Pakt Travel Backpack V2 (35L) Review (2 Weeks of Use)

[@mw7]

I really appreciate this review. I've been watching several trying to decide if this bag is for me, and most reviews just focus on all the cool features of the pack. But my number 1 concern with a large backpack like this is how comfortable it is to wear, not just for a little bit, but walking around an airport, waiting for transit, walking to a hotel. This review is one of a precious few by a woman too so I really value your opinion of how the bag feels to wear! The same item could feel totally different on different people. This perspective is one that is sorely needed to protect my sore shoulders and back!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@brandon87281]

Agreed. This also seems like the first honest, un-biased review I found on KZbin. Good job!

[@KateKay28]

Here here! I am changing over to a duffel or backpack from my wheeled carryon and having a woman review this is so helpful.

[@jackolantern7342]

That bag just looks massive.

[@arlencarlson]

It does…it almost looked like this was the 45L. I ordered the 35L…and very much looking forward to this as it will become my primary travel backpack.

[@jackolantern7342]

@@arlencarlson yeah I was thinking it looked more like a 45. Also, while the pocketing options are great, it looks reeeally easy to overstuff/bulk out this thing and then get noticed by gate check agents

[@arlencarlson]

@@jackolantern7342 I suspect if you make use of the expandable pocket, it will almost definitely bulk the bag out. The bags overall dimensions are definitely within what would be carry-on. The fine line of what slides under the seat is where this could become a challenge.

[@jackolantern7342]

@@arlencarlson "he fine line of what slides under the seat is where this could become a challenge." Very true. Some airlines seem to be fine if a little of the bag sticks out while others were more stringent.

[@arlencarlson]

@@jackolantern7342 So far I have been okay on that with previous “large” backpacks. Sometimes have to sacrifice a bit of foot space. Now the cheap airlines may be the real challenge-but so far I have not flown on them.

[@terrysomers5492]

So glad to hear a review from a smaller woman and to discuss how comfortable the pack is to wear--or not! Too many reviews are done only by larger men and do not provide a well rounded perspective.

[@jrdego1]

Excellent thorough review thank you

[@james2mify]

Will this fit in a Ryan air flight

[@hiddenrhythmsmusiccircles]

With the hip belt and load lifters adjusted properly, your shoulders shouldn’t hurt.

[@KateKay28]

She mentions how much they hurt b/c of how wide and stiff the straps are and just not suited for smaller framed women. I've seen mostly taller men talk about how comfy they are. Also this hip belt is just a thin webbing strap. It's not going to really transfer much weight effectively. I hope they improve this in future.

[@jierickng1076]

I'm as tall as Lauren, good to know that this bag will make me looks like a mini man, gonna find something else that suits my height

[@orifun]

Can you review the 15L?

[@nivektek2681]

Nice Video..How much please?where Can I Buy Online or Actual stores please?Airplane friendly size and weight please?

[@MrElecterik]

Man, do you know ‘Google search’, you can find that kind of info easy yourself!

[@manalipatel13]

Does this 35L bag fit under the seat of the airplane ..??

[@petekadenz2466]

Not on the plane seats I travel on

[@arleneopeliardella1322]

Depends how full it is

[@ekimseyah3526]

Too expensive....

[@hitchjack]

Don’t buy it then

[@Vpm8481]

V1 looks way better

[@liorajacob8094]

And V2 lost the padded hip belt! So weird.

[@minnh2094]

@@liorajacob8094 cost & inflation * :joy:

[@newagain9964]

Also the V1 had a removable sling bag doubled also as torso belt. I’d rather have that than TSA pouch.

[@nonuora]

Did she say 35L? This backpack 🎒 looks huge. It looks more like a 45L size.

[@OccupiedMuffins]

I’m not sure if she’s just small or petite or whatever but this really looks like the 45L option, it’s HUGE on her.

[@THEEnfantTerrible]

She is super tiny

[@KateKay28]

You don't see many women reviewing these and the few that I have seen, all of the women have mentioned how big the 45 L is on them. It is a big pack for us shorties.

[@thistoob]

She's 5'6". That's not tiny by any stretch. ​@@THEEnfantTerrible

[@DownHillSkateTime]

@@thistoob pretty average sized woman

[@linedwell]

$325 - Imma start looking at the price before I start liking the bags too much.. 🤣 Why is it so expensive? Does it come with a gold ingot inside?

