Tortuga Travel Backpack Review – Is it Worth the Hype?

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Tortuga, a small company known for making comfortable backpacks for carry-on travelers, recently released its latest product: the Tortuga Travel Backpack. And I’ve personally tested this product extensively so I could share my honest perspective as a frequent traveler in this Tortuga Travel Backpack review.

This review covers all the pros and cons of the new Tortuga Travel Backpack, plus an in-depth analysis of all its key features. I assure you that by the end of this Tortuga Travel Backpack review, you’ll confidently know whether or not this bag is your perfect match.

Midway through reading, if you decide that this bag isn’t for you, don’t stop there! At the end of this post, I also share a few other travel backpacks so that you have vetted alternatives to consider if you decide the Tortuga Travel Backpack is not for you. 

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. This review was not sponsored, and all opinions are our own. Travel Lemming is an affiliate of the manufacturer, which provided a sample of the product for review. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Review Quick Summary

Overall, I’ve given the Tortuga Travel Backpack 4.5 out of 5 stars. I’m highly impressed by how much this lightweight carry-on backpack can hold. It’s intended to be the “only bag you need,” and is targeted to carry-on only travelers. I was also impressed at how comfortable the Tortuga Travel Backpack feels even at capacity. 

Of course, no bag is perfect. In terms of drawbacks, the Tortuga Travel Backpack offers a fairly basic aesthetic considering its $349 price tag. It also could improve its security features, in my opinion. Still, its value comes into play when you consider that its materials are durable, eco-friendly, and backed by a fair warranty. 

In testing this product, the main drawback I identified relates to aesthetic quality. Personally, I think the backpack could improve the style department, particularly considering its $349 price.

Looks, though, are subjective, and many would agree that functionality is of greater importance. This is especially true given that Tortuga markets it not as a design backpack, but as a practical and comfortable product.

In that regard, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is a winner. It allows you to skip baggage fees, pack efficiently, and stay comfortable on the go. Despite its appearance and a few other minor setbacks, I’d absolutely purchase the Tortuga Travel Backpack again. 

Technical Specifications

Here’s a quick table for you to easily compare the 40L and 30L Tortuga Travel Backpacks: 

Tortuga Travel Backpack is best for:

• Carry-on only travelers looking for a “single bag” solution
• Digital nomads and frequent travelers 
• Travel itineraries that involve several destinations (e.g. backpacking in Europe)
• Eco-conscious consumers 

Tortuga Travel Backpack might not be a fit for:

• Adventure travelers and backpacking outdoors 
• Budget consumers
• Certain body types, such as adjustment features are somewhat limited  

If this pack isn’t your ideal match, check out our Tortuga Travel Backpack alternatives listed below. 

Tortuga Travel Backpack Full Review

That’s the quick summary of this Tortuga Travel Backpack review. But now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Below, I describe and rate each of the Tortuga Travel Backpack’s key features. 

Features

In this next section, I share an in-depth review of the following Tortuga Travel Backpack features:

• Size
• Weight
• Aesthetic
• Materials
• Hardware
• Organization
• Packing Cubes (Sold Separately)
• Height Adjustable
• Comfort
• Protection and Security
• Home Try-On Program and Warranty

Size

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

In my opinion, one of the best features of the Tortuga Travel Backpack is its carry-on size. The moment I touch down at a new destination, I want to get out and explore — not wait around a luggage carousel. Nor do I want to pay checked bag fees. 

In this regard, the backpack is a win-win! Plus, the Tortuga Travel Backpack meets both US and international carry-on size limits.

Even if you’re not a minimalist packer, this pack will likely allow you to get away with just a carry-on. In testing the backpack, I was able to comfortably fit all of the following items into the main compartment:

• 3 t-shirts
• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 sweater
• 1 lightweight jacket
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of leggings 
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of sandals 
• 3 pairs of socks 
• 1 beanie 
• 1 swimsuit 
• All toiletries

Note that I wear size-small clothing and that my shoes are a size 6 in women’s. Obviously, these factors will affect the quantity that you’re able to pack into this bag. But keep in mind that this backpack features several other pockets for additional storage, too.

Overall, there is plenty of room to put all your carry-on packing essentials inside.

Weight 

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

In improving the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack (V3), the company wanted to reduce its weight. By creating a more simplistic design, it was able to make each bag size more than 10% lighter. 

The 40L model of the Tortuga Travel Backpack (V4) is 4.5 lbs (2 kg), and the 30L model weighs 4 lbs (1.8 kg). Considering these backpacks’ volume and competing bags’ weight, I think Tortuga met this goal to a T. 

