hynes eagle 45l travel backpack

Hynes Eagle 45L Travel Flight Approved Carry on Backpack

✈️ 47% (93/199)

This bag can be used as a carry on in 47% of airlines.

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👍 Reasons to Buy

• The front compartment has many pockets and sleeves for all your things. This makes and keeps your things truly organized during your travels.
• Access to the main compartment is truly efficient because of its clamshell opening.
• Stowable straps make the whole thing easy to store in tight spaces.
• Has a dedicated shoe compartment for your extra shoes and/or used clothes.

🤔 Things to Consider

• The zippers are a bit problematic for some people as they don't stay zipped.
• The compression straps can get in the way of the main compartments.
• When used, the shoe compartment takes up space from the main compartment so you should keep this in mind when packing.

💬 Reviewers Have Said

• "I have to rate this product a 5+ in stars that’s how much my daughter enjoyed her first trip with this awesome bag! I have used it as well for a long weekend trip and it’s fantastic"
• "I wanted to love this bag, it is spacious and has a lot of compartment. I could store at least a week worth of clothing if I tried to fit everything including a pair or two of shoes. (In the shoe compartment, has to be flat shoes like vans)"

Compatible Airlines

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Hynes Eagle 45L Lightweight Travel Backpack Flight Approved Carry on Hand Luggage Backpack Fit 15.6 Inch Laptops,Black

• Travel Carry on backpack. New version added holes to lock the zippers, upgraded zipper, zipper can be closed with password lock, solve zipper sliding loose problem and anti-theft, which protect your valuables from theft. It stored in the front zip pocket.
• IATA flights,fit in the overhead compartment as well as the under seat storage in flight. With the maximum amount of ease and versatility, all while avoiding paying extra for bag fees.
• 45L Waterproof Travel Backpack: Made of water repellent nylon, durability and decent performance. Capacity is perfect for a world travel; Dimensions: 22.05 x 14.17 x 7.09 inches / 56 x 36 x 18 cm; Weight: 3.08 lbs./ 1.5 Kg.
• Designed Structure: Travel backpack features with 1 adjustable detachable sternum strap and 1 Padded adjustable waist strap for stabilization and maximum carry comfort; 4 exterior compression buckle straps help to pack more nice and compact.
• Multiple Pockets & Roomy Compartment: 1 Bottom zip compartment is able to store 1 pair of spare shoes. Back with 1 zip compartment and provide with 2 padded sleeves to fit your 15.6” laptop or 10.5” iPad. Roomy main compartment with X shape tie down strap to keep your belongings from shifting.

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 35.5 x 18 x 56 cm; 1.47 kg
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ Sept. 15 2019
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Hynes Eagle
• Place of Business ‏ : ‎ COLUMBUS, OH 43235,US
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07TM45PB6
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ HE0882-8

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Product Description

Product Describtion

• Material: water repellent crinkle polyester
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 7.1 inches/ 56 x 35.5 x 18 cm
• Weight: 1.4 kg/3.08 lbs
• Volumn: 45 L/ 2746 cu in
• Laptop sleeve dimensions: 14.17 x 11.42 x 0.98 inches /36 x 29 x 2.5 cm
• iPad sleeve dimensions: 10.63 x 9.06 inches/ 27 x 23 cm
• 45L backpack with combination lock Package

About Hynes Eagle

Time to kick off your worldwide adventure.

Hynes Eagle is a leading practical fashion-forward bag brand in relentless pursuit of a better journey for every customer. We are committed to improving your urban commute life by designing long lasting and functional products that enable freedom for business people. Hynes Eagle helps to clear the path for a smooth journey and keeps offering right and light travel luggage and accessories for you.

Hynes Eagle Travel Lite Series

The Travel Lite series builds to offer a necessary selection of carry on pack, travel weekender bag, packing accessories for each leg of your journey. We design our travel luggage and accessories to be durable, versatile and stylish, always strive to enhance any travel experience with packing easy.

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Hynes Eagle 45L Travel Backpack Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Weekender Cabin Hand Luggage, Black 2019, One_Size,

• Water repellent crinkle polyester and soft structure for durability and decent performance, flight backpack is built to prevent your travel necessities without damage and moisture; 45 L capacity is perfect for a long journey, Dimensions: 22.0 x 14.0 x 7.1 inches/ 56 x 35.5 x 18 cm; design to fit the allowed maximum size of an IATA flights, fit in the overhead compartment as well as the under seat storage in flight; Package: 1 x backpack
• 3 carrying options in 1 carry on backpack, dual hide-away contoured backpack straps, top and side carry padded handles; padded back support with breathable mesh for added comfort
• Travel backpack features with 1 adjustable detachable sternum strap and 1 padded adjustable waist strap for stabilization and maximum carry comfort; 4 exterior compression buckle straps help to pack more compact
• Bottom with 1 zip compartment is able to store 1 pair of spare shoes, 1 top zip compartment with inner zip mesh pocket to keep your essentials, 1 side bottom pocket with elastic strap to keep beverage; front zip compartment with multiple pockets to organize, 1 inner mesh zip pocket, 2 mesh slip pockets, 1 zip pocket, 1 slip pocket and 2 pen holders
• Roomy main compartment with X shape tie down strap to keep your belongings from shifting, also provide 2 inner zip pockets to stow accessories; back with 1 zip compartment is able to store brochure or documents, also provide with 2 padded sleeves to fit your tablet or 15.6 inches laptop

Product description

The Travel Lite series builds to offer a necessary selection of carry on backpack, travel daypack, weekender bag, packing organizer and travelling accessories for each leg of your journey. We design our travel luggage and accessories to be durable, versatile and stylish, always strive to enhance any travel experience with packing easy, light and right products.