[@arlencarlson]

Its funny…when I first learned of the V1 bag, I thought nice, but expensive! Yet, after renewing travel, I have come to realize that a bag like this is worth it. At least for their Travel backpacks, I think they are reasonably priced.

[@arleneopeliardella1322]

Any decent pack will be expensive .....get what u pay for

[@newagain9964]

Bigger issue is they don’t seem to have a published warranty on site. Should be at least 5 years for that price

[@isa3koimaui]

As always, a wonderfully thorough review. Always appreciate that your reviews are not just rah-rah promotions. Your reviews cover very real-use information and detail on the features we don't often see in other reviews. Keep up the great work and thank you!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the feedback! 😃

[@bnrlabs5923]

That hanging loop is a welcome addition to a pack like this. Perfect for hanging the bag on the back of a bathroom stall door!

[@PackHacker2]

🤙🤙🤙

[@Korvanick]

The pen loop being so poorly designed was disappointing, but I ordered the bag anyway. Now that I have it, I want to point out that there are actually spots for two pens! The slot shown in this video is for larger pens/markers, but there is actually a tighter slot using the fabric immediately above. Of all the videos on KZbin showing the bag, I think the only one that you can see this in use is the official Pakt overview on their website.

[@luludecastro7092]

Lauren, what's the best one travel backpack for you and your (and my) build? This seems to be best for taller people.

[@KateKay28]

Would love to hear the answer on this one too!

[@terrysomers5492]

I too would love to hear the answer to the question. As a smaller woman, carry comfort is really important to me.

[@aramyth]

Personally, I don't think she personally liked this bag. 😂

[@robertashagam1599]

Lauren, your attention to WHO is using the packs has been helpful. They gave to fit like a peace of clothing.

[@petekadenz2466]

It looks enormous! Are sure that’s the 35L version?

[@KateKay28]

There's not a huge difference in outer dimensions between the two and most women have said the 45 L is way too big and gone w/ the 35 L.

[@InboundwithEcho]

Will the AER City Pack Pro fit in the expansion pocket?

[@minnh2094]

It is interesting to see someone dislike the shoulder strap because I feel like everyone else is praising them to the sky. I guess you really have to try every backpack to test whether you would like it or not... Anyway, great review!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@TheAbsoluteCool]

Why does her 35L look bigger than other youtubers 45L reviews?

[@Staci3]

I'd consider a pakt bag but for something thats meant to be minimal they're all so heavy. More travel packs need to be

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@bnrlabs5923]

Do you have some 35-45L travel backpacks you can recommend that are in the

[@lynneftw]

Hmm, the location where the compression straps hook on is an unfortunate misstep. When you tug on it to tighten the compression, it's pulling on the zipper, too. Should have had a hook point above the zipper to not put strain on the closed zipper.

[@KateKay28]

I've seen other people describe them as straps to hold a jacket or other item, not as compression straps. I wouldn't use them for anything other than that for the exact reason you mention.

[@Ivan-up7ny]

Is there a budget alternative to the Pakt Travel Backpack V2? What I need is a "Dual-compartment packing" main compartment model.

[@DownHillSkateTime]

im looking at this pack and the new travel packs from bellroy (a little cheaper and a lot lighter).. trying to find something in between these two since this one is overly expensive and a lot heavier but the bellroy has a really insignificant harness system (tiny bad designed sternum strap and no load lifters or hip strap). Also looking at the patagonia mini mlc which might be the best option for me between these three.

[@sor3321]

After 1 month. I love this backpack so much. organize sooo good and back panel comfy is better than I thought. wait for next oversea travel it's would be nice using experinces.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@jquantum23]

Is there any connection of the expandable section to the main connection when clam shell opened? or is it just separate only?

[@arlencarlson]

Pretty sure it is a separate compartment.

[@KateKay28]

It is separate.

[@JeshuaGuy-wc2uy]

Thanks for mentioning the shoulder straps. That already is a huge red flag for me, and the waist strap looks very uncomfy. I will just stick to my Cotopaxi Allpa 35

[@ErikNYC]

Thank you for this in-depth review. I prefer the V1 version after seeing this video. Subscribed!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃 We'll see you in the next one.

