After hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises, I snagged this backpack. I used to have a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack that served me well on numerous trips for about five years. However, I wanted a bag that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing for my upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with just carry-on for five flights). I’ve already taken it on two long weekend trips (Amtrak to Newport, Rhode Island, for a wedding and regional train to a Connecticut country lake house) with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed more than I needed.
The backpack has a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for toiletries. I can fit enough wet toiletries in the second pocket as I’d be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket, I put other essentials like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep, allowing you to easily roll clothes and fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the items in the second picture in that section. It also has stretchy X-straps to keep everything secure like a roller suitcase.
I love that the backpack has DEEP side pockets to prevent items from falling out. I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. It also has a generously sized front pocket for quick access to items like sunglasses, snacks, writing pens, etc. The backpack straps and top handle are sturdy, making me feel secure carrying it around and putting it in overhead storage compartments on trains. The construction with faux leather and sturdy black canvas looks great, and the trolley passthrough makes it easy to fit on my roller suitcase.
At nearly $90, this backpack isn’t the cheapest option, but for frequent travelers, it’s worth the cost as it saves on baggage fees. This backpack and I are definitely going places.
You can get it from Beis Travel for $88 (also available in beige).