we know that it is simply going to be over the budget of some potential buyers.

Just remember that if you do opt for a cheaper piece of gear then you will end up having to replace it within a few years whereas the Tortuaga Travel Backpack is built to last for life – in fact it comes with a pretty strong lifetime warranty…

The Tortuga Lifetime Warranty

Tortuga offers a Worldwide Warranty promising protection against defects in materials and craftsmanship for as long as you own the pack. If it fails on you due to a defect, they’ll repair it, replace it, or refund you. A little piece of mind when trekking around never hurt anyone, and with a company that stands behind its products, you can be that much more confident in your investment.

We feel that this alone says a hell of a lot about the sheer quality of this pack and we hope you keep this in mind when mulling over the price tag.

The Tortuga Travel Pack Vs The Rest

Not connivced yet? Want to know how the Tortuga Travel Pack compares against its rivals? Well let’s now take a moment to see how the Tortuga Travel Pack 40L compares to other, similar packs. 

Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

When I first saw the new Tortuga Travel pack 40l, my initial thought was that it was reminiscent of Nomatics 40l travel backpack.  Both travel packs are designed for carry on, utilize space in the same way, offer similar packing options and the laptop sleeves feel similar too. Further, both are  sleek and stylish, both fashioned from high quality materials and both at a similar price point.

In all honesty I struggle to choose between the two. Both are great. If you want to know more about the Nomatic then check out our detailed Nomatic Travel Bag review.

TropicFeel Shell Backpack

If you are after something a bit different, then check out the Shell Backpack by TropicFeel. It’s basically a highly innovative backpack that adapts from a 22l daypack into a 40l travel pack. The most novel feature is probably the “pull out wardrobe” which makes packing and staying organized seriously efficient. 

It also has an attachable toiletry bag, is carry on ready and uses excellent materials. Well worth the €200 price. Read our TropicFeel Shell review for more deets.

Psst! There’s a new bag on the market, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite , check it out.

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The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L: The Verdict

If you’re looking to get away from the roller suitcase, but keep the same packing capabilities and style, I think this pack will be your new best friend. 

This pack really allows you to ditch the traditional suitcase and throw everything you could need into one sleek bag. I’m a big fan of the Tech Compartment and suitcase/backpack hybrid design. I would definitely recommend this bag to anyone looking for a good on-the-go pack for week trips, businessmen and nomads alike.

Thanks for checking out my review of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, happy travels.

Aiden Freeborn

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Tortuga Backpack Review: Why This Is The (New) Best Travel Backpack

This is my detailed review of the Tortuga Travel Backpack (the Pro version – stay tuned for my review of the new Tortuga Lite ). I’m also comparing the Tortuga Pro with the Cotopaxi Allpa , and the Osprey Farpoint / Fairview . After lots of test-packing and comparing in my living room, the bag I ended up traveling with surprised even me.

After years as a frequent carry-on-only traveler with a roller bag, I’ve finally decided to test out a good travel backpack again. (Full disclosure: I’m a professional in my 30s, not a college student on a gap year. So I have a bit higher standards for travel gear now than when I first experimented with backpacks for traveling.)

I’d spent months at a time backpacking around Central America and Asia in my 20s, but a great carry-on suitcase has been my “grown-up” option for years.

So why the change of heart?

Lately, I’ve just gotten tired of being a noisy tourist, dragging my wheels over cobblestones, and always looking for ways to avoid stairs. I wanted to be stealthier again. Lighter. Smoother. More independent.

[ Related: If you’re into that idea, too, be sure to read my best tips for packing lighter .]

But I also wanted traveling with only a backpack to be better than what I remember from years ago, when I was using the Osprey Farpoint. (More about the latest version of that pack below, and why it still isn’t my top pick.)

So I started hunting for the best travel backpacks on the market today.

After many hours of comparison shopping, two bags consistently rose to the top – and have many of the sustainability credentials I always look for:

• the Cotopaxi Allpa travel pack ,
• and the Tortuga travel backpacks. (I bought the 40-liter Pro “max carry-on size,” and then also tested the new (more budget-friendly) 40L Lite version – more on that later.)

And some Osprey travel backpacks remain so popular (I’m amazed by how many of them I see in airports) that I thought maybe something major had changed since I last used one. (But as it turns out, that’s not the case , which is why Osprey doesn’t feature as strongly as the others in this review.)

Good quality, but lacking features. I'd only recommend these if you need the biggest travel pack. ( Fairview is the women's fit version of the Farpoint.)

With the best organization, comfort and security features, Tortuga’s maximum carry-on size 40L bag is the best travel backpack I’ve tested – whether for a digital nomad or a weekend traveler.

More affordable, still great quality and sustainable backpacks, just not quite all the features of the Tortuga.

Yikes – yes, that’s quite a price difference. If you’re wondering whether (and why) the Tortuga backpacks are worth it, the quick answer is below .

UPDATE: Tortuga also just launched a new 40L “Travel Backpack Lite” (on April 17, 2024). The Lite backpack costs $100 less and weighs one pound less than the Pro travel backpack , which this review focuses on. I’ve traveled with both. Here’s my detailed comparison , but in short, the Lite is a great alternative to save money without skimping on quality – you mostly just have to give up a few pockets.

You can save 10% off all Tortuga products with the discount code TILTED . (First-time customers only.)

Here’s everything in this review:

Note – watch out for outdated tortuga reviews., but is tortuga worth the price, the good: sustainable materials & quality, the bad: shipping materials, the beautiful, more sustainable backpacks:, organization & highlights: tortuga vs cotopaxi, features deep dive: tortuga travel backpack pro vs cotopaxi, is a 40l backpack big enough for travelling, real travel test with the tortuga, cotopaxi allpa 35l vs other versions:, laptop pocket comparison (cotopaxi vs tortuga):, tortuga travel sling (new), travel water bottle, packing cubes, sturdy luggage locks, tortuga travel pouches, tortuga tech organizer, why i never quite liked my osprey travel backpack:, what i don’t love about the tortuga:, why i didn’t choose the cotopaxi:, bottom line.

The Tortuga travel backpacks have been through a lot of iterations. (I even ordered and returned one back in 2015. The reason? That early version of the Tortuga didn’t have enough organization. So I ended up going with the Osprey Farpoint, which had even less organization, but at least it cost less.)

But after seeing Tortuga’s Version 4 updates, launched in 2023 , I bought one again and have been impressed. (Including after testing it for 10 days in El Salvador , among other trips.)

If you see reviews of the Tortuga Setout or Tortuga Outbreaker backpacks , those are outdated information .

The Setout and Outbreaker names were discontinued when Tortuga released the fourth version of their travel backpacks, with significant design updates, in January 2023. (Those links explain the differences between the old and new designs.)

The current designs are simply called the Travel Backpack 30L , and the Travel Backpack 40L (which I tested for this review). Their smaller pack for daily use is the 24L Laptop Backpack . (But yes, all three of them have computer pockets.)

Tortuga vs Cotopaxi: First Impressions / Short Review

At first blush, I wanted to love the Cotopaxi bag, because it’s a sustainability focused company. (They specialize in building new bags with dead stock materials – the excess fabrics that other companies would throw away. They’re also a certified B Corp that’s Climate Neutral certified – meaning they measure, reduce and offset their emissions. As a sustainable travel blogger, those are all things I normally look for in a company.)

And Cotopaxi does make a good travel backpack – but I don’t think it’s the best. I thoroughly compared the Cotopaxi Allpa with the Tortuga travel backpack in my living room and it was a tough decision. But I ended up seeing more value in the Tortuga bag, for several reasons.

Here’s why the Tortuga won: More pockets, more space, better organization, better security (locking zippers), and more comfortable (better padding and load distribution). Bonus: the stealthy black makes it feel more multi-functional and calls a lot less attention to itself. (It fits in on work trips, too… when I’m not pretending to be a 20-something backpacker again.)

If you want the short version of this review, that was it. I think Tortuga makes the best travel backpacks on the market right now.

While I think the $350 Tortuga 40L is the best travel backpack I’ve found, it’s clearly not a cheap one.

NEW Alternative: Check out the more affordable Tortuga 40L Lite Backpack , which comes in at $250 and weighs a pound less than the Pro. (Here’s my Pro vs Lite comparison .)

But you don’t have to just take my word for it, either. They have a “home try on” policy that lets you order one and return it within 30 days (unused) if you’re not convinced. And all Tortuga bags and gear are guaranteed by their Worldwide Warranty .

Honestly, I also ordered it thinking I was probably going to keep the $200 Cotopaxi pack instead, but found the Tortuga was just the better bag. (Yes, I did buy them both out of pocket for this review.)

Because of its better organization, security and comfort, this is a bag I plan to keep using for many years. (And it has the quality of construction to make that possible.)

Tortuga offers a significant 20% discount , but only for a few groups of people (including students, teachers, and first responders). See the full list and how to get your discount code here . (Even for Black Friday, they offered free small items with a backpack order, but no cash savings.)

For everyone else: Remember, you can save 10% off all  Tortuga  products with the discount code  TILTED  ! (First-time customers only.)

If you’re still undecided (understandably), and want to dive deep into the differences between the Tortuga, Cotopaxi and Osprey travel backpacks, well then read on!

Are tortuga backpacks sustainable.

Again, the reason I wanted to love and recommend Cotopaxi was their well-documented sustainable sourcing and ethical manufacturing.

And Tortuga isn’t sleeping on sustainability either, but they could do more.

Tortuga backpacks are built with 100% recycled fabrics (for both the lining and outer body of all Tortuga backpacks). And their main material supplier for is awaiting Bluesign certification.

The durable polyester inner and outerfabrics were designed as sailcloth for racing sail boats – meaning they’re lightweight and waterproof . They’re made from 100% recycled plastic, instead of virgin petroleum.

[ Related: That reminds me of a few other favorite brands, including Rothy’s , which makes washable shoes and purses out of plastic bottles. There are a few more similar ones on my Sustainable Clothing Brands Guide .]

That choice to avoid virgin plastic reduces the carbon emissions from the production of each backpack. That means it’s a small step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels , which normal plastics, including synthetic fabrics, are made of. (Every step counts! And every company should do what it can to contribute.)

And Tortuga costs more than many alternatives because their backpacks are built to last . The quality is quite apparent, and that in itself is a huge sustainability factor ­– avoiding “fast fashion” and cheap junk that will just need to be replaced soon, sucking up more resources.

However, you can only buy Tortuga bags straight from Tortuga, and they ship them in a cardboard box, but unfortunately with an inner plastic bag . The packing tape is also plastic, as opposed to paper tape.

I asked Tortuga about this, and they said they don’t have any immediate plans to improve either of those things.

I hope that changes, but in the meantime, they honestly do deserve some credit for not trying to lie about it. (I’ve asked other companies similar questions, and been told what they think I want to hear. But what they apparently don’t expect is that instead of just publishing their promises as if they were facts, I actually pay attention. Often, a year or two later, the brands still haven’t fixed what they claimed was already in the works.)

Buy less often, but buy better. With its reputations for quality, you’ll likely be able to resell a Tortuga backpack if you decide to give up being a digital nomad backpacker (or just go back to traveling with a suitcase). The same applies to Cotopaxi and Osprey. All are known for quality, and I never review cheap brands that aren’t.

These are just FYI, because I love shouting-out sustainable brands .

None of these brands make a full-featured travel backpack that checks all the boxes I needed checked for to make it into this review. However, if you’re looking for something smaller or sportier, these are good starting places.

• Everlane makes daypacks out of entirely recycled materials, as well as both leather and vegan-friendly “cactus leather” bags . (They’re more of backpack you’d take to work, as opposed to travel backpacks. And Everlane is one my top sustainable clothing brands .)
• Peak Designs has a buy-back and resell program, so they make sure your bag doesn’t go to waste.
• Patagonia makes more outdoorsy and hiking backpacks, and they’re one of the most sustainable clothing and gear companies in the world.
• 8000Kicks makes sustainable backpacks, shoes and accessories out of one of the world’s strongest and most sustainable fabrics – hemp. That means the backpacks are actually compostable if you ever wear them out.

I said it’s understandable to be undecided between these backpacks because the winning features of the Tortuga Pro Travel Backpack really weren’t obvious online.

At first, I thought the Cotopaxi seemed to have better organization, but after looking more closely at the Tortuga, I think it’s actually the opposite.

My mom described the Tortuga as “like a gigantic purse” for all its pockets. (She’s an expert on both giant purses and organization, so I considered this a compliment.)

It might just be that Cotopaxi seems organized because the contrasting colors of the zippers makes them stand out, so the pockets it does have are very visible. (Color is one of the brand’s signatures, after all.)

The Tortuga is much more stealthy: black on the outside, cool gray on the inside.

And the Tortuga really does have pockets everywhere:

(These are just the pockets that are beyond what the Cotopaxi Allpa has. Again, this is for the flagship Pro pack , not the newer Lite travel backpack .)

• Hip pockets on the thoroughly padded hip belt
• A small, quick access pocket on the top with a key fob
• An extra zippered pocket inside the laptop pocket (great for chargers)
• Two stretchy exterior water bottle pockets
• And a large lateral stash pocket on the front for a wet swim suit or jacket (much better looking than the elastic rope for that purpose on many other travel backpacks)

The Cotopaxi backpack isn’t bad, it’s just different.

It has more and smaller pockets inside the main compartment, where you pack your clothes. (I actually really love the inside of this bag, and wish Tortuga’s bag were more similar in that respect. But only in that respect.)

Whereas the Tortuga leaves that main compartment as basically a black hole, and splits its organizational pockets into more places , with more external access. (But it’s all secure external access, with three individually lockable compartments.)

This set-up is easy to get used to, if you’re comparing it to a regular suitcase.

Because of this design, it makes even more sense to rely on packing cubes with the Tortuga, which I think are the best way to keep clothes organized, anyway. Without them, your clothes won’t stay neat and folded.

(More on packing cube options below .)

Tip: If you’re thinking of ordering the Cotopaxi and you don’t know, REI has a one-YEAR return policy for members. (Even if the item is used. It’s a huge leap of faith that the company offers this, so I’m careful not to abuse it.)

The $30 lifetime membership fee is definitely worth it for that level of service, plus 10% cash back on all full-price REI purchases. You can sign up as a member here by December 30, and they’ll essentially waive the fee.

This is my overview of all of the features of both the Tortuga and Cotopaxi Allpa 35 travel backpacks, and why they matter.

While this might seem basic, a lot of these details are actually really hard to tell from the online descriptions. This is what I learned and noticed by having both bags in front of me at the same time.

Tortuga Travel Backpacks

These details are for the Tortuga 40L Pro travel backpack , as well as the 30L version .

( Note: If you’re trying to compare the organization of 40L pack with its 30L equivalent, all of the information below is still accurate. I double-checked with Tortuga – there’s no difference in the design or pockets of the two bags; only the size changes.)

Tortuga’s Laptop Backpack (their smallest pack, at 24L) also has a lot of the same organization features described below.

Both the Tortuga Pro Travel Backpacks and Laptop Backpack feature:

• 3 main compartments, all with lockable zippers — large front pocket with organization, main storage area, and well-padded laptop compartment
• Unique adjustable fit back structure (which lets this pack fit people with a wide range of heights).
• Top mini pocket with key fob (but not lockable)

• Huge sideways pocket on front – for stashing a jacket? Or a wet swimsuit? I used it mostly for extra shoes.
• Two stretchy, exterior water bottle pockets ­
• Handles on one side and the top of the backpack
• Removable hip belt , with lots of padding and zippered pockets on both sides

• Inside this compartment: One small, interior zip pocket, and lots of other organization (pen pockets, credit card slots, and two slide pockets, one big enough for a book or small iPad.) Nice, but mostly useful when the bag is vertical , since they don’t zip closed and things could fall out when the bag is flat on the ground.
• (The Cotopaxi’s comparable exterior organizational pocket is just a small top pocket – only about 1/4 the length of the bag.)

• The “lid” has one big mesh pocket, the full size of the bag, which I used for laundry and small items. (Cotopaxi has 3 smaller organizer pockets in its place.)
• If you’re traveling with a 13” laptop , see details on this below .

Ahh, the oldest travel question: How much to pack?

Honestly, I travel with just one bag – either a 40L backpack, or a comparable carry-on size suitcase ( this investment-worthy one ) – all the time. For weeks at a time! Even in winter.

(That suitcase of mine is actually 34L, but its dimensions, including wheels, make it the maximum “global” carry-on size – what you’ll be able to use on discount airlines and flights in Europe. So a max carry-on size backpack actually gets you more space than a suitcase without checking a bag.)

So yes, a 40L backpack is big enough – if you know how to pack and, most importantly, what to leave at home.

Packing lightweight, multipurpose layers that don’t wrinkle, or smell bad is a huge factor. ( This is my favorite brand , which I reviewed in detail here .)

But it’s more than just what you pack. I’d suggest giving my advice for packing light a read. It’s a strategy – not a packing list – and it might change the way you think about what to bring and what feels like “enough.”

While I was initially looking for a travel backpack for Europe, the first test I ended up taking my new Tortuga 40L Pro on was a much grungier trip to El Salvador. (Hostels, public busses, nothing fancy. And Central America is definitely the kind of destination where you’ll want to travel with only a backpack and leave the roller bag at home.)

A few of the things I noticed about the Tortuga on that trip surprised me (and a few didn’t).

There was nothing earth-shattering, but definitely the kind of observation you won’t get just from reading product descriptions online.

• The large pocket on the inside seems to open upside down . I guess this works just fine if you open the bag to 180 degrees and lay it flat (which it makes sense to do, since it has no structure. Unlike a suitcase, you can’t open the top and prop it up against a wall very well, as I did below.) But for quick access, you have to open this pocket only half way, or else its contents will spill out into the main compartment. Not a deal breaker, nor that hard to avoid, but I would have made the zipper open in the opposite direction.

