pakt one travel bag

Pakt One Review – The Ultimate Minimalist Travel Bag?

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: After over 3 years of testing my Pakt One travel bag , I recommend it if you’re looking for a minimalist weekender bag. Here are the key takeaways from my Pakt One review:

• The Pakt One bag is well-designed with useful features like a clamshell opening, accessory loops, protected corners, and a TSA pouch that make it functional for travelers.
• It’s constructed from eco-friendly materials and though not fully waterproof, it’s held up well over the past few years.
• The duffel shape offers a roomy 35L capacity in a carry-on size, though the single shoulder strap may be too heavy and uncomfortable for longer trips due to uneven weight distribution.
• At $275, it’s costly yet delivers quality. Best for minimalist travelers who’ll use it often.

The first time I traveled abroad by myself, I took a ridiculously large rolling suitcase with me.

I was 21 and only studying abroad for a couple of months in Italy, but I’d packed the equivalent of my four-year college wardrobe into my suitcase. 

Somehow it was already bursting at the seams upon arrival in Europe.

It took many years, various styles and sizes of travel packs and suitcases, and thousands of miles traveled to start embracing the carry-on only travel style.

I now rarely check a bag, no matter how long my trip is.

Most recently I went to Mexico for a month and a half with only a carry-on, and I even lived in Portugal for a summer with just my carry-on bag.

Even though I fully embrace the minimalist travel style these days, I can still remember with stark clarity that first summer in Europe.

Most notably, I remember lugging around my unnecessarily bulky suitcase throughout the continent.

I dreaded travel days when I would have to roll my suitcase on uneven cobblestones and wrestle it up four flights of stairs after arriving at another hotel that didn’t have an elevator. 

This was before I knew anything about minimalist travel or how much more enjoyable the right pack or bag could make a trip.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips. I also received a complimentary bag from Pakt One to review, but all opinions are my own. 

This is one of the reasons I wanted to try out the Pakt One bag as soon as I discovered it.

I’ve been traveling with my Osprey Fairview 40 as my go-to carry-on travel backpack for a few years now, but I’m always looking for a good duffel bag for shorter trips. 

Up until now, the only duffel bag I’ve taken on my travels is my LL Bean duffel that is as practical as it is simple.

I received it as a gift from my parents when I was still in high school and it’s lasted all this time. 

Unfortunately, the zipper on my LL Bean duffel recently broke and I was in the market for a new duffel bag. 

That’s when I discovered Pakt One.

Their signature Pakt One travel bag is branded as having “the casual versatility of a duffel with the organization of a suitcase.”

Besides its spot-on marketing, it looked like the perfect duffel for my style of travel – organized, stylish, minimalist, and straight-forward. 

After testing out the pack for a while and now using it as one of my regular travel bags, this is my full Pakt One review and my thoughts on whether it’s worth the price. 

Weight (on its own): 3.25lb (1.5kg)

Capacity: 35L

Dimensions: 20″ x 10″ x 11″ (50.8cm x 25.4cm x 27.9cm)

A Short Background on the Bag

The Pakt bag really took off after it showed up in the Netflix documentary,  Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things .

When the documentary was released, the bag (designed by Malcolm Fontier) hadn’t been in production for years.

But after the documentary came out, there was a lot of demand for the bag to come back.

So, Malcolm and the two guys behind the  Minimalism  documentary – Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (aka The Minimalists) – collaborated to bring the new and improved Pakt One minimalist bag to the market.

They raised over $1 million from crowdfunding on Indiegogo and the Pakt One bag was officially born in 2018.

It has since become the favorite travel bag for those in the minimalist travel community, and a solid carry-on duffel bag for a lot of people around the world.

PAKT ONE REVIEW

Organization & design.

My favorite aspect of the Pakt One is the attention to detail and its thoughtful design. 

This minimalist duffel bag was designed by people who regularly travel and it shows in the design and user-friendliness of the bag. 

Packs Like a Suitcase / Clamshell Opening 

A unique feature to the Pakt One duffel is that it opens like a suitcase (e.g. it has a clamshell opening).

This allows the bag to lay flat as you organize and grab your things. 

At the same time, you don’t have to fully open the bag to grab what you need quickly.

There are two other openings at the top of the duffel bag that give you easy access to separate compartments.

I like the fact that you can use the bag as both a suitcase and a duffel bag, it’s the best of both worlds (and it’s ideal for organizational purposes).     

Accessory loops

Although I don’t tend to use these myself on my travels, another well-thought-out feature is the accessory loops on the outside of the bag.

These allow you to attach whatever you want to the outside of the bag with a carabiner or external clip.

To be honest, I’m not sure how much I would like something banging against the bag as I walk. 

But if the bag is packed to the brim, it’s a good way to securely carry bulkier or regularly used items like a water bottle or hand sanitizer on the exterior.

Protected Corners / Metal Feet

Another design feature that I appreciate about the bag is the protected canvas corners and metal feet on the bottom. 

Not only does it add to the style of the bag (I love that canvas corner look on a weekend duffel bag), it also helps the bag last longer. 

Since the bottom is where you’ll get the most wear with duffel bags, this is an easy way to protect that area a little better. 

With that said, there’s nothing to protect the middle bottom of the bag as it’s only the corners that have metal feet, but it’s a nice added touch to the design. 

Made with the Traveler in Mind

As I mentioned above, this bag was designed by people who regularly travel, and there are a few features that reflect that. 

The first is the TSA pouch that can be found within the large outside pouch.

This is where you can easily organize your small electronics and passport and anything else you might need to whip out as you go through security at the airport.

Besides the TSA pouch, the bag as a whole is organized to make going through security as easy as possible.

Everything is accessible and easy to reach. 

I especially love how accessible the laptop pouch is since getting my laptop out of a packed bag is a constant struggle when I go through security.  

The bag is also fully carry-on friendly. It might be a tight fit for budget airlines if you pack the bag fully, but in general, 20″ x 10″ x 11″ is within the carry-on limit for major airlines. 

Easy to Carry

Although I’ve found it’s not the most comfortable bag to carry for long distances (more about that below), it’s easy to pick up and throw around your shoulder in a hurry.

I appreciate where the bag’s strap is located. 

It’s more to one side as opposed to in the middle, which makes it easier to carry.

The one-sided strap also makes the duffel lay more flat against your body as you walk, which is more comfortable than my previous duffel bag that always banged against my body.   

Because I have small-ish shoulders, I prefer to carry the bag across my body as opposed to on one shoulder, but that’s more of a personal preference. 

If you are on a longer trip and don’t want to hurt your back, try one of these wheeled backpacks .

Sustainably Made

With the very real and increasing impacts of climate change, I make it a point to seek out sustainable companies that create products with the planet in mind.

Pakt One does their part with being an environmentally-conscious company, which I appreciate. 

They use all eco-friendly and vegan materials that have the lowest environmental impact possible.

They also use plastic-free packaging that’s designed by SeaHive (a company that helps reduce plastic pollution in the ocean through environmentally-friendly packaging). 

As a bonus, the company has been vocal about providing fair working conditions for factory employees. 

Something that seems like it should be a given, but is usually not – even (or especially) with high-end brands. 

Stylish & Versatile

If you’re investing in high-end travel gear, you want something versatile enough to be used regularly.

The good thing about the Pakt One is that it’s as versatile as it is stylish. 

It looks smart and gives you the appearance of a traveler who is put together.

I especially like that it doesn’t make you stand out as a tourist when you’re in a new place because the bag easily passes as a work tote or weekender bag. 

Another nice feature is that the strap is removable, so if you don’t want that hanging down and you just want to use the small handles, that’s easily done.

There’s also no exterior branding, which is a nice change from every other travel backpack or tote I’ve owned in the past.

I’d argue the lack of branding is even a good deterrent for pickpockets because it doesn’t automatically stand out as a high-end bag without a name brand attached. 

The most obvious con and hindrance to investing in a Pakt One bag is the price.

There’s no way around it, $275 is a lot for a travel duffel bag – even if it’s one of the best travel duffel bags in the market.

The way I usually think about cost when I’m considering investing in a more high-end product is – how long will it last and how much use will I get out of it?

If it’s a product that I plan to use for the majority of my travels (and even better, for everyday use), then it’s easier to justify spending a decent amount on one piece of minimalist travel gear.

I usually calculate how much the cost per use would be if I were to own it for x many years and use it x many days.

It’s a calculation that gives you a rough estimate, but it helps to show you whether it’s a product that’s worth investing in or not for your current lifestyle.

Uneven Weight Distribution

As expected with a duffel bag, the weight distribution is uneven and not always the most comfortable for long jaunts.

If you only fill the bag half full, it’s not that bad.

But if you plan to pack the  Pakt One  to its limits, the bag gets heavy fast.

If it was a backpack, the weight would obviously be more evenly spread out. 

With a duffel bag, the weight is something you have to be more mindful about. The lighter you can pack, the better. 

When I’ve worn the Pakt One on long travel days, it gets uncomfortable after a while because of the uneven weight distribution that comes with a duffel bag.

I still love the duffel bag style, but it’s worth thinking about what it might be like to travel with if this is your main bag. 

On a side note, Pakt is in the process of making a backpack version of the Pakt One – so keep your eye out for that if you’re worried about the duffel bag design.

Not Waterproof

I tend to go for mostly waterproof travel gear because I never know when I’ll find myself in torrential rain during the wet season.

Unfortunately, the  Pakt One  isn’t waterproof.

The different colors are made with different materials, so if you’re looking for a more weather-proof option, the black Pakt One bag is the most durable.

The black duffel is made with a 420D nylon exterior, 150D polyester interior lining, and the zippers are all water-resistant YKK brand.

It’s still not fully waterproof if you get caught in a really strong downpour, but more resistant to water than the navy or grey options. 

