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The 14 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking in a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We tested dozens of carry-on backpacks and evaluated them based on traits like capacity, comfort, durability, and design. First, we tested the backpacks in our New York City lab and utilized our airplane set complete with row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins. We then took them out into the world for six months to further test each bag on a variety of trips. From rugged to sleek styles, we tested plenty of carry-on backpacks ranging in design and size that impressed us.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The backpack has an unstructured style that makes it easy to pack clothing and accessories, plus a plethora of thoughtful features catered to frequent travelers.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

Salt Lake City-based outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi builds brightly colored clothing and accessories to last. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

We think this durable Cotopaxi bag will remain in excellent condition no matter how many times it hits the road, as it was not damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed it onto the ground. The rubber texture also seemed easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found that it's the perfect size for long weekend trips and helps keep all of our items organized and easy to access. Both stylish and functional, this backpack can even be made one-of-a-kind by choosing the surprise colors option when purchased through Cotopaxi’s website.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

• Design 4.5 /5

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Budget

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Traditional

Samsonite silhouette 17 backpack.

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Thanks to its clamshell design, it’s like a suitcase without wheels.

Some of the straps weren’t intuitive to use.

The Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack is ideal for travelers who like the structure and sleek, minimalist style of a traditional suitcase but want the portability of a backpack. We love that this bag opens like a suitcase, making it easy to access everything inside. There was plenty of space leftover after packing the backpack, and the classic clamshell opening allowed for easy access to items in the compression-strapped main compartment and the zippered pockets on the inside of the front flap. All of the interior and exterior pockets, including the water bottle holder and padded laptop sleeve, are useful for traveling. You can convert the backpack to wear as a duffel bag or a briefcase, and it has a rear strap to place on a rolling suitcase if desired. The straps were easy to adjust, and it felt like the weight was nicely distributed thanks to the structured style of the backpack. There was a small scuff on the bag after we tossed it on the floor during our durability tests, but the contents of the backpack remained unharmed. When flying with the bag during our six-month testing period, we found that it easily fits in airplane overhead bins and under the seat. Overall, it’s a backpack with the features of a well-compartmentalized suitcase and much more.

The Details: 13 x 20.5 x 10.5 inches | 3.31 pounds | Polyester, recyclex | Padded laptop pocket | Convertible straps

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpack on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

• Comfort 4 /5

It can be converted from 40 liters for traveling to 22 liters to use as a daypack. 

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use. After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long. We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. 

The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpack, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. 

The Details: 20-42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

Topo Designs

• Capacity 4 /5

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Customizable

Roam the continental.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Comfort 4.8 /5

You can choose from four colors to customize the shade of the front, back, sides, and straps of the backpack. 

The laptop sleeve isn’t padded.

Customized luggage can be hard to come by, but Roam’s The Continental backpack makes it easier than ever to build the carry-on backpack of your dreams. The front, back, sides, and straps of the bag can be red, green, black, or blue, or you can keep the backpack all one color for a monochromatic look. We were a bit worried about the light colors when we first got our hands on this bag, but after four months of traveling, is has no signs of wear and tear, there are no stains or loose threads, and everything is still in good shape. We were also impressed by the exterior pockets to stash headphones, snacks, chargers, water bottles, or anything else you could need whether lounging in the airport or mid-flight. The bag is made with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric and YKK zippers so it easily handles temperamental weather while traveling. Spacious and easy to access, the front flap opens wide so packing the bag with clothes and shoes was a breeze, too. The laptop pocket in the back could easily fit a 17-inch device, but it isn’t padded, so you may want to store your computer in a case to be on the safe side. 

The Details: 26 liters | 17.75 x 14 x 8 inches | 2.4 pounds | Water-repellent fabric | Laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

• Capacity 4.8 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

• Durability 4.3 /5

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best for Hiking

Kühl eskape 25.

The 25-liter capacity makes this backpack versatile for an airplane or the great outdoors.

It takes some adjustments to get it to fit comfortably on the back.

This rugged carry-on backpack from Kühl is the perfect option for travelers embarking on an outdoor adventure. The smaller size of this bag is its greatest strength since it can easily fit enough clothes for a weekend trip, or you can use it as an adventure pack for day hikes or camping trips. There are a variety of thoughtful features for hikers including a stowaway hip belt for extra support while trekking, load-lifting shoulder straps, and the bag is made with durable TPU-laminated nylon. Plus, the chest strap slides up and down the shoulder straps so travelers can get the most comfortable fit for their upper body. We found that it takes some extra effort to adjust all of the straps for the right fit, but once you do, the bag is comfortable to carry for long periods of time. For even more versatility, the bag has a padded laptop pocket and a variety of other small and large zippered pockets to stay organized if you’re commuting or traveling for work. 

The Details: 25 liters | 20.5 x 9.5 x 12.5 inches | Waterproof nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is basically a suitcase without wheels thanks to its large capacity and clamshell-style opening.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

This lightweight backpack has a sleek and contemporary design that comes in several earthy colors.  

It has a smaller capacity than many backpacks and can only fit a day or two of clothes.