• UPDATE: Here’s my comparison of Tortuga’s Lite and Pro backpacks .
• Those shoes you forgot until the last minute? The wet swimsuit from your last morning on the beach before your flights? Toiletry kit after you get ready in the morning? Any and all can fit in the large exterior pockets on the Tortuga bags (but definitely wouldn’t on the Allpa’s small front pocket). And the Tortuga also has another lateral front pocket for airport essentials.
• My husband wanted to steal it. This is one of the things that didn’t surprise me. (After all, he voted for me keeping the Tortuga over the Cotopaxi after the living room comparison.) But he was using my old Osprey Farpoint on this trip, and complained about the lack of pockets and thin padding on the straps.

Cotopaxi Backpack Review

Here are my (detailed) first impressions and overview of the features of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack , and how they compare with the Tortuga travel backpacks .

(Most of this is the same for the Allpa 42-liter backpack , but there are a few differences, which I noted below .)

• Tips: You can order Cotopaxi’s most wildly colorful “Del Dia” bags for a slight discount vs the more predictable colors.
• But yes, they do also make their backpacks in black (when available).
• Cotopaxi calls these “anti-theft zippers,” because the zipper pulls can be tucked under a cloth loop. But it would take a pretty undetermined thief to not get around them. To me, the loops seem more effective at just making the zippers annoying to open and close . (And my main concern with theft is often when I leave my bag somewhere – hotel or hostel storage, for example – which means a thief would have time to work this system.)

• No separate, external water bottle pocket
• Outer zippers feel kind of stiff compared with Tortuga’s zippers
• Computer pocket and smaller tablet pocket inside padded computer pocket – similar to Tortuga’s, but significantly smaller (why this might matter to you is below ). Access is from the side of the bag (not the top) and not lockable .
• More small zippered pockets than Tortuga. If you want your organization for small items inside the main compartment to be built into the bag, this is a win.

• There’s a side zipper with access directly into main compartment – why though? This just seem like the opposite of an anti-theft feature.

• Detachable rain cover , stored in its own compartment inside the main compartment
• Much less padding on the Allpa vs the Tortuga’s shoulder straps
• Can tuck away straps – nice for keeping them safe if you have to check the bag. Tortuga doesn’t have this feature.
• Removable hip belt (which doesn’t have much padding anyway, compared with Tortuga’s, and no pockets)
• Lots of carabiner loops (none with Tortuga)
• Handles on all 4 sides vs 2 on the Tortuga backpacks
• 1 water bottle pocket (which holds up to 3” in diameter) while the Allpa 35 has none
• An additional messenger bag style strap
• Small side pocket to stash the rain cover for easy access – I think this makes much more sense than keeping it packed away! (As the larger packs do.)
• No padding on the hip belt

Both the Cotopaxi and Tortuga bags have a padded laptop compartment, which sits against your back when you’re wearing the bag and can fit both a laptop and tablet. My 13” MacBook Air (a very thin laptop) fits in either pocket on the Tortuga bag, but only fits in the larger pocket on the Cotopaxi.

That’s definitely a point for Tortuga, because the smaller pocket holds your tech toward the center of the bag, and away from bumps at the corners or edges.

Tortuga’s laptop compartment is also lockable (huge factor), has an additional zipper pocket (great for chargers and hard drives), and opens from the top of the bag. I found that to just be much more convenient than Cotopaxi’s side-access laptop compartment. (Especially for getting to your laptop on a flight while the bag is overhead.)

With these features, I think the Tortuga 40L Pro is undoubtedly the better backpack for digital nomads. (Or for anyone wanting to travel carry-on only, with just one bag and a laptop.)

Just starting out, or want a more affordable and lightweight travel backpack? I’d look at their new Travel Backpack Lite . (Want a deep dive on the two packs? Here are my pros and cons of the Pro vs Lite .)

Extra Travel Gear

A few mini-reviews of some of the other travel gear from Tortuga, Cotopaxi and alternatives (when someone else does it better).

I also wore Tortuga’s travel sling in El Salvador, which is sort of a trendy new take on a fanny pack, crossed with a small day bag. (I’m really not a trend-chaser, so this was oddly on-trend for me.)

Just the fact that these bags are so popular this year made me skeptical.

But I have to say, I actually liked using it a lot more than I expected to. Its well-designed organization made it impressively functional and multipurpose.

For how tiny it looks, I could fit a lot in it – even including my new Sony mirrorless camera . (Which I finally bought to replace my old DSLR, after it suffered a dramatic fate in France .)

So I ended up using the sling in place of a day pack most days! Pretty impressive.

Tortuga also makes its own water bottle (which, of course, fits in the water bottle pockets on all of their travel backpacks), but it’s not the one I’d recommend.

The best travel water bottle – hands down – is this one from LARQ. It has a UV-C light inside the bottle that kills bacteria and viruses , meaning you can drink tap water all over the world instead of buying it in plastic bottles!

[ Details: Here’s how I use the LARQ, along with a filtering water bottle, to avoid buying plastic bottles – even in places with dangerous tap water.]

Both brands make their own packing cubes, but neither Tortuga’s nor Cotopaxi’s cubes have compression – which I think is literally the most important feature. (Although Tortuga says they’re designing compression cubes to launch in 2024.)

UPDATE: Tortuga’s new compression packing cubes are out! After they read my complaints here, they were kind enough to send me one before the launch, and I have to say, it’s excellent.

Compression lets you keep your clothes more compact to save space, and keep them from moving and wrinkling. And you can zip the contents down when most of your clothes are dirty and stashed elsewhere.

Instead, I’d recommend these highly rated, expandable cubes , which also let you keep clean and dirty separate.

For a budget pick, I’d take this packing cube set from REI any day. (I’ve been using these for many years and they’re still going strong. If I ever need more, the Peak Design ones above are what I’ll buy.)

Don’t forget a good luggage lock if you want to take advantage of the Tortuga’s lockable zippers! (And I’m surprised that Tortuga doesn’t make their own.)

As you can see, I’ve been using these locks from Eagle Creek for so many years the paint has rubbed off – but they’re still going strong. They’re TSA approved and, unlike most luggage locks, all metal.

If you want a slightly larger, flexible cable loop for locking multiple things together, I’d go with this lock from Pacsafe .

I don’t see a whole lot that’s special about these travel pouches – they’re just zippered pouches to organize small items. That’s great if you actually need them, but doesn’t everyone already own a bunch of these at home?

Unlike the pouches above, this travel tech organizer actually does seem like a useful and well-designed way to keep all of your cables, extra camera batteries, and chargers organized inside your backpack.

The Negatives

Here’s every bad thing I could think of about all three of these backpack brands.

When I first started traveling with a backpack years ago, the Osprey Farpoint 40 was my upgrade from a regular old backpacking backpack.

Note: What’s the difference between the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview ?

They’ve really overcomplicated the naming here. The Fairview is just the women’s fit version of the original “men’s” Farpoint, which I (a woman with perhaps slightly more broad shoulders than average) used for years. (Don’t worry, no pink tax, though. The bags cost the same. And neither actually comes in pink.)

I traveled for months at a time with an older version of this bag, so I tested it very thoroughly. All of these problems were apparent from the start, but I just couldn’t find a better alternative at the time. (This was before the Tortuga had such great organization.)

• No organization in the main compartment. (It was like they expected you to use the day pack as the organizational component of the main bag, but then you’d have to empty if out every time you wanted to use it for a day hike. It just wasn’t functional.)
• No stretch to the detachable day-bag , and it’s very small, so it needs some stretch.
• No stretch to the water bottle pockets. Unless the rest of the day pack is empty, the water bottle pockets are useless. A full backpack means the water bottle will immediately squeeze out of the inflexible pockets.
• Uncomfortable . Not enough padding on the hip belt or shoulder straps.

Unfortunately, this bag doesn’t seem to have evolved much over the years. That’s why it doesn’t feature heavily in this review.

They’ve added a padded laptop sleeve, and one “toiletry pocket.” And the day pack is now sold separately , unless you buy the larger 55 liter backpack , or absolutely gigantic 70 liter version .

But it’s still a far cry from the organization and travel-specific design of the best travel backpacks available now. (Which isn’t surprising, considering that Osprey has always been an outdoor gear company, more than a travel company.)

What I would recommend the Osprey for:

Extra capacity: 40 liters is definitely enough for me when it’s well organized, and it’s the maximum carryon size that you can reasonably expect to get away with on most airlines. But Osprey also makes 55-liter , 70-liter and even 80-liter travel backpacks .

(Yikes, I definitely wouldn’t want to pack around an 80-liter travel backpack, but if you really need all that space (and really need it on your back ) Osprey has you covered. Remember that it’s twice the maximum carry-on size, though.)

Budget Travelers: While these aren’t my favorite, the Farpoint / Fairway bags are still pretty good quality construction for a much lower price than the Tortuga backpacks. (Same goes for Cotopaxi, for that matter.)

I so consider Osprey a reliable brand, and they have a lifetime warranty . So if you’re looking to save some money, I’d definitely recommend one of their backpacks over some cheap knockoff you find on Amazon. (Which will just end up in a landfill before long.)

You can order Osprey bags directly from Osprey , or on REI . (Either way, they only ship to the US.)

Even though I kept this travel backpack and wouldn’t switch, there are a couple of things I would change about it.

• The large pocket on the inside opens upside down . (This was one of the things I noticed on my first trip with the Tortuga. Definitely not a deal breaker, just a head-scratcher why they designed it this way. Scroll back up here for details.)
• Lack of color. This is entirely personal – if the stealthy look of a solid black travel backpack is what you want, then Tortuga hits the nail on the head. I just kind of like the contrasting zippers and accents on the Cotopaxi.
• The new Lite Travel Pack does have straps that you can tuck away for checking the bag, and the hip belt is removable. The padding is thinner, but in my experience it’s still been enough to be comfortable.

But despite that…

However, after comparing these travel backpacks side by side, there were more things I didn’t like about the Allpa than the Tortuga .

• The lack of lockable zippers really doesn’t make sense to me for a bag designed for light, fast travel. (Meaning there’s a good chance you’ll leave it in a hostel at some point. And if you’re doing the one-bag travel method, it seems weird to have all your worldly possessions in one bag and no way to lock it.)
• The side access to the main compartment is a similar security concern . I just can’t imagine any real use for it, and it adds yet another unlocked zipper for pickpockets to slide open on a subway.
• My small 13″ laptop doesn’t fit in the smaller (more protective) part of the laptop compartment. (Details on that here .)
• Less organization – including no water bottle pockets, and no hip belt pockets. And if you’re traveling with only one bag, those seem like no-brainers to include. ( The Tortuga does both without adding bulk or making the bag look like a school backpack.)
• Less comfortable . With less padding on the hip belt, and no load-lifter straps, the Cotopaxi just isn’t built for much more than a (hopefully) quick trip from one hotel to the next.

What both travel backpacks are missing:

• An additional key fob deep inside a locking compartment of the bag. I don’t understand why every single suitcase and travel backpack doesn’t have this feature. (A safe place to keep your home keys stashed away, when you don’t need to access them for weeks or months. Makes sense, right?)
• Compression straps inside to keep everything in place – the Osprey bags actually do have this, so at least they get one point.

At the end of the day, and after all the overanalyzing above, I think the Cotopaxi and Tortuga bags are two of the best travel backpacks. Both have high quality construction, sustainably chosen fabrics, and great details. The Osprey travel pack remains a runner-up.

Here are my recommendations:

• Best Travel Backpacks Overall: The Tortuga 40L for all the reasons summarized below (with lots of details in the review above ). Don’t live in the US? There’s info about using a freight forwarder to order from Tortuga in their FAQ here .
• Honestly, now that I’ve tested Tortuga’s new Lite version , it’s the one I would recommend to a friend for a budget travel backpack over the Cotopaxi. (Detailed comparison coming soon.)
• Best BIG Travel Backpacks: The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview . (While they don’t have all the features I want, these packs come in sizes up to 80L , if you’re committed to a heavy haul.)

Discount Reminders: Tortuga offers a 20% discount for students, teachers, first responders and a few others. ( See the full list and how to get your discount code here .) For Osprey or Cotopaxi , REI members get 10% back on all full-priced items at the end of the year. (If you’re not already a member, here’s the information about joining.)

The Cotopaxi Allpa bags are great if you’re not worried about locking zippers and like bright color options. (Although they definitely would limit the bag’s usefulness, say for professional travel or anywhere you’d rather not stand out.)

While the Cotopaxi packs don’t have as many pockets as the Tortugas, they still have pretty good organization.

In theory, it’s nice that the Cotopaxi comes with a rain fly, especially if you’ll be using it for longer walks outdoors – although the much lighter padding on the straps means it’s not a pack I’d want to wear for longer periods of time anyway. Effectively, that means the rain fly might just turn into another thing you end up carrying and never using.

(And the Tortuga’s zippers are weather-sealed, so it would take a lot for the bag to take on water with its waterproof sailcloth exterior.)

On the other hand, Cotopaxi bags cost almost 50% less than Tortuga 40L Pro, which could be a critical factor for many travelers.

And Cotopaxi’s sustainability and ethical manufacturing make it a company I’m happy to recommend. While I really wish Tortuga would change its plastic inner packaging, at least the backpack itself uses recycled materials.

So while a lot of those factors seemed like close comparisons, the Tortuga backpack still won out for me in my living room test, and taking it on a few actual trips has confirmed I made the right choice.

At the end of the day, I think the Tortuga Pro is the best 40L backpack for traveling in terms of organization and comfort, and also the safest travel backpack.

I love the Tortuga’s extra pockets , both on the inside and outside of the bag. I appreciate that the zippers can lock easily and securely. The Tortuga backpacks also keep a lower profile, without the attention-grabbing colors.

Its customizable height lets almost anyone get the right fit with the Tortuga. (It would definitely be the better bag for tall people.)

Plus, the Pro version of the Tortuga is much more comfortable , with thicker padding and load-lifter straps (a feature normally only found on backpacking backpacks).

I really think they have adopted the best features of backpacking packs, and applied them exceptionally well to a backpack for travel – whether that’s long-term as a digital nomad, or for an easy week away, without the roller bag dragging behind you.

I hope you found this review helpful! If you’re getting started with backpack travel, be sure to read my advice for packing lighter .

If you have any questions , especially about the Tortuga backpacks, which are still here at home with me (I returned the Cotopaxi after comparing them), just leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you.

And remember, if you’re shopping for any  Tortuga  products, you can save 10% on your first order from them with the discount code  TILTED  !

Help more people find this article! Share on:

I’m Ketti, a former journalist, originally from Montana, USA, who moved to China with a job teaching English, a side-hustle writing for magazines, and just one word of Mandarin. That turned into five years abroad, a Master's Degree in Sustainable Business & Energy, and a passion for finding more eco-friendly (and realistic) ways to travel and live. That's why I created Tilted Map – to share what I'm learning along the way!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Tortuga travel backpack review.

A review of the new Tortuga Travel Backpack. This backpack is a great new option for the modern traveler that wants a sleek backpack designed specifically for urban travel.

Most Recent Posts , Product Reviews

UPDATE (4/6/2019): Tortuga has updated their backpacks again. Check out their Tortuga Outbreaker and their newly updated Tortuga Setout . UPDATE (10/30/2016): Tortuga completely redesigned their Travel Backpack — which is now called the Tortuga Outbreaker .

I’m always on the lookout for new backpacks designed for traveling — especially bags designed for the modern Europe traveler. That’s why when I saw the Tortuga Travel Backpack , I got pretty excited because it looked to be designed specifically for urban travel. I got my hands on the Tortuga so I could do my own review of the backpack for you all.

Let me start by saying that a lot of people who backpack around Europe use a hiking-style backpack. These are great, but they’re designed for backcountry hiking and not city travel (check out our guide to choosing a backpack ). These hiking-style bags not only look pretty silly when placed in the urban setting, but many of their features are simply not suited for city-to-city travel.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is different because all of its features are geared toward the urban traveler. At first glance, you’ll notice that it is pretty sleek (at least compared to other travel backpacks) and it is much less conspicuous than the typical bright red/blue/orange hiking bag. That’s what actually first caught my eye about this bag. I can see myself wearing this in cities like London or Paris and not feeling totally out of place. But even the best looking backpack needs to be functional. Continue reading for my thoughts on the Tortuga Travel Backpack.

Tortuga Backpack Features

Carry-on sized.

The Tortuga Backpack is carry-on sized, so you won’t have to pay all those extra checked baggage fees (often $30-$60 per bag) or worry about the airline losing your luggage. Being that this bag is carry-on sized, you will have to be conscious of traveling light. This is actually a positive thing because I believe that traveling light is much more freeing and enjoyable. For those of you who might not consider traveling with a single carry-on bag, I strongly urge you to consider this option.

As you can see, I found that I could still fit a good amount of stuff in this bag. Check out our packing list for Europe for more info on what to pack.

Dimensions: 44 liters (2,685 cubic inches); 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm).

Front Loading

The Tortuga backpack has a large main compartment that zips open like a suitcase. This not only maximizes packing space, but it allows you to easily access the contents of your bag without having to pull everything out of it. I prefer this system to the traditional “top loading” bags because it is much more practical for urban travel (you can read our guide on top-loading vs front loading backpacks for more information on the subject).

Padded Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt

One thing to look for in a travel backpack are the padded shoulder straps and hip belt. Most will offer some padding, but some have hardly any. The Tortuga’s straps and hip belt offer plenty of padding, so no worries there. The suspension system on the Tortuga isn’t the most advanced I’ve seen, and it doesn’t have load lifters that add extra comfort, but it does do a pretty good job for its intended use. If you need a bag that you can wear for a few hours at a time, you might want to get something else. If you’re mainly going to be wearing your bag from the train to the hostel, you’ll be fine.

Stowable Straps

All the straps on the Tortuga can be zipped away behind a cover. This is great if you ever do find yourself having to check your backpack while flying so you don’t run the risk of getting a strap ripped off from an airport conveyor belt. It is also nice if  you want to carry the bag and not wear it on your back.