Probably Not Great For Longer Trips

As I mentioned above, due to the uneven weight distribution, the  Pakt One  wouldn’t be my choice for longterm travel. 

If you’re doing a weekend trip or even up to two weeks on the road, the Pakt One works great.

If you plan to go on a longer trip, I’d probably recommend taking a backpack over the Pakt One duffel for comfort. 

Again, if it’s packed lightly, it’s not too bad. But if you’re heading out on a longer trip, chances are you’ll be packing the bag to its limits. 

A Few Design Aspects That Could Be Improved

Zippers 

The zippers feel sturdy enough, but they’re not super smooth when you zip and unzip the bag.

I usually have to use two hands to use the zipper, which is perhaps a good thing if someone is trying to get into your bag.

But for everyday use and quick access, it would be nice if the zipper was slightly more smooth and less sticky. 

Loose Strings

I’ve seen this from other reviews of the  Pakt bags  as well, but I noticed a few loose strings on my Pakt One bag as soon as I opened it.

Honestly, it’s not a huge deal for me. 

But when you’re paying almost $300 for a bag, it’s nice to not see loose strings on the exterior of the bag as soon as you get it. 

Back Pocket Magnet Could Be Stronger

The exterior back pouch with the single pocket has a magnet that keeps it closed. However, the magnet is pretty weak.

Because of this, I’d probably never keep valuables in that pocket for fear of them falling out or someone easily putting their hand into the pocket. 

I feel like the magnet on this pocket should be stronger to keep items more secure, or it should just be another zippered pocket.

Color of the Metal Clip Could Be Better

Okay, this is just me being a bit particular, but I wasn’t a big fan of the brass color of the shoulder strap clip.

For some reason, even though the clip feels sturdy, the color makes the clip look less high quality than the rest of the bag.

Perhaps it’s the brass color.

In this instance, I think the clip would’ve been nicer in black, silver, or navy to match the rest of the bag.

With that said, it’s only the navy bag that has the brass clips. 

The black and grey bags use silver metal clips, which I think look nicer from an aesthetic perspective.

Why Does the Pakt One Cost So Much?

This is the question that is at the top of most people’s minds when they first see the price of the Pakt One. 

How can a compact travel bag cost $275? 

The short answer is the guys behind the Pakt One wanted to not only use high-quality materials but materials that are sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly. 

And it’s not always cheap to do that. 

They are also big on paying fair wages to all their employees and manufacturing partners for every step of the bag’s creation.  

And lastly, this bag is complex. It’s made up of over 300 individual components and requires over 200 steps to assemble. 

Basically, you get what you pay for. 

And you’re also supporting environmentally-conscious sourcing, production, and fair trade.   

It all comes down to whether or not these aspects are important to you when it comes to choosing the ultimate travel bag.

If they’re not, you can probably find a much cheaper bag on Amazon. 

But if they are, I’d argue that the Pakt One is one of the best duffel bag options out there right now.

Is the Pakt One Animal-Friendly?

Yes. The Pakt One is a completely vegan travel bag.

Where Are the Bags Made?

The Pakt One bags are made in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

How to Choose the Right Color / Material

An interesting choice by the designers was to use different materials for each color – navy, grey, and black. 

I think this partially has to do with the aesthetic look of the bag and what looks best with each color, but it’s something to note when you’re choosing a color. 

You should think about which materials works best for your travel style, not just the color. 

The black bag is the most durable of the three, with water-resistant YKK zippers and 420D nylon dobby technical exterior fabric.

If you’re more of an adventurous traveler who needs a bag to withstand a lot of different climates and a more rugged travel style, the black bag is the best option. 

On the other hand, the navy and grey bags both have a coated polyester canvas exteriors, so not quite as heavy duty. 

The only difference between the grey and navy bags is the color and the fact that the navy bag uses brass hardware instead of silver. 

Where Can You Buy the Pakt One?

The only place to officially buy Pakt One bags is on their website. You can view their full collection and upcoming products here . 

Who is the Pakt One For?

The Pakt One bag is for anyone who is looking for a good carry-on travel bag that is both stylish and practical. 

If you’re into minimalist travel, this is an ideal go-to carry-on for the weekend and shorter trips. 

The designers have made it clear that if it’s not a bag you need right now, there’s no reason for you to purchase it. 

They only make bags at the rate of demand and they don’t want people buying them just for the sake of having something new. 

So, this bag is for anyone who will use it regularly and who needs a quality duffel bag for overnight trips and other upcoming travels. 

Overall Thoughts on the Pakt One

I’ve enjoyed testing out the Pakt One this past month, it has quickly become my go-to overnight bag when I’m visiting friends in the city.

And although there are a few small aspects I would change about the design of the bag, overall it’s one of the better travel bags I’ve owned throughout my 10 years of regular travel.  

If you’re someone who appreciates organized and minimalist travel, then I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best carry-on duffel bags out there for the minimalist traveler. 

Have you heard of the Pakt One duffel bag? Are you a fan of minimalist travel and carry-on only? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.

Interested in more travel gear reviews? Check out my related posts below!

Best Foldable Travel Flats: Tieks Review

Best Gifts for Hikers

Best Wheeled Backpacks for Work & Travel  

Best Outdoor Watches for Active People

Best Travel Purses

Pin this image for future reference

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

1 thought on “Pakt One Review – The Ultimate Minimalist Travel Bag?”

Getting for Christmas! Thanks for the review

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Atlas Heart is a California travel website dedicated to showing you the best of the Golden State from a local perspective.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

©2024 The Atlas Heart

• North Dakota
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• Vegan City Guides
• Vegan Travel & Tips
• Vegan Fashion
• Sustainability
• Blogging Tips
• Photo Diaries
• Unfortunate (but hilarious)
• Recommendations
• Get in Touch
• Work With Me
• Best Travel Insurance
• Freelance Gig

• Inspiration , Vegan , Vegan Fashion

Are you on the lookout for the perfect carry-on travel bag that is vegan, minimalistic, and sustainable? The Pakt One is hands down the best bag for travelers who care about the earth, explore with just a carry-on, and love to support brands that create sustainable, high-quality, durable travel gear. Check out my in-depth Pakt One review to find out more about why you should choose it for your future adventures!

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

If you’ve been following me for a while or have kept up with my travels through my blog (or even if you’ve personally traveled with me), you know I’ve been strictly using one bag for the past couple years…

Because it’s been a real friggin’ struggle to find a bag that ticks all my boxes.

✓ Vegan (no animals were harmed in the making of this bag – WIN!) ✓ Durable ✓ Comfortable ✓ Carry-on Size (because that minimalist lifestyle, y’all) ✓ Logical Design ✓ Padded Laptop Compartment ✓ And a few more…

Well folks, I can happily say with a big, fat smile on my face as I type this that times have changed!

While I’ve been hesitant to get any sort of new bag, as I’m typically disappointed with either the sustainability , design, size, how it feels for my short and petite body, the durability, or all of the above, my hope that there are brands out there who actually want to change someone’s life with their product has been thoroughly restored!

Table of Contents

Introducing the Pakt One Bag

So, this past weekend I ventured to the magnificent Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales for a little weekend getaway and took along my new Pakt One bag to give it try.

Right from the get-go I knew I had come across something spectacular…

As I packed the bag with my beloved packing cubes — which aren’t even necessary for the Pakt One, as it’s already crafted with what seem to be a built-in packing cube design — I couldn’t help but notice how much space this bag boasts, even though it’s specifically designed to be the ultimate carry-on size.

Seriously! With its clamshell opening design — meaning it opens from the middle with two separate halves designed into two different packing areas — I could fit so much more than I thought possible.

Even better?

The number of pockets the Pakt One duffel bag has. Holy freakin’ moly!

You gotta pocket for your laptop (which is smartly padded), passport, phone, notebooks, cords, e-reader (like a Kindle), and everything and anything else you might want to stick in.

While the smart size, clamshell design, and endless pockets initially caught my attention when packing, I also noticed the impeccable quality the Pakt One bag features.

Over the past couple years, I’ve found it extremely difficult to uncover the material and products used in making various bags… which, in turn, has make it tough to figure out if a bag is vegan or not.

Though, unlike other brands and companies, the Pakt brand is very transparent about what and how they build their beautiful Pakt One bags.

Here’s a snippet from their website about their materials:

We only use modern, durable, technical materials that are animal-friendly and have the lowest possible environmental impact. We are also working to constantly improve our supply chain and products by looking for lower impact replacements for every step and every material.

Pretty cool, eh?

It’s safe to say I’m really psyched to be supporting a conscious company that not only makes it their mission to provide quality, minimalist travel bags, but also focuses on making their products out of eco-friendly , high-quality materials and reducing their environmental footprint throughout all steps of their supply chain.

Ready to experience the Pakt One Bag for yourself? CLICK HERE.

Pakt One Bag & Brand Benefits

While I already talked about some of the benefits above, I wanted to go through each and every one of them with you in this thorough Pakt One review. Let’s start with one of my favorite bag features (even higher up than all the pockets 😉 ).

Plastic-Free Packaging

Yeah, that’s right, y’all! Plastic-free friggin’ packaging.

How many companies do you know or purchase from that are going above and beyond to provide 100% plastic-free packaging? My guess is not many.

This is one of the reasons the Pakt brand really stands out from the crowd. In addition to not only providing sustainable, vegan bags, they go one step further in helping the environment by not using any plastic in the packaging.

So freakin’ cool! I cannot tell you how much I love this (since you know ya girl be all about that plastic-free life ).

Already interested in checking out the Pakt One bag? Click here to shop the different colors!

Vegan Materials

I know, I know.

I already mentioned this above, but I really want to stress on the fact that the Pakt One bag is 100% vegan to have the lowest possible environmental impact.

