I have a trip in the works that might not work well with wheeled luggage. So, I may go back to a travel backpack.
I'm not looking to spend a lot of money nor do I want the maximum size.
I've heard good things about the Tomtoc Navigator 40L. Has anyone used it? How about the Matein Travel Backpack?
I bought a Matein from Amazon last year and have only used it for one trip but I am getting ready to use it again very soon. It is the first backpack I have had in many years.
It is nice looking and seems to be well made. Even the inside is nice looking. There are many pouches and pockets. It is theft proof. It can be worn in the front or the back. My memory is that it gets high reviews.
I use it for my meds, technology, personal care, papers, etc. I even have a sling bag in it that i will use when out and about. I think that you could get a couple of days clothing in the one that I have. I do not know what size I have. It is not the biggest one.
I really have nothing to compare it to but I like it.
I backpacked for one month with a Hynes Eagle 40L backpack. It held up well and I have continued to use it for shorter trips ever since. It is a "cheap" backpack by most standards.
I just returned from my Mediterranean cruise and I used my Matein backpack for the second time.
It is doing good. Remains in great condition.
But I find it uncomfortable. The shoulder straps keep slipping but that could be my problem. I am small and the backpack causes discomfort on and around my shoulders. Causes discomfort around my shoulder blades and down my arms.
But again it could be me, my size, height and weight. I only use it once a year for my yearly cruise.
Your experience might be completely different.
As I did say, it looks good and remains in very good condition.
Do your your back and shoulders a favor, and look for a backpack with a good hip belt. Another feature to look for is an internal frame. However, it is possible to create structural rigidity in the backpack if you pack the bag full and cinch it up tight with compression straps. The key is to transfer most of the weight down to your waist.
I ordered the Tomtoc and sent it back. It's a nice bag but the backpack straps do not hideaway and there is no hip belt. I want both as well as external cinch straps.
I'm now down to either the Osprey Daylite 44 or the Eagle Creek Tour Travel.
But I'm still looking and trying to decide as I have developed "tech neck" caused by gripping my phone in one hand and poor posture.
If you are willing to spend a little bit more money, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40. It is better (and more expensive) than the Daylight. It has a frame and a more supportive hip-belt. The Daylight waist strap looks wimpy. I think that the Daylight will sag and you will probably find that most of the weight will still be on your shoulders and back.
IMO, the Eagle Creek is better than the Daylight but probably not as great as the Farpoint. The difference is the frame which gives the Farpoint much better weight transfer to the hips, but adds a little more cost and weight. If you have a bad back and want to be able to carry more stuff for longer periods of time, I would recommend the farpoint. If you want to save a little bit of money, the Eagle Creek will meet the minimum requirements for a travel bag, at least in my opinion.
Sierra has the Cotopaxi Allpa in both 35L and 42L at a substantial savings. The straps tuck away on that.
