
“Can I come see it right now??” That’s the text I received from a friend when she found out I had brought my packed Tortuga Travel Backpack to work. I had just arrived at my office, from where I would be leaving several hours later for the airport en route to Toronto. I would be using my Tortuga for the first time, and she wanted to know the details: how did it look when it was packed? What did I bring? How heavy is it? Do I love it??
Because, you see… both of us think the Tortuga is pretty, and deserves the attention.
And yes, both of us have a backpack problem. My friend and I compared our lists of what backpacks and luggage pieces we own and realized that we probably need an intervention. The first step is to acknowledge you have a problem. And in this case, the next step is to perpetuate the problem and buy the Tortuga travel backpack anyway… which is what I did!
That’s because the Tortuga is no ordinary pack. In my attempts to find a minimalist travel backpack for both short and longer trips, I came across a few options, but none stood out quite like the Tortuga. Here are some of the features that I was drawn to.

Cool Features
- It’s carry-on-sized. This is probably the main incentive! Surprisingly I’ve never lost checked luggage, but it happens. And waiting for your luggage to show up on the conveyor belt at Toronto’s Pearson airport? You’ll probably wait 30 minutes. And now with airlines charging for your first checked luggage? What the what?? Carry-on is the only way to go if possible.
- It’s not the same as a trekking backpack. Yes, I have one of those too… which I use for backpacking and trekking. My latest adventure to Nepal? A trekking backpack was key. But have you tried using a backpacking pack for travelling to a city? When I moved to London, UK back in 2006, I had a top-loading backpack. I guess I wanted to do that whole “backpack through Europe” thing. For the kind of travel I ended up doing, that approach wasn’t the smartest. I know better now. Functionality is key. I really appreciate the distinction that the Tortuga is a front-loading travel pack ideal for the frequent traveler, not a backpacking pack.
- Comfy shoulder straps and a good hip belt. This is one of the most important things for me. After reaching my 30’s, everything has seemingly gone downhill. I have a right hip issue. I injured my foot pretty badly. My back hurts more than it should. I could go on blah blah blah. And so, if a hip strap will take some of the pressure and weight off my back, I’m all for it. There’s also a chest strap for added support.
- Padded section for a laptop. The padded laptop sleeve is accessible from the top of the bag. As I was going through security today, retrieving my laptop has never been easier!
- Pockets. I have a carry-on rolling/wheel luggage from MEC that I love, but the front pocket always felt small. The Tortuga has a front pocket with some give to easily accommodate my toiletries for convenient access. I could also fit my current book, Explorers of the Infinite, into the pocket. There are also zippered side pockets, which are perfect for a water bottle or other small items. Mesh pockets on the inside are great for electronic accessories. AND the hip strap has pockets large enough for a passport and other items. Is it weird that a pocket excites me? I know there’s a community out there who shares this sentiment.
- General comfort: Online, the bag looked like it would be a comfortable one. In real life, that holds true. Unfortunately for my friend who is 5’2, the pack is a bit too big, so definitely pay attention to the sizing on the website. But I guess that’s why Tortuga now offers the Tortuga Air carry-on backpack… which she just got! Now we both have Tortuga backpacks… matchie matchie.
- Quality. Now that I’ve had a chance to pack it and feel the material, it seems pretty durable and the quality seems good. The zippers and buckles used are some of the “best in the business”. If it rips on this first trip, I may change my tune though…
- It’s pretty. No, travelling is not a fashion show, but I’ve seen some ugly bags out there. The Tortuga isn’t one of those bags.
So yes, I love the backpack, and I cannot wait to try it out on different trips.
Step 1: Pack minimally for a trip back home. Done.
Step 2: Head for a week trip to Mexico with carry-on only. I don’t think this will be a problem. Hot weather equals less clothing, weeeee.
Step 3: Travel the world. I daydream of city getaways and trekking trips to far off lands. I now have backpacks for both occasions :).
But hold up! This review is not all rainbows.
Some Considerations
- I want to tell myself that the bag was worth it. I have no qualms against the quality of the bag- as I mentioned, it’s evident a lot of thought went into the functionality of the bag as well as its durability. But I paid a hefty $199 US for it. With the duties and taxes and shipping costs to Alberta, the total price was quite high. A bit much? Part of me thinks so… but the other part of me loves the bag, so I think it was worth it.
- I’m used to travelling with a smaller daypack along with my wheeled carry-on-sized luggage. Once I board a plane, the carry-on goes up top, and then the daypack goes under the seat in front of me. The daypack usually includes my computer, a water bottle, a book, some snacks, and an extra sweater. I don’t see myself travelling ONLY with the Tortuga, which would mean taking out the snacks and computer and book and water before I sit in the seat. So on this trip, I brought an extra canvas daypack, and after passing through security, I transferred the items I would need in flight into the bag. It’s an extra logistical step, but one I think I’ll have to do. Hmm… perhaps the new Tortuga Packable Daypack is an option??