As a vegan traveler , it’s my mission to show others that wandering the world on a more compassionate and conscious path isn’t as hard as one might believe. And that includes all aspects — from the food to the experiences to the travel products brought with.

Here are a few materials the Pakt One bag is made of (the three different colors — black, grey, and navy — utilize different materials):

• Water-resistant coated polyester canvas
• Durable metal hardware
• Premium YKK zippers
• 150D polyester interior
• Sustainable cotton

Fair-Trade Working Conditions

How beautiful does that sound?

Each of the Pakt One bags are made with workers that are fairly-paid and excellently treated. The bags are also made in a factory that’s safe, legal, and boasts humane working conditions.

Cool, right? Lemme ask you something… can you say that about all your clothes and products?

SeaHive + Pakt

How wild is this — the Pakt brand is so committed to keeping our oceans healthy they they created an entirely separate brand, SeaHive, that is exclusively dedicated to fighting environmentally harmful plastic pollution?

This exceptional brand works by partnering with other brands to reduce (or completely eliminate) their plastic packaging, creates in-depth educational content to make others aware of the world’s single-use plastic problem, and teams up with ambassadors to further amplify their voice and awareness.

Clearly, these two brands are ALL about making a difference — which is what I’m all about, too!

Ready to shop? Click here to get your own Pakt bag!

Pakt One Bag Specs

Here’s a handy dandy list I sourced from the Pakt site about the Grey Pakt One bag (which is the one featured in my photos and in my life):

• Length 20″ (50.8cm) x Width 10″ (25.4cm) x Height 11″ (27.9cm)
• Empty weight of 3.25 lbs
• 35 liter capacity
• Coated canvas exterior
• Durable pewter hardware
• Grey 150D polyester interior
• No external labels

What’s the Pakt One Price Tag?

Currently, the Pakt One has a price tag of $275.

While I know the bag isn’t in the budget for many travelers, I wholeheartedly believe this bag is priced for what it delivers.

Most of the time — I’d go as far as saying 95% of the time — people buy products that’ll last them one, maybe two, years (and that’s if it’s above average quality).

The Pakt brand wants to change that.

They want to provide a bag that’ll last a lifetime (in fact, they even have a lifetime warranty!).

All of the Pakt bags are made only of high quality materials that are simultaneously environmentally responsible and source or design hardware that will stand up to years and years of wandering the world.

Also, it’s worth considering that since the Pakt One travel bag is an all-around awesome carry-on size, so you’ll never have to check your luggage again… which saves you both time and money at the airport. Win-win!

Furthermore, with a higher price tag they can pay their employees and workers fairer prices. No one should be paid less than anything adequate. The Pakt brand is continually fighting fast fashion, which should be highly supported.

(Not sure what fast fashion is? You can read about it here OR watch “The True Cost” documentary on Netflix.)

So… is this the Best Vegan, Minimalist Carry-On Bag?

In conclusion, I would go as far to say the Pakt One bag is the BEST vegan, minimalist carry-on bag on the market.

Boasting a clean design with durable — vegan — materials that fits with every airline carry-on dimensions, it’s pretty damn good.

Even better, the Pakt brand is doing more for the environment than most companies. I sure as hell want to support a name like that! Wouldn’t you?

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE PAKT ONE

Tip: Follow the Pakt brand on social media! Their handle is @paktbags and if you try one of their bags and post it, use the hashtag #KeepTravelSimple .

Would you consider getting the Pakt One bag? Or are you looking to upgrade to a new, vegan travel bag that’ll do more than just carry around your stuff? Let me know in the comments!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/vegan-luggage-backpacks-and-travel-bags/
• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/10-life-changing-vegan-travel-tips/
• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/how-to-travel-responsibly-with-airbnb/
• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/sustainable-tours-for-eco-friendly-holiday/
• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/tobacco-suite-vegan-friendly-hotel-in-puglia-italy/
• https://www.thewanderfulme.com/ultimate-list-vegan-day-travel-bags/

Like this Pakt One bag review? Pin it to inspire others!

Many thanks to Pakt for providing me with the Pakt One bag. As always, I’m keeping it real. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here .

Related Posts

Staying at the most vegan-friendly hotel in the heart of Puglia, Italy

Stuffing the stockings with Bambaw – 5 unique & sustainable gifts to give your loved ones

Ultimate list of the best vegan cookbooks

Leave a comment cancel comment.

Sign me up for The Wanderful Me newsletter!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Luggage & Travel Gear
• Travel Duffels

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Pakt One Duffel Bag for Women and Men - Durable and Carry On Approved Duffel Bag for Travel, Visits to the Gym, Overnight Weekender Trips, and More - 35L Capacity (Grey)

Similar item to consider.

Customers also viewed these products

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Pakt One Travel Duffel Bag for Women and Men

Product details.

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20 x 10 x 11 inches; 4.25 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ BAG01-A-2
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B081HZ8L8Q
• #5,113 in Travel Duffel Bags

Product Description

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Pakt One carry-on travel bag review

REVIEW – If you’re an avid traveler who likes to keep the task of packing for trips as simple and as organized as possible, I have a bag that you’ll want to consider for your next one-bag travel trip. It’s the Pakt One carry-on travel bag and it is as feature packed (see what I did there?) as possible without being overly bulky or complicated to use. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Pakt One is a duffle style shoulder bag that has been designed with frequent travelers needs in mind.

Design and features

The Pakt One is a 35-liter capacity coated canvas bag that is available in navy which you see here, as well as grey and black. The bag is 20″ (50.8cm) long by 10″ (25.4cm) wide and 11″ (27.9cm) tall. The bag is pretty beefy and weighs in at 3.25 lbs when it’s empty. One side has 2 zippered pockets that are approximately 7″ x 7″.

The pockets can expand to accommodate bulkier items. The pocket on the left side of the bag has pen slot with an open topped slot next to it and a small mesh pocket in front of those pockets.

There’s also a tether with a clip sewn into that pocket that you can use to clip your keys so you’ll always know where they are.

The right pocket is an open compartment without any extra organization in it.

When you flip the bag over on the opposite side, you’ll find another zippered pocket which is 11″ x 6.5″ with an open-topped pocket located behind it.

The open-topped 14″ x 8″ pocket is roomy enough to hold magazines and other papers.

This pocket is held closed with two magnets on either end. The magnets aren’t super strong, but enough to hold the top of the pocket closed as long as you store thin items in that pocket.

The zippered pocket holds a special mesh pocket inside it.

The mesh pocket is designed to hold some of the small items that you usually put in a bowl when you send your belongings through the scanner at the airport. There’s even a red strip on the mesh pocket to remind you to retrieve those items when you’re done navigating through the checkpoint.

On each end of the bag is a canvas loop that you can use to attach the included shoulder strap. There is also a small accessory loop on each end of the bag that you can use to attach other items. Speaking of the shoulder strap, it is adjustable and has durable brass (the navy bag), pewter (the grey bag), or black hardware on the black version of the bag.

The bottom of the bag has metal feet and protected corners.

All of the zippers on the Pakt One bag have canvas zipper pulls which I think is a nice touch. In this top-down view of the bag, you can see that there are 2 canvas handles and 3 dual zippers that you can use to gain access to the main interior compartments of the bag.

One of the compartments opens into a roomy storage area that has a light tan clothlining. In each side of this compartment is a mesh pocket that can hold a water bottle, lotion bottle, etc.

The exterior wall of the storage area has a large zippered pocket that’s approximately 13″ x 8″.

If we flip the bag around to the other side and open that storage area, it has a similar layout with side mesh pockets.

It also has a zippered pocket on the exterior wall of the storage compartment. There is one thing different about this compartment though, it has a zippered mesh window.

You can see this mesh “window” when you unzip the center zippers. The bag is able to open into two halves that fold flat to give you access to the main compartments like you can when you open a suitcase.

The left side has a padded zippered pocket that can hold up to a 15″ laptop. Here I show my little 12-inch MacBook to give you an idea of the overall size of the Pakt One bag.

The divider can be unzipped to give you access to the left storage area.

The mesh window also unzips to provide access to the right storage area. Both sides can be used to hold your clothes and gear. Then the flaps can be zipped back in place to keep everything neat and tidy. If you’re wondering why there’s a mesh window, it’s so you can easily differentiate the sides so you’ll know where your gear is.

They even include a dirty clothes bag with the Pakt One bag so you can keep your cruddy clothes from touching your clean clothes.

Here I am with carrying the Pakt One bag. Size wise, I stand 5’6″ tall. The bag looks pretty big on me in this picture and yes, it is a large bag. But keep in mind that the Pakt One bag is not supposed to be an everyday gear bag, it’s a duffle style travel bag and it fits the approved size requirements for carry-on bags for all major airlines.

Loading this bag down with your clothes and gear and then running through an airport to catch your flight with the bag swinging from your shoulder will probably NOT be a comfortable experience, but the two grab handles on top can help with that and the bag is pretty comfy for short walks.

What I like

• Roomy with lots of organization
• No gaudy branding on the exterior

What needs to be improved

• Pricey (Update 5/9/19 – Price has been lowered $50. It’s still expensive, but not quite as expensive as before)

Final thoughts

The Pakt One bag has a lot going for it. The design is great with lots of pockets and storage compartments and the ability to open flat for easy access to your clothes. The bag is very well made and feels like an old friend from the minute you get it. It doesn’t need a breaking in period for it to feel like a well-used bag and will probably become your favorite travel bag from day one. If you prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack when it comes to one-bag travel, the Pakt One bag is definitely one to check out.