Streamlined

I really like how the bag is streamlined and just contains the things you’ll need for urban traveling. There are no extra straps or anything else to get caught while you’re on the move.

Sturdy Handles

It may not seem like a big deal now, but having two sturdy handles comes in super handy. As you can see from the photos, the bag can be carried from the top or from the side. This is important when carrying your bag through narrow plane, train, and bus aisles. This is something I wish my previous backpacks would have had.

Laptop Sleeve

Carrying a laptop is always a bit daunting, so it’s nice to see that this bag includes a place to stash your laptop. This bag can carry up to a 17″ laptop (you can see my 13″ Macbook Air in the photo above).

 External Pocket and Water Bottle Pocket

There is one external pocket, two water bottle pockets, and a pocket on each hip belt. The main external pocket is big enough to carry some books, a light jacket, and a few other odds and ends. It does expand a bit, so you can shove extra stuff in there. The water bottle pockets are actually big enough to carry a bottle of water — this isn’t always a given in other bags. These pockets zip so you can store other stuff in there as well. The pockets on the hip belt are good for storing things like tickets, small pads of paper, hand wipes, Band-aids, etc.

Internal Pockets

On the inside of the flap, there are two mesh pockets for storing stuff. On the inside of the case, there are two additional zippered pockets. These pockets buckle together to form a compression strap which keeps your clothes from moving around as you move.

Lockable Zippers

The zippers have little loops on them that allow you to lock them closed. It is a nice extra touch that helps keep thieves away from your things.

More Fit Photos

Here are a few photos of me wearing the bag. For reference I’m 5’6″ (168cm).

Final Thoughts

I really like this bag, and I think it would be great for traveling Europe (or anywhere else). It is sleek, well-made, minimalistic, and designed specifically for urban travel. I also like how it can be converted into a suitcase by stashing away the straps. The only thing I’m not crazy about are the shoulder straps because they lack the load lifter straps, so it’s not designed to be used for long periods of time (which isn’t a big issue for many city-hopping travelers visiting Europe). Therefore, overall, I think this backpack would make a good choice for just about anyone wanting to travel around Europe.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is available directly from the Tortuga website .

• Recent Posts
• The Best Travel Backpacks | In-Depth Buyer’s Guide & Backpack Reviews - April 28, 2024
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024

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Tortuga backpack review: travel backpack 40l.

As a solo female backpacker, I have lugged around my fair share of baggage.  I am always on the lookout for reliable backpacks to try out and recommend, so when Tortuga sent me their 40l Travel Backpack to review I was thrilled to put it through its paces, both on a trip in the UK and abroad to Barcelona and Lisbon.  I’m excited to share my thoughts on this hand luggage backpack that not only serves as a trusty travel backpack for women and men, but is also an excellent ethical choice – read on to check out my full Tortuga backpack review!

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

I received a complimentary backpack in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own as always!

How to Choose the Best Carry-On Backpack for Travel

There are hundreds of different backpack brands and designs out there, and choosing the best travel backpack will ultimately depend on a few key factors that are most important for you. 

I’ve discussed more about what to look for in a travel backpack in this other article , and in this Tortuga backpack review, I’ll cover aspects including the size, weight and design of the backpack, the amount of storage and ease of use, as well as the cost and sustainability of the backpack.

Hopefully, after all that you’ll know if the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l really is the best carry-on backpack for you.  *SPOlLER ALERT* – I love it!

Tortuga Backpack Review At a Glance

CHECK PRICES on the Tortuga Website

About the Tortuga Travel Backpacks in Detail

Tortuga is a small, founder-led business based in the US.  After a backpacking trip to Europe when they both struggled with their luggage, two childhood friends Fred and Jeremy decided to make their own backpack which solved all of the issues they had to deal with in other backpacks.

The current Tortuga Travel Backpacks have replaced the Tortuga Setout and the Tortuga Outbreaker, previous models which have now been discontinued.  Tortuga took the best of these, put it into the new Travel Backpack design, and made it even better.

If you come across the Setout or Outbreaker second-hand, they are still great backpacks, but as this review is just about the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l , I will focus on this pack.

My Testing of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l

In the past couple of months, I have certainly got plenty of use out of the backpack so I could fully try it out.

The first time I used it was for a 6-week trip to Leeds when I was travelling on the train in the UK.  I had a separate wheeled suitcase and packed the backpack lightly as a test run so I could get used to it.

Then I used the Tortuga 40l Travel Backpack as a hand luggage bag in addition to a larger check-in wheeled backpack when I flew to Barcelona for a 3-month stay. I still didn’t cram the bag full as I had my separate check-in bag, but it gave me a good idea of what this carry-on backpack was capable of.

From Barcelona, I went to Lisbon for 5 days, and used my Tortuga backpack as my main carry-on bag, with no checked luggage.  This was the real test, as I was travelling for a conference so needed a variety of clothes for meetings and exploring Lisbon, as well as my laptop and everything else I usually pack.

In all cases, the Tortuga backpack held up remarkably well and I think I have found my new favourite carry-on backpack!

Tortuga Travel Backpack Size

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l has a very apt name, considering it is a travel backpack with a 40l capacity.  The boxy design uses up every available millilitre of capacity, without losing valuable packing space that is often taken up by wheels or curved edges in other carry-on luggage.

If you want something a bit smaller, the Tortuga Weekender Backpack 30l is basically the same design but in a slightly smaller size, which would be great for weekend trips.

The exact dimensions of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l when empty is 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches or 55 x 35 x 20 cm for those working on the metric system.  The good news is that it is suitable for putting in the overhead compartments of US and international airlines.

It is too big to go under most seats though so wouldn’t be classed as a personal item – check out the Tortuga laptop backpack for that, although be careful with budget airlines who are very tight on the dimensions they will allow.

Either way, before you fly I’d still recommend double-checking the exact carry-on dimensions specified by your airline, and one thing you should be careful of is making sure the size and weight of the backpack still comes within airline restrictions once you have filled it up.

As it is a soft backpack and not a hard case carry-on suitcase, there can be some bulging if it is stuffed full.  And as it is so roomy, you might find it weighs more than the hand luggage limits when fully packed – so keep an eye on that, as some airlines have limits as low as 6 or 7 kgs!  

Appearance and Style

At first glance, the Tortuga backpacks seem a little austere – they are only available in black, and the only visible branding is a subtle turtle shell icon in the top centre of the back panel, which is also black, and small black turtle icons on the black buckles.

If it was a check-in bag I’d want some more distinguishing features or would add a colourful strap around it so I could easily spot it on the luggage carousel, but as this is a carry-on backpack it doesn’t need to stand out. 

In fact, as someone who prefers to blend in with the crowd and look as little like a tourist as possible, the Tortuga backpacks are perfect.  

The only contrasting colour is on the internal pockets which are light grey which is nice as you can easily distinguish the different pockets inside.  I suppose they might get dirty with frequent use, but as no one sees inside but you I don’t think it matters.

Durability and Material

This backpack is extremely sturdy.  I love how strong it is, and it is so well made it felt like I could throw it out of the plane and it would be fine (not that I would do that!).  As well as sturdy shoulder straps, there is a carry handle at the top and on the side of the backpack.

These are the technical details:

According to the Tortuga website , the body fabric is made from SHELL, a three-layer, laminated “sailcloth” material originally developed for the sails of racing boats.  It is durable, lightweight, and waterproof up to 200+ PSI / 13.8+ Bar.  

SHELL is 100% recycled and uses no harmful TPU, PVC, DWR, or other coatings.  The durable, water-repellent coating doesn’t contain fluorocarbons like PFAS/PFOA or any VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Tortuga uses water-resistant YKK zippers for durability and security, and there are lockable zippers on the three main backpack compartments.

Packing Compartments

I am used to having one large space with a couple of pockets, like the Osprey 40 l backpack.  However, the Tortuga Travel Backpack splits up the available packing space into smaller compartments. I found this a bit difficult to get used to at first but once I’d decided what should be packed in each place, it was much easier to find everything!

The main compartment has lockable zips and opens up like a clam shell so you can see everything inside without having to stick your arm in and feel around.  It is large enough for two standard size packing cubes, or one packing cube and whatever else you want to fit in the other side.

I am a recent convert to packing cubes and I love them as they keep my clothes neat and tidy.  You can buy Tortuga packing cubes which are a perfect fit, but mine were from Amazon and also fitted just fine.

The main compartment also has a mesh pocket which is handy for things like dirty clothes or sandals – when I went to Lisbon I rolled up some bulky clothes which wouldn’t fit in my packing cube and popped them in there which worked well.  The zips on the main compartment are lockable for extra security.

The front compartment opens halfway and has lots of handy pockets in the organizer panel, as well as a Kindle sleeve.  The zips are lockable here too so you could keep your passport, wallet or travel documents in here and know they are secure.

There is a separate laptop compartment which is a fleece-lined padded pocket, suitable for laptops up to 16 inches, and another compartment that fits a 12.9″ tablet.  There is also a smaller mesh pocket which fits my laptop charger and mouse perfectly.

The laptop compartment is closest to your back when wearing the backpack and I liked that it was close to me and protected from potential knocks coming from the outside.  The fleece felt lovely and soft too so I was confident my laptop was safe – and locked the zips on this compartment too for extra peace of mind!

The small top pocket has a key clip which is handy, although I was still nervous about putting keys in there in a pickpocket hotspot like Barcelona, so I preferred to keep those in the zippable compartment and put things like tissues and lip balm in the top.

On the front, there is also a flat pocket which comes in handy for paperwork or anything slim that wants shoving somewhere out of the way.

There are two external side pockets for water bottles and other things like umbrellas too. My Water-to-Go water bottle fits perfectly, but larger bottles might be too much of a squeeze as the pockets don’t have much stretch to them.  

Another nice little feature is the pockets on the hip belt.  They are too small for my travel wallet but useful for spare change, tissues and other bits and bobs.

Comfort and Fit

This Tortuga backpack is one of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve ever worn.  For reference, I’m around 5 ft 7 tall, or 1 metre 70 cm.

One of the best comfort features is the adjustable height, meaning you can move the height of the shoulder straps up and down to find the perfect position for you based on your height and distance from the base of your neck to the bottom of your back. 

I watched the video on the Tortuga website which shows you how to adjust your backpack and had some help measuring my back from my mum.  The velcro securing the straps is very strong so it takes a bit of effort to separate and move the straps, but once they are in the right place they will stay there!

When I first tried on the backpack, the hip belt was around my waist so it didn’t take any of the weight, but once I moved it to rest on my hips it was much better – it can take 80% of the weight off of your shoulders which makes a huge difference to comfort, both at the time and then later on once you’ve taken it off!

The shoulder straps are lovely and thick, with foam padding on the straps and back pads to cushion the weight with a breathable area around the spine.  It was also more comfortable with the sternum strap fastened to add extra support.

Added Extras

Aside from the backpack itself, there are several things that elevate Tortuga above most other travel backpack brands.

Firstly, the fact that Tortuga’s travel backpacks are made with recycled material is a big plus. Another big bonus is their home try-on program.  This means you can try out a Tortuga backpack at home to see if it’s right for you. Practice packing it to see what will fit in and adjust it to make sure it fits you properly.

If it’s not what you were expecting, as long as you send it back within 30 days of purchase they’ll pay for the return shipping and give you a full refund.  Many backpacks you buy via Amazon would probably be covered in a similar way too, but for buying directly from manufacturers it is more unusual.

Once you’ve decided to keep the backpack, Tortuga also offers a worldwide warranty that guarantees against defects in materials and craftsmanship for as long as you own your bag.  According to their website, if your backpack fails due to a defect, Tortuga will repair it, replace it, or refund your money (at their discretion), depending on product availability. 

I haven’t had any issues with my backpack, so haven’t needed to test that offer but it’s reassuring to know it’s there if I do need it.

One other thing I only noticed after digging around the Tortuga website is that Tortuga offers two yearly study abroad scholarships of $1000 and a free travel backpack to American students who want to study abroad.  The money can be used for tuition, room and board, books, or travel.  I’m all about encouraging people to travel and thought this is a really cool way of helping young people to travel more. 

Affordability

The Tortuga Travel Backpacks do come in at the higher end of the budget scale, with prices currently listed on their website as $350 USD for the 40l pack and $325 for the 30l backpack.   

However, if you are travelling for a long time or heading to a remote location, having a comfortable and sturdy backpack that will keep all your belongings safe is worth spending a bit more money on.

When considering cost, you should also take into account the worldwide warranty and all the extras I mentioned above, so you know you will be covered should something go wrong with the backpack, and feel good for choosing a backpack made from recycled materials.   

User Experience

As I said earlier, I used my backpack for several different trips and it worked really well for all of them.  They were city trips, but I wouldn’t hesitate to take the Tortuga travel backpack further afield.

Although it isn’t designed as a hiking backpack, you could probably take this on hikes too, as it is so comfortable.  I only used it walking around cities, but don’t see why it wouldn’t be suitable for a day hike at least, and maybe more.

It was super comfy, and surprisingly roomy, as well as well made and fitting into the carry-on compartment on my flights.  It’s a shame they only have US shipping at the moment, but hopefully, it will become available in other countries soon.

Anything I Didn’t Like?

The only thing that irritated me a bit was the hip belt.  Because the Velcro strap is quite narrow, it flapped around when not fastened, and when I took off the backpack it got caught in my phone strap (that I wear like a little cross-body bag). 

The straps could get caught or tripped over if you carry it by the top or side handle or if it is sitting on the ground.  The hip belt is removable via a Velcro strap, but if you do remove it there is nowhere specific to store it when the bag is stuffed full, although it would probably fit in the front flat pocket if the pack isn’t too full.  Somewhere to stash or secure the straps would be great to keep these out of the way when I’m not using them.

However, I didn’t knock any star ratings off for this as I am very happy there is a hip belt – I’ve used a 40l backpack without one and hated it, so I will still take this over no hip belt at all!

Now I’m nit-picking, but while the zips can be locked with a padlock it would be nice if the zips locked themselves or if a couple of padlocks were included in the price of the backpack.  I usually carry my own padlocks with me anyway for hostel lockers but there are 3 compartments which could be locked, so I don’t want to bring several padlocks with me on every trip.

I also forgot to unlock the padlocks when I got to the airport security line so everyone behind me had to wait while I faffed around to unfasten them – not my finest hour! 

That said, these are minor gripes and I really did love this backpack – just a couple of things I’d love to see in a future design.

Final Thoughts on My Tortuga Backpack Review

I love the Tortuga Travel Backpack – I was actually surprised at how much I loved it!  These days I often travel with a wheeled case, or a wheeled backpack, as carrying heavy weight on my back is not ideal now I’m over 40 (eek!!!).  However, I could manage this backpack quite nicely, and it didn’t feel too heavy thanks to the adjustable padded straps and hip belt which took a lot of the strain. 

It’s a subtle design, with lots of handy features – and a huge plus is the recycled materials, worldwide warranty and the scholarship program.

Overall I have no hesitations in recommending the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l to other travellers, digital nomads and backpackers looking for an understated and comfortable carry-on backpack for travel.  I hope you’ve found this Tortuga backpack review useful – please let me know in the comments below if you’ve used this carry-on backpack and what you thought of it!

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Tortuga Outbreaker Review: A Travel Backpack Worth the Hype?

Thanks to its size and stealth, the Tortuga Outbreaker is arguably one of the best backpacks for city travelers. But we’ll let you decide if it’s the right one for you with this Tortuga Outbreaker review.

When I heard the hype about the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack, I had to check it out for myself.

And I’m willing to make the claim that this really could be the best backpack for traveling the world’s urban jungles.

Thanks to its size and stealth, the Tortuga Outbreaker travel backpack is arguably a top competitor when it comes to travel backpacks for city ramblers.

It’s not for everyone, but it’s indisputably impressive whether or not it’s for you.

After testing hundreds of bags, this one is our favorite. It’s a carefully designed, all-rounder travel backpack that works great for both urban travel and regular backpacking. And best of all, it’s sized for carry-on only!

• Materials 5
• Aesthetic 5
• Organization 5
• Carry-on sized
• Highly adjustable suspension system
• Double clamshell design
• High degree of organization
• Built-in packing cubes
• Incredibly durable
• Lockable zippers
• Most comfortable bag we've worn
• A little expensive
• Shoulder straps don't tuck away
• Lower front pocket is difficult to access
• Water bottle pockets are a little too skinny

Tortuga Outbreaker Review: Quick Answers

The Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the mightiest backpacks I’ve seen from one of the best backpack brands out there. And while it certainly doesn’t look like a typical travel backpack, it doesn’t act like one either. But that’s what makes this bag so unique.

First of all, it’s simple enough that it doesn’t scream, “I’m a tourist!” You want to blend in as much as possible when you’re exploring a new country—not stick out like a sore thumb.

But it isn’t all about looks, people. Not at all. Especially when it comes to something that’s going to be attached to your body the entire time.

In fact, this bag is anything but simple.

So, to kick things off, here’s a quick-fire round-up of what this backpack is…packing.

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack Pros

• The Tortuga Outbreaker looks simple, sleek and streamlined.
• It comes in two sizes: 35L and 45L. Choose the size that fits your body frame the best—or the amount of stuff you need to pack.
• Both versions are sized perfectly for carry-on travel , however, the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L backpack might be too large for some budget airlines. Either way, this bag is meant for lightweight, maneuverable, carry-on travel. You can also spring for the similarly designed Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack—one of the best packable backpacks that will fit nicely into your carry-on.
• An adjustable suspension system which can be customized depending on your body size.
• Double clamshell design makes packing—and access—really easy. It packs like a suitcase but carries like a backpack. One main compartment for your “stuff” and, on the other side, another clamshell for your laptop and electronics.
• Compartments and pockets everywhere! There is a place for everything. Organization is key, especially with this bag.
• Built-in packing cubes for extra organization. Custom packing cubes are available for extra organization.
• Made from incredibly durable, top-of-the-line, weather-resistant materials (we’re talking four-layer waterproof sailcloth)
• Lockable top-of-the-line, waterproof YKK-brand zippers. This means no water can drip through the teeth into your stuff
• The best backing we’ve ever seen in a backpack. It’s very comfortable to wear, and the padding is super soft, yet somehow sturdy, and really thick. The ventilated backing system makes sure the bag stays off your back, which means no back sweat, which is HUGE!