If you’re looking to travel in style, Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is the perfect fit. Functional and contemporary, we found it to be best suited for weekend trips because of its smaller capacity. The bag fit all of the packing items during testing, but it would be difficult to fit much more in the main compartment. The ReNew Transit was comfortable to wear thanks to its lightweight polyester material and compact build. The front flap of the backpack has an external pocket for smaller items, and it folds over to attach magnetically to the front of the backpack. During our durability tests, the front magnets stayed securely together, and the body of the backpack didn’t get crushed or damaged. We liked how it can fit under an airplane seat, making it a versatile backpack for traveling with or without other pieces of luggage. There is a laptop sleeve in the back of the bag as well as a water bottle holder on the side and a front zippered pocket below the folding magnetic lock. With four earthy tones to choose from, this is a bag to fit all travel style preferences. 

The Details: 27 liters | 12 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

The compartments and various straps made packing effortless. 

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On two separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 34 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight on how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was leftover as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space.

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at T+L, where she reviews travel products and writes the majority of the team's "Travel + Leisure Trusted" articles. Anna owns several carry-on backpacks, including the top pick from Cotopaxi, so she combined knowledge of traveling with just a backpack and the thorough lab testing and real-world insights to put together this list of the best carry-on backpacks.

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• Photography

TRANSIT Travel Backpack

Description

Product highlights.

• All-Day Comfort
• Built-to-Last
• Hidden Passport/Travel Wallet Pocket

Hidden Airtag Pocket

• 5L of Expansion (Sizes are max capacity.)
• Laptop & Tablet Sleeve

Dual Quick-Draw Side Access

Horizontal luggage pass-through.

• Accessory Strap Attachment
• Weather-Resistant Material

Specifications

• Volume: 35L
• Weight: 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg)
• Dimensions: 19.5"H X 11.5"W X 8.5-10.5"D (49.5 X 29.2 X 21.6-26.7 CM)
• Volume: 45L
• Weight: 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg)
• Dimensions: 22"H X 12.5"W X 9-11"D (55.9 X 31.8 X 22.9-27.9 CM)

Trip Length: 3 to 5+ days

TRANSIT Travel Backpack is ideal for:

All Day Comfort

Patent Pending WORRYLESS™ Locking Zipper Pullers

5 Liters of Expansion

Hidden Passport Pocket

Laptop and Tablet Sleeve

The WANDRD Ecosystem

Stowable Shoulder Straps

Overview Video

Take a look at the TRANSIT Travel Backpack. 

Can you fit a camera cube in the TRANSIT Travel Backpack?

Both the Essential and the Essential Plus Camera Cubes fit in the TRANSIT Travel 35L and 45L Backpacks.

Are the TRANSIT Travel Backpacks waterproof?

You may also like.

TRANSIT Carry-On Roller

WANDRD Tote Backpack

Travel Wallet

Customer reviews.

• 5 Stars 62 Reviews
• 4 Stars 6 Reviews
• 3 Stars 1 Review
• 2 Stars 0 Reviews
• 1 Star 0 Reviews

Good quality backpack

Holds my laptop and other carry on items nicely. It's very durable with a large capacity. Straps are a little uncomfortable for my shoulders but are comfortable for husbands when he borrows the backpack for traveling.

Very well made and organized bag.

I use this bag for work and lay it on its side next to my seat. It allows me to access everything I need, including the laptop sleeve. My only recommendation is to put double zippers on the inside flap. Unfortunately, the single zipper only opens toward me and allows things to fall out, vs away from where I access the bag. Overall, I really like this bag and it looks amazing.

Love this bag

The high quality that I’ve grown to expect from WANDRD. A great option to carry on flights.

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Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus 38L Review

The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus offers a ton of space, but utilizing all the pockets together takes some planning to avoid losing out on space.

Our Verdict

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• Large capacity for weekend trips
• Attention to detail is commendable
• Includes a built-in hip belt
• Some pockets cut into the main compartment
• Baida Nylon isn’t the easiest to clean
• Shoulder straps feel a bit lacking with the increased capacity

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 25/145 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)

3.3 lb (1.5 kg)

21.65 in x 14.96 in x 9.45 in (55 x 38 x 24 cm)

Notable Materials

Polyester, Nylon, YKK Zippers, Leather

Manufacturing Country

Philippines

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Bellroy 3 Year Warranty

Buying Options

Full Review

Smarts and stylishness effectively working together is a good way to earn a thumbs up from us, which is why we liked the Bellroy Transit Backpack . We praised its optimized layout and organization, and we further complimented the style and build quality. Some of you might have looked at that review and thought, “But what if it were bigger ?”

Wonder no more, folks, as we’re taking a look at the Transit Backpack Plus in this review. It has a bit more of everything when it comes to capacity and organization, as befitting the additional 10-liters it gains from the regular 28-liter version. However, there is a bit of a balancing act necessary to make full use of this travel backpack . There are also some hits and misses we’ve observed throughout the testing period, including a sub-optimal harness system. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Materials & Aesthetic

On the surface, it’s not immediately apparent that this large travel backpack is from Bellroy. That changes once you look closer or touch the fabric. There are fewer leather bits, though that’s most likely because there’s more fabric than leather on a big backpack like this. The Marine Blue fabric here is much more eye-catching than the leather bits, making the latter more of a trim rather than accent pieces. None of these is to say that Bellroy dropped the ball when it comes to styling. We still think the Transit Backpack Plus is a good-looking backpack with just the right amount of tasteful lines and design features.

It’s a bit of a shame that we got it muddy through numerous bike rides, but we like to think of each drop as a badge of honor earned through the daily grind. Unfortunately, the Baida Nylon isn’t the easiest fabric to clean compared to, say, tarpaulin or other more water-resistant types of nylon. It’s not impossible to clean, though, and a deeper clean with soapy water and some elbow grease will bring it back to pristine status.

