MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack Expandable Airplane Approved Weekender Bag for Men and Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Daypack for Flight 40L, Black

TUnited States

Great deal on a great backpack, but beware of spotty quality control

I travel a lot and once had my checked luggage lost, so I like to be able to pack as much as possible in a carry-on bag to ensure it arrives with me. While a hard-sided rolling bag is nice when traveling long distances in airports, a backpack carry-on makes it easier to navigate when you already have a large rolling suitcase, a backpack is better for stairs, and the flexibility of a backpack makes it easier to fit luggage into the trunk (out of sight) when renting cars (which are generally a lot smaller outside of North America). Overall, I would give the Matein travel backpack 5 stars. It's a step down from, say, a Cotopaxi or Osprey travel backpack, but at less than a quarter of the price (and half the price of an inferior North Face backpack), it's a nice travel bag with lots of features at a very affordable price. I compared several different travel backpacks at different price points. Since capacity is just a number and doesn't necessary correlate to useable space, I used vacuum bags for my clothes and filled each with the same 20 lbs of stuff. The Matein backpack had great useable space and I'd say even better useable pockets than some other, more expensive, backpacks I tried (which had some smaller pockets that could only be used for small items, which I prefer to carry in my "personal item" bag). And the Matein was better than some other travel backpacks in that the shoulder straps could be stowed away, making it easy to carry from the side handle without dragging or tripping over straps. The strap on the back to slide over a rolling suitcase is a nice feature. And what I especially like is that the Matein opens up like a traditional suitcase, so it's easy to see--and get to--your packed items (since they aren't buried at the bottom of a top-loading backpack). I also liked the side straps that can cinch down the pack, reducing its profile for those airlines that have stringent size restrictions. Where is falls short of the much pricier travel backpacks is that it doesn't have a hip belt to distribute the weight. After using an oversized traditional backpack for years, that wasn't a dealbreaker, but it did mean that it was less comfortable on the shoulders (which were supporting all the weight). That said, the Matein has pretty nicely padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap, which make it better than a traditional backpack. Something to consider is that there isn't a pouch for a water bottle (not a dealbreaker for me since I store my water bottle in my "personal item" bag). It's also a more comfortable backpack for those who don't have really broad shoulders (since the straps might be too close together and cut into one's neck). I considered dinging it one star for quality control, which isn't great. I encourage you to check you bag carefully. The first bag they shipped me was missing one of the side straps (see photo). The replacement bag had all the straps, but the placement of these were slightly off for some of them--not a big deal, but evidence of not the greatest quality control. In the end, I decided to keep a much more expensive Sherpani travel backpack because of the hip belt and the more waterproof material for my bigger trips (when I'm hauling more stuff around big international airport hubs). But I'm also definitely keeping the Matein as one to use for shorter trips. I can't speak yet to the durability. Time will tell.

MozzieUnited States

Versatile Backpack For Trips And Daily Use

I picked up this MATEIN travel backpack to use as a carry on and it has worked out very well. The 27 liter size is just right for flights. I can fit a couple of days of clothes, toiletries, and my electronics without it feeling oversized. The expandable section is handy when I need a little extra room coming back with souvenirs or gear. It fits in overhead bins and under most seats when not fully expanded, which keeps travel simple. The organization is a big plus. There are enough pockets for a laptop or tablet, chargers, documents, and smaller items so everything has a place instead of getting lost in one big compartment. The padding on the straps and back panel makes it comfortable to carry through airports or around town, and the material feels durable and water resistant enough to handle light rain without worrying about what is inside. I also use it as a daypack for short hikes and casual everyday use. It does not scream “business bag” or “hiking pack” so it works in a lot of situations. If you want a lightweight, flexible backpack that can handle travel, commuting, and weekend outings, this one is a very solid choice.

SnookieUnited States

Versatile, lightweight and sturdy and meets needs as a carry on for air travel.

I am thrilled with this purchase. I bought the large size which is light and very spacious, and expandable, opening like a regular case with a depth that allows one to pack clothes for several days. It has several large pockets. I bought it for an overseas trip. One of the flights planned will have a lot of steps and no elevator, which is why I decided on a backpack so I can leave my hands free and avoid having to drag a case. Meanwhile my husband has used it for a trip to Hawaii and packed everything he needed for the four day trip. It has a handle at the top and another on the side if one prefers to carry it. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort. They can be folded away if needed. The size is right for a carry on for air travel. I highly recommend this product.

Jaqueline CamposUnited States

Very practical and well organized travel bag

I bought the Matein travel backpack as a carry-on for a trip and overall I found it very practical and functional. It has multiple compartments that make it easy to organize everything, and the space is really good for its size. ✔️ What I liked: * Plenty of storage without being too bulky. * Multiple compartments for clothes, electronics, and accessories. * Luggage strap to attach it to a suitcase (very useful at the airport). * Durable material and secure zippers. * Works well as a carry-on bag. ❌ What I didn’t like: * It can feel a bit heavy when fully packed. * It’s not fully structured, so it depends on how you pack it. Overall, I really liked it—it’s a very practical backpack for short trips or as a carry-