High-performance materials for long-term durability.
"Best backpack for single-bag travelers"
"A very comfortable carry"
"My favorite travel backpack harness"
"Built to last no matter how you use it"
"Suits extended travel and keeps gear safe"
Recommended by the Wirecutter, Pack Hacker, Carryology, and Travel + Leisure. Tortuga backpacks have been named the Wirecutter's "Best Carry On Travel Backpack" and won Carryology's "Best Carry On" award.
Carries like a hiking pack. Packs like a suitcase.
Packing light means less physical and mental baggage. With the right gear, you’ll breeze through security on your way into the airport and walk right past baggage claim on your way out. You’ll never worry about your bag and never pay baggage fees.
A rolling carry on wastes space by design. Wheels, a telescoping handle, and a rigid frame eat up 15 to 20% of the interior volume before you pack a single shirt. Then the remaining space is a single open box with no structure, so everything shifts in transit. You're not bad at packing. You're packing into a container that fights you.
The Travel Backpack Pro 40L starts with more usable space because there's no hardware stealing it. No wheels, no handle mechanism, no rigid frame. Every cubic inch is yours. A clamshell opening lays the bag flat like a suitcase so you can see and reach everything, and structured compartments keep it organized instead of letting your clothes migrate to one end during a flight.
Obsessive Organization
Front-loading clamshell design opens like a suitcase
Spacious main compartment with zippered mesh pockets
Suspended electronics compartment with padded, fleece-lined sleeves for 16 inch laptop and 12.9 inch tablet
Two water bottle pockets
Front admin pocket with organizer panel
Top, quick-access pocket with key clip
Flat front pocket
Find the right bag for how you travel.
Quick take: Choose the 40L for maximum packing space and adjustable-height comfort. Choose the 34L for a smaller, lighter carry on.
Daily Carry Pro $250
The maximum-sized personal item for pairing with a suitcase
4.8 (83 reviews)
Maximum-sized personal item fits under the seat on most flights
Quick access to your computer and in-flight essentials
Carry as a weekender for short trips or pair with a suitcase for longer trips
The flexible carry on backpack for short to long trips
The Expandable Backpack is a smaller, mid-sized carry on (27L) that's perfect for weekend trips. When you need it, unzip the expansion zipper for 20% more packing space (up to 32.5L).
Expands 20% for longer trips or bringing stuff home
Adapts from a weekend to a week of travel
Carry-on-sized for US and international airlines
Comfortable to carry, especially for shorter torsos and smaller frames
19.2 x 12.5 x 6.9 in (unexpanded) 19.2 x 12.5 x 8.3 in (expanded)
The comfortable carry-on backpack for international trips of a week or more
4.6 (224 reviews)
Maximum-sized carry on for US and international airlines
Fits 7-10 days of clothes and gear
Carries comfortably with height-adjustable straps and weight-bearing hip belt
Durable, weatherproof fabric and hardware
Keeps your stuff organized and easy to access with the suitcase-style opening
You can fit 7–10 days' worth of clothes and accessories in the Pro 40L, depending on your packing style and climate. By doing laundry every 1-2 weeks, you can travel indefinitely with this bag.
Lighter: The Pro 40L is now 4.4 lb, down from 4.5 lb.
The Pro Backpack 40L is 55 x 35 x 20 cm, the largest size that can still be carried on most airlines.
Fits in overhead bins on all major airlines
Eliminates checked bag fees up to $50 per flight
The Outbreaker Backpack 45L was 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Forty-five liters is the maximum size that can be carried on US airlines but is too big to be carried onto some international and budget airlines.
When we asked, a majority of our customers preferred the slightly smaller, international size. The new size will maximize your packing space and compatibility with airline baggage rules.
No gate-checking. No reshuffling. You walk through while roller bags get pulled aside. No more lost or damaged luggage.
The Suitcase Tax, Trip by Trip
A suitcase doesn't just slow you down at the airport. It quietly edits your entire trip. You make smaller choices, stick to smoother paths, and stay closer to the easy route. Not because you want to, but because your luggage can't handle anything else.
$35–$100 in checked bag fees. Every flight, both ways. A couple trips a year and you've spent the price of a bag that never needs to be checked.
30–45 minutes per flight waiting at the carousel. Over a lifetime of travel, that's days. Actual days standing in a circle staring at a conveyor belt
Neighborhoods you didn't explore. Because the sidewalk was uneven and your wheels stopped working two blocks in.