Blue might not be the best color to hide subtle stains. For that, the other colorways available at the time of writing might serve you better. There’s Black, Charcoal, and Lunar—the latter two accentuate the leather pieces more, by the way, if that’s your thing.

We’ve got nothing to report in terms of damage—even with the noticeable mud stains, nothing has fallen off or frayed up. At the very least, the Baida Nylon is not only good to the touch but durable as well. The water-resistant YKK zippers zip up and down without a fuss, and the magnetic buckles are just as satisfying as you would expect, enough that you might fidget around with it if you feel like using the sternum strap.

The way the Transit Backpack Plus’ is put together is up to par with what we’ve come to expect from Bellroy, though we did find a few chinks in the backpack’s armor. We’ll be diving more into the individual features to see where there are weaknesses in the quality, plus which design choices we liked and which we didn’t.

External Components

One of the few (but major) aspects of the Transit Backpack Plus where Bellroy could have done better is the harness system. At 38 liters, the Transit Backpack Plus is firmly within travel backpack territory. To cope with this, it does have a fairly comprehensive harness system, complete with a sternum strap and hip belt.

Bellroy has ticked the right boxes for the harness system. The shoulder straps are densely padded, the sternum strap is mounted on a sliding system that adjusts easily, and the hip belt is padded and stows away completely behind the back panel. The cherry on top is that the buckles on the latter two are magnetic, though we still prefer the typical side-release buckles. The bag felt comfortable to lean against as well, thanks to the well-padded back panel that has a ribbed pattern and curved shape.

Unfortunately, the overall result doesn’t feel adequate for the 38-liter capacity. It felt like the backpack felt it was riding low, probably because the aluminum adjusters slid loose, undoing our preferred strap length a lot of the time. We wish Bellroy scaled the shoulder straps to fit the bigger capacity, though it doesn’t make the Transit Backpack Plus completely unwieldy.

There are top and right-hand side handles to move the backpack around short distances. At the Transit Backpack Plus’ size, the top handle’s positioning does give it a noticeable tilt, but nothing too problematic unless you’re dedicated to carrying your travel backpack by hand all the way.

You also get a luggage pass-through, and it has a rather neat—yet subtle—design. A small amount of fabric shrouds the strap’s top portion. There’s a bit of elasticity inside that gives the pass-through a degree of adjustability Of course, it still works as a luggage pass-through as intended, yet we appreciate the nice touch.

Water bottle pockets seem to be non-existent on the 38-liter Transit Backpack Plus, though that’s not the case. Bellroy made both left and right side pockets built into the bag’s sides. This gives the backpack a more streamlined profile at the cost of space in the main compartment. Our 18-oz YETI Rambler is a respectable size, so having two of them on either side takes away a decent amount of room, as we’ll see later.

You can use both or either of the side pockets as quick-grab pockets if you so desire. We used one of them for a bunch of car accessories we keep for rental cars, so we don’t mix them up for our other everyday carry items. The size is meant for water bottles, making them good for chunky items like those, though we caution against putting fragile items like sunglasses inside because they can get squished like our protein bars were. We ended up with crumbs, so it’s best not to test it with glass.

Inside The Pack

For your other everyday carry items and more fragile accessories, there’s a top quick-grab pocket. The interior material is stretchy, allowing it to fit more gear if needed. This pocket is also less likely to face pressure compared to the side pockets, which is ideal for sunglasses, smartphones, and stuff you generally don’t want bent or broken. In charge of keeping it nice and secure is a self-locking YKK—quite handy if you have a power bank inside and want to route a power cable through a small gap in the zipper.

In case you carry a travel notebook with you and like to get analog with your writing, the front pocket has you covered in that department as well. Inside are two pen silos, which we think is a good combo for a pen and a pencil, and a liner pocket for small travel documents. The interior space is wide enough for a full-sized moleskin notebook, and we reckon you can get away with more depending on how thick your notebooks are. You also get a key clip, and we think this is one of the weaker parts of the Transit Backpack Plus. The clip feels a bit plasticky, and the ribbon feels similar to what we’d use on a present. It gets the job done, though it could be better.

Next is the laptop compartment. Befitting from the 38-liter capacity, it fits our 15-inch MacBook Pro without any issues, and it can also fit the newer 16-inch versions if you have that. The opening is about the width of the backpack, so we were extra cautious not to let anything small fall inside. The compartment is relatively deep, and fishing out something small is a hassle worth avoiding, even with the fairly bright interior fabric.

Inside the laptop compartment is a zippered pocket, which we used to store our tech pouch. Fitting our tech pouch inside this pocket is great as it means we don’t have to place it inside a separate compartment from our laptop. In case you don’t use a tech pouch, this compartment can act as one for your charger and mouse, plus some smaller dongles and adapters you want to throw inside.

Finally, we have the main compartment, and there are plenty of pockets for organization inside here as much as there are outside of it. The whole compartment opens up fully clamshell-style, granting you unrestricted access to the cavernous space inside. This is great for easy packing since it’s very similar to how you would do it with a larger suitcase. In fact, the inside of the Transit Backpack Plus resembles the inside of a suitcase thanks to the hold-down straps.