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 35.5 x 18 x 56 cm; 1.38 kg
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ 29 July 2021
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Hynes Eagle
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07P4MNGHY
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ HE0882-5
• Department ‏ : ‎ mens
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 kg 380 g
• Item Dimensions LxWxH ‏ : ‎ 35.5 x 18 x 56 Centimeters

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

May be out of stock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

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Travelers Love This 'Magical' Backpack That Fits Just As Much As a Carry-on — and Comes With Packing Cubes

Don't forget to use the on-site coupon for extra savings.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

As a shopping writer, there’s nothing I love more than a two-for-one deal. And, after seeing the thousands of five-star ratings for the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack , it’s clear that Amazon shoppers also love a good buy-one-get-one moment. Because when you buy it, you’re not just getting a durable travel bag — you’re also getting a set of three packing cubes. 

Basically, that means one purchase crosses two items off of your list before you head out on your next trip. To make things even better, there’s a special on-site coupon you can clip to help you save 10 percent on the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack . Consider this a sign to add it to your cart. However, if you've already got a set of trusty packing cubes, you can still get the backpack on its own . 

To buy: amazon.com , $57 with on-site coupon (originally $63) 

With its 40-liter capacity and 20.1-inch by 13.4-inch by 9.8-inch frame, the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack ensures that there's space for everything you need. In fact, it can even double as a carry-on if you'd prefer not to travel with a traditional spinner suitcase (or if you're trying to skip those pesky checked bag fees). According to shoppers, it can fit up to a week's worth of clothes ; some were able to make it work for two-week-long trips . 

You're probably wondering how these travelers can fit so much stuff inside a backpack, right? Well, it’s all thanks to the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack 's thoughtful design, which features a wide, D-shaped opening that mirrors that of a suitcase. This allows you to conveniently arrange your clothes, shoes, and other essentials inside the main compartment (and have easy access to everything when you need them). Combine this spaciousness with the bag's built-in compression straps and the included packing cubes, which also help with organizing and maximizing real estate, and you're good to go. 

What's more, the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack is also stocked with multiple internal and external pockets, including secure compartments for essential tech items like laptops and tablets, slip pockets for travel documents, chargers, and other tiny must-haves, and a discreet side stash pocket for valuables you'll want to keep safe but be able to grab in a hurry if needed. 

But surely, being able to stuff the backpack with all of these things is going to make it uncomfortable to carry, right? On the contrary, it's not. In addition to its supportive shoulder straps, the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack has an adjustable sternum strap with buckle closure that helps distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders, back, and torso. Plus, the backpack's shoulder straps can be tucked into a convenient zippered pouch, and you can opt to carry it briefcase-style using its side handles if that's more comfortable. 

As we mentioned before, the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack has earned thousands of glowing ratings — 2,700-plus, as a matter of fact. In their five-star review, one shopper wrote , "I’ve had this bag for a few years now and have taken it on a handful of camping trips, road trips, and flights. It’s held up very well, showing no signs of wear. It’s comfortable to wear and walk around with." Another customer added , "In reality, I was able to fit nearly as much in the backpack as a regular suitcase." 

Chiming in, a third reviewer said they used it as a "personal item for flights because I didn't want to pay for a carry-on. It is well-made, has multiple compartments, and it cinches to fit under a seat. I am seriously impressed with the quality of this backpack." Another shopper shared , "I filled it and went off to Europe for 2.5 weeks. It fit in the overhead bins in the plane without issue traveling Delta and Aegean Airlines.” They continued to praise its spaciousness, saying, “The bag expanded nicely when needed… it held three pairs of shoes, toiletries, a hair straightener, and clothes for one week without issue. Plus, a few odds and ends. It's a keeper." 

To buy: amazon.com , $50 

Similarly, a final traveler raved , "This bag seems to be magical. I was able to pack for an entire week's vacation, including multiple pairs of shoes, toiletries, running gear, and normal wear clothes." 

Can a bag really be this good? Well, there's only one way to find out: Add the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack to your Amazon cart today, and make sure to use the on-site coupon for extra savings. 

At the time of publishing, the price was $57. 

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Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is nothing short of genius. Its innovative features and design make it a stand-out in our mind, even though some of the materials left a bit to be desired.

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Our verdict.

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• Very smart design.
• Innovative—and fast—harness hiding system.
• Feature-fit for almost any carry.
• Zipper choice is puzzling.
• Sternum strap comes off a little easily for our liking.
• Side handles provide a funky, imbalanced carry.

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 19/145 Airlines

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

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

4.55 lb (2.1 kg)

22 in x 13 in x 9.5 in (55.9 x 33 x 24.1 cm)

Depth increases to 11" (28 cm) when expanded

Notable Materials

Aluminum, Hypalon®, Polyurethane, DWR Coating, YKK Zippers, Nylon, Zoom Zippers

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Peak Design Lifetime Product Warranty

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Full Review

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Oh boy. This is a big one, folks.

We have been waiting a long time for this review… The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is finally here. If you’ve been following us or you’re into backpacks, photography, or travel—you’ve probably heard of Peak Design. These guys have been absolutely killing it, making some of the most unique and innovative designs the backpack and photography world have ever seen.

Their Everyday Backpack has been a huge hit amongst photographers and it has some of the coolest features we’ve ever seen on a backpack. The only problem is that it is very much built for photography—and although we like photography (and have a handful of professional photographers on our team), we’re always more interested in travel bags. We’ve been hearing whispers about the Peak Design Travel Backpack for some time now, and needless to say, we were pretty excited to get our hands on one.