[@AdrianoAdrianza]

she did not like this backpack

[@Emmbedd]

Not really, it was too bulky for her probably

[@wokthetalk3079]

I was drawn to this the travel pack for the less attention grabbing (thus less prone to theft or robbery) design, color choices and durable materials used. The clamshell dividers are uniquely practical for a more wrinkle free travel. I like the zip out expansion pack that can also fit the 15 liter day pack while transiting but one has also the option of using it as part of the under seat stowage in a larger commercial plane too. I am guess 45 +10 =55 liters in total would not be accepted at carry-on by most airlines. The 15 liter day pack with that is amazing flexibility both sliding into the expansion pouch or under the seat carry-on is perfectly thought out. The 35 & 45l v2 travel back pack is out of stock and overprice for non US residence. It does not include the 15l day back which is another overpriced $185USD. The daisy chain loops don’t have much of a functional use. The hip strap does no longer double as a fanny pack as like in version 1. I would to compression packing cubes instead of the PakT branded ones regardless of the loops. The clip-on pouches are very expensive for they lack luster utility. There are more functional and cheaper one out there that make more sense. The front 2 pouches can’t be combined into an one cable locking system like Peak Designs 45 liter. The aluminum back stays have been replaced with a cheaper plastic set. The water bottle pouch is not long enough to be used alternatively, as a tripod or monopole & stand pouch.

[@nomap2161]

I have the 34L V1 bag and love it! It's the best travel backpack I've ever owned. I do have to say this V2 doesn't do anything for me. I feel their design updates have gone backwards making go from a sleek travel backpack to a big bulky turtle shell. I agree with others that th V1 also looks better.

[@newagain9964]

Nah. Objectively V2 is a better build. Higher quality. Makes up for the 1-2 disregard features.

[@larryedwards4708]

How comfortable to carry is this bag using 1 shoulder strap in messanger mode?

[@KateKay28]

Would love to hear this answer from anyone that's used this bag. Doable when packed out? (even for short distances)

[@CrazyCranker]

In your reviews, please include where the bag is actually made.

[@betsybeard9346]

Does this bag fit under the seat in front of you? Or isit meant to be the only bag and go overhead?

[@solo022667]

What would be the best 35 L travel back pack for international travel ?

[@AlstonPacheco]

Filled out - is this something that can be used as a personal carry? Or should I be looking for a bag with less liters in storage?

[@DJJunBuggIQI]

I recently used the Pakt 45L bag as a carry on, used the 15L like a personal carry when on the plane and kept my tech items like my laptop, ear buds, power bank, etc. I hope that this answers your question.

[@OvOraji]

taking this to japan!

[@mnmartin73]

I don't know how people travel with a heavy backpack like this. It would break my back. For this size, its going to be a roller for me and a shoulder bag.

[@0f556]

The industry has conditioning people into wanting to "one bag travel" despite it being horrendous in practice.

[@ariesmry]

I travel with one bag and to me and to me it’s really only beneficial when the bag is small enough to possibly fly under the radar as a personal item. I’m petite and it’s the only size range thats comfortable enough to carry for long periods of time. But when your bag is the size of a standard carry-on, stuffed to the brim, weighs 30 lbs and all your doing is going from airport to taxi to the front door of your accommodation… I agree to save your back and getting a rolling suitcase. This bag alone is almost 5 lbs and the compartments are excessive for my taste

[@blafonovision4342]

I am really into one-bag, hands-free travel. But, I have the broad shoulders and chest that works for it. If you are smaller, it would probably be very uncomfortable.

[@0f556]

@@blafonovision4342 lol okay buddy

[@blafonovision4342]

@@0f556 hey man, love the Rick Steves. Be the Rick Steves. :-D

[@dmora2386]

At first I was sold on the backpack style carryon, but now that I'm thinking about it, it seems like a hassle versus a standard spinner no? Getting in a car, you have to pick that heavy thing up, fully or via the duffle carry, and walk rather than just effortlessly rolling it out to the car and quickly tossing it in. Same thing when dismounting, then walking through an airport. You're literally adding 30-50lbs of body weight to your trip rather than just gliding a spinner across the floor. Then you have issues with having to tuck those straps away so they don't snag on things walking down the airport isle and then up to the overhead storage. Then reverse on the way off the plane. That said what's the practical use case for this style of luggage? More like outdoors trips where you'll encounter terrain where wheels are not ideal? First thing I do when traveling is throw the case in a corner of the room and not touch it till I leave. I'm not going to throw the thing on my back and carry it around the destination, I'd pull out the little tote/stringer backpack for that. So... Again I've rotated back to... What's this for again?

