Tortuga Expandable Backpack Review

The new Tortuga Expandable Backpack has an interesting design because it sits somewhere in the middle in terms of size, allowing you to use for different types of trips.

Just as the name suggests, it can be expanded by loosening four compression buckles on the sides. This means it can work well as, say, a commuter or laptop bag, but thanks to the additional packing space, it can also work perfectly as a weekend carry-on.

I previously reviewed Tortuga’s larger carry-on models, the Tortuga Backpack Lite and the Tortuga Backpack Pro. Let me now share my thoughts on the newest Expandable version and compare it to the other editions.

Size & comfort

At first blush, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack appears almost identical to the Lite, using the same materials and basic design features.

However, it is definitely a step smaller, being maybe 3 inches less tall and about an inch less wide. That may not sound like much, but this makes it much more of a weekend bag, whereas the Lite I’ve found is big enough to take on longer trips of a week or more.

However, in what is a bit usual for a pack this size, the Expandable Backpack features the same complete suspension system as Tortuga’s larger packs. You get well-padded shoulder straps, load lifter straps, a well-padded back panel, and even a full-size hip belt. All this means you can put a heavy load in the Expandable Backpack and still be very comfortable.

For casual daily use, the full-size hip belt may seem a bit like overkill, but luckily you can detach it if you don’t need it. Tortuga does make the point that a hip belt takes 80% of the weight off of your shoulders. For some trips, perhaps just using shoulder and sternum straps will be fine.

Honestly, I think it’s amazing to have a suspension system of this calibre on a daily/weekend backpack, so you should have no worries about sore shoulders even when carrying this pack for long periods of time. One thing that can be a downside to carry-on air travel using a backpack is the time you’ll have to walk around airport terminals with all your gear on your back, but with this pack it’s going to be no problem at all.

Happily, it also has a luggage pass-through sleeve, so you can put it on top of a rolling suitcase if you want to use this backpack in combination with other luggage. Just be aware that you’ll likely have to check at least one of the bags in when flying, as the backpack is a little too big to count as a personal item.

Expansion feature

The pack can be expanded from a 27L pack into a 32.5L pack. To be clear,  it’s still carry-on compliant even in its expanded state, so you can fly with it without checking it in, regardless of which mode it’s in.

The expanded dimensions will comfortably fit within the size limits set by European budget airlines like RyanAir. It’s technically one inch taller than Spirit Airlines’s stringent limits, but that shouldn’t be an issue in practice. At least, I’ve flown numerous times with packs within an inch or so of the allowed size.

I like how the expansion system functions simply by unzipping a zipper that runs all along the side of the pack. It’s quick and easy to do. In addition, there are four buckles along the two sides of the pack, which function as essentially compression straps, so you can adjust the pack’s volume with these as well.

When you’re not using it on a trip, you can nicely tuck in the backpack so it still looks good as a daily carry or laptop bag. I like that this makes the pack a bit more versatile. It’s a shame when a perfectly good weekend bag can’t also double as a daily carry, but in this case, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack can wear two different hats at once.

Inside is plenty of space for a couple of days’ worth of travel, at least if you pack reasonably light (see my packing light tips here). There is also a zipped mesh compartment inside to store loose items.

Storage features

Besides the main compartment, there are three other storage spaces.

• Water bottle pocket. This is made of a stretchy material so that when you’re not using it, the pocket won’t stick out. I like that the pack maintains its contours when not using this side pocket.

• Front top compartment. This space is ideal for storing smaller items for quick access, such as sunglasses or a phone. There is a keychain holder inside.

• Front side compartment. This sleeve is perfect for documents or medium-sized items. The zipped access is exactly wide enough to fit a chonky paperback — such as my very own book, Travel the World Without Worries!

• Laptop compartment. This will comfortably fit a laptop up to 16” in size. There is plenty of space left when I use it to carry my 13.3” MacBook. The inner lining of the laptop compartment is soft and feels almost velvety or like a microfiber cloth, so your electronics can live scratch-free in here. There is also a false bottom so that if you put your backpack on the ground, it won’t hit your laptop.

Conclusion

The Tortuga Expandable Backpack is a great addition to the Tortuga lineup, occupying a specific niche where you want a capable backpack that isn’t too big.

I highly recommend the full carry-on-sized Lite or Pro editions for a week or longer, but for weekend trips, city hopping, or commutes, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack is the ‘just right’ option.

The Tortuga Expandable Backpack is available exclusively from Tortuga’s online store.

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