Topo Designs Travel Bag Review | 40L Backpack For Carry On Travel

[@PackHacker]

Are you a fan of the Topo Designs style?

[@JasonMaynard]

YES! I have the commuter briefcase and love it. Got the 30L Travel bag, then swapped it for the 40L as I am the go-to guy for extra space when traveling with the family (who I make go with only one bag).

[@bsandr4631]

Thinking of getting the 30l for a 7day trip to uk. Think the 40l is overkill for me.

[@PackHacker]

@@JasonMaynard Awesome to hear! -Hannah

[@PackHacker]

@@bsandr4631 30L sounds great! -Hannah

[@trackingbeam]

yes, in the last month I have bought three accessory bags and two backpacks. I love the feel and look of the bags. The zips are so solid. The 30L travel bag is one of my favourite things - the 1680 ballistic weave feels unbreakable and the bag is just the right size for me.

[@JasonMaynard]

I've had three travel bags by Topo: the original travel bag (which was 33L), then the 30L and 40L. They made great improvements over the old original bag. Grab handles, organization, depth to the outer pockets. I could have made the 30L work but moved up to the 40L for family travel (dad carries the extra stuff). I love the boxiness as mentioned. NOTE: the 30L does not have a hip belt (but you don't really need it). I have no issues with the shoulder straps, but I only carry for travel (airports, train stations, hotels).

[@PackHacker]

Great to hear you're digging your setup Jason - and glad to hear there have been improvements on this iteration! We haven't had much hands-on experience with the previous version. And of course, dad get stuck with the extra stuff 🎒🚀🙂 - Tom

[@JasonMaynard]

@@PackHacker Yes, Dads do. The old version was adequate, but bad grab handles and the outer pocket had zero depth so it's organization was negated. They fixed those and added some other great features (hip belt on the 40L, interior compartments). And the ability to hook a smaller Topo bag on to the outside is a bonus just in case. I don't have the day pack (and it looked a bit bulky) but it works with the commuter briefcase, which is slimmer and a better profile. Plus, the briefcase has backpack straps.

[@PackHacker]

@@JasonMaynard Great to hear this pack is working out much better for you, Jason! Having the option to attach a pack could definitely come in handy-even though it is a tad bulky. 👍 -Hannah

[@ethanking4954]

I'm a fan of duffle carry for travel simply because it's easier for me to set it down and pick it back up if I stop at a restaurant in the airport or train station and it can be easier to stuff under a seat and retrieve stuff from in certain cases. Also sometimes they are better for packing clothes I've found it's easier to stuff a duffle than most backpacks. Although usually I'll put a day bag in my duffle if I decide to carry one.

[@PackHacker]

That's awesome to hear Ethan - thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! It's great that you've been able to make a duffel style carry work so well for you and your use case. Sounds like you have a great system going on here! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@juliohernandez9372]

I think it would be cool to have two review scores for products. One that takes the cons into account and one that excludes the cons if said cons aren't too important for the user. Great review and this backpack looks very well designed!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Julio! You can find out more about how we review products in our rating system here packhacker.com/about/rating-system/ 👍👍👍 - Rebecca

[@trackingbeam]

I have the 30L Topo Designs Travel bag in Ballistic Black. I love it but it feels too small to use for 2 weeks overseas trip, so I've been drooling over 40L model for months. It looks so big online. I finally saw it IRL today and my impressions were: 1. it's not massive 2. it feels super durable 3. I want one for my china/japan trip this september! my boyfriend has the Standard Luggage 45L backpack which has similar features and design but this feels so tight compared to that.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Christopher - thanks for sharing your experience with us! With the 40L version, you'll have a lot more room for all of your items. To help with packing, we recommend checking out our Digital Nomad Packing List packhacker.com/packing-list/digital-nomad/ which shows you how much we packed into a 33L backpack for over a month of continuous travel. Hope this helps, let us know if you decide to pick up this pack. Happy travels! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@lwolf2006]

I love this bag. I got the same size and color earlier this year. It is my 2nd one bag travel bag and I think it is a much better bag overall than my Osprey Fairview 40L. Thanks for posting the review.

[@PackHacker]

Great to hear, Laura! 😊 -Hannah

[@JaiAse]

Laura Wolf can you use this as a carry on when traveling?