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack Cons

• All good things come at a price. In this case, the price you pay is its weight. At 4.6 pounds, the Outbreaker is quite heavy for its size, but keep in mind that it’s very durable and well-constructed. A more lightweight option is the Tortuga Setout 45L .
• Unlike many other bags in this category, the Tortuga’s shoulder straps don’t tuck away for easy storage.
• The lower front pocket is very difficult to access, especially when the bag is full.
• The water bottle pockets are a little too skinny. They won’t fit big water bottles, but they will fit a GRAYL Geopress filtered water bottle .

Who Is the Tortuga Outbreaker For?

Everyone has different tastes; the world would be pretty dull otherwise, wouldn’t it? That goes for backpacks, too. The aim of this Tortuga review is to help you figure out whether the Outbreaker will suit you .

If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t want a backpacker-y backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker is going to be the perfect bag for you. It doesn’t mean that you’re going to be walking around with a designer, ill-fitted backpack with no comfort or practicality to it—not at all.

People who actually work remotely and who are digital nomads designed this backpack so, on paper, it should be perfect.

• Modern, Urban Travelers: This bag is great for anyone who carries electronics and likes to stay connected. It has a laptop sleeve and is not built for hiking, camping, etc.
• Minimalists: The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is perfect for minimalists and anybody looking to travel light.
• One-Bag Travelers: Anyone who hates airport check-in desks and waiting around for your luggage when you land. The 35L Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is sized perfectly for carry-on travel.
• Ultra-Organized Travelers: The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is specifically designed for carrying around electronics and other technical gear. There are plenty of pockets and compartments for all your gear.
• Weekend Travelers: Heading to a city for a long weekend? All you need is the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack. This is the bag for the city.

Anybody obsessed with traveling around cities, not wanting to stand out as a “rugged” backpacker, with limited time to travel but plenty of weekends to use up, or people who aren’t mad into hiking… that’s who the Tortuga Outbreaker is perfect for.

Who Isn’t the Tortuga Outbreaker For?

Even though, for us, the Tortuga Outbreaker is pretty much the bomb when it comes to traveling backpacks, it’s definitely not going to tick everybody’s boxes. Not everything is perfect to everyone. This is something most Tortuga backpack reviews fail to mention

So who won’t love the Tortuga Outbreaker?

• Heavy Packers: Anybody who wants to travel with a lot of stuff. Despite the fact that you can fit a lot of stuff into the Tortuga Outbreaker, this is a bag for minimalists. If you have a load of stuff to carry, you’ll want something bigger. And if that’s the case, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 or Osprey Aether AG 70 might be a better choice. But those will never be carry-on luggage .
• Suitcase Travelers: This backpack isn’t a good choice if you want a bag you can wheel around. The Tortuga Outbreaker is always going to be on your back.
• Hikers/Trekkers: If you’re all about the great outdoors, this isn’t so good for hiking or trekking. It’s a brilliant all-rounder bag, but it’s not a practical choice for hiking around mountainous terrain. You’ll want something more specialized for that, like the 40L Osprey Farpoint (for men) or Osprey Fairview (for women).

In short: It’s an excellent backpack for urban, light travelers; however, it isn’t well-suited to the great outdoors.

Tortuga Backpacks: Who Are They?

Let’s start with the name. Tortuga is Spanish for tortoise. You get it, right? Tortoises always carry their shells. Backpackers always carry their backpacks—easy reference.

We’ve seen people refer to backpackers as “snails” before, which are definitely not as cool as tortoises.

But the name, with the whole tortoise thing, implies comfort, natural fit and durability.

This makes sense when you learn that Tortuga was launched in 2009 by two travelers who were fed up with poor-quality backpacks.

They were in Europe at the time, traveling around cities. One of their bags ripped, and the other bag was pretty much falling apart. So the pair decided to go and make their own line of bags, and Tortuga was born.

The manifesto is simple: carry-on size backpacks that are perfect for light, city travel and still offer enough space to fit all your essential stuff.

Since its onset, the team behind Tortuga has developed a whole range of different backpacks to “help you live on your terms.” The team is focused on helping remote workers and the products that these digital nomads need.

After all, Tortuga’s team is based all over the world, with all employees remotely working towards this shared vision. Sounds pretty cool to me.

These guys have first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to travel around and work remotely. And, at the end of the day, Tortuga products like the Outbreaker are designed by travelers, for travelers.

Tortuga Outbreaker Review: Backpack Features

Now that we know a little about this backpack and where it came from, let’s get into some more detail about the features that make this backpack awesome (and some that aren’t so awesome).

As we mentioned, Tortuga’s products are designed by travelers, built for travelers—every inch of this bag has been thought out.

But let’s start with the basics.

Dimensions & Specifications

The Tortuga 35L backpack is a carry-on dream. For real. Even the trickiest of budget airlines will accept this one.

The 45L Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is quite a bit bigger. In fact, it’s a little bit too big for budget airlines. Some will let you on, and some won’t—it’s not guaranteed .

Do your research about carry-on restrictions for the airline you’re flying, as this one really does depend on the airline in question.

Carry-on Capability

The 35L Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is ideal for people who love traveling light. You can carry this baby onto just about every single airline, from budget to not-so-budget.

This makes traveling extra convenient. It also means that lots of different bags won’t weigh you down. In fact, we’d say the bag itself sort of inspires slimline travel.

One-bag travel—that’s the stuff dreams are made of. And actually, the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack does make that a reality. As mentioned above, the 45L version may not be accepted as carry-on by all airlines , but a lot of them will still take it.

Double Clamshell Design

The Outbreaker’s clamshell design means it packs like a suitcase but carries like a backpack. This is one of the bag’s best and most unique features.

The fact that the Tortuga Outbreaker opens like a suitcase means that, whatever size you go for, you won’t ever have to dig around trying to find items at the bottom of your backpack.

But, what’s better than one clamshell? Two, of course! The double clamshell design is built to carry your “stuff” on one side and your electronics on the other. One side of the bag opens on the long edge for your clothes, the other side opens on the short edge for your electronics.

If you like to stay organized when you travel, this bag is built for you. If you’re not organized when you travel, this bag will make you so.

The main compartment of the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is pretty big. This is where you’ll carry the majority of your clothes, and where the bag packs most of its 35L or 45L capacity.

Within this main compartment are four side pockets, great for smaller items of clothing, like socks and underwear. Even important little valuables like watches or jewelry can slide into these discreet pockets pretty easily.

Again, this makes it great for organization buffs.

On the opposite side of the bag you’ll find the second clamshell which has a laptop compartment and holds your tablet, and everything that goes with the two. We’re talking headphones, cables, USB wires, video equipment, external hard drives—all the good stuff.

This section of the bag is loaded with fleece-lining and soft padding to ensure your equipment stays safely undamaged.

Front-Loading Organization

Not only can this backpack be opened like a suitcase, but it also has features similar to a rucksack. On the front of the bag, there’s an oversized organizational pocket which is just too perfect for neat freaks.

There are specific pockets for just about everything you can think of in this compartment—pens, notebooks, other paper items, tickets, your passport, and there’s even a little hook to hang your keys on.

The front of this compartment itself also features a zipped pocket that offers even more space to stash your stuff. These two elements of this third compartment act like a giant wallet; they’re perfect for stationery and official items, almost like a mini-office.

Basically, with the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack, it’s fair to say that the compartment game is strong.

Shoulder Straps

This wouldn’t be a comprehensive Tortuga Outbreaker backpack review without mentioning the things that actually help you carry it around—the shoulder straps . They’re modeled after the ones you’d find on a hiking backpack, which means it’s actually incredibly comfortable to carry.

As with all bags, the shoulder straps also come with chest clips. You can fasten these for an even more secure-feeling carry.

Ventilated Backing

You know that feeling. You’re traipsing around a city with a backpack on and before you know it you can feel your back is totally dripping with perspiration.

But not here! The ventilated backing on the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is mad good. In fact, this backpack has one of the most comfortable and well-ventilated backing systems we’ve ever seen on a bag. Thanks to thick padding, it actually keeps the backpack  off  your back.

A bag as comfortable as the Tortuga Outbreaker is pretty much revolutionary.

Adjustable Suspension System

The shoulder straps themselves can be moved up or down the backpack thanks to the suspension system on the back of the bag. Not everybody is the same size, so thanks to this intuitive design, no matter your body size, Tortuga’s Outbreaker will fit.

And, of course, you can’t just rely on your shoulders alone. The suspension system also includes the amazing…

The padded hip belt boasted by this Tortuga travel backpack is another great addition, and it’s all to do with weight distribution.

Rather than putting the weight of everything in your bag on your shoulders (and killing them, no matter how much padding there is), you can adjust and fasten the hip straps to reallocate the load.

Unfortunately, the hip belt doesn’t have the same sturdy structure as a hiking backpack, but that’s understandable since you are not meant to use it for hiking.

The hip belt features its own little zippered pockets , too. Things like train tickets, some cash or any other useful things can fit in these. Even more compartments to add to this backpack’s already bursting array of pockets.

And people—the hip belt is removable. Yep. If you don’t want straps hanging all over the place while you’re wandering around the city, the hip belt can be taken off and stashed inside the bag or left in your hotel or hostel.

What Materials Are the Tortuga Outbreaker Made of?

The Outbreaker is mad durable.

First of all, it boasts four-layer waterproof VX21 X-ply sailcloth (thickness: 210 denier nylon). Yes, sailcloth—think about sails. These things have to deal with a heck of a lot of stuff out at sea. Strong winds. A ton of water from the sea and the sky. So durability and waterproofing is a big deal for this bag.

Traditional fabrics, whatever way you weave ‘em,  do  eventually let water in. But not here. You get the sailcloth credentials combined with an ultra-thin layer of PET for extra waterproofing.

And durability? Just try to rip it. It’s hardy as hell. That means it won’t distort or crease over time either. And the Duraflex buckles aren’t going to break on you anytime soon.

An honorable mention: The YKK zippers are some of the best on the market (you know, the zipper market). These are also sealed for extra waterproofing. No point having a waterproof bag if rain is just going to leak in through the zipper, right?

Basically, this bag isn’t going to fall apart on you halfway through your trip. That’s pretty much a guarantee.

Tortuga Outbreaker Full Review

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the Tortuga Outbreaker travel backpack, you’ve probably got a few remaining questions about how it’ll look and feel, and how much it’ll cost you.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack.

Aesthetics: How Does it Look?

“Modern” is the word we’d use to describe this backpack. The Tortuga Outbreaker is definitely cutting edge and has been designed with efficiency in mind. Even though it’s a carry-on, urban-style backpack, it’s not all about being ultimately trendy. It’s just pretty simple.

But then again, some people are going to love the minimalist urban design of this backpack. It’s completely black, which helps you blend into stark city environments.

Basically, you won’t look like you’re going on a hike when you’re just wandering around town.

Comfort: Is It Easy to Wear?

The shoulder straps have pads, and the Tortuga Outbreaker’s chest clip and hip straps add even more comfort.

Plus, the back panel is an Ariaprena material, which is great if you’re getting sweaty on a hot day.

And on that note, like we said earlier, the ventilated backing on the rear of the backpack itself also helps a lot when it comes to comfort. There’s tons of ventilation which keeps a sweaty back at bay if you’re in a hot country—or if you’re just a sweaty individual.

We can’t overstate this enough. The comfort level here is one of the best things about the Tortuga Outbreaker—and why it’s one of the best backpacks out there.

Weight: Is the Outbreaker Travel Backpack Too Heavy?

Even without anything in it, the 35L Tortuga Outbreaker already weighs 4.6 lbs. It’s a bit of a trade-off, because all that extra weight comes from the durable materials it’s made out of.

It’s still light, sure. But for a 35L capacity backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker is heavier than usual. And since you’ll probably only have the one bag, you’ll be packing it to its bursting point. This means it’ll be even heavier.

The 45L is around $30 more expensive, but you get a lot more room for the extra dollars. Most airlines will probably take it, but make sure you research ahead of time. Some budget airlines even go so far as to weigh your carry-on luggage.

Organization: How Does It Stack Up?

There are so many different places to stash your stuff in the Tortuga Outbreaker. From the laptop compartment to the front-loading pocket, you have a lot of choices.

This is the ideal backpack for someone who loves to stay organized while they travel.

Durability: Will the Tortuga Outbreaker Last?

It better! Given the materials, the Tortuga Outbreaker won’t break under pressure, and it’s unlikely to rip. It’s one of the most durable bags that we’ve tried. That’s because it’s sturdy, boasts solid stitching and it should handle a lot of stress and strain.

It’s not a hiking rucksack, but for city travel and regular use, this one is an investment.

Price: How Much Does the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack Cost?

You’re looking at $224 for the 35L Tortuga Outbreaker. For the 45L, that’ll be $249.

Quality travel backpacks come at a price, and this is one of them. Remember, you get what you pay for. We strongly believe in buying gear that will last a lifetime, and the Outbreaker definitely will.

Warranty: How Good is the Tortuga Backpack Warranty?

Tortuga as a company doesn’t actually offer a warranty. But they do provide what they call a “common decency guarantee.” It sounds like jargon, but what that means is, because they’re a small company, they’ll be more than happy to help you out with your bag.

To put it simply, they’ll fix or replace your backpack if it’s their fault. If you’ve done something stupid to your bag yourself, you’re on your own.

The designers build these bags to last, but obviously, there’s always room for mistakes and accidents. So if your Tortuga Outbreaker has a freak stitching problem, most likely you can get that seen to. Pretty decent.

Shipping: Does Tortuga Ship Their Bags Internationally?

Unfortunately, no, Tortuga stopped shipping internationally at the beginning of 2019. That said, they are looking to expand their services in a more efficient manner. Shipping is free within U.S. territories, however.

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack Accessories

The Outbreaker also comes with attractive accessories—and, this Tortuga travel backpack review wouldn’t be complete without diving into these, too.

Tortuga Outbreaker Wet/Dry Bag

Since you’re traveling the world, chances are that, at some point, you’re going to find yourself lugging dirty laundry on your back. And since items like damp swimsuits and sweaty gym clothes can grow mildew and mold (and smell), you’re going to want to separate them from your clean clothes.

The Wet/Dry Bag —designed to fit the Outbreaker specifically—provides a place for you to store your worn stuff, so it won’t contaminate everything else in your backpack.

The three-ounce, antimicrobial and anti-fungal bag can fit up to eight liters of laundry (or other items you’ll want to keep dry when the weather gets wet). And it’ll roll up and buckle right to your backpack for easy access and toting.

Tortuga Outbreaker Packing Cubes

Speaking of keeping your clothes clean and neat, the Tortuga Packing Cubes will also help you organize your things. The packing cubes come in sailcloth, a strong but lightweight fabric so you can trust that they’ll last without adding unnecessary weight to your luggage. In fact, they weigh in at just .55 pounds.

The cubes feature mesh panels so you can see what’s inside without having to dig through them all. And they each have top grab handles and double zippers.

Tortuga Outbreaker Review Summary: Final Thoughts

When it comes to carry-on bags, none of them can offer the Tortuga Outbreaker’s blend of a simple design with clever features.

Featuring more compartments and pockets than you can shake a stick at, this backpack really is a fortress of organization.

With a separate laptop compartment and the option for a load of packing cubes, we’re going to go ahead and say it’s one of the best choices for any remote worker on the road. Scratch that, it’s probably the best we’ve ever seen.

And given the materials, it’s one of the most durable travel bags on the market.

The Tortuga Outbreaker is an excellent purpose-built backpack for connected, urban travelers. If that’s you, then this is the bag you want.

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Jeremy Scott Foster

Great review. Thank you Travel Freak. I’ve been using the TOrtuga backpack for the last 3 years and I couldn’t recommend it more. Great for digital nomads like me!

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Tortuga travel backpack 40l [unbiased 2024 review].

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is a great carry-on travel backpack with a large capacity and plenty of organization.

It’s perfect for getaways and trips of up to one week.

If you’re looking for your next travel bag, this review might help you decide if Tortuga is right for you.

Rating: 8/10

Travellerspoint

Who exactly is Tortuga?

Tortuga’s story began with two friends.

Fred and Jeremy struggled to find the perfect travel backpack when they decided just to make it.

As a company, their mission is to make travel easier by allowing people to pack light and easily.

Personally, what I admire most about them is their product-first approach , which means they take their quality seriously.

From using SHELL fabric to YKK zippers, Tortuga is known for using only the highest quality materials and hardware .

Where can you buy the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L?

I’d recommend getting your Tortuga backpack straight from their website.

There are lots of discount codes available to students, active military and veterans, nurses, and more!

In terms of shipping, you can get free ground shipping for orders of $49 or more in the US.

While they don’t offer overseas shipping yet, you can use a freight forwarding service, which is a popular way of purchasing products internationally.

Tortuga’s World Warranty might also come in handy.

It guarantees against material and production defects, which does show how confident they are in the bag’s quality.

Get Your Tortuga Travel Backpack Here

Tortuga Travel Backpack Technical Specifications

• Price: $349
• Weight: 4.5 lb (2.0 kg)
• Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in ​ (55 x 35 x 20 cm)
• Material: SHELL200
• Warranty: Tortuga Worldwide Warranty
• Capacity: 40 L

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L review

To be completely honest, when I first received this bag, I was not impressed. BUT over the last couple of months during the testing period, I’ve found it more beneficial than not. 