On the front side is a zippered mesh pocket at the top for small accessories like gloves, socks, or some toiletries if you don’t use a separate Dopp kit. Behind that is a wide compartment for flat items like sandals or flip-flops. The bottom portion of the front side appears to be another mesh pocket, but it’s just a bit of see-through mesh for visibility and ventilation of whatever’s inside the wide compartment. Not much structure to this panel unless you have your sandals in, but the rest of the main compartment’s walls do hold up well for easier packing.

There are more pockets on the opposite side, in case you were wondering. There are also side pockets inside the main compartment (not to be confused with the water bottle side pockets). On the left is a diagonally-cut mesh pocket where you can throw in the beefiest power bank you can find and on the right side is a zippered mesh pocket for the small cables that can plug into that power bank. Lastly, in case you’re not a fan of packing cubes , there’s a built-in hold-down strap to keep your clothes tied down.

That’s a lot of pockets for one bag, and it’s appropriate for a 38-liter travel backpack. You’ll want the best of both worlds when it comes to space and organization, and we think Bellroy was heading in the right direction. However, the Transit Backpack Plus does come with a catch: space and organization require a bit of careful planning to utilize fully.

Some of the other pockets on the Transit Backpack Plus eat away at a portion of the main compartment. The stretchy top quick-grab pocket and side water bottle pockets are built into the body, and you’ll have to factor in the interior side pockets if you wish to occupy all of them. Even the top pocket of the laptop compartment can eat away a decent chunk of the space. Furthermore, the mesh pockets on the front panel can bulge out if packed in too tightly.

As a result, packing the Transit Backpack Plus does require some planning if you want to max out all of the available compartments. In our case, our setup of two large packing cubes, a large Dopp kit, and a rolled-up hoodie works. But if you throw in, say, two large water bottles on each side, then it might not work as well as before. We totally dig the amount of organization Bellroy has thrown in the Transit Backpack Plus; you just have to find your Goldilocks zone of packing to maximize its potential.

The Transit Backpack Plus feels like it hit a lot of the correct marks when it comes to a great travel backpack, and in a lot of ways, it did. The amount of space and organization is enough for a weekend trip, and it was able to take in the rather large Aer Dopp Kit 2 . We do think there is a surplus of organization inside, and it will be up to you on how to best use it while making the most of available space. We also think the harness system could use an upgrade, with a particular focus on the shoulder straps and the aluminum hardware. The current straps don’t make the Transit Backpack Plus unbearable, just not optimal.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Tons of organization all over this bag including a tech pouch, packing straps in the main compartment, and mesh pocket for storing clothes
• Side water bottle pocket conceals the bottle to keep a sleek and clean look
• Hideaway hip belt helps distribute the weight of this bag
• The bag got decently muddy after a bike ride—the Baida Nylon can be hard to clean, though it feels nice in the hand
• As usual, digging all of the small Bellroy touches on the bag
• Top drop pocket is convenient and stretchy
• This bag has been on a trip from Michigan to California at this point
• Noticed that the backpack straps can become loose randomly—aluminum hardware can slip
• We enjoy the pockets and compartments, though “tub style” packing with packing cubes is harder if they’re all utilized

Get your questions about the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus 38L answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more.

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Bellroy Transit Backpack Review

Last summer, I fell in love. Deeply in love, madly in love… with a bag. But not just any bag. The Bellroy Weekender Plus was my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and I’m still smitten. When given the opportunity to look at the Bellroy Transit Backpack , I jumped at the chance. 

Like most of their products, Bellroy’s Transit Line is designed to make your life easier and more fluid. In particular, Bellroy wants to take the stress out of travel so you can enjoy the journey and adventure. There are three bags in this collection, the Weekender Plus, the Flight Bag, and last but not least the Transit Bag. This 28L travel backpack looks to streamline one-bag travel, but does it achieve that goal?

Who It Suits

This is for those who like to double strap when they travel.

One-baggers who would like a piece that can do it all!

Travel-friendly – meets all requirements!

Who It Doesn’t

If you prefer sleek, smaller profiles, this might not be for you!

Travel Simplified

This bag feels like it is born out of frustration. You can imagine the team at Bellroy regaling tales of missed connections, lost bags, wandering passports and all of the other issues that you can encounter when traveling. What I mean by that is that this piece of luggage attempts to solve all the problems you can have with short-term travel. And guess what – they’ve succeeded.

I’ve found that Bellroy’s biggest strength is making usable products that simplify your day-to-day. That is the ethos of this bag, too. It excels at blending into the background, with simple and smart color choices. The materials are premium, but not at the expense of selling a kidney. There is a space or slot for everything you need on your short trip, but not for anything superfluous. That is exactly what you need when traveling: something that allows you to focus on the destination. 

Once in a while, a bag just works for you, and your interactions are seamless – that’s how I feel about the Bellroy Transit Backpack. It doesn’t mean it’s perfect, I don’t believe there is such a thing. But it does what it is supposed to and it does it very well. As with their Weekender Plus, there are also small notes filled with well-thought-out offerings that guide you through the bag before you even pack it. Through these small gestures, you are experiencing Bellroy’s mantra – they want to use this bag to have adventures – both new and old! 

I’ve been using this bag for around five months now, and I’ll be using it for many more to come. It’s come with me for long weekends away, bachelor parties, and overnight trips. From urban exploration to snowy mountainous getaways – this backpack has excelled. The materials feel great in your hand, the rich canva weave is durable – robust and reliable. This has taken beatings in the rain, been hauled around grubby trains and even been caught in some serious snow. But looking at it now, you wouldn’t know – it looks like it’s brand new!