[@SaidAlSeveres]

JayAhShay wondering the same. I seldom see bags being measured or sized in the sizing displays. Looks to be about 2” larger in length and width than a lot of US airlines limits. Hmmmmm I was hoping to use as carryons for vacation in Europe

[@JaiAse]

Sid S I bought the 40L as a carry on/one bag travel and there was no problem whatsoever.

[@minebe]

I prefer duffle carry if load isn't too heavy. I'm a sweaty guy and helps save me soiling a shirt with more areas the bag is pressed against me. Obviously for a hike, on the back is more comfortable for longer distances.

[@johnsperry7991]

I love the multiple options for carrying this bag. I think it really makes it so easy for carrying two bags- a backpack that might be a “primary” bag with laptop and other work/school/edc items combined with a gym, diaper or second travel bag

[@erin79]

Damn nice, but why would the make the laptop zip short? I feel like so many bags get 90% of the way there and then just botch one obvious feature. Frustrating.

[@jemagbg8794]

We would love if you could test out Standard Luggage Co Carry-on Backpack (35-45L) and compare it with the Topo Designs Travel Bag. Similar characteristics, appearance and size/capacity (black).

[@PackHacker]

Hey jema gbg - great shout! The Standard Luggage Co Carry-on Backpack is not in our immediate plans but we've had enough people asking for it so we'll be testing it out soon! Thanks for reaching out! 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@frezzingaces]

Crazy I was just looking at this bag the other day, interesting design. Love topo's stuff!

[@PackHacker]

Nice! - Tom

[@rebeccaw9656]

Loving the organisation and clean lines for this one, and would be a huge contender for carry on, plane to accomodation travel.

[@PackHacker]

Definitely, Rebecca! Glad to hear you're digging it. 😊 -Hannah

[@christenkettler7903]

I’d love to see a review of the 30L as well

[@PackHacker]

We'll see what we can do! -Hannah

[@trackingbeam]

@@kcopanic #metoo

[@trackingbeam]

@@PackHacker plz review the 30L

[@dbell10]

Please review the 30

[@TheStonefrog]

I prefer backpack style when traveling with just my husband or friends but when traveling with kids if a pack has a messenger it is nice to be able to throw over my shoulder and over my pack. A common scene in my family is me with a backpack on the front of me and back of me and one slinged over my shoulder. But again I agree with y’all, I would way rather pack one backpack travel style!

[@PackHacker]

Great perspective here Hannah - thanks for sharing! (and sounds like you've got your hands full 🙂) - Tom

[@trackingbeam]

hello pack hacker. i love the look of this bag (i have the 30L in ballistic black). I want the 40L version but you say it's not comfortable to carry? Do you think putting in a frame sheet (one from ebay or another back pack company) would be a thing to make it more comfortable or would this be a tacky solution? it seems like there is space in either A. the laptop sleeve or B. the sleeve where the straps would go if you were to pack them away. thanks for all the great reviews!

[@PackHacker]

Hey Christopher - we haven't tested this yet, so we can't 100% verify that this will improve the carry. If you test it out, let us know how you get on! 👍 - Rebecca

[@scottsegel3683]

Did you end up trying this out?

[@bladerunner8832]

Do you have the dimensions of the main cavity? I'm asking because I want to fit a drone foam insert inside.

[@blikkem1]

I am looking for a bag like this Topo functionally. You ask why I like using the bag as a messenger/cross body style carry. For me, it's because I find it an easy way to reach for things and put things away on the go without stopping rather then taking the whole pack off when using it as a backpack. I've always liked messenger style bags/duffels for travel and daily use. I do understand the benefits of having a backpack for comfort when walking longer distances. I would like to be able to switch between both methods of carry depending on if I will be in places like the airport where I'll constantly be reaching for documents and need to put them in their proper pockets immediately so I don't forget where they are or loose them and putting away articles of clothing before going through security then pulling them out afterwards without stopping and backpack mode roaming a bit, going from one destination to another either on foot or by train where I will need less documentation and will unfortunately be stripping away less clothing. Request, could you review the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 45L?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Blikkem - thanks for sharing your experience with us. This is great feedback and we can totally get where you're coming from in terms of accessibility. Being able to access your items quickly and efficiently is a big bonus and a solid way of making your travels more streamlined. And, while we currently have no plans to review the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 45L in the immediate pipeline, I'll pass your suggestion onto the team and we'll check it out! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@carlacoates3827]

will this fit in the overhead bin of most airlines? Thanks for the thorough review.