Overall, I probably would have preferred the 30L just because I feel like the 40L overtakes my body. I believe this backpack is the updated version of the Outbreaker . 

While the bag itself is a carry-on size for flights, this definitely won’t count as a personal item so keep that in mind.

Now, let’s get into more details…

How well-made is the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L?

The main body of the bag is made up of SHELL200, which is a three-layer laminated sailcloth that’s super durable, lightweight, and waterproof.

It’s also fully recycled and contains no harmful TPU, PVC, DWR, or other coatings.

The face fabric 200D is recycled polyester, while the zippers are all Japanese YKK zippers .

At the front, you've got this small pocket that has more room in length than it does in height. It’s kind of hidden with easy access as there are no double zippers on this.

But if you tuck in the zip tag, then it makes it much harder for other people to unzip! Just a little added security…

Then on top of the bag, you have another pocket plus a key holder. 

Then there’s your organiser, which is not overwhelming and enough for travel docs and accessories. It’s pretty great for valuables because you have the double zip where you can put on a lock. 

I love the fleece material here! It’s a great spot for your phone and sunglasses.

The materials inside the backpack itself are soft, protective, ripstop nylon. It feels very durable and sturdy.

How comfortable is the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L?

The first thing I noticed about this bag, in comparison to other products, is how heavy it feels at 4.5lb or 2kg. But then I compared it to WAYKS Travel Backpack which is 2.4kg, so in hindsight, it’s not that bad.

I was very surprised at how comfortable this was because it’s so rugged and tough. 

I thought maybe the comfort of the bag might be compromised but I was pleasantly surprised at how proportioned everything was.

The hip straps and sternum strap also helps distribute that weight when the bag is fully packed. Another point for comfort! 

The overall structure and materials are what make it long-lasting. It’s built to last, and the strength and weight only add to the overall quality of the bag.

I also found it so useful to have the straps at the top of the bag. You can pull in on that for added support, which is great as you can adapt it to your build and height too.

What makes the 40L Tortuga bag a great travel backpack?

1. Compartments, clips, and more!

The organization of this Tortuga backpack is pretty great.

Straightforward and useful.

The two main compartments inside include one mesh opening. There are no unnecessary pockets so that you can pack what you want, how you want .

Some other fun features include a key clip on the top pocket and organizer pockets in the front compartment.

There is good suction on the water bottle compartment straps, so you can still use them easily even when fully packed.

2.  Clam opening

Simple yet effective. That’s what I always say about clamshell opening designs.

You’re free to adapt this bag to your needs and it also makes packing so much easier!

Especially if you’re packing for a week and have tons of stuff inside.

Though I would’ve loved a strap on the non-mesh side to help your clothing stay put, as sometimes things fall out when I “open the clam”.

3. Comfortable and breathable

Again, I was surprised by how comfortable the bag is!

The padded hip strap has proven very handy in terms of supporting the weight, but some people may feel that it doesn’t look the most flattering.

It’s removable so you can always store it inside the front hidden pocket, which is great.

The sternum strap is comfortable, though it’s not detachable. BUT you can move it up and down to fit where you need it.

Finally, the back side (arguably the most important) is all made of mesh and foam.

There’s an air channel down the middle which helps with airflow and breathability. So, this isn’t the kind of bag that soaks up sweat and sticks to your back.

4. Padded laptop and tablet sleeves

This backpack comes with not only padded, fleece-lined sleeves for your laptop, but also your tablet.

The laptop compartment goes down to about a quarter of the way, making it easy access to pull out without having your other things fly everywhere.

For me, the velcro of the laptop compartment could be stronger for added security, though I haven’t had any issue whatsoever with it.

I can also say that the padding is so strong that you can barely feel the laptop on your back when you have the backpack on!

This Tortuga backpack is incredibly durable, which is a must for travel bags.

The durable, waterproof fabric doesn’t rip or tear easily (if, at all) and you can tell just how tough it is by feeling the material.

The zippers are lockable and water-resistant, so your belongings will be kept safe, while the other hardware and buckles are best-in-class.

In addition to all that, Tortuga backpacks come with Worldwide Warranty.

6. Very spacious

Inside, there are three main compartments plus two additional compartments

The 40L capacity can fit up to around a week's worth of clothing .

If you pack smart and use packing cubes, you could probably squeeze a little more in there. 

This bag doesn’t have an extension, but I don’t feel like it needs it. There’s enough depth and room for travel, equipment, and more.

A brief thought on the overall design and aesthetics of the bag, I think it’s actually fantastic for travel because it’s not too flashy.

Cons of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

The style is what kind of made me turn my nose a little when I got this bag. 

But, the longer I used it, the more I grew to love it!

It’s minimalist and clean, non-flashy, and prioritizes durability over aesthetics. In the long run, this is actually better.

While the laptop padding is thick, this makes it harder to get the laptop in when fully packed.

My advice would be, if you’re packing this backpack to full, to place your electronics first in the back. Then you also have to think about getting it out at the airport and having to repack.

On a similar note, trying to get something specific when the bag is full might be a hassle. So, anything you do need quick access to you can place in your hip strap pockets.

Finally, the harness system is adaptable via velcro, but it’s loud and a bit of an effort to adjust. Yes, it’s there to adjust to your preference, but I honestly feel that the effort outweighs the use in this aspect.

I also would love to see this bag in different colours just so we can have more options!

Who should get the Travel Backpack 40L?

With all that said, I do think that the Tortuga Travel Backpack may be the perfect choice for some people.

It’s perfect for digital nomads, as you have enough room for equipment and accessories in addition to clothes.

I’d also recommend this backpack if you’re planning for a getaway.

It’s even great for hiking, especially considering the support and comfort of the straps.

It really is a bag you can adapt for your adventures!

If you’re looking for this bag but want it to be more compact, then check out the 30L version .

Tortuga Travel Backpack, 30L VS 40L

Should you get the 30L or 40L version?

Here’s how the 30L backpack compares to its larger counterpart:

Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack: Performance Over Time

These are my thoughts after using it for the first time vs two weeks.

• Instant thought was how great it would make for a backpacking bag
• Heavy even before being fully packed
• Water-resistant material is noticeable, which makes it perfect for traveling 
• Hip belt pockets are quite unique 
• Sleek and clean look

After 2 weeks:

• Still heavy, although I feel more secure in knowing my belongings are protected 
• No real expansion. For brief travels this is great, but not as a main bag for a long period of time. A week to 10 days max in terms of clothing
• Highly comfortable. Everything supports and adjusts well, from the sternum strap to the added hip belt
• Mesh compartment in the ‘packing’ area of the bag which allows for separation 

Overall verdict: Are tortuga bags worth buying?

You might be wondering…

Should you buy the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L?

My answer is yes!

It’s truly a brilliant travel backpack and it does everything it needs for that.

The materials are excellent and everything was well-made, and its comfort level is amazing.

What else does Tortuga sell?

Packing cubes.

Tortuga sells packing cubes in sets of 3, which is great if you like matching up your organizing system with the bag itself. They feature see-through mesh tops, sturdy fabric, and durable YKK zippers.

Laptop Backpack (coming soon)

If you prefer a personal item backpack instead of this 40L one, Tortuga is working on a more compact Laptop Backpack.

Tech Pouch (coming soon)

Another product that’s in the making is this Tech Pouch, which is a great organizer for cables, chargers, and other small tech accessories.

That’s it for my review of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L.

Hopefully, you’ll have a clearer picture of how this bag fares for travel.

Have you ever used this bag?

Comment and let me know below!

Check out some of these other reviews:

• Knack Bags Expandable Backpack Review
• Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack Review
• Peak Design Travel Backpack

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Tortuga Outbreaker Review: The Best Backpack for Long-Term Travel

When you’re traveling hard — I’m talking mile after mile, flight after flight, hotel after hotel, and even year after year — the best backpack that delivers on a pretty specific set of needs is what you should have. It needs to be comfortable enough to carry around for however long it takes to navigate the bad directions to your Airbnb. It needs to offer all the organizational elements necessary to keep things from falling into chaos. Perhaps more than anything, it needs to be capable of carrying anything and everything you need for a lengthy bout of travel. Ideally, it will also fit in an airplane’s overhead bin, and a dash of style doesn’t hurt.

The Unrivaled Capacity of the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L

The smart design of the tortuga outbreaker, tortuga outbreaker value: lots of bag for a reasonable price.

I can attest from firsthand experience that no one backpack nor suitcase delivers on all of these fronts like the Tortuga Outbreaker — specifically the 45-liter version. My travels have been more or less ongoing over the past decade, and ever since discovering the Outbreaker in 2016 it has been on my back nearly every step of the way. I’ve tried bags from other leading brands here and there, but I always go back to Tortuga.

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Let’s start with the main reason the Outbreaker is so perfectly suited for long-term travel: its cavernous capacity.

I’ve traveled with other 45L bags, but somehow Tortuga has managed to make its layout more expansive, better organized, and more carry-on compliant than any bag I’ve come across. It’s incredible how much stuff I’ve managed to pack into it.

In the main compartment, I usually have an extra pair of shoes, flip-flops, shirts/pants/ shorts /socks/underwear for five days, a set of gym clothes , a light jacket or sweatshirt, a travel-sized power strip, and some other random electronics, my toiletry bag, and even a book or two. Most of this is fitted into a single open space, with some of it organized into six interior pockets. All of that, and we’ve just looked at the first of three main compartments.

Running the full length of this is a second compartment that has a well-padded space for a laptop resting safely against your back, a soft-surface pocket for a tablet or ebook reader, one large and two medium pockets where I usually have my “office” and art supplies, and still more open interior space. Then on the front of the bag is a half-length compartment with a soft-surface pocket, two large pockets, several pen and small item slots, and a larger open space. Put a few books or guides into the two exterior pockets as well as a few odds and ends into the hip-belt pockets, and you’ve got an insane amount of gear. Oh, and there’s a water bottle holder.

The Outbreaker manages to pack all of that capacity into a surprisingly comfortable, carry-on friendly frame. The shoulder straps and hip-belt are well-padded and comfortable, and the whole thing sits well on your back. I’ve wandered cities (lost) for hours on end, Outbreaker on my back, and it’s never left my back aching. This is most certainly not a claim I can make about every bag.

While the largest edition of the Outbreaker — the 45L — is only rated for large US carry-on limits (there is a trimmed down international carry-on version), I’ve carried mine onto planes of all sizes all over the world, and I can’t think of a single time I’ve ever been forced to check it. That isn’t to say that I’ve never checked it. I have, and it emerged from the perils of the baggage tossers unscathed.

That attests to the durable craftsmanship of the Outbreaker. I have a pair of friends who have used theirs through six years of hard and fast traveling and report that the padding in theirs is only just starting to lose its cushion. And in the same period of equally relentless travel, the only issue I’ve had involved a zipper-tab that finally snapped loose. The zipper itself is perfectly fine, and all it took was a thirty-cent replacement tab for it to be good as new. That happened after thousands of openings and closings, often under the strain of the bag being stuffed to the gills.

It’s a tough bag, is what I’m saying.

What’s more, it’s also fairly sleek looking. There are other bags out there that place more emphasis on style, but in doing so they compromise on utility. When all is said and done, if you’re going to be traveling for months or years on end, your priority needs to be practicality. That isn’t to say that the Outbreaker throws all thought for looks out the window; it’s just lower on the list of considerations.

The 45L Tortuga Outbreaker clocks in at $299, which places it somewhere in the upper-moderate price range among travel backpacks. Based on the outstanding capacity and pure mile-after-mile durability of the Outbreaker, I think that price is a steal. It’s not going to come apart on you in some airport baggage claim, and the shoulder straps aren’t going to give out while lost in the backstreets of Bangkok.

Suffice to say that if you’re looking for a backpack that will do its job admirably through year after year and countless miles of travel, the Tortuga Outbreaker is a worthwhile investment.

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We've searched high and low for the best lightweight luggage that can go wherever you need to go. Below are our picks for luggage that are easy to lug around when you can really use some help in lightening your load.

Summer vacation is coming. You may have selected the destination of your dreams and evaluated flight costs. Hold off before booking it — and not because you may score a better deal closer to your scheduled take-off (it’s often the opposite). You’ll want to ensure you have one of the best credit cards for travel. These cards boast generous travel rewards, helping you earn cash back you can pour into souvenirs and nights on the town. Some offer other bonuses, like insurance, exclusive access to lounges way more than the standard airport gate, special hotel perks, and waived foreign transaction fees.

Road tripping? Some also offer perks for dining out and transit expenses such as tolls and parking.

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Tortuga Laptop Backpack Review: An Essential Personal Item for Travel?

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

In this review, I check out the Tortuga Laptop Backpack as a travel bag for working remotely and traveling. Is this travel bag worth it as a personal item or day pack?

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• A bit about Tortuga Backpacks
• Background on the Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Main features of the Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• What I didn’t like about the Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• The materials and specs
• Where to buy the Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Why trust me for backpack reviews?

Is there a perfect personal item for a flight that doubles as a laptop backpack?

I got the Tortuga Laptop Backpack, and right away, I sensed that in its features, I was looking at one of the best laptop bags for travel to date. After taking it on my trip to Halifax, Canada, as well as on some day trips closer to home, I have some thoughts that I’ll share with you in this review.

You can decide if the price tag on this thought-out and durable laptop backpack (and airplane “personal item”) is worth the investment. Be sure to check out my photos of how it looks, too.

A bit about Tortuga Backpacks

Dan first told me about Tortuga when he was on Remote Year . When looking for bags, he found the brand as one of the more solid high-quality travel bag companies out there.

These days, the brand is still alive and well, and Tortuga is even releasing some new products optimized for travelers .

The Tortuga product offering is rather simple now. You can shop for travel backpacks , the Laptop Backpack (this review!) or accessories . If you want to keep all your travel gear matching, you can go with all Tortuga gear, because it all comes (only) in black. Honestly, I like black a lot: it shows less dirt, fewer scuffs, and looks minimalist in my travel photos.

Tortuga started with two friends who agreed that suitcases didn’t let you travel hands-free, and that the type of luggage you have can really make or break your trip.

Tortuga products prioritize a few very meaningful travel qualities: durability, comfort, organization and size. They emphasize the importance of the airline traveler who will be seeking for easy-to-understand yes-no answers on questions like, “Is this bag the correct size to be a carry-on?” or “Can this bag fit under an airplane seat?”

Recently, Tortuga has started grouping the Tortuga products by function or purpose , which is a nice thing to explore on the website . You can search by under-seat luggage, carry-on luggage and commuter backpacks. The website also calls out features like bags that protect against theft and pickpockets .

We’ve listed Tortuga products in some of our travel product roundups like the best packing cubes for travel and the best travel backpacks for women (most of which are unisex styles).

Background on the Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is an addition to the already-existing carry-on sized 30L and 40L Travel Backpacks . It is a totally unisex bag geared toward travelers of all ages who appreciate quality builds and comfort.

The Laptop Backpack is meant to be a “personal item” on a flight. As you’ll see in my experience traveling with it, below, it is a pretty roomy and forgiving backpack to take as your under-the-seat item on a plane. It fits perfectly below the seat in front of you.

The Laptop Backpack is probably meant for the traveler who wants to travel and work remotely , as I often do. If you know me or Dan, you can sense that we are always working on this website and all our gear reviews !

In addition to focusing on safe laptop stowing and handy pockets, the Laptop Backpack from Tortuga organizes my in-flight essentials (everything from a spare toothbrush to an extra shirt). It’s also a day bag or daypack, that can take you to a coworking space or maybe just around a new city, when you need a backpack that’ll fit a windbreaker, a water bottle, a guidebook or snacks.

The more I’ve used this bag, the more I can also see it working as a daypack shared between two people, because it could probably fit two peoples’ sweaters, travel-sized umbrellas, a travel camera or other things. Two people could take turns wearing this backpack around a city so that one of them can take a break from wearing a backpack. I think I’ll suggest this idea to Dan.

Main features of the Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Here are the main features of Tortuga’s Laptop Backpack , as well as my thoughts on them and how they worked out for me during my trial run with the bag.

I went to Halifax, Nova Scotia and used the Tortuga Laptop Backpack as my personal item on the flight, while checking my Quince suitcase that had my, Dan’s and our baby’s stuff.

(Here’s a photo of me with the Tortuga Laptop Backpack)

Sized to be a personal item

I found that the Laptop Backpack is a perfect bag to go under the seat on an airplane. And speaking of going to the airport, it’s easy to take out my laptop from the laptop compartment during airport security.

The size of the backpack worked out well for me. I was able to fit a sweatshirt (I fly with the Aviator hoodie ), my MacBook Air and a backup change of clothes (in case my checked luggage got lost — a real fear of mine because I am a carry-on type of person). I also fit in a heap of veggie travel snacks and travel day essentials, like some travel-sized toiletries and passports for me, Dan and our daughter.

Laptop compartment

I like that I can access my laptop in this backpack from the sides or the front. Specifically when I’m going to be flying, it is important to me to have a backpack that has a dedicated laptop compartment with its own zipper.

Gone are the days when I’m going to fly with a personal item that has to go through security, and my laptop is in a sleeve with stuff like a jacket and my snacks (see a theme here?) layered on top of it. This gets messy.

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack has a padded laptop sleeve (it’ll fit up to a 16” laptop), lined with handy pockets. It has a Velcro flap that keeps the laptop secure and avoids sliding.

The pockets on the laptop sleeve have spaces for things like an Apple Pencil , a pen, card pockets (if you don’t use a wallet, or have extra things like hotel keys and metro passes) and that tablet sleeve in addition to a smaller e-reader pocket. You could also fit a notebook in any of those flat larger mesh pockets.

Laptop storage

Here’s a tip: you can even fit two laptops and a small tablet (like an iPad ) or Kindle inside. Dan and I sometimes share a bag when we go to a coworking space or cafe to get some work done. If we’re not going far, we sometimes use one bag. This backpack works for us with his MacBook Pro and my MacBook Air . We’ve brought along an iPad, and it also fits without any issues.