Aesthetic

⭐ STAR RATING: 3.5 / 5 stars 

Would I call the backpack stylish? Maybe not quite. 

To me, the Tortuga Travel Backpack lacks personality. The pack is only available in solid black, which is fine enough. But it’s more than color that’s one note. Aside from the slight gloss variance of the zippers and the primary fabric, the design lacks contrast. 

Personally, I find Tortuga’s previous carry-on model, the Tortuga Outbreaker Travel Backpack to have a greater aesthetic appeal. Though also solid black, its more noticeable diamond pattern, medallion logo, and the two zipper pockets on the face feel a bit more fun. 

Per the company, customers’ asked that the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack feature rounder corners and a softer shape. While still somewhat boxy (essential for max carry-on capacity), the Tortuga Travel Backpack does appear less dense. Arguably, its simplistic aesthetic also makes it more discreet.

Regardless of how you feel about the pack’s aesthetic, and function over fashion, am I right? Scroll down and leave a comment with your opinion.

Materials

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

Subjective looks aside, here’s one thing I love about this pack’s construction: its body and lining fabrics are made with 100% recycled materials. Tortuga calls the fabric SHELL200. This unique material is a type of sailcloth, originally designed for racing boat sails. It’s durable, waterproof, lightweight, — and did I mention recycled? Plus, after use, it can be recycledagain.

Not that you’ll be recycling this backpack anytime soon. SHELL200 impresses when it comes to durability. It’s UV-resistant, meaning it won’t easily fade in the sun. It’s also abrasion-resistant, meaning it will take a significant amount of time before pilling (what causes those tiny fuzz balls you see on older fabrics).

SHELL200 is a laminated polyester fabric, not nylon, which is what’s usually used for most high-end products. But Tortuga tested SHELL200 head-to-head with VX21, the nylon face fabric it uses for the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack. 

The results? Its latest-and-greatest polyester material has a greater tear strength despite its lighter weight. It’s also just as waterproof but features a more environmentally friendly C0 DWR

(Durable Water Repellent) finish, free of fluorocarbons and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). 

Hardware

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

Like the materials, the hardware on this backpack is designed to last. The adjusters feel reliable and sturdy, as do the Woojin buckles, which are well-respected in the industry. 

The same can be said for its YKK zippers, trusted for their long-lasting durability. These zippers are also lockable, though note that a lock is not included. 

Organization

⭐ STAR RATING: 4.5 / 5 stars 

I’ll admit, I’m not the most organized person. But with so many built-in organization features, the Tortuga Travel Backpack encourages users to stay on top of things. 

At the back of the pack, you’ll find a compartment for your electronics. Padded and fleece-lined, it features both a tablet sleeve and a laptop sleeve. A velcro strap comes over the two sleeves, providing extra security. 

Adjacent to the two sleeves near the top of the compartment, you’ll find a mesh zip pocket. This is perfect for storing accessories like chargers, USB flash drives, and more. 

The spacious main compartment also features a mesh pocket, which spans nearly the entire height and width of the bag. This pocket is ideal for toiletries and other small, thin items, while the adjacent space is great for clothing and shoes. This main compartment also opens up like a suitcase, making packing and accessing your items much easier. 

This backpack’s front pocket is deep but top-loaded, making access a bit trickier. I’d recommend being judicious with what and how much you store in this compartment. 

However, there are several organizational features here, thoughtfully designed for frequent-use items. Consider storing your Kindle in the padded, fleece-lined sleeve, and maybe your Passport in the mesh pocket. There are also four card pockets, two pen pockets, and a wide zipper pocket.

Lastly, there’s a zipped top pocket with a key clip, as well as a deep side pocket on the front face. You’ll also find not one, but two external water bottle pockets that feature elastic bands for security.

Here’s the thing: I knocked off a half-star because I’m a bit wary of the internal color choice. Like the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack, this latest model features a very light gray/off-white interior. Strangely, the deep front face pocket is the one exception, having a black interior fabric.

When it comes to the exterior materials, this bag is going to look new for a long time. But inside, after frequent use, I think an overall darker-colored fabric would have been a better design choice. 

Packing Cubes (Sold Separately) 

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars

Before I move on to the next feature, I want to go over one other organization tool by Tortuga: its latest packing cubes. They’re sold as a 3-pack, which contains one large packing cube (31.5 x 22.5 x 9 cm) and two small packing cubes (22.5 x 15.5 x 9 cm).

All of the clothing that you see in the left image fits into these three cubes. The largest was used for my jacket, sweater, and flannel. One of the small cubes was used for my long sleeves and t-shirts, while the other contained all four pairs of pants. 