[@denisemcknight2767]

I’m looking for a backpack that fits international carry on rules and Anti-Theft zippers. What do you recommend?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Denise - if you're looking for extra security we recommend checking out the Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Plus Backpack packhacker.com/travel-gear/pacsafe/venturesafe-x40-plus/ - we've also added our Carry-On Compliance information onto each review so that you can see which airlines are compatible. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca

[@jonmatle]

I don't think I've seen a single instagram poll give a positive consensus. Do y'all track that? I'd be curious to know what was the highest rating.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jon, good point - it's something we've been talking about recently too. The highest score we've seen is the Patagonia Arbor Pack at 83%, but the REI Ruckpack and Osprey Daylite also scored high at over 70%. And even though it doesn't sound great, we've found that anything 50-60% is actually a 'pretty good' score. - Nathan

[@chriscapcom]

Pack Hacker those are pretty well known brands, could it be that the positive scores could be because it is more recognize than the other brands? Of course this is speculation but I could see how people can be biased like with Nike compared to lesser known shoe brands.

[@PackHacker]

@@chriscapcom You definitely make a great point. We've been keeping a close eye on these and would be curious if the brand affects the score as well. We'll have to do some testing! Thanks for bringing it up. 👍 -Hannah

[@veliapola4102]

Love the pack, but I find removing the straps nearly impossible. I need to check my bag next week! Any more hints for dealing with the clips?

[@MrJed_s]

Question to anyone: have you ever actually stowed the harness with a system like this? And when? Seems like a fairly common feature but I can't imagine myself taking the effort.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jed - we found a hideaway harness system comes in handy when you check your pack in or to stop the straps getting in the way in overhead storage on a bus or plane. This feature is also useful if you like to carry this pack in messenger/ duffel mode. It really does depend on you and your use case to determine how much this feature will be used. Hope this helps! 👍 - Rebecca

[@Jelloc]

I'm very drawn to get the 30L version in the same colour :). My only concern/gripe is that their zippers are not reverse-coiled nor aqua-guarded, so they are fully exposed to water and dirt from the environment. Also no fabric flap that goes over zippers that don't have these features hm 🤔.

[@PackHacker]

We get what you're saying, JelloG. Adding a cover to the zipper or a reverse-coil zipper would give it some extra protection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! 👍 - Rebecca

[@christopherpunsalan]

Do you have a suggestion on how to lock bags like this with zippers that are not lockable? I like the design but not being able to secure the bag with a combination lock is a concern for me, especially when if I opt to check it in.

[@PackHacker]

Tough to say here, Christopher. You may be able to thread a smaller, thinner lock through the zipper itself (not the pull). If that doesn't lock you'll likely be able to secure the metal zipper pulls together. Definitely not as ideal as lockable zippers, but a decent deterrent. - Tom

[@christopherpunsalan]

@@PackHacker Thanks Tom. Let me know if you find a better solution.

[@PackHacker]

@@christopherpunsalan We'll see what we can do! -Hannah

[@peterzaharis1897]

Always liked Topo’s ethics (use of renewable energy, good supply chain etc). And I think their use of colour in their bags is great. I like Cotopaxi for the same reasons. But there always seems to be one or two things with their bags that make you pause or get something else which may be a similar price but slightly better. Still I like this pack and it would be something I would look at for a travel bag.

[@PackHacker]

Thoughtful comment here Peter - thanks for sharing your perspective! - Tom

[@missjessiesoyeux]

what happens if we walk a lot without a proper hip belt? onthe 30l...? is it an issue?

[@PackHacker]

Hey jessie soyeux - it really comes down to how heavy your pack is because a hip belt is great for helping to distribute the weight. However, we have not tested the 30L version, so we're unable to verify whether this pack is comfortable to carry without a hip belt. Hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions! 😊 - Rebecca

[@VE3IPS]

Is the laptop at risk to getting bent or flexed inside the pocket?

[@reeks303]

Can you do the Topo Mountain pack?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Rick - there's no plan to review the Topo Designs Mountain Pack in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out! 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@Carl_Tolentino]

Love your videos! Wondering if you’ll be doing a review on the Errant EDC by Boundary Supply?

