Messenger bag, backpack, carry-on suitcase … many manufacturers are now blurring the distinction between these types of luggage. These days, it’s easier than ever to find luggage that does all three.
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Standard Luggage’s new and appropriately named Travel Backpack does just that. It’s simple, versatile, and functional with just enough design flair to make you feel like you’re traveling in style.
They asked us to check out a sample bag and here’s what we found …
The Skinny
In Standard’s own words, the Travel Backpack:
… is designed to meet airline luggage rules. Our travel bag is an all-in-one travel backpack, messenger bag, and duffle. Designed with concealable backpack straps, thoughtfully located compartments, side and top handles, our carry-on backpack is a versatile companion to give you full confidence for any journey.
With an expandable capacity of 35 – 45L, separate luggage and laptop compartments, this travel system helps you save you time and money without the need to check your bag at the airport.
The Traveler’s Take
Straight out of the box, the first thing I notice is the construction. The exterior is 1680 denier high tenacity ballistic nylon which is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It feels very sturdy and well-built. The included rain cover ensures extra protection for your gear when the weather goes south. YKK zippers all around provide easy, snag-free opening and closure.
But the real win is the bag’s clever versatility. A series of well-placed handles, zippers, and straps essentially combine three distinct travel bags into one. A long strap allows it to be shouldered like a messenger bag; the top handle provides for old-school suitcase-style carrying; and dual hideaway straps afford a standard backpack configuration. It’s worth noting that this is a full-size pack — it’s quite large for a messenger bag and the maximum 45-liter capacity means it’s equally large as a backpack. Minimalist travelers (like myself) should have no problem packing weeks worth of clothing and essentials in just this one bag. (Of course, your mileage may vary …)
I’m a huge fan of clamshell bags as they allow quick, easy access to everything in your pack when fully opened. The bag’s cavernous main interior section features built-in compression straps to secure all your belongings. Zippered pouches on the outer flap provide organizational space for smaller items likes toiletries, underwear, etc. A separate laptop pouch includes pockets and compartments of various sizes to keep your pens, change, and other tiny travel bits in place. The exterior offers smaller additional pockets that are ideal for easy access to things like passports, headphones, and wallets.
Luggage these days tends to fall into one of two categories: a large cavernous space with too few pockets for proper organization OR so many pockets that every bit of travel gear has its own. Neither works particularly well for me. But, the Travel Backpack strikes a good balance.
The bag also ships with tasteful, burnt orange accents including luggage tags, a handle wrap, and zipper pulls. However, the company also includes a set of accents in teal for when you’re looking to change things up.
Pricing + Availability
Available now for $179 (USD) with free worldwide shipping direct from Standard Luggage.