The laptop storage is what spurred me to include the Tortuga Laptop Backpack in my default packing list for working remotely during travel .

Two water bottle pockets

Yes, this backpack has two water bottle pockets (!!). This is great if you’re a righty, or a lefty, or if you just can’t decide which side to keep your water bottle on.

Or, maybe you walk around a new city with both a water bottle and a coffee thermos . Either way, I enjoyed that this backpack had two spots for drink bottles, because Dan and I used both of them during our trip.

Front pocket

This pocket is best for storing flat items or smaller loose items, like all my granola bars (yes, I travel with quite a few, just in case I’m not near food and I get hungry).

You could fit a small Kindle in there, or a notebook for your travel journal needs.

Sternum strap

I’m a fan of sternum straps, because, as someone on the short and small size of average American adults, I like something that can help take weight from my shoulders and put it elsewhere.

I often wind up using sternum straps on backpacks and the Tortuga Laptop Backpack has one that adjusts and slides.

Luggage pass-through

I definitely used the luggage pass-through strap to secure the Laptop Backpack onto my suitcase. It was functional. You’ll see below in my criticisms what I thought could improve about it.

It looks like Tortuga recommends also using the sternum strap as an additional way to secure the Laptop Backpack to any suitcase when you’re walking through the airport. Unfortunately, I didn’t try this.

Above, you’ll see a photo of how the backpack looks, stacked on my rollaboard suitcase.

Grab handle

A grab handle is important to me, both for pulling a bag out of a car or an overhead bin, as well as hanging it from a hook in a restroom. The strap on this backpack is sturdy and strong.

Top exterior pocket

I used this pocket quite a lot, actually. Typically, I take trips with a travel fanny pack , but this time, we flew with our baby, and I used my Kibou , which didn’t have room for our passports.

We kept all three of our passports in the top pocket of the Tortuga Laptop Backpack , so I was thankful for that pocket. It was just the right size, and very secure.

I also used the key holder to attach my keys, which I knew I wouldn’t need during a trip to Canada! I wanted to make sure they were secure and in a specific place for when we got home.

Also, for added convenience, the top pocket is also accessible right into the main cavity via a zipper. Surprise!

Lockable zippers

If you need to lock up your bag with valuables inside, or if you’re checking out of your accommodation and leaving the bag in storage for the day, you can lock these zippers with a travel lock .

There’s a small circular hole in the exterior zippers that can help protect against theft in these situations if you put a lock there.

What I didn’t like about the Tortuga Laptop Backpack

In this section, I’ll walk through some of the things that I didn’t totally like about using the Tortuga Laptop Backpack.

I found the luggage pass-through to be a bit thin and flimsy, which surprised me.

It worked when I needed to attach the back to my Quince rolling suitcase , but it was absolutely not as secure as some other bags that we’ve used, like the Trouabdour Ki Backpack or the Away Daypack .

It was the most surprising aspect, for me, and it seemed like an afterthought for a very well-thought-out and useful backpack. I think it could have been crafted in a different way and with thicker elastic.

Laptop securing flap

The Velcro laptop securing flap on the padded laptop sleeve sometimes got in the way, and I wish it was removable. I didn’t feel like I needed it during the times when I’ve traveled with my laptop inside. The friction from my laptop seemed to be enough to keep it in place.

There’s nothing wrong with having extra protection. Some users of this backpack might feel like this gets in the way when wanting to take your laptop out of the bag in a quick setting, like at airport security.

I can see how it is useful for a MacBook Air, though, because a lighter laptop like mine can slide around more easily than a heavier and larger one. We tested the backpack both with my MacBook Air as well as Dan’s MacBook Pro .

The top pocket, which can hold a considerable amount of stuff, felt top-heavy when I put a lot up there, like dense snacks. If you have a heavy tech pouch or maybe an empty water bottle, the top pockets tends to be a little floppy.

For this reason, consider that more lightweight items should go in the top exterior pocket to avoid the entire backpack being top-heavy (as I did experience this).

Not great for petite women

I’m short, at 5’2”. In all honesty, I don’t think this backpack looks too fantastic on me because I look best in smaller feminine backpacks, like my Troubadour Momentum backpack . I also have a small frame, and I wear petite clothes. It could just be that I’m not meant to wear a 24L backpack as a daypack. In fact, I do prefer smaller daypacks.

This bag looks great on Dan, though, and would likely look great on most men. If you’re a woman taller than I am, or with any build bigger than mine, you should do just fine in how this bag not only looks, but feels, on your body.

The materials and specs

When Dan and I test bags and travel apparel , we have a good sense if the product is high in quality by the feel. I’m sure you’ve felt the same thing when rummaging through stores where you normally shop.

Material feels cheap when it’s thin, feels a little too lightweight, has flimsy and plastic zippers and low-quality hardware. In the past, I was using a backpack that had zippers that broke in just a year and a half of use. That was incredibly disappointing, because it put the bag basically out of commission for me.

When I first got the Tortuga Laptop Backpack , the material makeup immediately gave me a sense of, “Ah, this bag is built with a lot of intention in the materials and the design.” Tortuga has a page dedicated to the material of their products, so you can learn more.

Here’s a summary from that page:

• The Tortuga Laptop Bag is made from 200D recycled polyester with a 200 gsm weight.
• The material, SHELL200, is a three-layer laminated sailcloth, which is known for its durability, lightweight footprint and waterproofness.
• It’s fairly abrasion-resistant, and has a high threshold for tear strength.
• The zippers are YKK, which are the industry standard of high-quality zippers. They better last for years!

The volume of the bag is rated at 24L, and I feel like I can utilize that space fairly well. I categorized this bag as a smaller-size backpack in my list of the best women’s travel backpacks , because it’s not quite 30L, and it works as a larger-end daypack.

The top pocket has a good amount of space, and helps add to the back without feeling like I need to overstuff the capacity.

The main cavity actually felt like it was going to keep giving me more space. When I flew to Nova Scotia from NYC , it was one of the first times I left for a trip and my personal item was NOT bursting with stuff. I was kind of thinking like, how am I going to fill this up, and do I need to? Maybe I just pack more efficiently, nowadays!

With nothing packed, the bag weighs 2.1 pounds. It’s not too heavy, like some canvas or nylon bags, and it doesn’t feel too light, as if all of your stuff is going to break the bag.

Even when full, the weight is supported through the cushioned shoulder straps and the molded back panel. I thought it felt pretty good on my back.

Where to buy the Tortuga Laptop Backpack

You can buy the Tortuga Laptop Backpack at the Tortuga website . I don’t recommend buying it anywhere else, because if you buy any Tortuga product from Tortugabackpacks.com , you’ll get the beneficial package of free shipping, hassle-free returns and the company’s Worldwide Warranty.

Plus, if you’re interested in the Tortuga tech organizer or a Tortuga water bottle for travel, you can bundle and save when you buy a Tortuga backpack. Just scroll down a bit until you see the opportunity to “Bundle and Save.”

Why trust me for backpack reviews?

I’ve reviewed a lot of backpacks and I’ve had even more through the years that I’ve tried, tested and passed on, to make room for new ones! I think Dan and I have about 20 backpacks (don’t tell anyone that, as it makes me feel kind of crazy).

I value things like how a backpack feels on my back, how it supports weight and how it’s designed in terms of functionality and organization. I also take the price-for-quality into account, as well as how a travel bag looks and if it’s timeless.

I tested a majority of the backpacks you see in the best travel backpacks for women and if you would like to see all my reviews of traveler gear as well as women-specific apparel, check out Becca’s reviews within our site.

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Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L Review

The Tortuga Setout is a carry-on bag that’s “just right” for the average traveler. In our Tortuga review, we discovered a few nitpicks with the backpack design.

Video Review

Our verdict.

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• Smart thinking in the design. Excellent, focused features for organized travel.
• The heathered polyester has a great aesthetic, even when dirty.
• The suitcase-like interior will have roller-luggage travelers feeling at home, while giving the freedom of a backpack.
• The hip belt is not adjustable and may not fit all people.
• There is some “sag” off your back when the pack is fully loaded.
• Somewhat flimsy framesheet, we’d prefer it to be a bit thicker.

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 54/145 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.

Weight (lb)

3.3 lb (1.5 kg)

22 in x 14 in x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm)

Notable Materials

YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware, Polyester

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Tortuga Common Decency Guarantee

Buying Options

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Full Review

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Alright, the time has finally come. We’ve received a lot of requests to review the Tortuga Setout, and we’re just now ready to reveal our thoughts and experiences after testing this bag for three months.

Tortuga promotes this bag as being ‘just right’ for travelers. In their own words, it “packs like a suitcase and carries like a backpack.” It’s designed to give you the capacity to carry more on your travels, while still fitting within carry on limits for most airlines.

Over the past three months, we’ve taken it to Detroit, California, and New York to put it through its paces. So, does it live up to the hype? Read on to find out.

Tortuga Review: Materials & Aesthetic

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the Tortuga Setout is similar in size to Tortuga’s other popular backpack, the Outbreaker , which offers more features but comes at a higher price tag. It is also larger and bulkier than the smaller Homebase, but that’s the intention.

Weighing in at 3.3lbs with the attached hip belt, the Setout has a roomy capacity of 45 liters and opens up like a suitcase, making it really easy to organize your things, and grab what you need as soon as you get to your hotel.

The first thing we noticed about The Setout is that it’s made with 900D Polyester . This makes it cheaper than Tortuga’s other two bags—the Homebase and Outbreaker—which are both made with sailcloth.

Note: For more info on sailcloth or other materials, check out our backpack guide where we cover any and all fabrics you might encounter in the world of backpacks.

One benefit of the polyester is that it’s heathered appearance helps to hide scratch marks and scuffing, ensuring the bag looks good for longer. Scuffing was an issue we found with the Homebase, so the switch to polyester seems to be a good move for the Setout.

So what else can we say about the materials of this thing? Here are the essential details:

• The polyester doesn’t look shiny like the Outbreaker and the Homebase, which we really like. It also doesn’t have that crinkly sound and texture, and generally feels more comfortable to touch . No one wants to be the loud crinkler in a crowded hostel!
• The pack itself is bulky, but despite the size, it still blends in well in an urban setting. The design is minimal , so it doesn’t give off a ‘backpacker vibe’ that many other large packs do.
• The inside is lined with ripstop nylon , for additional weather resistance, tear resistance, and strength.

• It’s Maximum Legal Carry-on sized . At Pack Hacker we are all about one-bag travel, so we absolutely love this. Note: Not all airline baggage restrictions are the same, so check with your airline before you travel!
• If you don’t pack too much, you’ll be able to stuff this bag below the seat on some flights, but we found it most appropriate to stow in the overhead bin (since we’re making use of the awesome capacity of this bag).

• The Tortuga branding is minimal . You’ll find some subtle shell designs on the strap, a small Tortuga Tortoise Shell logo in the center of the pack, and a stitched logo on the back, between the straps. This gives the pack a subtle but stylish aesthetic.
• To round it off, the pack has durable YKK Zippers and Duraflex plastic buckles which are sturdy and reliable. There’s also injection molded foam , which we’ll be going into more detail on shortly.

External Components

Now that we’ve got the materials covered, let’s dive into the features.

First up are the compression straps. Strap design can be a tricky area for backpack designers—as we’ve discussed in many of our other backpack reviews—but the Setout gets it just right. We were pleasantly surprised to see that these compression straps are expertly placed. They don’t get in the way of the zips at all, and you can fully open the pack without ever needing to adjust the compression straps. This makes it super easy to unzip quickly and smoothly, which we love.

Tortuga Setout Stress Points on Zipper

Having said that, we did notice a stress point on the zipper when the bag is fully loaded. When we stuffed the bag full, we found points about 1/3 of the way down on either side where the zipper is under particularly high tension.

We didn’t actually experience problems with the zipper during our time testing the bag—it held up perfectly—but it’s possible these stress points may become an issue months or years down the line.

Of course, zippers are always a weakness on backpacks. These are high-quality YKK #8 zippers, so we can’t imagine them breaking any time soon—but still, something to look out for.

Tortuga Setout Quick Grab Handles

We were happy to see quick grab handles on both the top and side. They’re perfect for pulling your bag out of an overhead bin and getting it around public transport, or any time you just need to grab your bag and go in a hurry—like when your bag is halfway out of the metal detector and they’re about to close the gate for your flight.

The handles themselves are padded with a thick foam that makes for a comfortable grab. That being said, we don’t recommend using the handles for carrying the bag long distances, as they aren’t really designed for that. There’s not much structure to them—the bag will collapse a little when you use these handles—but they are reinforced and durable enough for your quick carries.

One thing Tortuga has done well with this bag is that they’ve provided a separate, non-padded top handle to hang it up. We really liked this because the positioning of the handle allows the pack to be flush with the wall, which is great for avoiding those grimy airport bathroom floors or conserving space in a crowded closet.

We noticed that there are two clips on the outside of the pack for a messenger strap. To be honest, we’re not exactly sure why they’re there. Seems like a bit of an odd move to include clips with no apparent purpose, but they could come in handy to attach items to the outside of your bag.

We don’t think wearing the bag messenger style would be particularly comfortable or functional, but hey, we’re not here to tell you how to wear your bag—wear it any way you like!

Tortuga Setout Water Bottle Pocket

One feature we really love is the lay-flat water bottle pocket. It’s on the opposite side from the quick grab handle, made with a mesh-like material, and the top is elasticated to grip your water bottle or whatever else you might stow in there.

The size is good—it can comfortably fit a large S’well bottle, for example—and the sturdy elastic will hold it in place. The minimalist design means this pocket still looks slick when not in use, which is a great touch. Nobody wants a baggy side pocket—you’re just asking to catch that on something and get a nice rip in it.

Harness System

One thing we appreciate about the folks at Tortuga is that they are always listening to the one-bag travel community and trying to improve their designs.

Because of that, they’ve created a women’s version of the Setout Backpack 45L. And it features a harness system that’s specifically designed to fit women’s bodies. The rest of the bag is exactly the same.

Here are the key differences between the men’s and women’s version of the Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L:

Women’s Focused Fit

• The harness system is designed to fit 15.5-18″ torsos
• The shoulder straps are padded with a softer, cushy, open-cell foam that should keep that massive 45L load comfortable—plus, they’re closer together for narrower shoulders
• The adjustable sternum strap sits higher, just below the collarbone, instead of across the nipple line
• The padded sections of the hip belt are smaller and it adjusts to a tighter circumference

This women-specific harness system is the same harness Tortuga includes on the Setout Backpack 35L —which we covered in detail in our full review of that bag . So if you want to get nitty-gritty, make sure to check that out.

Men’s Focused Fit

• The harness system is designed to fit 17-19″ torsos
• The shoulder straps are padded with sturdy, injection-molded, closed-cell foam that keeps its structure
• The hip belt is big, beefy, and plenty long to fit larger torsos

We’re going to cover all the details of the men’s harness system in this review—starting with the fancy injection-molded straps, which we briefly mentioned earlier.

The curved straps contour well to your body, which we always like to see. There’s kind of a “gradient” going on in the thickness of the foam—it’s thicker at the top of the bag and thinner at the bottom. This strikes us as quite a smart innovation that we haven’t seen on many other packs. Since your body won’t be in contact with the bottom of the straps anyway, it makes sense to taper them out at the bottom. Seems like a no brainer!

The “injection molded” shoulder straps have holes that look almost like honeycomb and kind of reminded us of Nike Air Technology. They look ‘high tech’, but at the end of the day, they’re just well-padded foam straps that make the bag comfortable to wear. The straps are also covered in mesh for better ventilation.

Is this injection-molded shoulder strap tech going to revolutionize the backpacking industry? No. But it is comfy.

Tortuga Setout Stowing Shoulder Straps

Another nice touch is that the straps unclip and stow nicely into the velcro area on the back of the pack if you want to keep them out of the way.

Tortuga Setout Shoulder Straps Facing Inwards

One issue we did have with the shoulder straps is that on two occasions we had a strap unclip unexpectedly when picking the pack up. While this did seem concerning at first, we quickly figured out that you can prevent this by making sure the carabiner clip is facing outwards on the pack. The carabiner clip naturally pulls towards the inside of the pack when in use—so if the clip faces inwards, the strap can wiggle it’s way out of the clip and cause it to come unattached.

Tortuga Setout Shoulder Straps Facing Outwards

All you have to do is make sure the carabiner faces outwards, and it won’t be possible for it to come undone. If you lay the strap flat, the carabiner faces outwards naturally, so just don’t twist the straps and you’ll be fine.

There’s also an adjustable sternum strap that has a piece of elastic to keep any excess strap in place, meaning you won’t have any straps flapping around in the breeze. We thought this was a nice touch, as we dislike having excess straps dangling.

Moving on, it’s time to discuss the hip belt!

This thing is beefy, comfortable, detachable, and comes with pockets that are good for quick grabs when you’re trekking around. Snacks, a phone or your passport will fit perfectly in there and it’s really convenient to be able to reach for them without taking off your bag. These small pockets can be hit or miss sometimes, but we think Tortuga did a nice job in this particular case.

We like that Tortuga is very clear about what size torsos their packs fit, as this can often be confusing when you’re buying a pack online. The Setout is intended to fit 17-19″ torsos. One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re a bit taller you may find the hip belt is more like a belly-belt, which is less than ideal.

That being said, it is optional—it’s detachable via velcro—and the pack is still totally usable without it. If you start to really cram this thing full of heavy gear though, you’ll probably want to throw the hip belt on.

Tortuga Setout Attaching The Harness

While we like the overall harness system, we do have one nitpicky item. It wouldn’t be a Pack Hacker review without some nitpicking, right? Our problem was with the velcro—this seemed like an odd choice to us. We would have liked to see a longer-lasting metal clip (like they used on the straps) in this area. We’re just not overly confident that the velcro will hold up, whereas metal clips are more or less indestructible.

