Tortuga

I LOVE THIS BACKPACK! I've been planning a 2 week European trip for while. I did a lot of research on the internet and various vendors of backpacks. After searching and searching thru numerous websites I came across Tortuga Backpacks. INSTANTLY, I fell in love with it. I did not find one other single back pack that was a front loading backpack, they all were top loading. Those are just not feasible for travel. For hiking I'm sure that those are perfectly suited. I love the idea that this pack was created for the "traveler" versus the "hiker". But the biggest factor for me in purchasing this pack was that it fits all of the major airline requirements for carry on luggage. This was the single biggest factor for me purchasing it. I don't want to have to check baggage and this pack fits that bill! I can travel domestically and internationally without having to give up having all of my belongings within my reach. After my European trip in the spring I'll post another review of how it faired over the duration of my trip. I highly recommend this pack to anyone! I will be having a test run on a short trip in February and I'll try to post a review then as well. Overall, I can't see how I would have any negative feedback, but we shall let the pack speak for itself.

This bag fits more than most 40L bags in the same category. There are lots of pockets and the organization is nice. I'm probably still going to keep my 80L bag for upcoming 1 month or longer trips but if you're going somewhere warm and don't need to bring heavier jackets, you could still use the Tortuga. It's also a very nice overnight bag and effective for house-sitting, sleepovers, camping trips etc. It's really the perfect comprimise between a huge camping bag with a metal frame and a normal school backpack. Thanks Tortuga, I love the bag.

Great backpack to use as a personal item when you travel. I like the feel and comfort of the straps. My only gripe is that the zippers can easily get caught on the flaps and as a result become hard to freely move.

The shopping experience was good. Thank you. In regard to the back pack, it's really nice but also has some flaws that I didn't realize until after I started on the trip. If this back-up is up for revision, I suggest that the pockets on the side strap that goes around the belly be made so that they at least could hold a normal i-phone or android. They are too small to hold even a passport and the vaccine card. Plus they are too far back and should be on the side of the body vs. back where the straps come are sewn on the back-pack. They were the reason I purchased this back back and it was disappointing when I found that they are pretty much useless. And they are designed that if you were to put something in them it could easily fall out when the pockets are unzipped. Everything else is good.

So far so good. Bought based on on-line reviews and videos. Well made, meets needs. Suggest considering zip-out rather than sewn-in dividers and compartments so storage space is flexible to accommodate a variety of differing needs (I.e., max clothing storage versus pc/tablet/camera protection. Additional charge for this option may be warranted.