We’ve been testing this thing out for three weeks and it’s seen use across multiple US states and a few flights. Much like their other gear, our first impression is that this bag has a lot of smart, innovative thinking, and it most definitely lives up to the hype.

Is it without problems? Of course not. Check out the full review below for all the details. Or, if you’re looking for something a little smaller, check out our review of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L .

Materials & Aesthetic

At the time of this review, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L comes in two different colors—black on black, and sage—and we opted for the black on black (obviously). We should also mention that although pictures of the sage color look very similar to the ash color on the Everyday Backpack, it is slightly greener than you might think.

That being said, Peak Design tends to release their bags in a lot of different colors, so we’re curious to see if they try anything later in 2018 or early 2019. Depending on when you’re reading this review, there might be a few new color options.

Each color uses the same material, which is a 400D nylon canvas for the majority of the bag, and a 900D nylon canvas at the bottom to protect against additional abrasions. The stuff on the bottom definitely has a slightly rubbery feel to it. You might be curious as to why they’ve got canvas on this pack when most other, similar packs are rocking ballistic nylon… This was clearly an intentional choice made by Peak Design. It’s quite weather-resistant, and it feels nice to the touch.

As far as the overall aesthetics of the bag, this thing is really sleek and minimal even though it has a ton of crazy features going on in it. We’ve also noticed that it does a great job of keeping its form even while empty, due to the high density foam padding around most of the pack. This may be a pro or con, depending on your use case and style taste.

As we normally do, we polled our Instagram audience to determine how many of you folks like the look of this bag. Results were fairly conclusive, with 69% saying they liked the look of the pack and 31% saying they did not like the look. So, take from that what you will.

Wrapping up the materials, there is a DWR coated polyurethane liner —which will add some more weatherproofing— aluminum hardware , and a bunch of YKK and Zoom zippers . To be honest, we’re bit confused with the choice of Zoom zippers, but we’ll cover that later in the review.

External Features

Even though it might not look like it, there are a ton of external features on this pack. We’ll start with the harness system, which is one of our favorite—and most innovative—pieces on this pack.

The shoulder straps contain Peak Design’s signature rotating straps, which they’ve done with other packs, including their Everyday Backpack. These are really great for swinging the pack around your body and using it in “side access mode” while you’re wearing it. They’re basically just a normal pair of shoulder straps, but they’re connected by a single metal rivet at the top, which allows the top of the strap to move around to any angle you’d like.

The straps themselves offer some high-density foam, which is definitely very comfortable—more comfortable, in fact, than the Everyday Backpack. We liked seeing that they’ve improved that a bit. These straps also feature aluminum glide hardware on the adjuster straps, as well as a plastic keeper to handle any excess material. (Got to have that #danglefreeexperience!)

We should note that this plastic keeper can be a little bit hard to get back on if it falls off… You’ll probably have to take the bag off and fiddle with it a little bit. If you want see one of our favorite strap hiding systems, go check out the Evergoods MPL30 . That thing offers really incredible ways to hide and manage excess straps.

There is also a detachable sternum strap, which can be stored permanently in the vertical position along the strap, or temporarily as a little loop that hangs off. (This is all when you’re not using it, of course.) One minor detail is that it’s a little bit easier to detach than we’d like—one side grips a little bit harder than the other and it comes off pretty easily, which always makes us a little nervous. Peak Design does offer replacements on their site if you were to lose it, but we’d recommend just keeping an eye on it and making sure it doesn’t fall off.

There is a hideable hip belt at the bottom, which has that signature rotating system we’ve come to thoroughly enjoy. On the wearer’s left-hand side, there is a 3D, stretchy, mesh-like pocket that works well for flatter items. There’s a bit of give in this thing, so even stiffer items should work (which has traditionally been a problem we’ve seen on many of these pockets). On the wearer’s right-hand side are some additional attachment points for things like the field pouch and other accessories that Peak Design sells.

Okay, so we have to say… this hip belt is next to perfect. There’s the right amount of padding, it’s the right size, and it’s easily stowable when you don’t want to use it. Our one nitpick is the aluminum hardware, which takes a bit getting used to. It’s a bit different from the plastic buckles we all know and love, but once you do get used to it, it’s really a pleasure to use and helps to provide a nice carry. Plus, it’s never going to break—because, you know, metal and stuff.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Hideable Harness System

And now onto the main event. Everything on this harness system is hideable—fast. If there was a competition for “how fast can you hide your backpack straps,” you would want this bag. For sure.

First, you rotate the hip belt upwards and slide it in. Then, you rotate the shoulder straps and hide them away just like you did with the hip belt. …And that’s it. No detaching straps, no zippers, no nonsense. This is, without a doubt, the best strap hideaway system we have found to date. For real.

Once you hide everything away, there’s a handle in the middle that can be used to carry the bag in duffel mode. It also works as a pass through system for roller luggage. Also, while you’re using the shoulder straps you can fold in the material used to hide the straps, which gives the center of the back panel some extra padding and a little more airflow. Awesome, innovative thinking here—we love it.

One small note here, when you’re putting the hip belt away you’ll want to make sure it’s as flat as possible, or else you’ll feel it in your back as you’re carrying the bag around.

And lastly, there’s a luggage tag indicated by a small icon on the back panel. You can put your contact information in there, so someone can get in touch with you if you were to ever lose this pack (yikes—don’t want to think about that). We do have a few things to mention about this little area of the pack…

• While our version is pretty loosey-goosey, the final production run will have velcro here. So no need to worry about your tag slipping out.