Verdict?
As you can see, the “considerations” aren’t knocks to the bag itself. As a travel backpack for short city-break trips or longer minimalist travel trips, I think the Tortuga Travel Backpack is a great functional and convenient companion, and I look forward to using it on the majority of upcoming adventures. I won’t completely give up my wheeled carry-on luggage though. Sometimes I’d rather just not have anything on my back when I travel. Either way, the idea of carry-on only when travelling is one I subscribe to, even though it’s been difficult due to my need for toiletries like facial toner and moisturizer. With ridiculous checked baggage fees, why wouldn’t you want to do carry-on only?? But I guess if the minimalist style of travel is not your own, then I think it’s more important to have a backpack or luggage piece that works best for you.

Awesome review! I still have to see it in person. Agree, personal item and a wheeled carry-on might be the way for me. Tortuga day pack might be an option!
The day pack… doooo ittt!
Thanks for the kind review, Rick. Enjoy your new bag.
Thanks for the great bag!
Hey Rick,
Thanks for the really nice, thorough review. It’s always awesome when someone “gets” the bag. We’ve put a ton of thought into it, and it’s gratifying when customers are happy.
Keep Fred and me at Tortuga posted on how you like your Tortuga. It’s all I ever travel with, and, honestly, I’ve downsized to our Air for most of my trips.
I’ve taken the our Packable Daypack on our last three trips and loved it. Great for lugging a laptop around a city or easy access to your tablet and headphones on a flight.
Safe travels,
Jeremy
Co-Founder, Tortuga Backpacks
Thanks Jeremy. Oddly enough, when I was travelling, I was thinking… maybe a smaller bag would be better, like the Air! I’ve come a long way from massive luggage pieces. I’m definitely eyeing the Packable Daypack… I think it would be a great option for exploring a city or carrying small items on a flight. Hmm….
It’s on a crazy discount right now :)
OK, I just followed your blog solely on the basis of your obsession with backpacks! I need an intervention, and yes, I am one of those people excited by a pocket. I do promise to read more posts, especially because I also saw a brief mention of Nepal, scene of my favorite trek ever! Thanks for finding my blog, too – I’m off to further explore yours now.
Backpacks are going to bleed me dry! I actually ordered two of the Tortuga day packs as well :). Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy the posts. Nepal was amazing, and I had quite an experience during my trek there. One day I will go back with Annapurna in mind. Also, you have a great blog… looking forward to reading more.
Sounds a good buy but shipping costs add a lot. Is there an store in Toronto where one can buy the Tortuga directly?
Hey I’m not sure about a store- I think you have to buy from Tortuga directly.
You mentioned that your friend who is 5’2 found the bag to a bit too big. Did she measure her torso length? I’m about the same height and not sure if the Tortuga would be too big for me. I’m also from Canada so if it doesn’t fit me, I would have to pay shipping to return it, which would be a hassle and pricey! I know they have the Tortuga Air but it doesn’t come with a hip belt. :(
Hi Michele – she didn’t measure her torso length, but she tried on the bag and we both agreed that it fit quite big. A hip belt is a big deal for me because of some injuries, so I totally get wanting one. I think my friend still loves her Tortuga Air, even though there’s no hip belt with it. And yeah, it might be a bit pricey and a hassle to go through the return process :(. I would definitely stick to what the site says about the Tortuga comfortably fitting torsos of 18″ and up. Hopefully the next iteration of the Tortuga Air will add some hip support.
Yo!
Could this fit or somewhat fit under the seat of an airplane or do you have to store it in the overhead bin?
Hey! It won’t fit under the seat, unfortunately. It fits nicely in the overhead bin.
Hi Rick,
Have you traveled on Ryan Air with the Tortuga Backpack? If you have, were there any problems taking it onboard?
Thanks!
Hi Michele: I haven’t used it with RyanAir, but I found this on Tortuga’s website: “The Tortuga is 0.35″ taller and 1.13″ deeper than RyanAir’s cabin baggage allowances. No one has reported any problems carrying a Tortuga on to RyanAir, but do so at your own risk.” I hope you have no problems if you try using it with RyanAir!
Hi Ricky!
“With the duties and taxes and shipping costs to Alberta, the total price was quite high. A bit much?”
Would you have an approximation of the duties and taxes that were added with shipping?
I am considering getting the Outbreaker but I know custom fees can be tricky sometimes… (I would be ordering from QC but your estimate would give me an idea) Thanks!
Hi Eva. I checked my credit card statement and I was charged $265.15 CAD, shipping to AB. The exchange rate was about 1.15 at that time, so it was $199 US plus $30 US for the shipping. There doesn’t seem to be any additional mystery charges above that, though I’m not sure if anything would have changed since I ordered it.