MaterialMoose
Sections
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Gear Ratings
Categories
  • Bags
  • Beauty
  • Cameras
  • Earphones
  • Gear
  • Headphones
  • Home
  • Microphones
  • Phone Cases
  • Speakers
  • Tea
  • Tech
Misc.
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Find us on
Twitter @MaterialMoose
MaterialMoose
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Gear Ratings
  • Bags

The Search for the Perfect Travel Backpack

  • December 26, 2018
  • No comments
  • 2 minute read
  • Jeff

Last updated: December 30, 2018 – Still in progress

I am currently looking for a backpack that I can use as a day-pack as well as travel. So I figured I would keep a journal of my progress and research here. I have some specific criteria:

  1. I want something that is convertible between 20-30L. I feel that is a comfortable range for my general daily use and travel
  2. For travel, I want enough space to pack for a 2-3 day trip while staying compliant with carry-on restrictions on flights as a personal item
  3. Lastly, I need it to carry a 15″ laptop

My current research so far has lead me to the following:

  • NOMATIC Travel Pack
  • Tortuga Setout Divide Backpack
  • WANDRD PRVKE 21L
  • Boundary Supply Prima System Modular Travel Backpack
  • Medium Expandable Knack Pack

NOMATIC Travel Pack

Available from nomatic.com and they are currently having a holiday promotion where you can get $75 USD off select bags.

What I like:

  • Looks appropriate for office use
  • Expands from 20L to 30L
  • Luggage style expansion keeps the look of the backpack clean

What I dislike:

  • The suggested method of keeping the zippers for the main compartment secure by using zip ties through the eyelet is such an afterthought. Unfortunate oversight for what would otherwise be a well thought out backpack.
  • The waist strap, while great that it is included, has limited functionality and won’t be capable of carrying more than cash or cards. Where am I suppose to put my phone?

Tortuga Setout Divide Backpack

Available from tortugabackpacks.com

What I like:

  • Expands from 26L to 34L
  • Looks pretty decent, and passable for office use
  • Luggage style expansion keeps the look of the backpack clean
  • The hip belt has more functionality compared Nomatic’s offering
  • Rain cover available as a separate purchase

What I dislike:

  • Starting at 26L may be too big for my daily use
  • The front compartments don’t open completely and feels cumbersome to get things out.
  • Rain cover makes it on the dislike list because for the cost the bag, you’d think they can include it.

WANDRD PRVKE 21L

Available from wandrd.com

What I like:

  • Can triple as a functional camera bag

What I dislike:

  • Capacity is not as flexible
  • Rucksack style bag doesn’t look as professional

Boundary Supply Prima System Modular Travel Backpack

Available from boundarysupply.com

What I like:

  • Can triple as a functional camera bag
  • Expands from 25L to 35L

What I dislike:

  • There seems to be some wasted space at the bottom of the bag when the camera module is installed.
  • Top quick access compartment becomes less useful as you fill the bag up.
  • I suspect that at its max capacity of 30L, the backpack dimensions will exceed the dimensions of what is allowed as a personal carry-on item on flights.

Medium Expandable Knack Pack®

Available from knackbags.com

What I like:

  • Looks appropriate for office use
  • Expands from 17L to 31L
  • Luggage style expansion keeps the look of the backpack clean

What I dislike:

  • Full carrying capacity is split between two compartments.

If you have any additional suggestions I should consider, please leave a comment below.

0
0
0
0
  • backpack
  • buying guide
  • guide
  • travel
Like what you’re reading?

Sign up and get notified of new content

Like what you're reading?

Sign up and get notified of new content

MaterialMoose
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
© 2017-2018 Material Moose. All Rights Reserved.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.