You don't notice the suitcase tax happening. You just notice that the trip felt a little less spontaneous than you hoped.
A couple of trips a year with checked bags runs you $150 to $400 in fees alone. Add the cabs you take because your suitcase can't handle stairs, and the replacement bag every two or three years because the wheels or zippers failed, and you're spending more to travel worse. A decent suitcase will set you back $500.
The Travel Backpack Pro pays for itself within a few trips, lasts 10+ years, and never costs you a dime at the counter.
Used on Real Trips
Real Travelers, Real Reviews. Verified Buyers.
4.62 out of 5
Based on 8015 reviews
Great functionality, capacity and compression
We recently purchased the Expandable Backpack and Compression Packing Cubes. We love the functionality, capacity and compression of the packing cubes and they both fit neatly within the Expandable Backpack. We like the cubes so much we ordered them again with our next purchase.
Leary
Yan Ziun says this is the only bag you'll need for travel
It had to fit as much as my carry-on roller luggage. 40L actually holds slightly more than my hard sided carry-on roller luggage. 3. It had to qualify as a carry-on for the marjority of airlines both domestically and internationally. The dimensions support this for 80% of all airlines on the planet. It was a no brainier and I couldn't be happier!
Yan-Ziun. Verified Buyer
These packing cubes ideally fit the 40L backpack.
Dzianis
Melanie says her bag was a miracle worker.
It was perfect. The lack of compression straps inside means you can't strap your clothes down. But I followed Tortuga's recommendation to use travel cubes to keep things from sagging to the bottom and that is a must. Lived out of it for 9 days without incident.
Melanie
They Are Super Versatile!
When I'm packing for a trip, I love to have everything organized and the packing cubes help me to do just that. I use the biggest one for larger pieces of clothes and the smaller ones for things like socks etc. or even to store some skin care products or miscellaneous items. The smaller ones can also hold clothes as well. They are super versatile!
Shauntel
Space, Quality and Comfort
It’s so spacious and built in quality. Super comfortable too. Also it’s saving me money when Im traveling for a week to tattoo somewhere. I can fit all my clothes and my tooling. Neeno
Neeno
A two month, multi-climate trip
I’ve packed this bag for a two month, multi-climate trip and am amazed at what I could fit.
—Alyssa, Verified Buyer
Two weeks of clothes. One bag on your back. Nothing slowing you down.
They land, they walk straight out, and they keep moving. Through the terminal, onto the train, up the stairs of a walk-up Airbnb, down a crumbling sidewalk in a Mexican beach town. No wheels to drag. No handle to fight with. Just two free hands and everything they need on their back.
A travel backpack eliminates the problem entirely. No wheels to fail. No handle to grip. Both hands free. You step off a curb, climb stairs, board a bus, and walk a mile on a dirt road the same way — with your bag on your back, balanced on your hips, not dragging behind you.
The speed difference isn't subtle. At security, your bag goes straight on the belt while roller bags get gate-checked or reshuffled. At baggage claim, you don't show up. You walked past the carousel five minutes ago. And on the ground, in the actual place you traveled to see, you move through it instead of fighting it.
With the right fit, you'll forget that you even have your bag on. Read on to learn how to get the perfect fit for your body.
"The closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage."
The Travel Backpack Pro uses a suspension system borrowed from hiking packs. A padded, load-bearing hip belt transfers the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips, where your body is built to carry it. An adjustable torso length fits the bag to your frame, not the other way around. The result: a fully packed bag that feels lighter than technically lighter bags with worse harness systems.
1
Adjust Your Shoulder Straps
The first step to fit your Travel Backpack is to adjust the height of the shoulder straps to match your torso length.
2
Pack Your Backpack
You won't know if your backpack is comfortable if you only test it when it's empty.
3
Put Your Backpack On
Put the shoulder straps on first, then clip the hip belt around your torso. Tighten the hip belts so that the bag's weight is transferred to your strong hip and leg muscles. The bag shouldn't feel heavy on your shoulders.
4
Adjust Your Backpack's Straps
Move the sternum strap up or down so that it's just below your collarbone, then tighten until the bag is taught against your body. Pull forward on the load lifter straps at the top of your shoulders.