Perhaps there is some reason they went for velcro. If anyone from Tortuga is reading this, we’d love to know what the thought process was here, so feel free to drop us a line!

Finally, on the back panel there’s some nice foam padding to help with airflow. This provides some breathability and helps reduce the dreaded back sweats while trekking around. Are you going to be completely sweat-free after a long day of wearing this thing? Well, no. It’s not a miracle backpack.

Overall, the pack is a pretty comfortable carry—it comes up far on the back, which helps distribute the weight and keeps the pack closer to your back.

One point to mention here is that the pack tends to sag down on your back when it’s heavily loaded. There is additional space on the top of the pack, which we like because it keeps more of the weight further up on your back. However, we think it could probably benefit from some type of load lifter straps to pull that weight closer onto your back or perhaps a stiffer frame sheet to give it more structure.

Whew! That was quite a list. Besides some nitpicks about the straps unclipping and a slight sagging when hauling heavy loads—the overall carry, harness system and external features are durable and well-thought-out. Whether you’re diving in and out of taxis around bustling Asian cities or trekking alone in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of options for comfortably carrying your pack and keeping your gear secure.

Inside the Pack

Alright, now let’s take a look inside the pack and see what kind of storage we have.

First, we’ll look at the small pocket on the front of the pack. This YKK #5 zippered pocket is good for any type of quick grabs and goes about 7.5 inches deep. It’s quite flat and useful when going through customs to keep you moving quickly.

On the back of the bag, there’s a zippered compartment with a pocket for a 15” laptop and a small pouch for a tablet. This compartment is really for flat items, so if you have a large notebook or A4-sized documents, they will fit well here and stay relatively flat and crease-free.

There’s a velcro strap on the laptop pocket to stop the laptop sliding out, which is a nice touch.

As mentioned earlier, we wish the framesheet was a little more sturdy to give this pocket additional protection against bending. There is some padding on the laptop pocket, but a stiffer framesheet would give some added peace of mind, especially when this thing is filled to the brim with travel gear. That being said, we would still recommend using a padded laptop sleeve for an extra layer of protection. When it comes to keeping laptops—and by extension, our livelihoods—safe, we don’t mess around.

Moving round to the front of the pack, there is a large pocket with another sturdy YKK zipper. When unzipped, the flap folds open revealing one of our favorite parts of this backpack—the internal storage system.

We know the Tortuga team is full of experienced travelers and they have clearly given a lot of thought to the organization on this bag. It definitely shows here—kudos to everyone over at Tortuga.

The storage system includes three pen slots, a larger side slot, pockets for cards, plus another pocket made out of the same mesh-like material as the water bottle pocket.

You’ll also see a small metal carabiner that’s good for keys or anything that you want to clip there for added security.

There’s a small, zippered pocket in here too, roughly the same depth as the pocket on the front of the pack—about 7.5 inches—but not as wide. This little pocket is ideal for storing valuables and smaller items that don’t need to be accessed quickly.

Just in front of that small pocket, in the back of the storage system, you get a flap for a notebook or other flat items, which is great for those of you who love to take a good book on the road!

In the bottom of this main front pocket, there is room to fit additional free-floating items, but we’d recommend using some slim packing cubes to keep everything organized. You don’t want a ton of loose items disrupting the order you’ve just created!

Moving on to the main compartment, we have some strong YKK #8 Zippers, which are lockable and easily distinguishable from the front pocket zippers—meaning you won’t get confused about which zipper opens which compartment. This is one of those subtle quality of life improvements we love to see on bags. Clearly the folks at Tortuga have been there, done that, and have grabbed wrong zipper pulls enough times to do something about it!

Tortuga Setout Main Compartment

This area opens up just like a suitcase, and the space inside is huge. If you’re used to packing suitcases then you will be right at home with this.

This space is perfect for packing cubes , which we highly recommend using as they will keep your things organized and help keep the shape of the pack.

Note: Tortuga sells a separate day pack for the Setout. It’s not only super lightweight and ideal for day trips, but also fits perfectly inside the main compartment. The day pack has a similar aesthetic to the main backpack, but is made with different materials and is much smaller/lighter.

It is possible to use the day pack as an internal organizer or packing cube, although we never felt the need to do this. But if you’re looking for some more organization or you’re short on packing cubes, this could be a good option.

Finally, on the underside of the ‘lid’ are two additional mesh pockets for some added organization. These are flat but can hold some small items such as clothing, notepads or other flat items.

Overall, the inside of this pack offers a good bit of organization—but not too much. Sometimes when a bag is covered with pockets and various features it can take away from the amount of sheer space available, but we think Tortuga has done a nice job here by not going overboard with internal organization. As we said before, they’ve clearly put a lot of thought into the layout of this bag, and it shows.

Durability & Testing

Here at Pack Hacker, we always give our gear a thorough ‘real world’ test before writing a review. At the time of this Tortuga review, we’ve been testing the Tortuga Setout for about three months, and it has traveled from Detroit, to California, to New York.

Overall, the pack has held up well and is a great travel companion.

We previously ran into some aesthetic issues with Tortuga’s other pack, the Homebase. Our main grievance was the sailcloth, which quickly shows scuffing and scratches. But we’re happy to report that the Setout has fixed that issue by using a heathered polyester.

We love how it resists scratches and scuffing—besides some normal wear & tear, and a smudge mark or two, it still looks new after many miles on the road.

Although polyester is by definition a weaker material than other ballistic or ripstop nylon packs we’ve reviewed, this pack feels really durable, uses some high-quality zippers & buckles, and we’re optimistic this thing will hold up for many trips to come.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

Comfortable to carry, sturdy and plenty of room in the pack.

Some small aesthetic blemishes after 6 plane rides & weeks of travel with the pack.

Get your questions about the Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more.

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The 12 Best Backpacks for Traveling in 2024

More and more travelers are trading in their oversized “wheely” suitcases for the comfort and convenience of backpacks.

However, not all backpacks are created equal. They come in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, and styles, from minimalistic bags for city day-trippers to heavy-duty versions for backcountry hiking.

So, which backpack is best for you, your budget, and your  unique travel  needs? Keep reading to discover 12 of the best backpacks for traveling this year.

1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L is another option with outstanding durability and versatility, making it a top choice for adventurers.

Notable features include rugged weather-resistant construction, reinforced with TPU-film laminate, and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. This ensures it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

Its large 55-liter capacity offers ample space for gear without allowing you to overpack, while multiple carrying options – backpack straps and haul handles – enhance convenience. Additionally, it’s made from recycled materials, which is perfect for the  eco-friendly traveler .

The bag’s hefty price tag might deter budget-conscious buyers; some find the lack of interior organization pockets a drawback. Overall, it’s a high-quality, eco-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts from another trustworthy brand in the space.

2. Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer Travel Pack 3 backpack is a popular choice for travel enthusiasts and those with  traveling jobs , offering a blend of exceptional features.

Its best attributes include a sleek minimalist design crafted from durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. The 33-liter capacity offers plenty of space for essentials, with thoughtful pockets and compartments for all your gadgets.

Comfortable and adjustable straps enhance its wearability, while a dedicated shoe compartment helps keep things clean and tidy.

Downsides include its bulkiness when fully packed, which might be inconvenient for some, and premium build quality with a similarly premium price point. Nevertheless, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a stylish, functional companion for short-term urban travel or anyone seeking a sleek carry-on.

3. Osprey Aether

The Osprey Aether backpack offers exceptional comfort for hikers and travelers alike.

Its adjustable harness and hip belt make it ideal for long treks – or long security lines at the airport – and its internal frame provides excellent load distribution, reducing strain on the back.

Multiple compartments and pockets aid in organization, and the Aether also includes a hydration sleeve for those carrying a water bladder. This backpack is known for its durability with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers it.

At almost five pounds, its weight may be a drawback for some, as it’s not the lightest option on the list. It’s also relatively expensive compared to other brands. Still, the Aether remains a top choice for avid hikers and travelers seeking a reliable backpack that’s both comfortable and durable.

4. REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack

The REI Co-op Flash 55 backpack is a versatile and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Standout features include its lightweight design – just three pounds – making it comfortable for extended hikes, the 55-liter capacity that provides ample storage, and numerous pockets for keeping everything organized.

Adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel offer comfort during long treks. It’s also reasonably priced compared to many competitor options.

Unsurprisingly, for a budget-friendlier backpack, its durability may not match premium brands. Some users also find the frame is less supportive with heavy loads. Despite these drawbacks, the REI Co-op Flash 55 shines as an affordable, lightweight pack that deserves its place on this list of the best  backpacks for travel .

5. Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack

The Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a multipurpose, compact daypack for outdoor enthusiasts.

Noteworthy features include its water-resistant G-1000 Eco fabric construction, which ensures longevity and durability. The 15-liter capacity is ideal for day hikes and short urban adventures, with a roll-top closure for easy access and expandability. It’s also super lightweight, making it easier to carry, and the removable foam frame adds support.

However, the smaller size of the foldsack may limit its use for longer trips. Some users may find the minimalist design lacks extra pockets for organization.

Overall, the Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a stylish, highly functional daypack for a wide range of  adventures with your friends .

6. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack is a high-performance ultralight backpack designed for serious adventurers.

Its premier features include a waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. As the name suggests, this makes it highly durable and weather-resistant while remaining lightweight.

With a 40-liter capacity, this backpack is spacious enough for multi-day trips and includes a roll-top closure for easy access. The minimalistic design and robust materials ensure longevity, while adjustable straps enhance comfort on the road.

The premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers, and some may miss additional organizational pockets. Nevertheless, this is another of the best backpacks for travelers seeking something lightweight, durable, and suitable for challenging outdoor expeditions.

7. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L

The highly-rated Cotopaxi Allpa 42L backpack stands out with its versatility and stylish, sustainable design.

Noteworthy features include its recycled polyester fabric with a TPU coating for weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The 42-liter capacity offers a useful amount of space for longer trips. And it boasts a clever selection of compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve.

Its harness system and padded waist belt ensure a pleasant carrying experience. The unique, vibrant color schemes make it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.

Downsides? Some travelers may find it somewhat heavy for a carry-on bag with a relatively high price point. All things considered, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L impresses with its eco-conscious construction and functional design.

8. Gregory Baltoro 75

The Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack is a rugged, top-tier choice for serious backpacking enthusiasts.

Its best features include an adjustable Response A3 suspension system, which offers unparalleled comfort and load support. Its cavernous 75-liter capacity accommodates extended trips and heavy gear, complemented by numerous pockets and access points for efficient organization.

The backpack’s durability and robust materials ensure longevity, while its integrated rain cover adds weather protection.

Its weight and size may be overkill for some hikers/travelers, and it comes with a heavy price tag. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Gregory Baltoro 75 is a comfortable, feature-rich  backpack for anyone tackling extended trips  or tough outdoor expeditions.

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a versatile carry-on backpack for urban explorers.

Noteworthy features include a sleek, minimalist design that adheres to airline size restrictions. The 30-liter capacity offers ample space for essentials, with thoughtful organization pockets for tech gadgets and accessories.

It’s comfortable to wear with padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel. The backpack’s durable materials ensure longevity, while the hideaway shoulder straps add versatility.

However, the smaller size might not suit longer trips, and the lack of a hip belt could limit comfort for some users with heavier loads. The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a compact, stylish choice for city adventures. Tip: travelers seeking slightly more space could consider the 40-liter version.

10. Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack is another versatile travel companion with many impressive features.

Its most noteworthy attributes include a durable TPU-coated nylon construction, which offers good weather resistance and longevity. Similarly, the 36-liter capacity adheres to global carry-on size regulations, making it perfect for hassle-free air travel.

The backpack’s comfortable harness system includes a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for a customized fit. It also offers excellent organization with multiple pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.

The lack of wheels might be a drawback for some travelers, and, like most Osprey packs, it isn’t cheap. This would be a robust, attractive, well-organized, and spacious carry-on for frequent flyers.

11. ULA Circuit Backpack

The ULA Circuit backpack is a favorite among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers.

Its standout features include a spacious 68-liter capacity, ideal for extended wilderness trips. It also has a comfortable, adjustable suspension system to handle heavy loads.

The rugged Cordura fabric ensures durability, while the numerous external and internal pockets facilitate organization. It has a custom-fit option, allowing buyers to tailor the pack to their needs.

On the downside, its three-pound weight may be considered “heavy” in the ultralight community. Some users also find the lack of frame uncomfortable with heavy loads. Nevertheless, the ULA Circuit is a hardwearing, customizable backpack for anyone serious about long-distance treks.

12. Kelty Redwing Tactical Backpack

The Kelty Redwing Tactile backpack is affordable and versatile for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable features include a rugged 500D Kodra fabric construction, offering both durability and water resistance. Its 45-liter capacity provides ample space for gear, complete with multiple pockets and organization options.

The U-shaped zipper provides easy access to the main compartment, while the padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel enhance comfort during extended use.

However, some users may find the tactical aesthetics less appealing for urban settings. And the absence of a dedicated laptop compartment could be another drawback for city travelers. Yet its popularity as a well-built, robust pack is undeniable.

The Best Backpacks for Traveling: Which Will You Choose?

Ultimately, picking the best backpacks for you will depend on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’ll be there.

As we’ve seen, there are high-quality packs for day-trippers, weekend wanders, long-term travelers, and everybody in between. One of the options on this list is sure to be the perfect traveling backpack for you.

More From Wealth of Geeks

• Budget Travel Bags Are Blowing Up on TikTok – But Are They Worth It?
• 10 Best Outdoor Adventures for Thrill-Seekers in The US

Skip baggage claim and save time and money with these top-rated carry-on bags for international travel

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I Rest My (Suit)Case – These Are The 24 Best Travel Bags For Your Next Trip

Checked bags, carry-ons, and backpacks that are so spacious you'd be set for a week.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A TikTok-famous  travel backpack  you can pack like a suitcase but will still count as the personal item you put under your seat. It even has a shoe compartment, an easy-access pocket for portable charging, and bonus points: it's got a trolley passthrough in the back so you can secure it on your carry-on! *Swoon* 

This one checks all the boxes: super roomy, has plenty of pockets (including one for shoes and a separate wet bag!), and has a strap that slides down over your luggage handle for easy transport. And reviewers say it meets even Spirit and JetBlue 's personal item rules and fits under airplane seats!

Promising review: "One bag handled a week of travel! This bag is like magic! I fit four pairs of shorts, four shirts, underwear, socks, and a couple of workout outfits with sports bras, two pairs of sandals, four bathing suits, a coverup, a sun hat, toiletries, cosmetics, a laptop, a notebook, three device chargers (computer, phone, and Fitbit) and an electric toothbrush. Even when packed to the max, the weight is comfortably distributed so it doesn’t break your back. It fits under the seat perfectly, too. I bought it when it was 50% off, but I’d pay full price knowing how awesome this bag is for travel." — AlexanderK

Get it from Amazon for  $494.99+  (available in three sizes and 26 colors/styles)

2. Away's best-selling "bigger" carry-on suitcase  that maximizes the space in your luggage...while still being allowed in the overhead bins. A true icon if you ask me! It features a durable hardshell, ~beautifully~ smooth gliding wheels, an interior laundry bag, and more.

TSA Locks: ✅

360 Spinner Wheels:  ✅

Promising reviews: "I love my new bigger carry-on! I t holds so much more than I expected and rolls very nicely . Very happy with the Sorbet Orange color, it's perfect 🥰" — Michele J

"Got lots of compliments on [my] bigger carry-on. It worked great for our trip and held all I needed with room to spare. Rolls like a dream. Now I want bigger ones in the same color!" — Nancy W.

Get it from Away for $295+  (available in 12 colors; also available in eight other sizes , including carry-on and large checked sizes).

3. A 14-inch  under-seat carry-on with wheels  because sometimes a backpack or duffel gets too heavy for your poor ol' shoulders. This will ensure you have everything you need...minus the back pain. I'm looking at you, bag over-stuffers! 👀

P.S. Reviewers say it fits Spirit Airline's personal size requirement!

Promising review: "I use this bag for 2-3 day trips, and it provides more than enough space for one or two changes of clothes, toiletries, and one pair of shoes. The zipper compartment on one side is great for securing individual items that may shift or move around, e.g., toiletry bags, shoes, and hairdryers. While the other open side, secured by a strap, is ideal for folded clothes. There is even a smaller zipped pocket on the zipper compartment side for small items like important documents, passports, or books. The bag zips closed easily and securely. The handle easily slides up and down with the click of a button...The hard case is surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy. Easily fits under airplane seats and in overhead bins. Recommended." — CAMarathonRunner

Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in eight colors; also available in larger sizes and multiple sets). 

4. A matching duffel, carry-on, and toiletry bag set  with your pick between a backpack or a duffel bag. The carry-on is everyone's favorite style — with spinner wheels, of course. And the set comes in the cutest, easy-to-spot brown trim, so there'll be no mishaps at baggage claim.

Promising review: "Super affordable and stylish set. I received several compliments at the airport and these actually look much more expensive than they are. Lots of room, and I was able to fit A LOT inside. Would recommend." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+  (available in seven colors and multiple set sizes).

5. THEE slimmest suitcase anyone has probably ever seen. It's fully collapsible and perfect for constant travelers who have limited storage space at home. This baby lies flat and can be stored under your bag or in the back of your closet without taking up much space at all.

TSA Locks: ❌

360 Spinner Wheels:  ❌

Promising reviews: "I got so many compliments on this bag! It was such a smooth glide through the airport. Went seamlessly from surface to surface. I didn't see anyone with the same bag in the four airports that I passed through. I got the yellow color , and it has not disappointed! Totally worth the money. Did not scratch. The inside lining feels like silk. It is such great quality! Was delivered promptly." — Mary

"I bought two of the Rollink carry-ons for a cruise. We wanted to be able to fold and store easily in a small cabin. Works great for that. Another thing is that its not only thin but lightweight. It also rolled just fine and looked great! Just this extra thing that made a great holiday even better." — Judy P.