Moving on to the side of the bag, there’s a water bottle pocket that is big enough to fit a huge Nalgene bottle as well as a slightly-less-huge S’well bottle. Outside of a gallon jug, we’re pretty confident this thing will handle any water bottle you might want to throw at it (or in it, heh).

There is also a very stealthy zippered pocket within the water bottle sleeve, which is great for hiding items of any type. You might assume this pocket is unusable while you’ve got a water bottle in the main sleeve, but there’s a good amount of gussetting that provides quite a bit of expandability. You can easily fit some larger items (like a plus-sized iPhone) in here, or some quick-grab items—although we’d recommend avoiding large stuff if you’ve also a water bottle in the sleeve. This pocket is really secure, seeing as the zipper is virtually hidden, plus we’ve really never seen a pocket like this—which means that any potential thief probably hasn’t either.

This is just one of those areas where you can tell that Peak Design has put a lot of thought and effort into making every square inch of this bag useful, which is incredibly important for one bag travel. Kudos!

There are a total of four grab handles on this pack, which we love. The top handle is nicely padded and allows you to hang the bag flush against a wall, which is always nice. The two on the side are good for quick grabs, although because they’re not centered, using these for any length of time can be a bit funky. They are, however, perfect for grabbing the bag out of overhead bins. And lastly, there’s one on the bottom that really makes the bag grabbable from all sides—which we love.

On the front side there’s a sneaky, hidden pocket that closes magnetically at the bottom and has the ability to hold some lash straps. The magnetic pocket is great for holding a rain fly—if you get caught in a torrential downpour, it’s nice to have that as an option for some additional weatherproofing. It could also handle some flatter items.

(Sidenote: Our bag didn’t come with lash straps! We think they either forgot about them or maybe they fell out at some point during our three weeks of testing. Hopefully that’s not the case, but either way—we don’t have them at the moment.)

The lash straps use a very similar system to what we’ve seen on the Everyday Backpack, and much like that bag, there are a ton of different configurations you could dream up—there are attachment points all over the outside of this bag, even on the interior of the water bottle pocket! We expect they’ll work pretty well.

Lastly, there are two compression features on this pack. There are two compression zippers on the exterior that add a few more liters of space to the bag. And there’s also a very handy button system that allows you to compress the bag towards the top. This is a pretty nifty system that we haven’t seen anywhere else, but we should note that the placement of these buttons is not final—Peak Design is still working on it, and they’ve said that the placement on launch might be a bit different. That said, the bag still feels pretty big even with the compression, so we recommend bringing along a packable daypack if that’ll bother you.

Inside the Pack

Moving on the inside of the pack, there is a quick-grab pocket at the top of the bag with some stretchy mesh on the inside. This is a nice pocket for all of your airport essentials, and they’ve done a nice job making this pocket really blend into the rest of the bag. Very slick.

Moving onto the interior of the front panel, there’s some really smart organization going on here. The top area has an interesting, rubbery-feeling mesh, which gets the job done and allows you to see whatever items you have in there. We like that the zipper on this pocket is a bit curved, so it allows you to have good access. Opening it up, there are a couple small sleeves for pens or pencils, and a few larger ones that we’ve been using for chargers and outlet converters. If you don’t want to use these pockets, that’s fine—they lay flat, so it won’t make a difference in the overall space of the bag.

We should note that the pen pockets are a little loose—your pen might go rogue if you’re really throwing this bag around. Towards the bottom, there’s a similar pocket with no organization that is great for flatter items here.

On the other side of this compartment there’s a pretty similar scenario. You’ve got a half-mesh pocket up top, and a liner pocket at the bottom. But what we really love about this compartment is that the pockets are accessible from each side of the bag. You have access from the main liter compartment and from the front side as well. Plus, the separator unzips and you can stuff it into itself in the bottom of the main compartment—which allows you to essentially “remove” the separator and use the bag as a giant duffel. Brilliant. This is one of the innovations that make this bag really unique.

So you can access that main compartment through that front panel (and the separator, if you’re using that) or you can also access it from the back of the bag, where the main compartment opens up. This is one area of the pack where Peak Design chose to use the Zoom zippers we mentioned in the beginning…

We actually utilize Zoom Zippers for all of our bags and packs! — Peak Design (@peakdesignltd) August 21, 2018

We’re really curious as to why Peak Design didn’t include YKK zippers across the entirety of this pack. There are some on the internal pockets, however, most of the zippers on the main compartment are Zoom. YKK zippers are on just about every heavy-hitting travel pack that’s in the premium category, so it’s pretty odd that they’ve decided to venture away from them. Everyone uses YKK, and we’ve never had a problem with them.

We have, unfortunately, had some problems with Zoom zippers though. One of our contacts has been using the Peak Design Everyday Messenger and they’ve gone through two bags because the main zipper has broken on each of them. Another contact had the zipper break on her Everyday Backpack. In all three of these cases, Peak Design has handled the return and exchange of the broken zippers gracefully. They’ve replaced it with little to no questions asked and provided great customer service.

However, that customer service and warranty isn’t going to do you much good if your zipper breaks in a remote village in Thailand. We’d rather have the zippers just not break in the first place—and we really hope the zipper doesn’t break on the main compartment of the Travel Backpack, as it would render the bag pretty much useless. It is a beefy #10 zipper, but it’s not YKK—and that gives us some cause for concern. Mostly all of the heavy hitting travel backpack brands opt for YKK.