Though lightweight, the packing cubes did not create additional storage within the bag. However, they allowed me to logically organize my clothing for easy access. The mesh top panel also serves as a reminder as to what’s inside each. 

YKK zippers ensure long-lasting quality, as does the innovative SHELL70RS body fabric. Like SHELL200, this exclusive Tortuga material is 100% made with recycled materials. 

I wouldn’t call these packing cubes essential by any means. However, they serve their purpose, fit well inside the bag, and are made with premium quality. For what they are, I give them a 5-star rating. 

Height Adjustable 

⭐ STAR RATING: 4 / 5 stars 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is height-adjustable in an effort to fit a variety of body types. The company pictures several models wearing the bag on its website. These models range in height from 5 foot 4 inches (162.6 centimeters) to 6 foot 2 inches (188 centimeters). 

Tortuga doesn’t state an ideal height range for the Tortuga Travel Backpack, nor an ideal range in weight. Being 5 feet even and 100 pounds, I was excited to put the pack’s height-adjustable feature to the test.

After much tightening and loosening, I got the bag to fit me properly. When adjusting the hip belt circumference, I had to go past the intended smallest size — though, being velcro, this worked fine. Technically, the hip belt should also rest a touch higher. 

But I’m not knocking off too many points, as I realize that my stature isn’t average. Plus, I still found the bag to be comfortable. 

However, I’m giving this feature 4 stars because, in my opinion, Tortuga should list an ideal height and weight range on its website. Many customers will fall outside of an average adult build and should be made aware that the pack may be less than ideal before purchasing. 

In addition, I found Tortuga’s How to Fit a Travel Backpack video to be an incomplete guide. It depicts un-velcroing and reattaching the back panel, but no instructions on how to adjust the various straps. 

If you read the associated article, the company directs users to tighten their hip belts first. Then, adjust the shoulder straps’ height using the webbing attached to the bottom of the straps. Adjust the sternum strap next, and lastly, fit the load lifter straps on your shoulders. While these instructions are somewhat clear, I think a visual demonstration would have been helpful. 

Comfort

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

If fit properly, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is very comfortable. Foam padding with breathable mesh lines the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt. According to Tortuga, the hip belt is designed to take 80% of the pack’s weight off your shoulders. 

Through my testing, I agree that this backpack does a good job of distributing weight. Before traveling, you’ll definitely want to nail down your correct fitting, and for the greatest comfort, always wear the bag properly. Clipping both the sternum strap and hip belt makes a big difference.

Protection and Security

⭐ STAR RATING: 4 / 5 stars 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack does especially well when it comes to protecting its intended electronics. The laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, and Kindle sleeve are all fleece-lined and padded. They’re also far from the pack’s base, so you don’t have to worry when setting the backpack down on the ground.

However, this backpack isn’t the most ideal when it comes to camera storage. We won’t knock points off for this, as it’s not the bag’s focus. However, it’s something professional photographers and hobbyists should keep in mind.

When it comes to security, though, I have to take away a star. The bag lacks data protection features like an RFID-blocking pocket. And sure, the pack’s zippers are lockable with an external lock. But for its price, I would expect even a basic built-in locking device. For example, interlocking zippers like the ones that I discussed in my Nomatic Navigator Backpack review would have been a smart design choice.  

Home Try-On Program and Warranty

⭐ STAR RATING: 5 / 5 stars 

After reading the “Height Adjustable” section, perhaps you’re nervous that the Tortuga Travel Backpack won’t fit you. Fortunately, the company offers a Home Try-On Program that allows you to test fitting. If it doesn’t work out, purchasers can return the unused bag within 30 days for a full refund. 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is also backed by the company’s Worldwide Warranty.Tortuga states, “If your gear fails due to a defect, we will repair it, replace it, or refund your money (at our discretion), depending on product availability.”

Fortunately, my backpack arrived in stellar condition. So, not having tested the warranty myself, I can’t say with certainty how quick or understanding Tortuga is in this regard. But given the fact that Tortuga is a small, founder-led company, I would expect its customer service to be attentive and streamlined. Its terms are also very fair, in my opinion. 

To clarify, the Worldwide Warranty “does not cover damages resulting from normal wear and tear, improper use, abuse, negligence, or accident,” says its website. Consequential damages are also not covered by Tortuga. In other words, while the backpack is designed to protect your gear, don’t expect your laptop or camera to be covered under this warranty. 

Tortuga Travel Backpack Alternatives

Maybe this Tortuga Travel Backpack review has you questioning if it’s the right bag for you? Totally fine! Travel Lemming has also personally tested each of the following travel backpack alternatives to consider:

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

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Tortuga Travel Backpack