5
Walk Around with Your Backpack
You should feel 80% of your bag's weight on your hips, not your shoulders. With the right fit, your strong leg muscles—not your weaker shoulders—will do most of the work.
Pro Hip Belt $50
Padded, weight-bearing hip belt
Works with the Travel Backpack Pro 40L and 34L
Hip Belt: 23-68 inches
ECOPAK™ EPX Waterproof Sailcloth
Your backpack is only as good as what it's made of. And you demand the best, highest-performance materials and hardware on the market.
Why this matters to you: Challenge Sailcloth's ECOPAK™ EPX is strong, light, and waterproof.
EPX represents the cutting edge of technical fabrics.
Real-world performance: Most bags rely on durable, water repellent (DWR) coatings for water-resistance. However, coatings will eventually wear off leaving your bag vulnerable to the weather. EPX's waterproof membrane is laminated directly into the fabric structure. Plus, the polyester fabric absorbs 80% less moisture than traditional nylon laminates. Your clothes and electronics will stay dry no matter the weather.
Construction
Originally developed for the sails of multimillion-dollar racing yachts, EPX uses a three-layer laminated construction:
45° recycled polyester cross-ply
Recycled ripstop polyester backing fabric
The result is a fabric that's lighter and stronger than standard pack fabrics while being completely waterproof.
Why Polyester Beats Nylon
Better water repellency
More abrasion-resistant
Less stretch
Looks better for longer because of superior color retention, less fading, and less pilling
Lies flat during manufacturing, reducing waste
EPX200 vs. EPX70RS
Spec
EPX200
EPX70RS
Face Fabric
200D recycled polyester
70D recycled polyester ripstop
Weight (oz/yd²)
5.9 oz/yd²
5.05 oz/yd²
Weight (gsm)
200 gsm
171 gsm
Tear Strength: Warp (ATSM D2261)
26.7 lb
17.8 lb
Tear Strength: Fill (ATSM D2261)
24.8 lb
14.1 lb
Abrasion Resistance (ATSM 3884)
500 cycles
300 cycles
Waterproof: PSI
200+ PSI
200+ PSI
Waterproof: Bar
13.8+ Bar
13.8+ Bar
Both versions deliver the same waterproof protection and recycled polyester benefits.
Sustainability Bonuses
No harmful TPU, PVC, DWR, or other coatings. Uses only C0 DWR with no fluorocarbons. No VOCs in the adhesive.
Each Travel Backpack Pro recycles 25+ plastic bottles and saves 1.25 lb of CO2. CO2 emissions are 50% lower than nylon, 38% lower than virgin polyester, and comparable to organic cotton
YKK Zippers
Why this matters to you: YKK zippers are considered best-in-class. Cheap, off-brand zippers jam, break, or separate at the worst possible time. YKK's precision engineering ensures smooth operation even after years of heavy use.
The Pro Collection features PU-coated zippers for the best balance between water resistance and ease of use. Our bags also have lockable zippers on the main compartments for additional security.
EPX70RS for the Daypack Pro and Packing Cubes.
Pro vs. Lite Backpack 40L
Pro Backpack 40L
The comfortable carry on for organized travelers.
More comfortable
More organized
More water-resistant
Wirecutter Pick
Lite Backpack 40L
The lightweight carry on for most travelers.
Lighter weight
Tuckable straps
Comparison Chart
Spec
Pro Backpack 40L
Lite Backpack 40L
Type
Carry on
Dimensions (in)
22 x 14 x 8 in
Dimensions (cm)
55 x 35 x 20 cm
Volume (L)
40L
Weight (kg)
2.0 kg
1.6 kg
Fit
One size fits all (Height-adjustable)
19-21” torsos
Shoulder Straps
Not stowable
Stowable
Material
ECOPAK™ EPX200
630D CORDURA re/cor™ RN6 nylon
Laptop
Up to 16 in
Tablet
Up to 12.9 in
n/a
Price
$350
$250
What's the Same?
While these two bags have major differences as outlined above, the core features of all Tortuga backpacks are the same.
For us, these features are non-negotiable.
Carry-on-sized
Easy to pack
Comfortable to wear
Built to last
Bundle and Save
Curated bundles of backpacks and accessories with everything you need for your next trip. Save money and stay organized when you bundle a travel backpack with a set of packing cubes.