Update: we spoke with Peak Design about their Zoom Zipper decision and here’s what they had to say:

“Regarding our use of Zoom zips on the main access points, we’ve chosen Zoom because of a number of factors: strength, feel, testing performance, performance over time, and value. We’ve used Zoom zips across all of our bags, all of which are guaranteed for life, and we’ve seen a sub-0.3% failure rate on them. Another big part of our decision to use Zoom is that we’ve been able to develop a close direct relationship with them, something we’re not able to do with a supplier of YKK’s size. Zoom has been super responsive to our requests for tweaks and customizations. We pride ourselves in honing every last detail of our products to perform their specific functions optimally, and working with Zoom has allowed us to do that.”

Okay, that was a ton on zippers. We got carried away. Let’s get back to that main compartment.

Basically, this main compartment is a giant bucket that works well with Peak Design’s dedicated travel accessories and packing cubes . You don’t need to use their system, but it does help as they size them specifically for this pack.

On the sides there are some elastic loops that are actually used to fully integrate their camera cube system. That offers a little bit more padding and locks all of your lenses and camera gear right in place—if that’s your thing.

The laptop compartment is in the traditional “laptop compartment area,” and you can access it by unzipping the main compartment by just a few inches. There’s ample space for pretty much any laptop you could have, and it all closes up nicely with some Velcro. There is also a separate tablet partition on the inside, which we’ve been using for our Kindle.

One small issue with the tablet partition is that the Velcro target is a little bit small, so it’s kind of hard to accurately velcro it down unless you’re looking at it. In contrast, the laptop partition has some more Velcro and is super easy to close without even looking at it.

That main compartment is also accessible from the zippers on the side—so if you have things strategically positioned in here, you can swing the bag around your body, unzip it from the side, and grab what you need. This is especially handy for the camera cube insert, allowing you to quickly swap out a lens or do other #photographythings.

One last feature to note is that all the zippers on this bag are lockable with O-rings and they also come with some additional security features:

• The big, main compartment zippers secure to each other via a loop-and-button system.

None of these are completely foolproof, but they’re a deterrent. If a thief is quickly rifling through everything, they’ll likely just pass by your bag if they’re unable to access it quickly.

Durability & Testing

At the time of this review, we have been testing this bag for three weeks in Detroit, Minneapolis and Northern Minnesota, as well as two flights. Overall, it has been a joy to use—and after inspection, not much has gone wrong with the pack besides a slight scratch in the black aluminum hardware on the sternum strap. No visible marks on the exterior after three weeks and no problems with the zippers yet.

And… that’s about it! We really don’t have much in the way of gripes about this bag—outside of those Zoom zippers—and we’re loving all the thought and effort Peak Design has put into this thing.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

Great! Really digging all these cool features, still getting used to some things like the hip belt clip.

Still going strong—using this thing is a pleasure, and no durability complaints outside of a few scratches on the aluminum hardware.

Still digging the intuitiveness of this bag. Easy to use, great integration with Peak Design Packing Accessories, and a solid experience overall.

Condition: Good

This pack has now seen a trip to Paris and Alabama from Detroit. Still holding up well besides a couple of slight marks on the exterior fabric!

• No new scratches or broken parts to report!
• We had no issue fitting it under an international airplane seat
• Back panel is still breathable and doesn’t cause back sweat in hot temps
• Handled being on a boat just fine—no issues with water splashes
• Less inclined to use this bag as a daypack over time, since clamshell main compartment access is pretty slow and clunky in tight spaces

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• Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz travel guide.

• 2. Architecture
• 3. Museums and Theaters
• 4. Outdoor Attractions
• 5. Souvenirs

Hospitable and sunny Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, captures the heart with its colorful mountain landscapes, historic architecture, kind residents and vibrant local culture.

The city is located on the banks of the Terek River and is almost completely surrounded by mountains which, along with unique Northern Caucasian architecture, make this urban landscape rather irresistible. Upon arrival, luxurious mansions, unusual architecture, parks, museums, theaters, retro trams and cozy eateries serving famous Ossetian meat pies all clamber for visitors’ attention, often pulling them back for further visits.

As the largest city in Russia’s southern Caucasus, Vladikavkaz is the start and ending point for many regional tourist routes, so after enjoying the city sites be sure to continue onward to the surrounding natural attractions .

History of Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz Fortress was built in 1784 to provide protection for the Russian Empire along its southern border with Georgia. The name Vladikavkaz means “I own the Caucasus” and was chosen by Catherine the Great after the Russian Empire extended its power into the region. The fort served a vital protective role for many years even as wealthy merchants and retirees began investing in the region’s development, and in 1860 Vladikavkaz attained the status of city. Later in the 19th century, newly laid rail lines in the region led to an economic boom and to an influx of ethnic minorities whose diverse houses of worship and unique architecture can still be seen in the city today.

Vladikavkaz was awarded the title of City of Military Glory after successfully fighting off invading Nazis in World War II. Today it remains an ethnically diverse city with hundreds of Art Noveau and historic buildings. Although no longer a military outpost, Vladikavkaz remains a soulful city with a rich cultural life . Read more...

Vladikavkaz Architecture

The city of Vladikavkaz is famous for its architecture, and for good reason. The city grew rapidly between the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century due to the influx of high-ranking retired military personnel who built mansions and summer houses with their hefty pensions. It is believed that the presence of around 75 such individuals led to Vladikavkaz’s historic nickname "City of retired generals".

Today the historic city center is a chain of cozy avenues lined with many of these elegant mansions.

Prospekt Mira

Prospekt Mira (Mira Avenue) in Vladikavkaz is a kilometer-long boulevard which serves as the main pedestrian thoroughfare for the historic city center. It promises a pleasant walk amid slender two- and three-story merchants’ mansions, inviting coffee shops and other convenient photo opps.