Get it from Amazon for $156.99+  or straight from Rollink for $185+ (available in three sizes and eight colors at both retailers).

6. An  anti-theft backpack  that opens from the back instead of the front, which means pickpocketers won't get the opportunity to ruin your trip. It's super cute too!

Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Britt Ross says: "I recently returned from Italy, and as someone who prefers a small backpack over a purse most of the time, I thought this would be a great purchase, as it would give me some peace of mind as I spent hours wandering around different cities. I'm happy to report that after two weeks of daily use, I'm convinced I'll be bringing it on every trip I take from now on. It's small enough so that it doesn't feel bulky or uncomfortable throughout the day, but has plenty of space for everything you'd need on the go — I fit my wallet, sunscreen, glasses case, hand sanitizer, water bottle, snacks, and even a small umbrella, with room to spare! And the fact that it opens from the back means someone would literally have to pry it off of you to get to your valuables. I bought the medium size in black pebbled faux leather, and it's actually quite cute for the price!"

Promising review: "I bought this backpack to use as a purse while on vacation, and it worked perfectly. The main pouch is protected when you’re walking around because the zipper is protected by your back. There are also two side zippered pockets, one of which kept my phone and the other perfect for sunglasses and a few other items that I wanted to access more easily. I loved that I could wear it as a purse to dinner but use it as a backpack during the day so that my shoulder didn’t get tired. I highly recommend this item!" — Allison

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 styles).

7. A Monos Carry-On Pro suitcase with a convenient sleeve for your laptop, notebook, passport, glasses, and more! The front section has three padded pockets to keep items from being smushed and create a more organized travel experience.

Promising review: "This is a fantastic carry-on suitcase! ...I travel 200,000 air miles per year. I need a carry-on that is lightweight, durable, and flexible. Also, I will be traveling extensively in Europe and thus need a carry-on that is compliant with the more strict international carry-on size limits...The interior design of the Monos carry-on maximizes space. I like that the bag opens into two halves. When open, the right side of the bag has a compression pad that reduces the volume of my clothing by about 40%. Impressive for a built-in compression pad. I have easily packed for three or four days on just the right side of the bag by using the built-in compression pad.

The left side of the bag has a zippered compartment that easily holds two or three days' worth of clothing. It seemingly doubles as a divider for wet or soiled clothing. You could also use it for incidentals or health and beauty items.

The front of the bag has a zippered pouch that accommodates a laptop computer or an iPad and other travel items such as a passport, earbuds, headphones, etc. This pouch is extremely well equipped with zippered pockets and ample room to reach a hand in to retrieve items in-flight...

The exterior design is beautiful. Sleek, minimalist design with quality materials that look and feel like a high-end suitcase. The zippers are durable and of the highest quality I have had on a suitcase. The wheels move effortlessly across all types of surfaces. The bag itself is lightweight (I can lift it with one finger when empty) and handles the weight well when fully packed. The telescoping handle extends higher than my Hartmann carry-on and is extremely stable when trolling my backpack...

As a person who travels extensively I can say with confidence this is the best carry-on bag on the market. I am extremely pleased with this high-quality carry-on bag!" — Douglas V.

Get it from Monos for $325 (available in 12 colors). 

Pssst.... If you're on a budget, Amazon has a similar suitcase for only $99.99 ! 👀

8. A genius hardshell suitcase with a cup holder *and* a phone holder so you can sip and watch with ease while you travel! It also has a charging port for any electronics, and reviewers say that the phone holder works great as a bag-, hat-, and neck pillow holder, too. *Immediately adds to cart*

360 Spinner Wheels:  ✅

Promising review: " Wheels feel like gliding on air! I really like the open at the top as it is lighter and faster to open if you need to get into your luggage. You can use any power source you want inside. Has just enough flex to stuff but is hard enough to keep its shape and fit easily in the overhead bin of airplanes. Liked that I could use the cup holder and still use it as a footstool at the same time! TSA lock works slick. Smooth surface looks inviting for artwork or stickers IMO." — Sunddanse

Get it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in three sizes and five colors).

9. An aesthetically pleasing cloud-like hardshell suitcase  that, according to reviewers, lives up to the look and glides just as smoothly as you think it would. It's lightweight, features 360-degree spinner wheels, *and* has a TSA combination lock so that your airport journey is a ~breeze~.

Promising reviews: "Beautiful suitcase! Very light but very sturdy and can hold a lot! Moves easily in the airport and easy to lift in and out of the car!!" —Marysia M.  

" So cute and well made!  I bought this suitcase based on looks alone. It is just so adorable and a perfect carry-on size. I traveled with it for the first time last week and was very impressed with the quality and construction. I dragged it all over Manhattan, and the wheels work like a dream. The zippers are also very hardy and the handle extension is very smooth. Everywhere I took it, I got compliments from strangers on the street. I will definitely consider buying more sizes from this brand." — Anne Lindeberg

Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in three sizes, four colors, and a set of two).

10. A Beis backpack  with a trolley passthrough ✅, comfortably padded straps ✅, TWO water bottle pockets ✅, and it opens up wide like a suitcase. Somehow, this beauty still looks sleek and modern. It's perfect for weekend trips (or overnight trips for you over-packers) and works great as a personal item, too. Thank you, Shay Mitchell!

Traveling pro and BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this backpack:

"I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item, and it served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on countless weekends and international trips. Including, like I said up there ^, to Iceland with just this and a space vac bag full of clothes.

Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry on for a plane. In the mesh pocket, I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eyeglasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep, so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, a nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put.  But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. 

I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could  always  use a flashlight.)  Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. At nearly $80, this isn't the cheapest backpack option but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure. And if something ever happens to it — though I highly doubt it because it's SO sturdy — I'll 100% buy another. I'm obsessed!"

Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (available in eight colors). 

11. Plus a matching  Beis roller suitcase  ( carry-on and checked size !) that features all of the good stuff: a cushioned trolley handle, a side-carry handle with a weight detector, AND a retractable bag strap. The TSA lock and 360-degree spin wheels are given at this point.

BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly ALSO loves this Beis suitcase:

"Like I already said, I own this and have been using it for about six months after I broke a wheel on a Samsonite suitcase that, tbh, I totally treated like it was a rental car. I most recently took it on a 10-day trip to Paris, Bologna, and Milan, which entailed me flying three times. I was able to fit all my stuff (with extra room!) in this and my beloved  Beis backpack , using the trolley pass for my backpack over the top handle for this suitcase for super easy airport navigation. The wheels are the smoothest of any suitcase I've ever used, and I'm able to glide around the airport around slow walkers, families taking up way too much room, and people who've apparently never been to an airport before. This suitcase also comes with two opaque bags that are great for dirty laundry, and the zip-closed side has a clear pocket where I like to stash my  Apple AirTag  so I can quickly check that, yep, it's in my suitcase. The straps on the other side make it easy to pack in stuff without having to expand the zipper to allow for more room. (On my most recent trip, I packed TWO midi-length coats in addition to the one I wore on the plane.) Even though I travel about every chance I get (these days, I'm on a plane nearly every month), I think I'm going to be able to get a very long stretch use out of this beaut!"

Get it from Beis Travel for $218+  (available in 10 colors and in sizes: carry-on , medium checked , and large checked ).

12. Or a more affordable  colorful hard-side roller suitcase  because it's earned praise like "super sturdy" and "durable" from reviewers. It also easily fits in overhead bins, so no more worrying will it/won't it as you line up to board.

TSA Locks: ❌ 

Promising review: "Bought this with the 35L Open Story Backpack , and they couldn’t have been a better pair for a better value! Used them both as carry-on and personal item for a week vacation on an island!" — Anonymous

Get it from Target for $62.99 (originally $89.99; available in seven colors).

13. A durable Timbuk2 laptop backpack with so many pockets and compartments, you'll probably find a new one on every trip. This baby will keep your laptop nice and safe (even without a case or cover) AND I've personally seen it hold a weekend's worth of clothes!

My partner has had this backpack for YEARS (he did the custom colors option ) and still uses it daily. Whether he's commuting to work, to a coffee shop, or away for the weekend — this is literally the bag he'll grab, no questions asked. He says it's incredibly durable, and I think it still looks great even after constant use!

Get it from Timbuk2 for $89+ (available in three colors or a custom option). 

14. A genius personal item suitcase with *removable wheels*  because some airlines charge an arm and a leg just for carry-on (you know who you are!). This suitcase will get you movin' through the airport quickly and still meet most personal item size requirements. Just be sure to take your  wheels off before wheels up.

Take OFF luggage is a small biz.

Promising review: "I refuse to pay the outrageous cost of checking a bag or carry-on. Once you take the wheels off, this fits perfectly into the sizing thing for Frontier, so I don't have to pay anything.  Fits quite a bit of stuff in it as well. So far, I've used it on a four-day trip to California and a three-day trip to Las Vegas. We are going on a 10-day trip to Puerto Rico soon on Frontier, and again, I don't want to pay for bags, so I made sure to book a place with a washer/dryer; otherwise, this would probably be too small for 10 days." —S.  Denzel

Get it from Amazon for  $119.99  (available in four colors). 

15. A  Calpak Luka Duffel  you won't be able to travel without ever again (trust me). This bag is ROOMY, has a separate compartment for shoes to keep your clothes and toiletries clean and is comfortable enough for long travel days.

I own the Luka Duffel in the color ' oatmeal ', and I use it EVERY TIME I travel. Whether I use it solo for a short weekend trip or as a personal item with a carry-on and a checked bag. Either way, this duffle will definitely be with me. My favorite part has to be the exterior shoe compartment, but I also love that there are TONS of spacious pockets inside and outside the bag — there's even one hidden in the convenient trolley sleeve. The puffy material is also water-resistant and makes the straps comfy, too (although I still appreciate the long adjustable shoulder strap that comes with it). I love it!

Get it from Nordstrom for $128 (available in three colors) or straight from Calpak for $128+ (available in two sizes and 18 colors). 

16. A  convertible garment duffel bag with protective lining if you're traveling with important clothing that you can't bear to fold and stuff into a suitcase. This is the perfect way to keep items pristine without losing extra carry-on space.

This bag has lots of pockets inside as well!

Promising review: "I bought this as a solution to my frequent travel for work. I wanted something to store my shirt and ties and also any extra shoes and items. This is perfect! It has some really thought-out pockets, clips, zippers, etc. It's great-looking and the materials seem like it will last a long time. If I were ambitious, I could probably bring my whole wardrobe in this thing, but that might be packing it pretty tight. I like extra room. This thing has plenty of room though, so you could easily do a weekend with this without much of an issue for space. Highly recommended!" — Al Jur

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in five colors and two styles). 

17. Water- and stain-resistant softside expandable luggage great for those times when you need just a taaad  more room in your suitcase. Simply unzip the extender for an extra two inches!

TSA Locks: ❌

Promising review : "This is my second suitcase of this size and brand for checked baggage. The first one lasted seven years with regular use... We’ve dragged this across Europe and found it to be the easiest suitcase to manage. It’s roomy and weighs so much less than others. T he wheels don’t squeak or stick, easy to turn ." — aimeelewis

Get it from Amazon for $197.62 (available in 14 colors and multiple sizes, but note only the larger checked size is expandable!).

18. A lightweight  three-piece luggage set  for the bigger trips and the over-packers like myself. This set includes a carry-on, a small checked bag, AND a large checked bag size. 

Check it out on TikTok here . 

Promising review:  "I bought this a few months ago when I knew I'd be flying across the country (more or less) twice this past spring/summer; it was the first new luggage I had bought in about 25 years. I've taken the set on several trips now — two round-trip flights with plane changes, a couple of two-night road-trip hotel stays, a six-day 1,800-mile road trip, and a mandatory wildfire evacuation, and I really, really like it. It rolls like a dream on hard floors, sidewalks, and parking lots — makes it easy for two people to manage three suitcases, each with a laptop bag or duffel attached. The bright red color (my favorite shade of red) really pops and makes it easy to pick out of a luggage carousel. It's lightweight and goes in and out of a hatchback with ease. This set truly makes travel even more fun. Well worth the money." — Rachel

Get a set of three from Amazon for $179.99 (available in 22 colors and as a set of four).

19. OR a  14-inch and 20-inch carry-on set  you can use together or separately on an upcoming flight, but just know they'll both comfortably meet most size requirements. You can even use the 20-inch for yourself and give the smaller 14-inch to your kiddo! How adorable would that matching set look?

Somago is a small biz specializing in luggage. 

Promising review: "Bought this after committing to traveling only with a carry-on. I didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a carry-on, but I also didn’t want to go too low and the product faulty. I found this to be a happy medium. It survived the streets of Greece, hills, rough and uneven terrain, ferries, stairs, and plane rides. The wheels offer a smooth ride. I stuffed it to the max with 24 lbs worth of clothing (for reference). I did use packing cubes on one side, though. Zipper handled it well, and the case held its shape. Overall, a great buy and highly recommend." — SR

Get them from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in seven colors).

20. A large 'n' spacious  convertible travel backpack  that turns into a duffel, too — just attach the side straps! It has tons of easily accessible pockets for things like your phone, laptop, passport, etc. And when being used as a duffel, the backpack straps can be hidden behind a sneaky flap.

Promising reviews: " Purchased in Dec. 2021 and have used it regularly. Will easily hold everything I need for a long weekend, plus a laptop and electronics. Pockets galore! The best feature is the super-rugged design: The fabric, the stitching, and especially the hardware are all heavy-duty. Best zippers I've ever seen on a piece of luggage. You can carry it like a backpack or zip up the cover over those straps and use the provided shoulder strap. I like the sturdy grab handle on the front.

There is a pocket on the side that could hold a water bottle, but it might be a snug fit if you stuff the thing full (I do). The shoulder strap is unpadded, although the backpack straps are excellent. It's a bit pricey but I've seen lesser bags out there for more. Well worth it. My daughter has one and flies everywhere with it." — Donald Drennon

Get it from Amazon for  $76.68  (available in five colors).

21. Or a 22-inch/63-liter  convertible backpack-to-rolling suitcase  so you can have all the versatility you want when packing and  traveling. Left with a lightweight backpack but did some *major* shopping during the trip? Now you can just convert your bag to roll so you can carry all of your new goodies with ease.

360 Spinner Wheels:  ❌

And! It comes with three packing cubes. 

Promising review: "I have been looking for a bag like this for two years. I wanted to have the ability to pack as much as I could for my often weekend conferences or week-long trips with carry-on only. I wanted the handle to be high enough to slip on a backpack and also be able to pack the backpack full of clothes or use it for day trips. I was not expecting it to be stable when full, thinking since it had only back wheels, it would just fall over. It stays up when packed full. I love the charging area holder inside the small backpack. The laptop area holds my MacBook Pro, my notebook, and my book. I the front pocket. I use it for my cords, and the inside mesh pocket is great for valuables. The main compartment backpack can be packed really fully And you can tighten to reduce strain on the zippers with the clip buckles. FINALLY. My favorite is the length of the handle; I’m 5'10", and the handle goes all up to my belt buckle when I stand next to it. Very easy to grab and maneuver. All in all, I love this bad and will tell everyone about it." — Zack Sperow

Get it from Amazon for $146.99  (also available in gray).

22. And a  fold-up duffel  if you just know the shopping will get out of hand and you'll need more space for all the vacation gifts you're returning with. This foldable duffel bag won't take much space on your way there, but will be VERY helpful on your way back!

It folds into a tiny pouch when not in use, is tear and water-resistant, and even has a separate side pocket for shoes. There's also a side strap that slides easily over your roller luggage handle.

Promising review: "We bought this to take with us when we visited our daughter who is studying abroad for four months. We figured she would not have enough room in her luggage when it was time to come home. Folded up, this bag was so compact and lightweight, it took up almost no room in our own luggage for the trip over. Then, sure enough, she had a ton of clothes and shoes to send home with us and packed this bag full. We checked the bag, and it made it through two international flights without a scratch. The BEST feature is the side strap that allows you to slide it over the handle of a rolling suitcase so you don't have to carry it. This is probably the most practical and the best-value item I have purchased in years. " — Tosa Mom

Get it from Amazon for  $18.99  (available in 16 colors/patterns).

23. A chic carry-on suitcase with a power bank that will probably (definitely) be your new go-to when traveling. It features an odor-proof laundry bag, a hard-case shell with "crush-proof" bumpers for extra protection, and — the main attraction — an ejectable portable battery. It's cute, it's roomy, AND it charges your electronics? Sign. Me. Up!

Promising review: "I've been looking for a carry-on replacement for some time. My last carry-on was from 2007, so it was super old and not very good. Now that I have my July Carry On, I couldn't be more pleased. It's so good from functionality to style. I love the laundry bag — it's great that I don't have to remember to take my own separate laundry bag with me anymore + the charging is so useful. The wheels are silent and smooth — so much so that on the slightest decline, the bag will 100% roll away from you. The bumpers are a bit scratched after some use, but it's hardy/designed to protect what's inside, and I accept that there will be some of that happening on long-haul flights. I really enjoy the personalization as well — I had my name and a little frog etched on the top — so cute!" — Ameeka N.

Get it from July for $250.75+ (originally $295; available in 10 colors).

24. And lastly, a  neck pillow you can stuff with clothing  — perfect for anyone who always says, "Ugh, I should've packed that one outfit!" whenever they travel. You can *literally* fit a whole outfit in this neck pillow, and zero airline rules will be broken! 👏🏾

Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillow  to just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage. 

Promising review: "The Tube Pillow was a savior on my last trip. It held a surprising amount of clothes and doubled as a dirty laundry bag . I used it as an on-the-lap pillow... for extra storage without extra fees, it's worth it!" — Sharon

Get it from Amazon for $43.95 .

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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