[@PackHacker]

We're testing now! Stay tuned 😊 -Hannah

[@iamyovi]

Where can I purchase this bag? Or if you have any suggestion for travel bag for women

[@PackHacker]

Hey! You can purchase this pack through the "Check Price" links on our full written review. packhacker.com/travel-gear/topo-designs/topo-designs-travel-bag-40l/ And, if you're looking for a women's specific backpack, we recommend checking out the Eagle Creek Wayfinder packhacker.com/travel-gear/eagle-creek/wayfinder-backpack-40l/ the Tortuga Setout packhacker.com/travel-gear/tortuga/setout-backpack-35l/ the Osprey Fairview packhacker.com/travel-gear/osprey/fairview-40/ and the Kelty Redwing 40 packhacker.com/travel-gear/kelty/womens-redwing-40-backpack/ You can also check out our Best Travel Backpack Guide packhacker.com/guide/best-travel-backpack/ which is full of information and recommendations to help you find a backpack that will work for you. Hope this helps! - Rebecca

[@themartian1]

is the laptop compartment suspended or does it touch the bottom?

[@PackHacker]

Yes, the laptop compartment is suspended-it stops a little short of the main compartment! -Hannah

[@themartian1]

@@PackHacker Thx Hannah!

[@aakashvijaya]

TOPO TRAVEL BAG vs Outbreaker Backpack which one would be the best??

[@PackHacker]

Hey Aakash! We recommend checking out the full reviews of the Topo Design Travel Bag 40 packhacker.com/travel-gear/topo-designs/topo-designs-travel-bag-40l/ and the Tortuga Outbreaker Travel Backpack 35L packhacker.com/travel-gear/tortuga/outbreaker-backpack/ so that you can compare the ratings, pros, cons, and different features to help you find what works for you. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@HWGHappinessWithoutGuilt]

Thank you!

[@d.ortega4574]

I'd say the laptop sleeve is "ok" in case of theft. Not so easy to remove

[@sawyerseth9832]

I honestly don't get the instagran polls, what's wrong with your instagran audiences tastes? Lol this bag not only looks sick, but also looks quite minimal on your back.

[@PackHacker]

🙈 Great to hear you're digging the pack! -Hannah

[@oOcitizenOo]

Same feelings again. The backpack looks stylish, it's pretty functional and it is perfect for carry-on flights but why so overpriced. Not a thing for a student to buy :)

[@PackHacker]

We understand! Any budget options you prefer? -Hannah

[@oOcitizenOo]

@@PackHacker actually yes.CabinZero Vintage 44L (check their official website). Unfortunately this backpack is out of stock now. It looks pretty good, has a huge capacity, works perfectly for carry-on and its weight is only 780gramms. As for drawbacks - lack of water bottle side pocket, no sternum or waist strap, no mesh back panel. Regardless of these drawbacks you're still provided with a good value for money quality. For a student this a definitely the bag to buy and use. One point to remember: there is no point using this backpack without packing cubes due to the lack of internal organization pockets. They've recently updated their backpack line but prices again are far from being budget. My goal now is to buy Aer Travel Pack as it is both functional and stylish :)

[@PackHacker]

@@oOcitizenOo We've been eyeing some bags from CabinZero! Also, the Aer Travel Pack 2 is a great choice! -Hannah

[@oOcitizenOo]

@@PackHacker yep, i wish one day i'll buy Aer Travel Pack :) Btw, another benefit of CabinZero is their FREE international shipping :)

[@PackHacker]

@@oOcitizenOo Awesome! Thanks for letting us know 😊 -Hannah

[@bsandr4631]

Duffle always good.

[@PackHacker]

👌

[@chrisclark1761]

Their colours make it look like a playschool bag.

[@PackHacker]

Haha, we can see how it looks that way! There are some other colorways, too 👍 -Hannah

[@francisjames1377]

This pack looks like a big box when worn on the back!

[@keno1069]

22 x 16 x 11 doesn't fit United Airlines carry on size or Delta Airlines (22 x 14 x9). That's what I read on their websites. Buyer beware if you are planning on carrying it onboard.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the info, Ken. It really depends on the airline! -Eric

[@justinrogers8276]

It's nice

[@PackHacker]

👍👍 - Tom