Update 6/30/21

I posted this review back in January of 2019 and only had a chance to take it on one trip that year to Red River Gorge, Kentucky. It worked out great for that trip, but since then, it has been sitting in a closet until a few weeks ago when we were able to go on our first real vacation since COVID. This time we drove up north to Indiana Dunes and stayed in a house right on Lake Michigan. The Pakt One was a fantastic travel bag for that trip. I think it really shines as a road trip bag.

Price : $275.00 Where to buy : Pakt Source : The sample for this review was provided by Pakt .

About The Author

Julie Strietelmeier

5 thoughts on “pakt one carry-on travel bag review”.

• Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting

I was considering this bag for our late May London trip, but after reading various reviews that mentioned how heavy it could get when packed for no-checked-bag travel I decided to go with the Osprey Women’s Fairview 40L backpack, plus a pocket-fitting unstructured day pack for walking around. I remember dragging rolling suitcases up from the subway and on cobbled streets last time…

It weighs about 3.5lbs empty and yes, it can get heavy but then so can any bag. I would not want to lug it around on my shoulder all day long, but it’s fine for quick walks.

Whoa! Thought it was a great sounding bag until I saw that price!

The market competition for carry on bags (including sophisticated, compartment rich backpacks) is full of abundant selections. But $325 for a fabric carry on bag made in Vietnam, that weights 3+ lbs empty? I must be missing something… (I’d venture I could find a decent bag for half that price and with the savings pay someone to carry it for me;)

Hi Michael, I agree that this bag is too expensive. Yes, you can find 1000’s of bags that are cheaper, but this bag is constructed very well with quite a few thoughtful features. Many duffel style bags are just one big storage area with no organization at all. I’ve tried several duffel bags over the years and so far this one is my favorite.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Pakt One Review | Carry-on Travel Duffel Bag

Pangolins with Packs

You’re probably thinking… “The Pakt One? That’s not a backpack! I came here for backpacks!” Yes, you’re right. The Pakt One is not a backpack, it’s a duffel bag. Sorry! When Pakt Bags reached out to us and asked if we would be willing to take a look at the Pakt One, we hesitated at first. But after 2 seconds of thinking, we thought, “Why not?” Pakt was in the process of designing a backpack, which they just recently announced was in collaboration with Chase Reeves, and even though the Pakt One is a duffel bag, duffel bags are pretty much the single-slinged cousins of backpacks, and a lot of our backpacks are travel bags anyways. But let’s start with that caveat — the Pakt One is a duffel bag, not a backpack. So this is slightly outside our usual space (though not too far). It’s a carry-on size travel bag and from the instant you lay eyes on it you can tell that it is a premium bag.

Once you get your hands on it though… then you start to question all the duffel bag decisions you made in the past. That giant plastic Adidas duffel bag you have? What were you thinking?? What do you do when you want something stylish, premium quality, organized, intuitive, and designed by experienced travelers for experienced travelers? Enter the Pakt One.

The main difference between the Pakt One and typical duffel bags is the way it opens. While traditional duffel bags are essentially a box where the top has a large U-shaped zipped opening, the Pakt One has a zipper that runs along the side of the bag, across the middle, and down the other side. It’s a clamshell opening, similar to many travel backpacks like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35, the Patagonia MLC45, and the Standard Luggage backpack. This allows it to open and be packed like a luggage bag. To be honest, I’m not sure why more duffel bags don’t do this. It splits all the contents into two organized sides rather than having everything in a giant mass and having to rummage through from the top to find something.

Organization

Let’s start with the large organization features and compartments.

• Once you’ve opened up the clamshell zipper and have the bag splayed open, you’ll notice a mesh divider on one side, making it easier to identify which side is which
• The opposite side of the mesh divider is a padded internal laptop sleeve that easily fits 15" computers
• With the mesh divider and the laptop pouch opened and out of the way, you’ll see the two main compartments that are your main storage. In the photos below, I have a pair of slacks, two button-down shirts, two t-shirts, a toiletry bag, and a suit jacket packed into one side with some extra space to spare. Each half is probably about 16–17 L

Among the smaller organizational features, this is one of those bags that has a place for everything. EVERYTHING.

• Four interior mesh pockets (on the sides of the two main storage cavities) for storing small items. They look like small water bottle holders but work well for chargers, a mouse, socks, a pack of M&Ms, etc.
• On the side of each of the two large interior cavities are zipped pockets for securing things out of sight like documents, jewelry, more M&Ms
• The Pakt One also comes with a zippered laundry bag to keep clean or dirty items separate
• On the exterior of the bag are additional zipped pockets. One side has two that are large enough to fit a small notebook, while the other side has a quick access zipped, mesh pouch meant for quickly storing items as you head through airport security.
• One of these exterior pockets also has all the small organizational features you could ask for — pen holder, card holder, key leash. A spot for everything.

Construction

The Pakt One definitely has a premium quality feel to it. The all black version of the bag has a 420D nylon exterior with a 150D polyester lining on the interior. The zippers are all YKK brand and also feature aqua guards with great water-resistance. All the hardware on the bag (e.g., the adjustors, zippers, and hooks) is metal and feel incredibly sturdy.

Upon receiving the bag, I didn’t notice any loose threads or stitching issues, and after using the bag for multiple overnight trips, there was still no issue with quality.

The other color schemes of the bag use different fabrics. The grey and blue versions have a coated canvas fabric. While the black bag is the most water resistant (the other colors don’t have weather-resistant zippers), it is not a fully waterproof bag.

The Pakt One is roughly 20" x 10" x 11" (50.8cm x 25.4cm x 27.9xm). That’s small enough to use as a carry-on and can fit under airline seats even though it has 35 L of carrying capacity. When empty, it weighs about 3.25 lbs. Although not light, it is a great size for long weekend or week-long business trips.

In field usage

One of the great features of this bag is all the small organizational pockets. There is a place for everything. In fact it can be a bit difficult at first to remember where everything is because there are so many pockets.

When the Pakt One isn’t fully packed, it can feel a little clunky because it has a somewhat firm shape and the bottom is stiff. Additionally, putting my laptop into the vertical laptop sleeve makes me a bit nervous. If I put that bag into an overhead compartment on a plane and someone else puts another bag on top of mine, then will it damage the laptop? Probably not. But these are the things that keep my up at night… when I’m on a plane (that and the terribly uncomfortable tiny seats, the lack of leg space, the stuffy air, and the constant droning of the engines).

A couple other minor issues I’ve encountered when using the Pakt One are how stiff the zippers are (because they have weather guards) and how slippery the shoulder strap is. The shoulder strap is nylon webbing but is very smooth, like seat belts. So there isn’t much friction between the straps and your shoulder and they tend to slip off pretty easily. It’s a bit of a nuisance but not a deal-breaker.

So in summary. This is not a backpack.

Okay. Beyond that, it’s actually a pretty great duffel bag. It feels and looks like premium quality with a very stylish design. It has a ton of organization for a duffel bag and the unique opening makes packing and unpacking very easy.

• Utility: 4 of 5 — The Pakt One has a very logical opening style that makes packing and unpacking a cinch.
• Organization: 4 of 5 — A place for everything. Not just your tech, but small organization even for pens and keys and internal pockets within the main compartments too.
• Construction: 5 of 5 — Really feels like top of the line materials and is very well built.
• Aesthetics: 5 of 5 — Great looking bag that is chic and elegant.
• Comfort: 3 of 5 — Not sure how to rate comfort with respect to duffel bags, but the shoulder strap does have some padding.
• Life-Integration: 3 of 5 — It’s not quite as simple as other duffel bags. Different methods of access, but not difficult to use either.
• X-Factor: 4 of 5 — Very elegant packaging and delivery. Pakt also recently announced a collab for a backpack with Chase Reeves (currently being prototyped)

Written by Geoff

lover of science and data with an appreciation for design

More from Geoff and Pangolins with Packs

The Definitive Guide that You Never Wanted: Anatomy of a Backpack

For the past year we have been bombarding you with our opinions of backpacks — what makes each one great and what needs improvement. so….

The Definitive Guide that You Never Wanted: Backpack Fabrics

As you’re reading through our reviews or researching the best backpacks yourself, you may see a profusion of various technical terms being….

The Definitive Guide that You Never Wanted: Packing Your Backpack

While shopping for new gear is really fun, finding the right gear is just the beginning. once you have your go-to gear, the next step….

GORUCK Rucker 4.0 Review

We’ve reviewed a few different goruck bags in the past, such as the gr1 and the bullet 15. but these have been primarily within the scope…, recommended from medium.

Optimal Thread Works Custom Backpack Review

Optimal thread works is a one-man maker named elias running a small soft goods operation in pennsylvania. he’s a self-taught sewer who is….

Aditya Darekar

Mac O’Clock

How Apple Notes is a silent game-changer for your productivity on Mac

Company Offsite Reading List

How to Boost Employee Experience With Career Conversations

The New Chatbots: ChatGPT, Bard, and Beyond

Stories to Help You Live Better

Neil Hawkesford

Practice in Public

Don’t Use Obsidian!

Grab these 4 vital insights first.

Jeshua Erickson

Why Obsidian has been Lifechanging for Me

How did i learn about obsidian.

Testing with PHPUnit

Exploring phpunit: your guide to testing in php applications.

Killer apps to organize your digital workspace — 2024 edition

This is the digital setup i use to be more effective in 2024. the purpose of my workspace is to optimize focus and eliminate distractions….

Text to speech

Pakt Review: An In-Depth Look at Pakt‘s Line of Travel Bags and Gear

Overview of Pakt

Pakt is a travel gear company founded in 2018 by designer Malcolm Fontier, inspired by the minimalist travel principles of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemu. Pakt has gained a cult following for its focus on creating durable, sustainable and hassle-free luggage and accessories designed specifically for the rigors of frequent travel.