[@KateKay28]

In the same quandary here. I have a fantastic carry on wheeled suitcase but was looking at this for our next trip instead. My wheeled bag is great walking to/from the gate and in to/out of hotels, but it is very very heavy (even empty), it takes up a fair amount of space in the car (we do half road trips and fly home) and doesn't squash to pack around. There's also the times we have stairs to go up or down at lodging, when the heavy wheeled bag is a real pain. Still torn . . .

[@DownHillSkateTime]

I think this way of travel appeals to highly adventurous people. The type that are traveling to and from different locations on a daily or bi-daily timeframe, where having rolling luggage is going to get in the way when jumping between lodging while exploring an entire city or country. The need to catch multiple public transit systems all within the course of a day is a lot easier with your belongings attached to your back rather than lugging around hard, cumbersome, wheeled options.

[@dmora2386]

@@DownHillSkateTime yeah I guess I never though of it in that way where people move around so much they required taking their whole life with them on thier back. Fast forward 6months later I still function just fine with a regular spinner backpack and stringer.

[@DownHillSkateTime]

@@dmora2386 not so much their whole life.. but definitely a few changes of clothes, an extra pair of shoes and a jacket. You know, typical travel kit.

[@MrCabimero]

I have a hard time believing the airlines let you carry this bag on board- It looks gigantic

[@thehsushoe]

My flights on American let me carry them on. It was when I got to my international flight back to the US with souvenirs is where I HAD to check it. I had to do it because they weighed my bag and they forced me to check it. So your milage might vary, but you can certainly get away with it.

[@DownHillSkateTime]

@@thehsushoe pro tip: mail your souvenirs back to your home. DHL is a great carrier and available in almost every country!

[@THEEnfantTerrible]

I just can’t wrap my head around that weird TSA pouch. I can’t imagine how that thing is useful in any situation domestic or international 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@CaryDean]

It’s for when you have to empty your pockets (phone, watch, wallet etc) so you aren’t putting your stuff loosely in a tub where you can’t control it (or others).

[@THEEnfantTerrible]

@@CaryDean I understand that’s what they intended but it’s way less convenient than just shoving my few pocket items into a pocket of my backer or jacket zip pocket. I can’t picture myself in a tsa line thinking “let’s access this weird pouch on my big bag that I can only access after completely removing the bag from back and lifting the back panel before finally detaching it and opening it” lol

[@KateKay28]

@@THEEnfantTerrible I thought the same. It seemed like an unnecessary gimmick for the backpack. There's already two easy to access zipper pockets that do the same thing.

[@samrat55934]

I have the 45 L version and this review is a load of kaka. Just because you love the AER bag that does not mean that the Pakt bag is bad . PAKT bags are the best bags PERIOD

[@macgruff69]

I was perplexed by their rating as well. Every other review I have watched or read rates the Pakt as being excellent. To me a score of 7.2 seems rather mediocre. They rate the Topo Design higher which for me, was shocking to see. This bag seems pretty outstanding to me. I was going back and forth between this and the Aer travel pack 3. This won out because of features and I like the water bottle holder better on this.

[@KateKay28]

@@macgruff69 I'm wondering if it has too do with size and that many (all?) of the other reviews I've seen that have praised this have been from (taller) men. It may simply just be too big and bulky to be comfortable unless you're a certain size and build.

[@DigitalicaEG]

1) if you get the daypack, you have to unpack it pretty much when you pack up to put it back in the main backpack. That’s just idiotic. 2) the hip belt is not padded, it’s just a thin strap supporting a 45L bag. The people who designed this backpack never properly backpacked a single day in their life. Probably their travel plan is from the airport to the taxi to their 5 star hotel.

[@sonuc-t]

expensive more than luxury brands

[@MCNY7]

What uxury brands are less expensive than this one? The luxury brand travel backpacks I've looked at are $550 and up and some aren't even as large as this one..

[@arleneopeliardella1322]

Not true.... it's in the same price range as most and less expensive than some.

[@arleneopeliardella1322]

Agreed@@MCNY7

[@schmole]

The 45L would be huge on you!