Tortuga designed this to be the ultimate carry-on backpack for urban travelers. Its outstanding build quality, thoughtful design, and superior comfort earned it the highest score of any carry-on backpack our team has ever tested.
It’s ideal if you want an easy-to-pack, easy-to-carry backpack that works for almost any trip to any destination. It’s ideal for city travel, but you can really take it anywhere.
Even when I was carrying a lot of weight, the Tortuga Travel Backpack felt comfortable and evenly distributed. This pack scored 9.2 for Comfort, which is the highest comfort score of any urban travel backpack we tested.
The main compartment fully opens like a book, which means you can pack it like a suitcase rather than stuffing things in from the top like a standard daypack. The external laptop sleeve made it really easy for me to pull my computer out for TSA checks, and I love the array of pockets. I was able to stay very organized during my trips with this bag.
Lastly, the backpack’s build quality is top-notch, scoring 9.5. The fabric is tough, the zippers are big YKK models, and every component feels durable.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro isn’t perfect though. For one thing, at 4.5 lbs, it feels pretty heavy. I think the added comfort and support makes up for the weight, but if you’re looking for the best lightweight luggage, this isn’t a good option.
The price of this backpack is also on the higher end. You get what you pay for with the durable construction and smart design, but it’s not a great choice for anyone who only travels occasionally. This bag is an investment, and you want to be sure you’ll use it often enough to get your money’s worth.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack is ideal if you need a robust, high-capacity bag that organizes like a suitcase and carries comfortably across city streets and airports. However, if you tend to travel light or are concerned about price, this might not be the best choice. This backpack excels for frequent travelers who value organization, durability, and style.
If you like the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro but want something lighter or cheaper, Tortuga offers an alternative option: The Travel Backpack Lite. It has a very similar design, but it is made of a less expensive 630D nylon, has less stiffness/structure, is less water-resistant, doesn’t have the adjustable torso length, and weighs a pound less.