Backpack and Cubes
Pro 40L + Compression Cubes Bundle
The comfortable carry on backpack with cubes to maximize packing space
4.6 (240 reviews)
$399Regular price $440
Lite + Compression Cubes Bundle
The lightweight carry on backpack with cubes to maximize packing space
4.8 (159 reviews)
$299Regular price $340
Expandable + Compression Cubes Bundle
The flexible carry on backpack with cubes to maximize packing space
4.8 (95 reviews)
$299Regular price $340
Pro 34L + Compression Cubes Bundle
$349Regular price $390
Save $61
Pro 34L + Hip Belt + Compression Cubes Bundle
4.8 (33 reviews)
$379Regular price $440
Final Sale
All Cubes Bundle (FINAL SALE)
Organize and maximize your packing space with 5 cubes
4.8 (49 reviews)
$95Regular price $175
Set of two (2) fits perfectly in any 40L Tortuga backpack
Two Backpacks
You and your favorite travel companion save up to $100.
Travel Together Pro 34L
4.9 (16 reviews)
$525Regular price $600
Travel Together Lite
Set of two lightweight carry on backpacks
4.8 (143 reviews)
$425Regular price $500
Travel Together Expandable
Set of two flexible carry on backpacks
4.8 (80 reviews)
$425Regular price $500
Buy Now, Pay Later with Shop Pay
When you choose Shop Pay at checkout, you can split your purchase into four equal, 0% interest installment payments—with no additional, hidden, or late fees.*
1. Add items to your cart.
2. Check out with Shop Pay.
3. Choose to pay in four installments.
$20 off accessories
Save $20 when you buy an accessory with a travel backpack or buy two accessories.
Discounts cannot be combined with any other coupons or offers. Discounts are valid for all regularly priced products. Last Call products are not eligible for additional discounts.
Weighs just 2.2 lbs yet crafted from fibers 15x stronger than steel
Built-in ergonomic features for all-day comfort
Weather-resistant, abrasion-proof ULTRA fabric
Smart organization with quick-access and tech-ready compartments
Superlite Daily $235
Personal item that fits under the seat in front of you and can be carried on a suitcase
Ultralight (1.5 lb) yet built with fibers 15x stronger than steel by weight
Superlite Hip Belt $39
For an even more comfortable carry. Takes 80% of the weight off your shoulders.
We start with the customer.
I don’t think this company is making lasting, quality products anymore :(
The zippers are extremely cheap, and no lock hooks, compared to the Setout.
A review of the Daily Carry Pro
Tortuga replied:
Hi Diana, Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I'm sorry the bag isn't a good fit for you. As a longtime Setout user, the bar is high, and I want to address your specific concerns directly:
Zippers: These are the same YKK zippers we've always used but with a water-resistant coating on this bag. The locking zippers are on the main and laptop compartments.
Fabric: The fabric, ECOPAK EPX200, is recycled, waterproof, and stronger than what we used on the older Setout. We've been selling it for several years across multiple bags with zero flaking issues.
Laptop sleeve: You're right that it sits closer to the bottom than on our larger bags. It's a padded, suspended sleeve with about an inch of clearance, which is pretty typical in bags. That's the same construction as our other models, just with a smaller buffer because it's a smaller bag.
Top handle: It's intentionally slim to keep the bag light. We may revisit it in a future update.
You can still return the bag through our returns portal. We'd much rather you have a bag that works for you, even if that means returning this one.
For Larger Stronger Travelers
High quality product. Too heavy for a small frame. Hip storage should be detachable. Back straps should tuck in/be storable to be a check-in luggage option. Otherwise lots of great organizational qualities and sturdy materials.
Tortuga replied:
Hi Gay, The hip belts are detachable! The straps don't tuck bc the Pro 40L is meant to help you travel carry-on-only, not to be checked.
Practical Lifetime
Tortuga’s Worldwide Warranty guarantees the original owner against defects in materials and craftsmanship for the practical lifetime of the product. If it’s our fault, we’ll fix it.
What’s Covered
Defective materials, hardware, or construction that impacts functionality.
What’s Not Covered
Normal wear and tear from regular use including rips, tears, abrasions, punctures, blown seams, deterioration of colors, or UV degradation.
Damage caused by airlines including when your gear is checked or stowed. For such issues, please file a claim directly with the carrier responsible.
Final sale or refurbished products or any products purchased secondhand.