Mukhtarov Mosque

Mukhtarov Mosque , also called Sunni Mosque, is an unmistakable landmark of Vladikavkaz. This delicately carved structure appears to have been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale and is often likened to Cairo mosques of the 10th-12th centuries. Built in the early 20th century, it remains an active mosque to this day.

Imperial Hotel

The main hotel in Vladikavkaz, Imperial Hotel on Mira Avenue has long been a city symbol. The fashionable accommodation was built in 1896, and although there were already 16 hotels in Vladikavkaz at the time, it quickly rose to prominence as the hotel of choice for the city’s most honored guests.

Other famous buildings in central Vladikavkaz include:

• Oganov Mansion (12 Mira Avenue)
• Mansion of the Lawyer Boehme (Pavlovsky Lane)
• Yastremsky Mansion (33 Sovetov Street)
• Khudyakovs’ Mansion (11 Mira Avenue)
• English Consulate Building (31 Lenin Street)

As you walk through the center of Vladikavkaz, you cannot miss these unique Northern Caucasian structures which preserve the memory of a bygone era .

Museums and Theaters

Many travelers who come to North Ossetia either visit Vladikavkaz in transit or skip it altogether in their rush to reach the Caucasus Mountains. However, it is here that life can be experienced in full swing and many options for leisurely activities can be found. Museums, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, parks and family entertainment venue all await you in Vladikavkaz.

At Opera and Ballet Theater , one of the largest musical theaters in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, you can enjoy quality opera and ballet performances by professional dancers, singers and musicians.

Vakhtangov Theater is another large public theater that offers performances for both adult audiences and young viewers. The theater opened in 1871 to host performances produced by outstanding Russian playwrights, including an early performance of "Masquerade" by Mikhail Lermontov. Mikhail Bulgakov staged his earliest plays at Vakhtangov Theater, which regularly hosts renowned Russian actors and theatrical figures to this day.

Narty Horse Theater offers highly unusual performances which combine elements of choreography and circus art subtly interwoven with a dramatic plot. This performance will definitely appeal to family members of all ages!

At the North Ossetian Philharmonic , exemplary performances by an all-male choir are held regularly.

National Museum of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is a museum, research center and exhibition complex with several branches, the main one of which is located in the city center at 11 Mira Avenue. Come get acquainted with a variety of historical findings which date back centuries. In total, the museum complex houses more than 4,000 exhibits which shed light on the history of the region and the peculiarities of the local culture.

M. S. Tuganov Art Museum , located at 12 Mira Avenue next to National Museum of the Republic, has amassed a large collection of works of fine art, including pieces by Levitan, Aivazovsky, Repin, Bryullov, Vereshchagin, Shishkin, Korovin and other acclaimed artists.

21st-Century Entertainment

As in any other major city in Russia, Vladikavkaz is home to a whole host of modern entertainment venues, including quests, laser clubs, time cafes and more .

Outdoor Vladikavkaz Attractions

While there are plenty of manmade attractions to see in Vladikavkaz, outdoor adventures also await travelers, both beyond city limits and even before you depart the mountain metropolis.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain , which at 3000 meters is the highest ridge in the Caucasus, rises above Vladikavkaz as an unmistakable feature of its natural landscape. Table Mountain is depicted on the coat of arms of both the Republic of Ingushetia and Vladikavkaz, for it is located on the border between the two entities. Due in part to the 4th-8th century ruins located on Table Mountain, North Caucasus residents have long viewed it as symbolic of Olympus.

Kosta Khetagurov Park

Kosta Khetagurov Park , the oldest park in the entire North Caucasus, consists of upper and lower terraces along the Terek River, shady pathways which provide welcome relief in the summer heat and a calming lake populated with swans. Cafes, boat rides and other entertainment options combine to create a fun and restful atmosphere .

Vladikavkaz Souvenirs

Like the rest of the Caucasus, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania offers guests an exquisite array of gifts so you can carry the memory of a Vladikavkaz vacation home with you.

Among the most popular gifts are wine vessels in the shape of a horn, which often include an engraving on a metal border and may be either decorative or unpainted. Dishes, coasters, potholders, fragrant spices and delicious local pies are also popular souvenir choices from Vladikavkaz.

Specialty gifts for men include leather belts, wallets and decorative metal plates, all of which are made with embossed patterns, ornamentation or symbols of the republic such as horfreses, leopards, deer or double-headed eagles.

Women can be presented with openwork earrings, bracelets, pendants, combs and hair clips made of wood, as well as textiles or wool shawls in colorful oriental patterns. Ceramic products suitable for everyday use include coffee cups, small teapots, serving bowls and elegant jugs adorned with national motifs.

National costumes for both genders reflect the vibrancy of the North Caucasian culture of Vladikavkaz and can make an excellent souvenir for relatives and friends.

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North Ossetia – Birthplace of Mystical Alania

Snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, popular shrines of traditional Ossetian religion, ancient watch tower, Dargvas, the city of dead and the most pleasant capital Vladikavkaz. Yes, rattling off all of North Ossetia’s wonders leaves you breathless, like the natural beauty of this Russian Republic. The place breathes history . Starting with the Alans, ancient warriors of the Caucasus region to World War II, when the Germany attempt to grab the oilfields of the Caucasus region was stopped right there.