Bellroy are at the front of the closed loop charge in the soft goods industry and that story continues here. The Transit is made from recycled materials that actually reduce energy consumption during production, while the leather zipper pulls and details all come from gold-rated Leather Working Group Tanneries. I have the charcoal colorway of this bag and I love it – simple, clean, and elegant styling means it will work wherever you need it to – a positive trait in a travel bag. Who knows where it will take you! 

Much like my experience with the Weekender Plus , this bag is a joy to use. Bellroy appear to have really examined the minutiae of travel, and how you act when you’re doing it. What I’m getting at is that there isn’t a learning curve with this bag. Sometimes when we purchase a new bag it takes a few trips to assimilate and synchronize with your new beau. But with the Bellroy Transit Backpack – my hands went to the right pockets, at the right moments without a second thought. From the sunglasses pocket on the top of the bag, to the pen slips just inside the front zipper where you can grab them quickly, the Transit is an intelligently designed bag.

Thanks to the clamshell opening you can see your whole packing space. The high side “walls” give you a surprising amount of space. Listed at 28L, it comfortably held four days’ worth of complete outfit changes for me, and if you’re a minimalist, I’m willing to bet you could make that stretch a lot further than I can! There is also a Plus version of this backpack which comes in at 38L.

The rectangular shape of the main cavity makes it a dream to pack – it’s very easy to go from wardrobe to bag without having to refold. An internal elastic compression strap (with magnetic closure!) keeps everything in place as you travel. I really like this feature! If you are traveling and just using one bag, it almost acts as a divider between your quick-to-grab gear and not-until-later gear. You can keep your underwear, evening garments, or whatever else under the compression straps while being able to grab a jacket or sweater quickly from the main compartment. The strap also works for holding down any magazines or documents, so they don’t do the traditional “sink to the bottom and get crumpled” routine. The clay red interior makes it easy to see your contents and complements the subtle exterior styling.

Pockets, pockets, pockets. Internally and externally, Bellroy have you covered. On the front of the bag, there is a vertical zip that houses a key loop, two pen slots, and a wallet/phone mesh net. This is easy to access at all times, and it actually has great volume. You can comfortably fit a book in there on top of the aforementioned. Moving up the backpack, you have a stretchy quick-access pocket, which is designed for sunglasses. It is softly lined, so you needn’t worry about your glasses getting damaged. I love this pocket, and as a glasses wearer, I wish every bag had one. It’s the perfect size and shape – I found that it can hold two pairs of glasses without their cases.

Going over the top of the backpack (past the incredibly comfortable grab handle!) you come to the lined laptop compartment. This will hold a 16″ laptop with ease and I really enjoy the quarter opening. Enough to give you the traction needed for in/out, but still sleek in line with the rest of the styling. Also inside the laptop compartment is a useful tech pocket. You can fit a small tech pouch in there or just have your cables and chargers loose – this is also a good option for headphones!

On both sides of the bag are two concealed pockets. These are water bottle pockets. I LOVE the hidden aspect here, it keeps everything tidy, and I found it held a 500ml insulated bottle comfortably – I’m sure you could probably fit a bigger bottle in here – although be aware it will take away some internal space. These hidden pockets are also great for a passport, wallet, or keys if you’d like them to be out of the way. Internally there are two zip pockets on the “front” of the clamshell opening. One horizontal shorter pocket, great for toiletries, and a pocket around twice that size with a vertical zipper for on the side – I found this to be the natural spot for underwear. 

Now all of the pockets and sleek styling are great – but they mean nothing if the bag isn’t comfortable – particularly for travel. Thankfully, it is supremely comfortable. Well-padded shoulder straps, a ventilated mesh back panel, and a magnetic sternum strap allow easy transit when you’re loaded up with the Transit. Would I take this on a 15-mile hike? No, that’s not what it’s meant for. But it’s handled mile after mile of city streets without me even batting an eye. The ventilated back panel shouldn’t be underestimated here – once you’ve loaded up your backpack for travel, it can be pretty weighty. The central channel gives you great ventilation and helps to mitigate sticky back syndrome.

Another key strength of the Bellroy Transit Backpack is its versatility. At 28L it also doubles as an excellent EDC bag. You can travel with this to your destination, unpack at your lodgings, and then head out with this as your day bag. When not traveling it’s proved to be a good gym bag, with plenty of room for shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes. It can also hold plenty of beer and food from the grocery store.

Where next?

While I am a big fan of the Transit line, it doesn’t mean that they are flawless. The Bellroy Transit Backpack could do with a few tweaks that would elevate it to the god tier for me. Locking zippers, like on the Weekender Plus and Flight Bag would be excellent; I think that should be a necessity on a travel bag. Internally, the bag could benefit from a few zippered mesh pockets along the side wall. I think that would elevate the organization of both clothing (think belts, socks, toiletries) and EDC. These aren’t deal-breakers by any stretch of the imagination, but there is always room for improvement!

With the Transit line, Bellroy is making travel simpler – just as I found with the Weekender Plus. That is an admirable and welcome achievement. The fact I don’t have to think about this bag while I travel tells me everything I need to know. Bellroy has engineered the humble backpack to near perfection as a travel tool. 

A heads up, Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can learn more here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Laurence Fry

Senior editor | photographer.