The brand‘s flagship product is The Pakt One, a sleek 35L carry-on backpack that launched a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. Beyond bags, Pakt offers accessories like the clever Pakt Coffee Kit for crafting barista-quality caffeine anywhere and the ingeniously designed no-spill Pakt Travel Mug.

Pakt Product Highlights:

• Innovative travel-specific designs
• High quality, weather/adventure proof construction
• Ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials
• Generous lifetime guarantee on defects
• Rave reviews from digital nomads, one-baggers and weekend warriors alike

But Pakt products don‘t come cheap, with most bags starting around $275. In this in-depth Pakt review, we‘ll assess whether the quality, features and brand ethos justify the steep price tag.

Hands-On Testing for This Pakt Review

To provide first-hand insights for this review, I tested Pakt‘s core products during recent travels in Europe. This included the Pakt One 35L as my sole piece of luggage for a 2 week trip and the Pakt Backpack paired with the Packing Cubes and Rain Cover for a weekends-long trip.

I specifically evaluated durability, storage organization/accessibility, comfort and convenience getting through airports and stowing in overhead bins or under airplane seats. My hands-on experience informs assessments and recommendations throughout this review.

Pakt Bags Review: Key Models Critiqued

Pakt specializes in sleek, minimalist travel bags designed specifically to enhance organization and ease airport hassles while maintaining a stylish, low profile look. Currently they offer four main models:

The Pakt One is Pakt‘s original Kickstarter sensation and top selling bag, engineered specifically for seamless air travel…

Pakt Backpack

While the Pakt One prioritizes convenience and organization, the Pakt Backpack cranks up the durability to keep your stuff protected while enduring more extreme urban and outdoor adventures…

Pakt Bags Accessories Review

To augment their bags, Pakt offers a range accessories purpose-built to solve frequent travelers‘ problems…

Pakt Travel Gear Review: Mugs, Kits and More

In addition to bags, Pakt produces clever travel accessories designed by obsessive product developers and crowdfunded by travelers to scratch their own itches…

Is Pakt Worth the Investment?

At $275+, Pakt bags demand a premium price, but deliver premium performance and construction to match. For context, acclaimed travel bag makers like Tortuga, Aer, and Nomatic pitch their flagship bags in the same range…

Pakt‘s Commitment to Ethical, Sustainable Production

Expert and customer reviews, where to buy, the last word.

In my experience testing Pakt bags and accessories side-by-side with top competitors, their meticulously designed travel-oriented feature sets, resilient construction and ethical supply chain make that premium price tag worthwhile for some. For discerning travelers chasing optimized organization, durability and convenience from gate to gate, Pakt delivers.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Share this:

You may like to read,.

• The Complete Rockstar Original Review: Urban Streetwear Worth Buying?
• WMP Eyewear Review: Stylish Glasses Without the Designer Price Tag
• My 4 Year Journey Ordering from Fanjoy: Inside Tips from an Experienced Customer
• Why The Pearl Source is the Internet‘s Pearl Jewelry Mecca: A Jewelry Lover‘s Review
• Asket Review: My Experience Testing out These Sustainable Wardrobe Staples
• My AC Lens Review: Why This Value-Packed Retailer Earned My Loyalty For Life
• The Ultimate Guide to Liquid I.V. Hydration Drink Mix
• The Truth about Topicals Faded: A Critical Review

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

🔥 Get up to 10% off Pakt • Join Pack Hacker Pro

Pakt Travel Backpack Review

The Pakt Travel Backpack's interior layout keeps clothing and gear organized, though space could be maximized.

Our Verdict

Save time. Get access to brief summaries of our reviews so you can browse and make decisions more efficiently.

Join Pack Hacker Pro or, Sign In

• Removable hip belt doubles as a sling or waist pack
• Plenty of organization inside and out
• Easy-to-use double-buckled sternum strap
• Shoulder straps’ edges dig in
• Internal layout doesn’t maximize depth well
• Imbalanced luggage pass-through

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 116/145 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)

4.5 lb (2 kg)

21 in x 12.6 in x 6.7 in (53.3 x 32 x 17 cm)

Notable Materials

Polyester, Polyethylene, Duraflex Hardware

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Pakt Policy

Full Review

Get up to 10% off Pakt • Join Pack Hacker Pro

When we first looked at Pakt’s One Travel Bag , we noted its convenient clamshell design and easy-to-pack layout. This duffel bag is the result of a collaboration between Pakt, designer Malcolm Fontier, and “The Minimalists” Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus, experts in minimalism. We bring these two points up because they’re familiar cues in the subject of this review: the Travel Backpack.

Like the One Travel Bag, this was also designed in a collaboration, but this time with Chase Reeves, who makes content on travel gear like us. It’s oozing with features like a hip belt that’s also a sling bag , a dedicated “TSA Pocket,” and a unique main compartment layout that’s reminiscent of their One Travel Bag. The layout is definitely not as cut and dry as a clamshell with a bucket-style interior space, so let’s dig in and see how it all works.

Materials & Aesthetic

First impressions rarely go away, though long-term observation can make lasting ones as well. Standing at 30 liters, the Travel Backpack isn’t exactly small by any means, and its all-black colorway only emphasizes its size. It has a rectangular profile with rounded edges and a proportionally slim depth that makes the backpack appear more suitcase-like. That’s really the theme we got from the Travel Backpack as testing went on—it has functionality in the design that doubles down on the Travel part of its name.

We’ll elaborate more on that later, but first, let’s talk about the material Pakt uses here. They’re not calling it nylon, although it certainly looks like it. It’s 900D rPET fabric with DWR coating, and it stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (try saying that five times in a row), and it feels similar to nylon of a similar denier in terms of durability. The all-black colorway we have here hides it, but the fabric also has a heritage-like texture and appearance. It’s an aesthetic we can see Mr. Reeves liking, and it’s something we can get behind as well.

For those looking to break out of black, there’s also a Green colorway that’s more beige and olive in appearance, available at the time of writing. It certainly brings out more of the Travel Backpack’s heritage vibe, and the black reverse coil zippers give it just a touch of an urban accent. On either colorway, branding remains minimal on the outside, with the Pakt logo only appearing on a small patch on the back panel.

That said, the overall styling isn’t minimal by any means, with plenty of Duraflex hardware like clips, buckles, and adjusters scattered around—not that we’re complaining about quality hardware, though.

External Components

It’s not often that we find shoulder straps on backpacks that are lacking in terms of padding, breathability, or comfort in general. Thankfully, the Travel Backpack has a set of capable shoulder straps and an equally well-padded back panel. The straps have dense padding and width that distributes the weight across your shoulders. We’re also glad to see load lifters here—backpacks at 30 liters and above are where we’d consider having these a major convenience. We’re not a huge fan of the shiny aluminum look contrasting against the black fabric. We think it kind of cheapens the look, though that’s just our hot take, and you can argue that aluminum—or any metal for that matter—actually makes it more upscale.

While there is more than sufficient padding and mesh, the shape underneath makes the gap and edges very noticeable. It’s something you feel the first time you wear it, and it can be a bit more noticeable while wearing shoulderless clothing.

What we really dig on the Travel Backpack is the clever sternum strap. It’s mounted on a shrouded rail where you can slide the strap along to where it’s most comfortable. Plus, it’s buckled on either side, which not only gives two options for securing the strap but also means it’s easy to remove entirely. Simple and effective—just the way we like it.

The harness system can also be stowed behind the back panel so that it doesn’t get in the way. The shoulder straps’ adjusters are secured via plastic anchors, which can be undone by sliding the anchor lengthwise through the buckle. Once that’s done, stuff the straps behind the back panel, and presto! You now have a flat back panel that you can slide around the luggage compartment without a pair of straps flapping around. Oh, and the top nylon loop can also be tucked behind the back panel. It’s a nice bonus for those who are peeved by random things brushing against the back of their neck.

The Travel Backpack resembles a suitcase with its shoulder straps stowed out of the way, especially when carrying it by the handles. This twin handles on the left side are great to use because of how balanced they are to carry by hand. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the back panel’s luggage pass-through.

The luggage pass-through is relatively narrow, snugly fitting on our Travelpro’s trolley handle. But the more noticeable issue is how the pass-through is positioned more towards the top (or the left if you have the bag oriented with the handles at the top). This means the Travel Backpack sits imbalanced on rolling luggage, and while it’s not enough for it to fall over, it’s noticeable once you’re moving around.

Along the bottom of the back panel is another pass-through, but this one’s for the removable hip belt with a hidden trick up its sleeve. Not only is it a hip belt, but it’s also a sling or a waist pack you can use separately. The straps compress via snap fasteners, so it fits through the pass-through when in hip belt mode. But once those fasteners are undone, it turns into a simple sling with a divider pocket inside—not the most comprehensive sling out there, but it’ll do. There are wings of fabric on each side where the straps thread through, and you can use them for a more wrap-around style in either waist pack or sling mode. They can also tuck away altogether, which is our preferred style in sling mode. Overall, a neat little trick and value-add that can save you the effort of packing a smaller bag for short strolls when you’re traveling.

Something we’re not huge fans of on the Travel Backpack are the compression/accessory straps. Now hold on; we’re not saying we’re down on compression straps, quite the opposite. It’s just that these particular compression straps attach via plastic toggles that, unfortunately, come off rather easily. The likelihood of them falling out decreases once they’re tightened down, but if they’re not, there’s a chance they’ll go AWOL—and there’s four of them, with two on each side.

Lastly, on the right side opposite the side handles is the water bottle pocket. It’s gusseted so it can expand substantially and is able to fit even our large 32-ounce Hydro Flask . It’s also tall enough to fit a compact umbrella or tripod comfortably. The elastic isn’t the strongest we’ve seen, just enough to keep things from falling out randomly.