At Tortuga, we stand behind our products. We started the company in 2010 and have had many customers travel with the same bag for ten years or more. We want that to be you. When it’s time for a new bag, we hope to have earned your next luggage purchase.
Repairs in the US
For repairs in the US, we've partnered with Rainy Pass Repair with locations in Seattle, Washington and Morganton, North Carolina.
Repairs in Europe
For repairs in Europe, we've partnered with Scottish Mountain Gear in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Zipper Pull $1
Replacement zipper pull
Works with any Tortuga product
Easy to attach
Return Policy
You can try on your bag, do a test pack, and wear it around the house before returning it, but please don't take it on a trip. Evidence of travel or usage, including white scuff marks, stains, odors, or excessive pet hair, disqualifies a return from eligibility for a refund or exchange.
Please allow up to 5 business days from the date we receive your return for processing. Refunds will be issued to your original form of payment unless you choose store credit.
US Shipping
Most orders ship via UPS. Some states may be subject to local sales taxes.
Ground Service (Free Shipping)
1 business day for processing + up to 5 business days for delivery
Free shipping for orders of $95 or more
$20 flat rate shipping for orders less than $95
2-Day Shipping
1 business day for processing + up to 2 business days for delivery
$30 flat rate shipping
Overnight Shipping
1 business day for processing + 1 business day for delivery
$50 flat rate shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you ship to?
We ship within the United States including PO Boxes, US territories, and APO/FPO addresses.
We plan to ship to other regions when we can provide a localized experience with fast shipping and lower shipping and customs fees. Sign up to be notified when we ship internationally.
What if I live outside of the US?
If you’re outside the US, you can use a freight forwarder. These services give you a US address to use at checkout. Your order ships to that address, and the forwarder then sends the package to you. When checking out, use the forwarder’s US address for both shipping and billing.
Please note that we don't recommend using a forwarder for most people because of the additional cost and hassle.
What should I do if my package is lost?
If your tracking shows "delivered," but you don’t have the package, first contact the shipping carrier. They may have mis-delivered it or still have it on the truck. Check the carrier’s tracking page for a proof-of-delivery photo.
If you and the carrier still can’t locate the package, contact us with your order number. Our Concierge team will file a claim and replace your order.
What is your return policy?
If you don't love your new gear, you may return it unused, within 30 days of the delivery date of your purchase for a refund, exchange, or store credit.
If you're outside of the 30-day window, you can sell your bag on the Tortuga Trading Co resale marketplace.
Can I return part of a bundle?
Yes, you can return part of a bundle. Your refund will be prorated based on which items you return.
How much can I save with a bundle?
You can save up to $100 on select bundles compared to buying each item separately. The exact discount varies by bundle, so check the bundle product page for the current price and savings. Bundle pricing is already reflected in the listed price, so you don't need a coupon code.
Are your products sold in stores?
No, Tortuga products are not sold in stores. But you can return your bag free of charge if it's not a fit for you.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, Tortuga offers free shipping, bundle discounts, and used bags for sale.
Military personnel and students also receive 10% off their orders.
Made for Travelers, By Travelers
Tortuga makes carry-on-sized backpacks to make your travels easier. Childhood best friends Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen founded the company in 2010 after a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe.
We flew into Frankfurt then visited Prague, Budapest, and Hvar, Croatia. The trip was a blast, but our luggage was a disaster. Jeremy’s shoulder strap ripped off on the first day, and Fred’s giant hiking backpack was a disorganized mess. That trip taught us how hard it is to travel with the wrong gear.
We couldn't find the perfect travel backpack, so we made it.
Tortuga’s mission is to make travel easier. We started Tortuga to make the bag we wanted to carry. Over a decade later, we’re still solving problems for our fellow travelers and for ourselves.
Tortuga is a small business. Our team of travelers works remotely and lives all over the world. We believe that sharing a mission is more important than sharing an office. We meet up in person to spend time together and to plan the future of the company. Past retreats include Prague, Austin, New Orleans, Lisbon, and Montreal.
When you buy a Tortuga backpack, you help young people travel abroad, often for the first time. Your purchase supports youth travel by funding the Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship and Gap Year Grant.
$1,000 scholarship for studying abroad
1 travel backpack
Submit your application by October 15, 2026.
Fall 2026: Julian from Pomona College who is studying abroad in Budapest.
Go Farther with One Bag
Travel backpacks built for comfortable carry on long days and long trips.