Laurence is a Brit abroad, living in the North Eastern US. A creative at heart specialising in photography, videography, writing, and design. He loves the outdoors, and can often be found reading in a hammock (with a gin or IPA in hand).

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Transit Workpack

20L, 16" laptop / Versatile, work-friendly day bag

Transit Backpack

28 liters, 16’’ laptop / Extra-capacity, for big adventures

Transit Backpack Plus

38L, 16’’ laptop / Big organization, optimized for travel

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A Deuter Backpack Review: The Deuter Transit 50

Posted by Riley Loftus | Sep 10, 2023 | Intel , Luggage | 0 |

The Deuter Transit 50 is the Deuter Backpack Geared Toward the Urban Explorer

The Deuter Transit 50 is sleek, large, breathable, and comfortable. Plus, the color accents around the zippers make a nice touch. This Deuter backpack has all the necessary features you are looking for in a travel backpack, including extra back padding, a suspension system that your shoulders will thank you for, and numerous zipper compartments to keep your belongings organized. Plus, the pack comes with an additional daypack that easily latches onto the front of this Deuter backpack .

The one thing about this backpack that we should mention up front is that the rain cover will need to be purchased separately. Also, the bag only sometimes fits into the overhead bin on the airplane. If the pack is loaded down, it does not fit with ease into the bins. However, when the bag is not completely packed, there is a good chance that you can carry it onboard with you. We figured it was best to let you know this up front in case these things make or break your decision to purchase the Deuter Transit 50. If you are still interested (and there are plenty of reasons to stay interested) then continue reading our Deuter Transit 50 review.

A Little About Deuter Backpacks

Deuter has been around for a long time. Since 1898, to be exact. The company focuses on making high-quality outdoor products for outdoorsy travelers. Those who ache to be sitting in front of campfires, skiing down mountains, hiking through trails, pitching tents, and exploring the great big world we live in will appreciate Deuter backpacks. These packs are designed to make outdoor adventures as lightweight and exciting as possible. When looking at the Deuter Transit 50 backpack we appreciate that this backpack is geared toward the urban explorer just as much (if not more) than the trail explorer.

Having a backpack that is high-quality makes all the difference. The Deuter Transit 50 is a medium size travel backpack with many features and benefits. Travelers can use the Transit 50 on outdoor mountain adventures and city adventures. Whether you are backpacking through South America or backpacking through Europe, this pack is great because of its size and the detachable daypack. Travelers can leave the main 50L backpack in their hostel or hotel room and wander into the city with only their daypack. For more information on the key features and functions of this Deuter backpack, stay tuned.

Deuter Transit 50 Features & Benefits

The Deuter Transit 50 Breakdown

At a 50L gear capacity, this bag is a decent medium size travel backpack. The dimensions of the bag are 25 x 13 x 10 inches. The Deuter Transit 50 weighs in at 5 pounds and is a unisex bag. The material of the backpack is made of 95% Polyester and 5% Nylon. The fabric is very resistant, even when going through the rough process of baggage handling. The pack also includes a removable daypack, which is ideal for the urban explorer. The only color option this bag comes in is the grey/green color combination.

U-Shaped Zip Compartment

The main compartment of the backpack opens suitcase style, rather than via a top opening. This feature of the Transit 50 makes it very easy to pack and unpack your belongings. When you need to quickly find an item in your backpack, you no longer have to unpack all your belongings in order to find it. The U-shaped design is appreciated by all travelers. Particularly when you are interested in purchasing a backpack that is 50L or more, you don't want to hassle of rummaging to the very bottom of your pack to find items you are looking for. Plus, if you are into packing with packing cubes, then you can do so with this travel backpack. Packing cubes store nicely within the U-shaped zip compartment.

Shoulder Strap Turns Backpack into Duffle Bag

This bag is more than a backpack. It can also be carried like a duffle bag with the easily attachable and removable shoulder strap. Talk about versatility. This feature of the Deuter Transit 50 is very practical when you want to change up your carrying style.

Stowaway Shoulder Straps

With this Deuter backpack, travelers have the ability to stowaway the shoulder straps, which ensures that they do not get caught up in anything during your travels. This is especially helpful when traveling through the airport. Travelers can simply stowaway shoulder straps and buckets with ease before boarding the plane.

This is also convenient for when travelers want to carry the backpack via single shoulder strap, like a duffle bag. Store all those extra straps into the back compartment and you can haul your pack across your chest in duffle bag fashion.

External Compression Straps

The side compressions straps are ideal to compress belongings when your pack is full. Instead of having a bulky turtle shell on your back, you can cinch everything down with the external compression straps.

Adjustable Suspension System

The shoulder straps on the Transit 50 are adjustable, which allow travelers to find the most comfortable fit for them. The pack's weight is also distributed from shoulders to hips, so backpackers can strap on this backpack without killing their shoulders.

Two Grab Handles

There are two grab handles on this backpack. The locations include at the top of the bag and on the side. These durable handles ensure that travelers can easily pick up and transport their bag.

Zippered Bottom Compartment

The zippered bottom compartment is a convenient addition to this Deuter backpack. This spacious compartment is a great way to keep dirty clothes/shoes or wet clothes/shoes separate from your clean and dry belongings in the main compartment. The bottom compartment can also be a useful space to store lightweight jackets and other travel items.

Breathable Foam Back

You don't want a back full of sweat when exploring a new place. This Deuter backpack has a foam back that is cushioned with comfort. The back-padding is also designed to be very breathable.