Inside The Pack

Pakt’s made some interesting design choices when it comes to the layout of the Travel Backpack, and you’ll soon see what we mean by that, starting with the front pockets. There are two quick grab pockets at the front: a lower and an upper one. The interesting thing about these two pockets is that they share a similar layout with subtle differences.

The lower pocket has a pen silo and a liner pocket, coupled with a mesh pocket in front, plus a built-in key clip—this is the same story as with the upper pocket. The differences between the two are that the upper pocket opens in a horseshoe-style way, the key clips are located on different sides (left on the lower pocket, right on the upper), and they’re of different lengths (the upper pocket’s built-in key clip is shorter). Another thing to note is that both key clips use a rather simple hook that frequently lost hold of our keys, especially on the shorter key clip in the upper pocket.

This twin design is unusual, whereas other backpacks with two front pockets might have different layouts, sizes, or positions altogether. Functionally, these pockets work, and they have enough organization between them for traveling purposes. For example, you can have your house keys on the lower pocket’s key clip while you keep your Airbnb keys on the more accessible upper pocket’s key clip.

There’s also a top pocket with a very big opening, fully zipping from side to side like a taco-shaped pocket. The interior lining for this top pocket feels crinkly, though it is very bright and nearly white. It’ll work as a quick dump pocket for items you’d want to throw in before going through airport security—perhaps a paperback novel you’re reading to pass the time, or a half-finished bag of snacks. For this purpose, Pakt also has a specialized pocket dedicated to it.

There’s a zipper pocket on the back panel on the lower portion, which you can use as a security pocket for important travel documents. Inside this pocket, there’s a pull-out mesh pocket which Pakt calls its “TSA Pocket.” This patent-pending pocket is designed to hold items in your own pocket so you don’t have to place them in a separate bin or container when going through airport security. The red stripe running across the pocket? It’s to remind you to grab your belongings and quickly reorganize before you rush to catch your flight.

The main compartment has an unusual layout compared to other travel backpacks. Whereas a more typical layout would be a clamshell opening with a bucket-style space and sprinkled with some pockets for organization, Pakt takes a more interesting approach.

It’s subdivided into two main sections: a rear compartment and the front compartment. The rear compartment is accessible via a horseshoe-style opening along the top of the backpack. This is typically where we’d find a tech compartment in travel backpacks. However, the rear compartment in Pakt’s Travel Backpack is half of the space meant for clothing. There’s not much depth for packing cubes here, and it’s more suitable for stacks of folded shirts or pants. On the back, there’s a zippered compartment for documents or longer travel papers you’d want least accessible. There are also small mesh pockets, one on either side, for small accessories you’d want relatively quickly accessible via this compartment.

The whole main compartment opens up clamshell-style via twin zippers, making the Travel Backpack open like a book. On the left side is the divider that separates the aforementioned rear compartment, and this divider is actually the 16-inch laptop compartment itself. Unzipping the zipper that attaches it to the frame of the bag frees it, and you’ll be able to flip this divider like a page. It’s like a laptop sleeve that’s been stitched to the bag itself, one that is softly padded and has a substantial false bottom measuring well over an inch.

You can stack more clothes on top of the laptop compartment. However, this layout of clothes-laptop compartment-clothes doesn’t feel very efficient to us. On the one hand, it puts the laptop in the most protected part of the bag. On the other hand, it also somewhat limits laptop accessibility and packing options due to how the depth is subdivided. Packing cubes may have difficulty getting in there if they’re packed too tightly, but you can get them in there if you pack them lean. Put in another way; the Travel Backpack has its own style of packing and organization.

On the front side of the main compartment is a mesh divider covering a space suitable for smaller articles of clothing like underwear, gloves, handkerchiefs, socks, etc. There’s a wide and tall mesh pocket inside, plus a wide zippered pocket on top for small toiletries or tech accessories.

In terms of organization, the Pakt Travel Backpack has plenty of pockets and compartments for clothes, tech, and everyday carry items. It certainly has its unique features with a complimentary sling, a TSA Pocket, and a unique main compartment layout. Though that layout is a bit constrictive in terms of packing style, it’s ready to go for those who want a prepared layout.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Digging the organization options inside the pack
• The removable hip belt that converts into a waist pack is a really neat idea
• We like the overall style, especially the black-on-black colorway
• The bag feels great in the hands and it’s a pleasure to use
• Shoulder straps can get uncomfortable
• Load lifters add support
• Compression straps fall off easily

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

Sign up to get our 5 Minimalist Travel Hacks Guide. Plus, a weekly digest of our newest content in the newsletter.

We’re independently supported by our readers and we may earn a commission when you buy through our links.

What are you looking for?

Search ideas for you, pakt review.

Shauna Andrews

Content Specialist

Shauna Andrews is a freelance content creator with a passion for both professional and personal writing. She uses her brand, Cowgirl Grammar, as an outlet for her word-obsession. Shauna lives in the small isolated town of Powell River, on the coast of British Columbia.

Table of Contents

Let’s admit it, most of us love to travel but aren’t so keen on the hassles with luggage: lugging them around, baggage check, going through security and spilling travel mugs/water bottles. That’s why Pakt designs its products to make the most enjoyable travel experience possible , and with its minimalist approach, the brand really speaks to the eco-conscious crowd.

Mainstream media like Forbes , Business Insider , and GQ have covered Pakt products. Pakt has more than 34K followers on Instagram and a 5-star rating on their Facebook retail page, which was definitely enough to get our attention.

Using customer feedback, promotions on offer, and media coverage, this Pakt review looks at whether or not this brand is worth your money.

Overview of Pakt

In 2016, the Minimalism TV documentary featured Malcolm Fontier’s out-of-production Getaway Bag, the travel bag of choice for the show’s hosts, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemu. The bag wowed audiences, with many requesting the bag’s triumphant return.

Malcolm answered the call, but not before redesigning the bag entirely using input from the show’s hosts and running a successful crowdfunding campaign to source the money needed to create the bag.

Now known as The One , the newly redesigned travel bag is the flagship product in the Pakt line, which set sail in 2018, but Malcolm wasn’t done yet. He also ended up designing a travel mug, a backpack, and even a portable coffee kit . All materials used are durable, modern, BPA-free, and 100% animal-friendly.

Continuing with his minimalist vision, Pakt tries to make the least impact with its carbon footprint. It uses 100% plastic-free shipping materials and, as previously mentioned, 100% animal-friendly materials . Their transparency report is also free to read on their company website.

Pakt produces all of its items in Asia, where they also source most of their materials. Many of their suppliers and manufacturers are in Vietnam, where they’ve proven to provide safe, fair, and humane workplaces and halves the price of what they would be if made in America.

The company also ships to the US via boat rather than air to be more environmentally friendly. Before this Pakt review deep-dives into Pakt’s products, let’s look at some of the basic features of the brand.   

• High-quality, durable, sustainable bags and accessories deigned for travel
• Lifetime warranty on bags for any defect or excessive damage during everyday use
• Plastic-free shipping 
• 100% animal-friendly materials
• Thoughtful and technically advanced designs
• Contributes to your worry-free travel
• Ideal for business and pleasure travel  
• Products are not inexpensive
• Items not made in America

Along with the Pakt Backpack and its accessories (see review below), Pakt has three advanced and helpful travel must-haves covered in this Pakt review.

While the travel mug is a newer item, the coffee kit is one of the brand’s bestsellers, and, of course, The Pakt One is the brand’s premier product and bestseller.

Pakt The Pakt One Review

The Pakt One is the next generation of the original minimalist travel bag from Malcolm Fontier. This bag launched the Pakt brand and continues to be its bestseller. With a 35L capacity, this bag neatly stashes a week’s worth of travel clothes and gear while being small enough to skip the baggage check. 

For an easier time dealing with security, The One added a TSA pocket. It’s a mesh pocket that you can easily pull out. Just drop your keys and other personal items into it instead of those plastic trays, and away you go while everyone else is still fumbling through their pockets.

The middle zipper allows you to quickly access the padded pocket holding your laptop when you get to your gate. Once in the plane, The Pakt One stows easily in the overhead compartment.

It comes in grey/pewter, black/black and navy/bronze with a day/laundry bag included, all for $275.

Pakt Travel Mug Review

Although a new product for Pakt, the Pakt Travel Mug is already winning over customers. Imagine being able to throw a full mug of coffee into your bag and not worry about spillage, no matter how much it flips around. You can even sip from any direction without spilling as you try to maneuver the sippy hole because there is none!

To create the best travel mug possible, Pakt collaborated with Impel Studio for their expertise in product development and innovation. The Pakt Travel Mug is made from scratch-resistant stainless steel with silicone rubber to keep hot liquids warm for 8 hours and cold beverages frosty for up to 24 hours. Able to fit into most cup holders, this travel mug is ideal for road and rail travel. 

The Pakt Travel Mug comes in a choice of five colors: oat, black, green, orange, or stainless steel (no color coating) and currently goes for $35 . 

Pakt The Pakt Coffee Kit Review

The Pakt Coffee Kit is everything you need to make a professional tasting cup of coffee anywhere there is water and electricity available. One of the worst things about traveling is not finding a great-tasting coffee in your hotel during off-service hours. Many offer coffee makers and drink dispensers, which is great…if you like the taste of dirt.

That’s why this Pakt review loves this pour-over coffee maker, so you don’t have to settle for less. Everything comes in a compact, airline carry-on friendly case with the components below: 

• Dual-voltage electric kettle
• Reusable steel mesh filter, mug, and lid
• Container for the coffee grounds
• Scoop for the grounds

All you need to bring are your favorite ground beans.

The Pakt Coffee Kit gives you your quality caffeine fix on the go for $189 .