Ossetian countryside with an ancient watchtower, so typical for the Caucasus region

Vladikavkaz- Ruler of the Caucasus North Ossetia

It took me a while to pronounce the name of North Ossetia’s lovely capital Vladikavkaz  without difficulty. Only when a local explained its meaning „Ruler of the Caucasus “ , it rolled from my lips like honey . Founded in 1784 as a Russian fortress, it control led the only road linking Russia and Georgia at that time . I am not ashamed to admit that I had not heard of this town before I decided to do this trip. This city is only a two hours flight from Moscow and served as my jumping board for all onward travel.

Approaching Vladikavkaz by plane

The Saint Petersburg of the Cauacus

Vladikavkaz rightly prides itself of this title. T he streets of the Old City are lined with late grand 19th and early 20th century houses built for Russian army officers and merchants. I spent the hot parts of the days in Kosta Khetagurov Park

and strolled the banks of   River Terek in the evening , I visited picturesque churches and the most beautiful Mukhtarov Mosque .

Mukhtarov Mosque on the Banks of the River Terek

It sits right on the river and I first thought it was a church, since I had never before seen a mosque made of brick stones. I was invited inside by the caretaker , only when I saw the carpet after entering, I realized where I was . Arriving so totally unprepared without a headscarf and short sleeves irritated some men and I spent less time there than I would have liked.

Prospekt Mira (Peace Avenue) with ist 19th century houses

When I got tired of walking Vladikavkaz I hoped on a tram and enjoyed the quiet pace of provincial life from this perspective. Another highlight was watching families in the amusement park overlooking the river . Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. I watched life go by sitting on a tree-covered bench on car-free Prospekt Mira (Avenue of Peace), visited museums or hang out in cafes. Night life was not always, but sometimes is was great. Unforgettable a bar packed with young people, a small band was playing and a local celebrity grabbed the mike. A group of young ladies took me under their wings, and I left with cherished memories.

Vladikavkaz’s nightlife, great music and lovely people

The other must visit is a Retro USSR bar which has been operating for 100 years . People squash into small cubicles holding large mugs of beer that have to be picked up at the counter. Our little group was such a novelty that the regulars keep buying us so many drinks that we could not possible down them all.

Retro USSR bar, locals bought us so much beer we had to pass it on  

Hotel Vladikavkaz- great for people watching

The best place to view the snow-covered mountain peaks surrounding Vladikavkaz was from the Old Bridge or my room at Hotel Vladikavkaz , which was also overlooking Terek R iver and the amusement park . My most exciting moments on my balcony were the arrivals of weeding parties , which was quite a commotion.

Wedding Party arriving a Hotel Vladikavkaz

The convoy of expensive cars could be heard long before they pulled into the parking lots. The honking was deafening once they arrived, young beautiful women and middle aged men were then ushered into the hotel by friends and family clapping and singing. Once I sneaked into one of the posh parties, the noise of the music was earsplitting, and I was not sure if it was that much fun for most of the guests.

The location of the hotel is awesome and its veranda a place to linger forever (great WIFI) and do some serious people watching.

View from my hotel window, amusement park near River Terek

Caucasus wrestlers

Wrestling has a long tradition in the Caucasian Republics of Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Each has its own statistics that make it the number 1! By pure accident I learned that Vladikavkaz has a famous state-of-the-art wrestling academy. Nothing would have stopped me from visiting. I enjoyed an English-speaking tour through the premises, gyms, top equipment, sauna, pool. The academy hosts teams from all over the world also the USA, the fee is € 50 a day and kids a young as 9 years old start their training here. 

Wrestling Academy Vladikavkaz

Unfortunately, there was no training session while I visited, only a kind of rugby baske t ball match . Life in the region comes to a stand-still, when two champions fight each other in a tournament, especially if it one of them is American.

Wrestling Academy in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz and the Caucasus in World War II  

On the outskirts of Vladikavkaz a memorial reminds of the Russian soldiers fallen in the battle of Vladikavkaz. Right beside the memorial is a huge mass grave, it was exactly here where the Germany army was stopped in the Caucaus . Hitler’s focus was on the rich oilfields of the Caucasus, which ironically supplied the German tanks and plane with fuel between 1939 and 1941. Before Hitler’s invasion of the USSR, Germany received 910.000 tons of oil from Stalin’s USSR, which made the quick advance of the German army and the use of its plane possible.

Words War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz, the front line was right there, this is how far the Germany army advanced

World War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz

Dargavs – The City of the Dead

A grassy hill dotted with little white huts was my first view of Dargavs. The two-hour drive from Vladikavkaz (US30 for the taxi) took me through stunning scenery, snow—capped mountains, greens meadows. Of course, I had prepared myself for this excursion, but I was still overwhelmed by this necropolis. A total of 95 stone crypts rise up the hillside in a very organized manner.  At the back of the complex is a watch tower whose top part has been destroyed. It is said that the tower was placed there to watch over the resting souls.

City of Dead, Dargavs 35 little crypts perched on a h ill

The tombs themselves are shaped like huts with curved roofs going inwards in steps and pointed peaks at the top, typical of Nakh architecture. If there is no pointed peak that means the family had no more surviving sun. The crypts tell even more about a family, the higher they were, the higher was their social status. The really big ones held up to 100 corpses.

City of Dead- Dargavs

The bodies were put in what looked little small canoes and shoved into the tiny opening. In some of the crypts you could peak through tiny openings and see the bones, some even wrapped in fabrics. I was told that until not too long ago the corpses wore rings and necklaces. Unbelievable, but recently visitors lost the respect for the dead and stole these precious bits, so the remaining jewelry was taken to a nearby museum. Actually, the site was closed down two months before my arrival, since visitors took photos of themselves with skulls. Only recently had it reopened.