Detachable Daypack

On day trips, hauling the massive 50L pack is simply unnecessary. On those days, just take the daypack exploring with you! The detachable daypack is 12L in size. Store cameras, travel journals , wallets, and any other travel essentials into this lightweight pack.

What Travelers Are Saying About the Deuter Transit 50

The Transit 50 is larger than you think. Most travelers are surprised by the size of the bag, even though 50L is not super big compared to 70+L bags. Apart from the backpack's size, the great majority of travelers report that they would purchase this product again in a heartbeat. They love the storage compartments and the backpack to duffle bag feature.

Alternative Travel Backpacks

Osprey farpoint.

The Osprey Farpoint travel backpack comes in three sizes–40L, 55L, and 70L. If you are looking for a pack that is carry-on friendly, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40. You may have luck carrying on the Deuter Transit 50, but like we mentioned, when the Transit 50 is stuffed to max capacity it will most likely not fit in the overhead bin. With the Osprey Farpoint 40, you can rest assured that your backpack will be carry-on compatible.

If you are looking for a pack that holds more than the Deuter Transit 50, consider the Osprey Farpoint 70. No matter what size you select, the Osprey Farpoint is ideal for mountain adventures and city adventures. These backpacks have a spacious main compartment, mesh exterior pockets for water bottles and snacks, an internal laptop and tablet sleeve, a suspension system that transfers to load from harness to hipbelt, and so many more neat features. Much like the Deuter Transit 50, the Osprey Farpoint backpacks are ideal for the urban explorer.

Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

The look of the Patagonia Black Hole backpack is sleek and stylish. With a waterproof laminate finish, this travel backpack is more than just good looks. The bag can also put up with harsh weather conditions. The Patagonia Black Hole is faithful to keep your clothing, electronics, and other belongings dry even when buckets of rainfall come pouring down on this pack. When traveling, the most unpredictable thing can be the weather. If you don't want to get stuck with damp clothes, then the Patagonia Black Hole backpack is the waterproof pack to consider. In addition, this bag is made of lightweight material and sits comfortably on the hips of the one carrying the pack.

Final Thoughts on the Deuter Transit 50

Credit: Flickr

To carry heavy weight in a light way, consider purchasing the Deuter Transit 50. This travel backpack is great for outdoor expeditions, but is mainly tailored toward the urban explorer. The detachable daypack is a convenient addition that makes wander through a new city an easy and lightweight task. This pack is also unique because it can be carried like a duffle bag if you wish. The additional shoulder strap gives this bag versatility. Travelers can choose to wear the Transit 50 like a backpack, or like a duffle bag when they attach the shoulder strap.

In addition, with so many internal and external compartments to store belongings, travelers can pack in an organized fashion. The U-shaped zip compartment allows for items to be easily retrieved. No more rummaging to the very bottom of the pack (and messing up your neat organization system) to locate an item. Overall, we and many other travelers agree that the Deuter Transit 50 is a backpack worth considering.

After reading our Deuter Transit 50 review, are you impressed or still think you're looking for something else? In the comments section below, share what features you like the most about this Deuter backpack!

Related Article: ​ 10 Best Travel Backpacks Reviewed ​​​

About The Author

Riley Loftus

Riley is a creative who is fascinated by the details of life. She feels most at home in an airport and cares most deeply about culture, exploring the world, and global justice. Riley also believes in the power of storytelling and in a love that has no limits. Keep up with Riley on her Instagram page where she contemplates grace and writes her raw thoughts on life, faith, and the world around her.

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Moscow Metro: The Complete Guide

The Moscow Metro is busy, but easy to use

Robert Schrader

With nearly 7 million riders per day on its 16 lines, the Moscow Metro is the sixth-busiest metro system in the world as of March 2019. Riding the Moscow Metro, however, does not need to be a stressful experience. In fact, it's by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around Moscow, especially since many Moscow Metro stations are veritable works of art. Our guide to the public transportation will teach you how to ride the Metro and more.

How to Ride the Moscow Metro

Here is some essential practical information you need to know to easily and seamlessly ride the Moscow Metro.

• Fares: Moscow Metro fares start at 55 rubles for a one-way ticket, which is good for five days after purchase. You'll pay more if your journey takes you outside of the central Moscow zones of A and B, though this is not the case for most tourists.
• How to Pay: Cash is the only way to buy a one-way ticket. However, if you have Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, you can tap your phone directly at the ticket gate and enter using NFC technology. You can also use both mobile payments and credit cards to top-up your reloadable Troika card.
• Routes and Hours: The Moscow Metro has 13 lines that snake and criss-cross the city, plus outer and inner loop lines that string them together, as well as a monorail. The Moscow Metro is open from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and trains run with a frequency that can range between 1 and 7 minutes.
• Service Alerts: Download the official MosMetro app on the AppStore or Google Play .
• Transfers: Regardless of how you pay to enter the Moscow Metro, you can transfer to any of the core lines plus the Moscow Monorail without passing through an additional ticket gate. If you wish to transfer to bus lines, airport trains or other rail services, paying with Troika or your mobile device might be more convenient.
• Accessibility: Although Moscow Metro is impressive and modern in many ways, it is not very accessible . Visitors who use wheelchairs should try to avoid the subway and take aboveground transportation instead.

