Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel. Tortuga Setout Divide: We’re fans of the Tortuga Outbreaker and Setout travel bags, and we consider them both to be great maximum-size carry-on backpacks. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. Hydration System - If you are intent on riding long distances you’ll want to consider bringing along a hydration bladder. FREE SHIPPING. In terms of storage, it has 18 liters of space split into seven different pockets. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve that holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders, and an easy-to-access main compartment. If, on the other hand, you just ride your bike 5 miles to work each day you won’t. Pretty amazing for such a light pack. It should also be light and have comfortable, well-padded straps. A: More expensive backpacks will use top-of-the-line materials, employ robust double and triple stitching throughout, be 100% waterproof and last for years. We ended up with a list of 60 candidates and then narrowed this list down to 22 finalists using the following criteria: capacity, compartment design, aesthetics, reviews, and reported comfort. Ideally, it will have either a waterproof shell or a waterproof liner. But it’s a good feature, especially if you’re committed to Topo gear in general. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the Tortuga’s straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi) a disqualifying factor. Of all the bags we tested, this was the most uncomfortable on our backs—even worse than the Cabin Metz. But if you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum and you’re not on a budget, you should know that many travel writers have spoken well of this bag, despite its high price. The hip belt, which can be removed while the bag is on your back if you like, is still substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. I personally do not. If you want to keep researching your own pick, this spreadsheet is a great place to start. Fortunately, the Timbuk2 Authority backpack does just this. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. 8. Timbuk2 the Authority Pack. The Mother Lode is a good suitcase built around a basic (if slightly underwhelming) backpack. The clean geometric lines of the Timbuk2 Rogue cycling backpack are intended to allow you to get the most from its compact design. But after years of testing and further comparison against dedicated travel backpacks and improved hybrids (such as the Tom Bihn), the MLC is simply outclassed. We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers that this bag was too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. During testing, we flew with these bags across the country, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. Reviews for the real world. This bag is perfect if you have to travel to a work event, get off the plane, and then use it as a daily backpack without drawing too much attention to yourself. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom, so if you drop the bag, it won’t drop right onto the corner of your computer; the other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. Our collection of Travel Backpacks are the perfect carry-on or We’re still confident in all our other picks. The bag also includes a deep front-access panel to hold miscellaneous items; it’s deep enough to carry several paperback books and a one-liter water bottle. This bag’s open interior makes packing easy. by Timbuk2. I use to carry a Timbuk2 backpack that would hold my 15" Macbook Pro. Timbuk2 offers a wide range of laptop backpack sizes that can carry 13" - 17" laptops and any-sized tablet, and feature storage solutions for phones, chargers, and everyday essentials. The Velomacchi Giro is extremely handsome and practical. Opening up your favorite carry-on travel backpack—with all your stuff in the right place and easy to reach—should feel like opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk. Plenty of space. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference. The Incase Icon is a beautifully balanced bike waterproof backpack that holds everything nice and snug to the body. Unlike our other picks, the Mother Lode is not for carrying over long distances, especially when it’s full. All these bags are of the finest quality, stylish and will suit your needs. Though this bag is not expressly built for long treks or cross-country hikes (the nylon back can get a little hot), the backpack straps themselves are well padded and stiff enough to distribute the weight of the bag evenly across your body. And a dedicated pocket for your phone. It’s designed for both cycling and hiking, which is why it has thick shoulder straps, a mesh back, and a sternum strap for stability. The shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable even when the pack is fully loaded. The biggest flaw is that the main compartment is too shallow to be very useful. However, the GR2 is too expensive and too large (a true 40L) for many people, especially since it doesn’t come with a hip belt. $77.99 $ 77. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and makes the best use of space with a bunch of cleverly designed pockets. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. Unlike in some other models, in the Allpa the laptop is situated against your back; this keeps the weight of the electronics closer to your body and adds a certain layer of security. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. It’s made from 210D nylon double-diamond ripstop, making it super lightweight and ultra-tough. But the Farpoint is in danger of becoming outpaced by bags with newer designs. The Travel Backpack has few flaws. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga Outbreaker strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage. It features 1000D Cordura nylon and YKK zippers, and has a spacious design and decent shoulder straps. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. This is super important when you’re cycling because you don’t want anything throwing off your balance. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that and another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City. But the Setout Divide doesn’t quite live up to that legacy. 4.5 out of 5 stars 507. Inside there’s a dedicated tool pocket along with a separate pocket for your cell phone, scratch pad, bike lock and more. The Travel Bag is one of the simplest bags we tested, with a main compartment and some basic document organization in the front pocket. Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack. Find more great bags like this by checking out our guide to the best Black Diamond backpacks. However, folks who have longer torsos (more than 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Flaws but not dealbreakers The problem with that much capacity? There are significant improvements if you pay slightly more for our pick, the Cotopaxi Allpa. In essence, the Swig is a narrower and taller version of the company's messenger bags- just with backpack straps. “I want to travel with it everywhere. Eagle Creek Wayfinder 40L: The lack of any kind of clamshell or other full openings on this bag made it something of a large school backpack and knocked it out of the running fairly quickly. It’s probably decent at keeping rain off the zippers, but it felt finicky to us. There are three ways to carry the Travel Bag: the top or side handles (there isn’t a bottom handle, unfortunately), an optional shoulder sling (you have to buy it separately), or backpack straps (which stow in a zippable pocket when not in use). That’s a fact. Spending more, however, can get you such exotic, light, and strong materials as. Unlike the straps on our other picks, the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. If you want a cycling pack for long weekend trips you’ll want 20 to 30 liters of storage. Primary large main compartment — the main compartment is large enough for me to fit a couple textbooks, a notebook, a pair of sneakers, a hoodie, and gym clothes. Get this if: You want an affordable bag with a traditional look, to carry as much as you can—potentially more than you’re allowed by airlines. It’s made with tough materials, so it can take a beating on your commute. And Sharon Gourlay is the writer of the Where’s Sharon? GeniusPack Travel Backpack: The GeniusPack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Timbuk2 water resistant backpacks offer superior protection for all-season commuting. But if you’re buying a new travel backpack this year, there are lots of better options. When it comes to packing, the Outbreaker’s interior is soothingly minimal, as any good suitcase should be. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. Don’t forget your walking shoes too. But after years of testing and further comparison against dedicated travel backpacks and improved hybrids (such as the Tom Bihn), the MLC is simply outclassed. The front panel and assorted pockets are like a small traveling office space. But after using the Farpoint for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than the rectangular designs of the Goruck GR3 and the Tortuga Outbreaker do. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. Breathability - Riding a bike is a sweaty business so the best cycling backpack will have plenty of channels in the back through which air can circulate so moisture can be whisked away. … The Timbuk2 Authority bag easily holds and organizes everything you need for the workday. With thick shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a waist strap, you can adjust this backpack to feel like it’s a part of you. solo New York - Urban Convertible Laptop Briefcase Backpack for 15.6" Laptop - Gray. Even when it’s completely full, the backpack feels stable on your back, thanks to the thick shoulder straps, notched foam stabilizer, and mesh back. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty. And that’s despite the bag’s hefty (just over 5 pounds) weight when empty—it’s roughly 2 pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design Travel Backpack. The computer pocket is simple to access, whether you’re wearing the bag or not, and it keeps the weight close to your back. But we’re still on the fence about recommending it. Flaws but not dealbreakers Timbuk2 has partnered with Apple to produce a-one-of-a-kind cycling backpack that will cradle all your most precious Apple tech in the lap of comfort, safety, and luxury. We also love the fact that it’s available in 13 colors. Made from tear-resistant nylon, this is a tough little backpack – it’s water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and super durable. Open it up and enjoy the signature Herschel striped lining while you’re tucking in your laptop, camera, tablet, phone, USB flash drives and more. Both sizes of the Outbreaker are adjustable for torso length, which means you can manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes. Nomatic Cycling Backpack. It’s lightweight, plus rip and water-proof. A great starter option for one-bag travel, the Farpoint is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world. Even if you aren’t convinced by our picks, we do think we can help you figure out what parameters are best for travel bags of any size. BEST FOR COMMUTING. You can choose from a variety of them. The Sunhiker Small Cycling Backpack is one of our favorite budget backpacks. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. The best sellers from Timbuk2 are the backpacks, tote bags, and messenger bags. This backpack has understated urban vibe. Get this if: You travel often for work and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks. If you know you’re going to be walking long distances (say, over a mile or so) with your pack on, you might want to consider one of our other picks. It might be useful as a weekend traveler, but we don’t think it would hold up for longer trips. You may also want to make sure there’s a pocket large enough to accommodate your lunch or snacks. TL;DRThe Jet tries to be both a backpack and your go-to carry-on, but some design choices make it come up short in both departments.Build Quality9.5Layout7.7Compartments8Style4.7Comfort6Extra Features5The GoodThree grab handles and backpack straps give you a variety of ways to carryClamshell design makes packing easyInterior … This unusual choice shifts the center of gravity away from the strongest muscles of your back, making loads feel heavier than they should. Outside, the bag has two small zippered pockets for travel accessories (such as earbuds and a passport) and a larger organizer pocket for books, tickets, and snacks. The Farpoint, practically an original in carry-on backpacks, hasn’t been updated in a fair while. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga instead. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks, and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability, you need to buy the $30 internal frame, the $30 hip belt, and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the $30 shoulder strap (all prices at the time of writing). It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments. In terms of pockets, it has two main pockets, an exterior zippered pocket, and two mesh bottle pockets. The more comfortable and well designed the straps, the easier traveling will be. There are plenty of flaws with this bag, if you choose to see them as flaws instead of the necessary consequences of the Mother Lode’s ridiculously inexpensive price. SKU: 3972016. The padded inner sleeve accommodates a 12.9-inch laptop or iPad Pro, there’s a zip pocket for peripherals and the pack as a whole is water resistant and lightweight. There isn’t one perfect bag to please everyone, but there are tools you can use to find what’s best for you. The Farpoint is easy to pack. It didn’t quite fit the scope of this review because of its design. Whether you’re traveling around the world or going for a quick bike ride, their packs will make your life better. Write a review. If you like the concept of the large Tortuga Outbreaker but not its price, the eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender is a great option for infrequent travelers who are willing to give up some features, such as a decent hip belt. 99 ... Goodreads Book reviews & recommendations: IMDb Movies, TV & Celebrities: IMDbPro Get Info Entertainment Professionals Need: These larger bags are not carry-on-friendly, though, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them. There was a time when the Farpoint 40 set the standard for travel bags of this size (good for shorter torsos or shorter jaunts, while still easy to carry). This all adds up on a bag that already costs $300. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Best of all, Cotopaxi backs its bags with a true lifetime warranty. It’s simply not reliably in stock. The Mother Lode is more reliable, is built from stronger materials, and will hold more stuff comfortably than either of these bags. So how big your backpack is will depend on how you plan to use it. Their line of commuter bags and backpacks have a mature yet youthful flair. The drawback is that the shoulder straps are … 1. 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