Pakt Backpack Review

While The Pakt One is a combination of duffle and suitcase, the Pakt Backpack is a mix of suitcase and backpack. Keeping in mind that backpackers tend to be pretty nomadic while traveling, this backpack is made with even more durable materials than The One and is water-resistant.

This Pakt review will take an in-depth look at this popular travel backpack and two of its accessories, the protective rain cover, and the ultra-handy packing cubes.

Pakt Travel Backpack Review

Made for comfort, even when it’s on your back all day, the Pakt Travel Backpack is a group effort from Pakt, designer Chase Reeves, and the input from hundreds of travelers from the Pakt community, to make a product that truly fits the needs of the consumer.

The backpack is water-resistant, sturdy, and features plenty of cool pockets, like a TSA pocket, a waterproof pocket, and a hidden pocket for safely stashing essential items close to your back.

One of this Pakt review’s favorite functions of this backpack is that the load-distributing waist strap removes to become a separate sling bag.

The exterior of the Pakt Travel Backpack is made from repurposed single-use plastic, making the backpack durable and environmentally friendly. It opens into two compartments like a suitcase but has top zippers for quick access without opening the whole backpack. Its 30L capacity is compact enough to stow under the airplane seat in front of you.

The Pakt Travel Backpack comes in black or green and retails for $295 . 

Pakt Travel Backpack Rain Cover Review

The nature of backpacking means that you will, at some point, come into bad weather and not be able to find cover. Although the Pakt Travel Backpack is water-resistant, the Pakt Rain Cover makes doubly sure that your bag and its contents stay dry.

Made from 80D with a complete, zip-around design, this cover snugly fits over your Pakt Backpack . It also adds an extra layer of security from pickpockets and dirt protection, which means you’re covered, no matter what harsh elements you’re exposed to on your journey.

It comes in red or black and costs $35 . 

Pakt Travel Backpack Packing Cube Set Review

Even though the Pakt Backpack divides into two neat compartments, the Pakt Travel Backpack Packing Cube Set maximizes that space to keep your backpack really well organized.

The translucent mesh lets you see what’s in each cube, so no more rummaging through your luggage to find that one thing you’re looking for. It comes in a set of five with three different sizes: the large cubes are 6.5L, the small cubes are 3L, and the stuff stack is 2.75L.

Keep your stuff nice and sorted in three different nylon colors, black, grey, or red, for $59

Who Is Pakt For? 

This Pakt review discovered that each Pakt product, from their bags to their coffee kit, is made for travelers to make their trips as easy and enjoyable as possible. The brand teamed with designers, travel pros, and polled travelers to take travel gear to the next level. 

On top of being ideal for any trip that isn’t luggage burdened, the Pakt products are environmentally conscious, which most people strive for these days.  

Is Pakt Sustainable? 

One of Pakt’s goals is to be as environmentally sustainable as possible. This is across the board for Pakt, from its materials to its shipping practices.

To start, all Pakt products are made from 100% animal-friendly materials. The Pakt Travel Backpack ’s exterior material is made from recycled single-use plastic, one of the Earth’s worst producers of non-biodegradable waste.

When shipping its products from Asia to the US, Pakt ships by water. This is because boats produce fewer carbon emissions. Your shipment also uses plastic-free packing materials. Pakt always strives to make as small an impact on the carbon footprint. 

Pakt Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Before this Pakt review looks at what people have been saying, let’s take a look at the ratings for the Pakt products reviewed in this article: 

• Pakt Travel Mug: 4.8/5 stars, from 12 reviews
• The Pakt One: 4.8/5 stars, from 254 reviews
• Pakt Coffee Kit: 4.5/5 stars, from 85 reviews
• Pakt Travel Backpack: 4.6/5 stars, from 109 reviews
• Pakt Travel Backpack Rain Cover: 3.8/5 stars, from 8 reviews
• Pakt Backpack Packing Cube Set: 4.5/5 stars, from 2 reviews

The ten reviews on Facebook all ranked Pakt products at 5 stars . All this adds up to a bunch of happy customers, but what really tells the brand’s story is what the Pakt reviews say.

One reviewer on Facebook is an older lady enjoying the ease of using The One travel bag: “My third trip using Pakt. This time to South Africa for two weeks. I highly recommend Pakt as my only travel bag: travelling light with a carry on only bag (that’s 7kgs or 15.5 pounds) is the best way to go.”

She also added, “Pakt support light travel as it weighs only 1.5 kgs. I love the configuration (the clam-shell style opening) and the carefully thought through zipped pockets. I especially like the additional  little black bag, which doubles up as a day-bag or as  a clothes bag.”

One customer putting the Pakt Coffee Kit to the test was also completely satisfied:

“Tested, tried, true. Finally got an opportunity to travel the past few weeks and put this purchase to use… After 3 hotels in 2 weeks all of which had varying types of coffee/espresso makers in room I can tell you i ended up using it everywhere… Designed brilliantly and functioned perfectly. KHighly recommend”

This customer is using the Pakt Travel Mug as a water bottle that can be thrown into a bag without the worry of leakage: “No Spills! I am a fan of reusable water bottles, but ever since one that was supposedly leak proof spilled in the inside of my bag and wrecked my new laptop, I’ve been very hyper vigilant about making sure my water bottles don’t spill again.”

She went on to say, “Sadly, most still leak a little, some leak a lot. Not this new one from Pakt though! Its seal is so tight! No leaks so far! My stuff is safe and my body is hydrated! I love how it looks too! I got the one in all stainless steel. It looks great with my Pakt backpack!”

Is Pakt Worth It?

So, the big question and summing up of this article: is Pakt worth it? If you are on a budget or need a lot of luggage space, like a large family traveling together, then probably not, but for everyone else? Yes, yes, yes !

There are so many pluses to this brand’s products. This Pakt review had difficulty finding any downside to them.

The ease of use and carry-on features of the Pakt bags make traveling a more enjoyable experience . On top of all that, the environmental consciousness of the products and the brand makes you feel even better about supporting them.   

Pakt Promotions & Discounts 

Currently, Pakt isn’t offering any sales or promo codes, though we recommend signing up for notifications for a discount on your next order. Bonus tip: if you’ve got the Honey extension on Chrome, you may be eligible for a bit of cashback!

Where to Buy Pakt

Pakt can only be found on the brand’s website .

Who owns Pakt?

Pakt founder, designer Malcolm Fontier, continues to own the brand. Since it is his passion and aligns with his environmentally and socially conscious ideals, he’s unlikely to sell any time soon. 

Where is Pakt made?

Since most of the materials used to make Pakt products come from Asia and cost half the price to make there, they also manufacture in Asia. They are then shipped to Pakt, in the US, by water.

Does Pakt ship internationally?

Pakt ships internationally. If it doesn’t already ship to your country, it will do its best to accommodate. 

What is Pakt’s Shipping Policy?

Once an order is confirmed, it gets processed and shipped by Pakt within one to two business days. For orders in the US, there are three shipping options.

• Economy: 5-10 business days, $5 for orders $70 and under, $10 for $71 and over
• UPS Ground: 3-7 business days, $7 for orders $70 and under, $12 for $71 and over
• Expedited: 2nd business day shipping, speak to customer support for prices

What is Pakt’s Return Policy?

You can return any unused product to Pakt within 30 days of receipt. Shipping with a label from Pakt takes $15 off your refund, or you can ship with your preferred carrier.

It can take up to ten business days to process the return. Right now, Pakt does not do exchanges, but with their lifetime guarantee, we don’t anticipate that to be much of an issue.

How to Contact Pakt

If you’ve got any extra questions this Pakt review didn’t cover, we recommend you check in with their highly responsive customer support using one of the following methods:

• Phone : 1-888-241-0250
• Email : [email protected]

You can find the online support form by clicking a button in the bottom right corner of the Pakt site.

Check out similar brands you might like:

Beis Travel Bags Review

Briggs and Riley Review

DeMellier Review

FEED Bags Review

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent.

Ask the community or leave a comment

Customer reviews, leave a review, ask the community or leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required

This field is required Please use a valid email

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may also be interested in

Thesis Nootropics Review

Alo Yoga Review

Cubii Review

New Republic Shoes Review

SeroVital Review

14 best business travel backpacks for every budget

If you travel regularly for work, you won't need us to tell you that a good travel backpack is essential. That's especially true if a backpack can double as a decently sized carry-on luggage item while still housing your laptop in an easily accessible compartment.

We looked at some of the best (and most stylish) backpacks out there to take the hassle out of searching for the best item.

Without further ado, here are the best business travel backpacks that maximize form and function across various budgets.

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack, $33.47

If you don't want to break the bank, the Amazon Basics range offers a reliable and, dare we say, fairly stylish backpack for less than $40.

The bag has a dedicated (and padded) laptop sleeve that can easily hold a laptop up to 17 inches in size; it has additional compartments for pens, keys, cellphones and other items.

There's also a water bottle pocket on both sides of the bag for easy access when you're on the go.

Buy from $33.47

Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptop Bag, $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Admittedly, we've never seen Batman carry a backpack, but if he did, we're pretty sure it'd look something like this robust bag by Lenovo. It has a 20-liter capacity and room for a 16-inch laptop, alongside seven inside pockets to suit all your work travel needs — including a hidden compartment for valuables.

Built for carrying electronic items, the bag features foam antishock bumpers on the corners of the laptop compartment for extra protection against bag drops and other jolts.

There's also a high-quality magnetic lock to keep your items safe.

Buy from $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Tangcorle Travel Carry On Backpack, $58.90

Part backpack and part carry-on suitcase, this bag has an expandable design. This means it has a capacity of 36 to 50 liters and should easily fit the maximum carry-on size for most airlines.

Other features include an external USB port with a built-in charging cable, allowing you to attach your own power bank and keep your devices charged while on the go.