Beautiful Moscow Metro Stations

The Moscow Metro has achieved internet notoriety — and not just because of how busy it is. Several Moscow Metro stations are distractingly beautiful, including:

• Aviamotornaya: Brilliant gold themed to the flight of Icarus.
• Komsomolskaya: Bright yellow ceilings and murals chronicling Russia's journey to independence.
• Mayakovskaya: Art Deco, featuring mosaic ceilings and pink marble floor
• Park Pobedy: Modern station (built in 2003) with colorful murals; one of the deepest metro stations in the world (276 feet below ground!).
• Ploschad Revolutsii: Constructed in 1938 at the height of Soviet pride, this station is home to bronze statues that locals still rub for good luck.

Although it's technically legal to take pictures within the Moscow Metro, guards might approach you if you spend too long photographing a particular station, or use professional equipment like a tripod. Be as discreet as possible to avoid an uncomfortable confrontation!

Other Moscow Public Transit

In addition to the (mostly) subterranean transport offered by the Moscow Metro, Russia's capital is home to a number of aboveground transport options. This includes a large network of buses, as well as trams and "trolley buses." While these are all cheaper than the Moscow Metro, they also require some command of Russian to use; the ordinary buses are also subject to sitting in Moscow's terrible traffic.

In terms of payment, your Moscow Metro ticket isn't valid for transit to any other form of transit, though a Troika card will allow you to do so seamlessly. Likewise, while the various Aeroexpress trains (between Sheremetyevo Airport and Belorussky Station, Domodedovo Airport and Paveletsky Station and between Vnukovo Airport and Kievsky Station) feature modern vehicles and offer fast, reliable connections to Moscow's major airports, these lines are not considered to be part of the Moscow Metro system.

As noted earlier, the Moscow Metro is technically organized by "Zone," with the center of Moscow being occupied by the "A" and "B" zone. Again, you shouldn't worry too much about this. If you're hanging out in the parts of the city, you probably speak enough Russian to be able to ask a local for advice!

Taxis and Ride Sharing Apps

The bad news? It is exceedingly unlikely that a taxi drive in Moscow will speak English. The good news? Uber works in Moscow as of March 2019, which means that if you have the app installed on your smartphone (and a Russian SIM card, which you can pick up at Moscow Airport), your next Moscow ride is basically a matter of plug-and-play.

Russia also has a number of homegrown ride sharing apps, though these aren't as ubiquitous as Uber — they also don't have good English-language interfaces. If you're interested in learning more about them, in any case, be sure to visit the websites of InDriver or Taxi Maxim . Keep in mind that many of these applications require Russian credit cards, or a Russian bank account to pay for rides.

Security-wise, the technological aspect of using ride sharing apps in Russia makes them relatively safe. On the other hand, taxis have a dodgy reputation at best. If you do end up needing to take a taxi in Moscow, make sure to use a registered car. The ones waiting at the airport stands are generally legitimate; within the city limits, try and have your hotel call a taxi to be safe.

Renting a Car in Moscow

Traffic in Moscow is reliably awful, to say nothing of how difficult navigating the city's serpentine network of ring roads and one-way streets can be. However, if you do want to rent a car in Moscow (or in Russia, more generally) there are some facts you should keep in mind.

Documentation wise, it's not officially necessary to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) — your US driver's license will work, at least if you plan to drive in Russia for less than six months. However, it might serve you well to get an IDP (you can apply at your local AAA office) for peace of mind. In Russia as in the US, you drive on the right side of the road; gas costs about 40 rubles per liter, or about $2.40 per gallon.

Another potential downfall of renting a car of Russia is the threat of interactions with Russian traffic police. While this doesn't put you in any mortal danger, there is a chance you'll have to bribe your way out of any confrontation, which outside the center of Moscow or other Russian cities will almost certainly necessitate some Russian language or body language skills.

Tips for Getting Around Moscow

Regardless of whether you take the Moscow Metro or any of the other transportation options listed here, these general tips for getting around Moscow will serve you well:

• Moscow's city center is very walkable. Unless you're visiting on a bitterly cold day during the middle of winter, many of Moscow's attractions are close enough together that you could walk. For example, you can easily walk from Red Square to Gorky Park, Bolshoy Theatre , Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts , the Kremlin or simply along the Moskva River.
• All roads lead to Red Square. Although Moscow is not a grid-pattern city, it is relatively organized. The majority of major roads start and end at Red Square; the rest are circular ones that connect the "spokes" from Red Square. With this basic idea in mind, it's pretty difficult to get lost in Moscow!
• Moscow's awful traffic means that rail is usually the quickest option. Even if the physical distance between two places is shorter by car, traveling via the Moscow Metro is probably going to be quicker.
• English signage in Moscow has greatly improved over the years. On the other hand, familiarizing yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet before your trip to Russia probably wouldn't be a bad idea. If you need to push someone out of the way (spoiler alert: you probably will!), say izvineetye (sorry) to excuse yourself.
• Petty theft is common, especially during rush hour. Wear your backpack in front of your body, and don't keep large amounts of cash (or your smartphone!) in your back pocket. Hide any conspicuous signs of wealth to avoid being a target!

The Moscow Metro is easy to use—once you get the hang of it. After all, more than two billion trips take place across its rails every year. If it were difficult, this simply wouldn't be possible! Want to learn more about things to do in Moscow? Make sure to check out this guide to Red Square , which is both the geographical and cultural heart of Moscow (and arguably Russia).

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Best Travel Backpacks in India to Suit All Your Travel Needs and Styles

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