Body were shoved into the structure in small wooden canoe-like coffins

The drive back to Vladikavkaz was equally spectacular, first through a small gorge following a river and then up an unpaved road with stunning vista of snowcapped mountains.

Ossetia’s countryside

Here in Dargavs I learned there were different types towers: Signal towers were high up in mountain and narrow. Towers served also as fortresses when under attack, they were wider and had up to three floors, since people found shelter there. Also amazing the time span they were being built, starting in the 5th century BC till 18th Century

Modern Monaster ies, Medieval R ock- F ortress and Pagan Saints

Not too far from Vladikavkaz is Fiagdon Monastery, an all-male monastery, which was only completed 2002. The monks collect herbs for making tea and produce cheese and honey. It looks way to modern but since I passed by I stopped to take a look.

our little gang that went to South and North Ossetia together

Much more interesting was the Medieval rock-fortress in the village of Dzivgis , which I would not have recognized as such, since it blends perfectly into the high cliff it was built in. In case of an attack the population of the whole gorge could find protection there.

Medival fortress

The Uastyrdzhi monument  catches the unknow traveler by surprise. In Ossetian folklore Uastyrdzhi   is the name of Saint George. He is the patron of the male sex and travellers. It is forbidden for women to pronounce his name, instead they must call him  “the saint of men”. When following the Ossetian Military Road along the River Ardon, it suddenly pops out of the rock. The horse’s hoof is 120 cm, and the palm of George can fit a man. But that is not all. Another place where he is worshipped looks like a church, especially since two small bells hung from a pole right next to it. The story goes that the people kept the bell but also their ancient belief. Since the end of the USSR the cult of Uastyrdzhi has enjoyed renewed popularity.

Uastyrdzhi Memorial = the name of Saint George.

Every year in fall lots of people gather for a big festival to celebrate Uastyrdzhi. The worshipping involved toasts made by an elderly from a wooden mug, who is assisted by two young men. Inside the small museum was a big painting of the very man with a long white beard riding a white horse, the mug and a chain hanging from the ceiling, so typcial for Ossetia.

Inside little museum where Uastyrdzhi is being worshipped

Three Days of September 2004 – The Siege of Beslan School Nr 1

Beslan is a small quiet town in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus . Its streets are lined with brick-stone houses shaded by chestnut-trees, well-tended flower gardens adorn the front and vegetable gardens the back. Beslan could serve as a cliché-like model for a pastoral painting, if there had not been those 3 days in September 2004. On September 1st, t he gym of Beslan ’ s School Nr 1 became the epicenter of the hostage taking that resulted in the death of 335 mostly women and children three days later .

The former gym of Beslan School Nr 1, now a memorial to remind the 335 victims that were kept there for three days with water and food

In Beslan neighbors, family and friends sit outside their houses, chat and a random car or person go by. Children play in the street and a stranger like me walking by causes attention. When I took photos of the flower gardens, some locals were so touched, they took me inside to show me the gardens behind, I was offered food, teach and sweets. 

Beslan: beautiful flower gardens in front of the houses

Local family invited me for lunch and showed off their garden

I stayed with a family who fed me during my three day stay since I could not detect any eatery. The woman had learned some basic English and with google translator we managed to communicate.

Natascha cooking in the super hot little kitchen

Tiny tables, require creativity, stool goes sideways

On September 1 st , 2004, n eatly dressed children with balloons and flowers arrived for the traditional first day-of-school ceremony accompanied by parents and relative s . This moment of joy and happiness suddenly turned into a unparallel ed drama that lasted for three day:  more than 1100 children, parents and teachers were taken hostage by a terrorist group demanding independence for Chechnya.

Water bottled remind of the relentless thirst the children and adults suffered from

Forced into the gym where temperatures reached 40 degrees, the hostages were denied water and food, while the over 30 terrorists planted bombs all over the building. On the third day in an abysmal chaos of explosions, fire and gunshots 335 people were killed. In the video „The Children of Beslan“ children who survived remember those three days, the best documentary in my eyes. Unfiltered, the children talk about what seems unspeakable.

The former gym of Beslan school Nr 1.

In the few sequences of the video that show the end of the siege, even the most uninformed viewer immediately realizes the absolute chaos that dominated the event. To this day, countless questions of the parents have remained unanswered.

Photos of the victims on the wall of the Former gym, most of them children, give the horrid numbers a face

The victims were buried in a new cemetery a bit outside of Beslan, all the tomb stone are made of the same stone, symbolizing the same tragic fate. I passed one grave with five tomb stones, all members of the same family. It is impossible to comprehend the grief and pain that still haunts Beslan.

Another tragic story of is the one of Vitaly Kaloyev , an architect and native of Vladikavkaz. He lost lost his wife and two small children when  two planes collided mid-air over Germany on June 1, 2002. Kaloyev held Peter Nielsen, the sole air traffic controller in Switzerland who was handling traffic the night of the collision, responsible. In 2004, Kaloyev travelled to the Swiss  town of Knoten where he killed Nielsen, who had since retired from air traffic work.

Later, after his release from prison, Kaloyev was appointed deputy minister of construction of North Ossetia-Alania . In 2016, upon retirement from the local Ossetian government, Kaloyev was awarded the highest regional medal by that government, the medal “To the Glory of Ossetia”. The medal is awarded for the highest achievements, improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the region, for educating the younger generation and maintaining law and order.

Vital Kaloyev touching the grave of his wife and two children

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Beslan , Dargavs , Fiagdon Monastery , Mukhtarov Mosque; Vladikavkaz , Uastyrdzhi , Vladikavkaz , Wrestling Academy

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