The main compartment is similar to one in an ordinary carry-on suitcase and can easily store five to seven days' worth of clothes, depending on how you like to pack. It is perfect for long weekends and short business trips.

Buy from $58.90

Samsonite Novex Laptop Backpack, $69.99 (normally $99.99)

If you are shopping for a travel backpack from a reliable brand with a more down-to-earth budget, this Samsonite bestseller has a lot going for it.

Despite its price, the Novex Laptop Backpack doesn't compromise on the basics. The separate laptop and tablet pocket features a special webbing system that provides extra durability in case you drop the backpack. Plus, thanks to the special supportive lining on the top front pocket, you won't have to worry about misplacing your headphones, glasses or cellphone.

The main storage compartment has room for all the essentials, though you may not find it large enough for a full change of clothes or a pair of shoes.

Buy from $69.99 (normally $99.99)

The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, $109

A modern classic, the Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is a popular, on-trend design you'll frequently see on the backs of young professionals in buzzy city centers.

The backpack has two external water bottle holders and a main compartment capable of carrying up to 30 liters. Its laptop sleeve is also sizable and should easily hold machines up to 18 inches.

Perhaps its most interesting feature is the comfortable design of its shoulder straps, which are certified by the American Chiropractic Association.

Buy from $109

Ogio Renegade Backpack, $128.24 (normally $149.99)

If you're looking for the bag with the most pockets, this might be it. Ogio's flagship backpack has dedicated space for everything (laptop and iPad included) and then some. With a phone pocket, two zippered side pockets and five main pockets, you might just get lost looking around for your gear.

No matter how full you stuff this nearly 30-liter backpack, you shouldn't have much of a problem carrying it around, thanks to its supportive padded back panel and shoulder straps. This makes it easy to lug it around the airport or corporate campus.

Buy from $128.24 (normally $149.99)

Incase ARC Daypack, $129.95

Apple aficionados will no doubt be familiar with Incase, a popular brand of cases and protection solutions for iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The laptop pocket is big enough for a 16-inch computer, and it's lined in faux fur for additional protection. Its travel tech compartment also includes RFID-blocking technology, preventing thieves from stealing your digital information.

A water- and stain-resistant coating, two dedicated water bottle holders, and a pass-through system for rollaboard bags make this the ideal bag for anyone going from the gym to the office to the airport. If you need something bigger, Incase also makes a larger A.R.C. travel pack.

Need more convincing? Both bags are made from a sustainable mixture of recycled polyester, giving the company its A.R.C. acronym, which stands for "a responsible carry."

Buy from $129.95

Aer Pro Pack 20L, $179

As far as business travel backpacks go, Aer's is certainly quite stylish. It comes in three colors (black, navy and olive), and it's made of sustainable materials without compromising on durability. A separate laptop compartment safeguards your most precious technology, while the main compartment is large enough for all your chargers and other travel accessories.

The standout feature is the main compartment's 180-degree flat-open zipper system, giving you unobstructed access to all your belongings.

There's even a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other tracker so that you can locate your bag even if it's stolen or misplaced.

Buy from $179

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195

Made with water-resistant nylon, the Everywhere backpack by Away has a full wraparound zip that provides access to the main compartment. Not only can you fit more things in an orderly fashion, but you'll also be able to easily see your things when you need to retrieve them from the backpack.

Alongside the main compartment, the bag also houses a 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper and padded shoulder straps for comfort. It's available in five colors — including the limited-edition garnet colorway.

Buy from $195

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, $209

The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has space for everything and then some. The padded rear pocket is the perfect spot for a laptop, so you won't have to dig through the main compartment to find your computer.

The main compartment is spacious and can expand by nearly 3 liters, giving you more room for your belongings. Plus, the front pocket has a dedicated organizer with multiple pockets, so you'll never forget where you put your passport, charger and cables.

Buy from $209

Nomatic 20L Backpack, $279.99

Although you may not have heard of Nomatic, this brand receives rave reviews from its loyalists. The company's bestselling backpack comes in two sizes: 14 liters and 20 liters. Both are expandable by nearly 20%.

The flat rectangular design may be controversial at first glance, but at least you can't complain about finding space for all of your gizmos. The bag has a staggering 24 unique storage compartments, ranging from enclosed pockets to mesh nets. It's a great bag for those who like to stay extremely organized when they're on the road.

Buy from $279.99

Briggs & Riley Traveler Backpack, $329

The Briggs & Riley backpack has an impressive amount of storage capability thanks to its multitude of pockets and 180-degree, lie-flat opening that allows unfettered access to every nook and cranny.

The laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve are in the same area as the main packing compartment, but they're separated by a zippered inner pocket to keep your clothes all by themselves.

There's also a so-called PowerPocket that fits an external battery pack and keeps a charging cable within easy reach — perfect for a quick boost of juice while you're on the go.

Buy from $329

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, $525

Though Tumi makes a handful of durable bags, the Navigation Backpack excels for a wide range of travel needs. It features a separate padded laptop compartment (that can fit even the largest MacBooks), a main storage area and plenty of other smaller pockets.

It also has a zip expansion feature if you decide to grab some souvenirs during your travels.

The backpack comes in five colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal travel style.

Buy from $525

Rimowa Flap Backpack Large, $1,725

If you're looking to make a statement and are willing to spend some serious cash, Rimowa's travel bags are the way to go.

This luxury Italian-made large canvas Flap Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a large drawstring compartment to fit all of your travel essentials. It is secured by a flap-top enclosure with a magnetic buckle emblazoned with the Rimowa logo.

Buy from $1,725

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2024
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

• The Pakt Travel Backpack
• Pakt One Travel Duffel
• 25L Travel Duffel
• All Travel Bags
• Everyday 3L Sling
• Everyday 5L Sling
• Everyday 15L Bag
• Everyday 22L Backpack
• Everyday Tote
• All Everyday Gear
• 6-piece Packing Cube Set
• Clip-in Pouches
• Mojito Wallet
• 16oz Leakproof Travel Mug
• Sling Sport Strap
• All Accessories
• The Anywhere 5L Sling
• The Pakt One v1
• rePakt Pre-traveled Gear
• Sustainability

Your cart is empty

The journey, perfected.

Pakt makes refined gear for the modern mobile lifestyle. We exist to make products that enhance your experiences, wherever they may take you.

Our journey began in 2017 for a simple reason: to resurrect a cult travel bag. Industrial designer Malcolm Fontier’s Getaway bag had been out of production for several years when it was featured in a 2016 documentary on Netflix, Minimalism, as the bag of choice of minimalist travelers. After receiving hundreds of requests to bring it back, Malcolm decided to work on a new, improved version of the bag.

One wildly successful crowdfunding campaign , a handful of round-the-world trips, and thousands of happy backers later, we decided we were having too much fun to stop.

So, as of the spring of 2018, Pakt the brand was officially born. Our mission is to create unique, refined, and responsibly-sourced products for our growing community of travelers. Collaboration is baked into our brand, and we try to work with other like-minded brands, creators, and our awesome community as often as possible.

As conscious travelers ourselves, we strive to design and produce high quality products without compromising the health of our fellow humans or the earth. For a closer look at some of our environmentally and socially responsible practices and where we’re headed next, check out our Transparency Report .

Fair working conditions for factory employees

We’ve developed close relationships with our manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure that all Pakt products are produced under safe, fair, legal, and humane working conditions.

Eco-friendly materials

We only use modern, durable, technical materials that are animal-friendly and have the lowest possible environmental impact. We are also working to constantly improve our supply chain and products by looking for lower impact replacements for every step and every material.

Plastic-free packaging

We’re deeply committed to keeping our oceans healthy, so we’ve opted to ship our products in 100% plastic-free packaging designed by our sister company,  SeaHive . SeaHive fights plastic pollution before it enters our oceans by eliminating plastic packaging and educating consumers.

Built to stand the test of time

We believe in buying quality over quantity, which is why we create our products to last a lifetime of adventures. If you ever have any issues with any of your products, we’ll take care of it; and we’ll work to make them even better in our future production runs.

Featured In

The people that make it all happen at Pakt. We’re a remote team based out of multiple time-zones, and a tight group that enjoys meeting up as often as possible for a laugh. 

Malcolm Fontier

Number one travel hack?

Wait until last call to board any plane, regardless of the boarding zone BS they try to sell us.  Is there any reason to spend more time crammed into your seat than you have to?

🎖️ The Most Hobbies

🎖️ Frequentest Flyer

@malcolmfontier

Melissa Kieffer

What’s the best part of your day?

I love sneaking in a workout late morning. Since I work from home, I usually get a jump start on my work day before anyone else is awake, and it's super productive. A quick trip to the gym gives me an energy boost (and a break from my computer) that helps me get through the rest of the day.

🎖️ Most Organized Packer

@mkieffer76

Sara Edwards

What’s something you never travel without?

Running gear – exploring a new city by foot at around 7 am is *chef’s kiss*. After that, I'll usually hit up a coffee shop at a local spot. That's my recipe for the perfect morning, wherever you are!

🎖️ Worst Taste in Television

Elizabeth Sciarillo

If flying to Africa, try to fly with Emirates and get a long layover. They cover hotel stay, transport, food, and you get a free layover trip out of it!

🎖️ Queen of Spreadsheets

🎖️ Baron of Budgets

@elizabeth__sciarillo

Alia Abramson

What's your number one travel hack?

I bring a laundry bag to easily separate clean and dirty items during a trip. It makes for easy unpacking when you get home.

🎖️ Top Chef

Becca Cohen

Intentional packing, organized in packing cubes @luxb83

Rawmin Ehyai

What's one piece of gear you can't travel without? A hands-free travel pack Favorite trip? Italian Alps