Honest Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Review

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Tortuga is known for creating high-quality travel gear designed to make life on the road easier and more comfortable.

I’m very excited that I’ve been gifted a Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L for review purposes, the only way for me to get my hands on a Tortuga backpack since they don’t ship to Europe otherwise. But don’t worry, this gift hasn’t swayed my objectivity.

I’m all in for an honest review, laying out the good, the bad, and the nitty-gritty details. But before we plunge into my honest take, let’s explore some key features this backpack brings to the table.

#1 Pick

seated on stone steps with a Tortuga 30L travel backpack, showcasing the backpack's comfort and style against a mountainous backdrop.

Tortuga Backpack Overview

Exceptional Organization – Multiple compartments for stress-free packing and easy access.
Carry-On Ready – Fits easily into overhead compartments for smooth boarding.
Durable Style – Tough materials resist rain and rough handling with extreme durability.
Secure Zippers – Peace of mind with padlock holes for added safety.
Water-Resistant – Shields gear from rain and spills, keeping electronics and clothes dry in any weather.

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Table of Contents

Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Features

Backpack Design

Tina with Tortuga 30L backpack gazes out at a tranquil lake with swans, highlighting the backpack's suitability for serene nature escapes.

The outside design of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L keeps it straightforward—it’s basic, prioritizing function over fashion. And there’s a lot of functionality in the backpack but more on that later.

All Tortuga backpacks are only available in black. I really like the bright interior lining, it’s perfect for quickly locating items inside your bag, although fair warning, it tends to show dirt after some adventures.

Size and Capacity

A Tortuga 30L travel backpack rests against a rugged stone wall on grassy terrain, with a water bottle peeking out from the side pocket, capturing the essence of outdoor adventures and the backpack's sturdy design.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is designed to fit all airline carry-on size restrictions, making it a perfect companion for carry-on-only travels.

It’s truly impressive how much the backpack can fit, as long as you follow some minimalist travel tips it’ll be the only luggage you need on your holiday no matter how long.

If 30L isn’t enough for you, you can also find a Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L on their travel backpacks page.

However, the 30L Tortuga Travel Backpack doesn’t fit the requirements for a personal item bag from European Airlines.

30L Travel Backpack Measurements

The backpack has the following measurements: 20.5 x 12.2 x 7.5 inch (52 x 31 x 19 cm)

This means the backpack fits all cabin bag restrictions for overhead luggage but it might not fit within personal item measurements from budget airlines, such as RyanAir or Spirit Airlines.

For example, the measurements of RyanAir, which is notorious for having a small luggage allowance are 55 x 40 x 20 cm for a carry-on cabin bag and 40 x 20 x 25 cm for a personal item bag.

That being said, it is possible to squeeze the Tortuga backpack underneath an airplane seat if it’s not fully packed. But the safe option is to use it as cabin bag and not personal item bag.

Compartments for Organisation

Inside view of an organized Tortuga 30L travel backpack, revealing the spacious compartments filled with travel essentials for a well-planned trip. — The Tortuga packing cubes fit perfectly inside the big opening

If you love a backpack with many different compartments to keep everything organized, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is perfect for you. Seriously, I’ve never seen a backpack with more compartments.

The main compartment opens up like a suitcase, there’s a net on one side to keep stuff in place while closing the backpack.

There’s a padded laptop compartment at the back with a zipped compartment for smaller laptop equipment.

Inside the front compartment are multiple smaller compartments, perfect for pens, a journal, and other small travel accessories.

Tortuga 30L backpack's front pocket open, displaying organized storage options for travel documents and accessories, ideal for quick access. — I really like the bright interior, it makes it easier to see everything inside

There are two external water bottle pockets for small or large reusable water bottles.

Comfort and Durability

Tortuga 30L backpack with removable hip belt and shoulder straps laid out, demonstrating the backpack's customizable wearability for diverse body types. — You can remove the hip belt

I was very impressed by how well-padded the backpack is, it allows you to comfortably carry it on your back while traveling. The removable hip belt is also well-padded and allows further distribution of weight.

Close-up of a hand adjusting the Tortuga 30L backpack's hip belt, illustrating that the backpack's hip belt might not fit all body types. — Unfortunately, the hip belt was too wide for me

Unfortunately, it turns out that I’m too small for the hip belt. It wasn’t possible to adjust the belt to fit my hips. For reference, I’m 5’2″ and weigh about 110 pounds, and my waist is about 31.5 inches. But I guess you can tighten the straps that attach the hip belt to the backpack to make the hip belt tighter.

The backpack is made with durable and water-resistant materials, perfect for all kinds of adventures without showing any signs of wear and tear. And the best part is that you have a lifelong warranty against defects in materials and production errors.

Security Features

Detailed image of the secure zipper and lock feature on the Tortuga 30L travel backpack, ensuring safety and peace of mind for belongings.

One neat detail I liked is that the zippers have holes for your padlock to secure your belongings, a game-changer for peace of mind when traveling. Just grab a padlock, and you’re set—no more worries about pickpockets or losing valuables.

There’s also a small compartment at the top of the backpack with a keychain in it. It’s perfect for storing small valuable items like keys, cash, or a phone while going through airport security.

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Pros of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L

Lifelong worldwide warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship
Multiple compartments for organization
Well-padded and comfortable to wear
Adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps
Durable and water-resistant materials used
Security features such as lockable zippers
Bright interior lining for easy visibility

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Cons of the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L

Only available in black
Hip belt may not fit smaller people like me
Bright interior lining may show dirt more easily
Delivery only within the US
The empty backpack already weighs 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Doesn’t classify as a personal item bag on airplanes

Who is a Tortuga Travel Backpack for?

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is perfect for travelers who prioritize organization and functionality in a backpack. It’s a great choice for people who want to start traveling as a minimalist with just one bag.

It’s the perfect backpack for people who love the organization in a suitcase but who want to switch to a backpack.

The 30L is big enough for any kind of adventure, from a short weekend trip up to a months-long journey.

In my opinion, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is especially great for digital nomads with a lot of different compartments to store electronics and other work necessities as well as everyday travel items.

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Additional Tips: Packing with the Tortuga Travel Backpack

Use packing cubes to maximize space in the backpack.
Roll your clothes instead of folding to fit more items.
Pack versatile clothing items that can be worn multiple times.
Create a capsule wardrobe to mix and match outfits.
Use compartments for organization and easy access to essentials. Take time to find your personal system to maximize compartment use.
Don’t overpack, follow minimalist travel tips for an easier and more enjoyable trip.
Use the lockable zippers for added security during transit. Don’t forget to get a padlock for it.
Take advantage of the lifetime warranty by keeping your original receipt.

Tina standing beside a pine tree, with the Tortuga 30L backpack slung over one shoulder, ready for a hike in the scenic outdoors.

Alternatives to the Tortuga Backpack

The best alternative is a Knack Backpack, it’s also amazing for organization with its multiple compartments and it is expandable, making it perfect for any trip no matter how long it is.
If you love the suitcase opening but are looking for a more colorful backpack, check out my Cotopaxi Allpa backpack review. But fair warning, as much as I love the colorful design of Cotopaxi, the backpack isn’t as sturdy as the Tortuga backpack.
In case you realize you don’t need that many compartments for organization and that much space. Patagonia Black Hole and Refugio are both great options for a simpler and lightweight backpack. Read my review of the Black Hole backpack and my review of the Patagonia Refugio to find out which one is a better fit for you.

With so many great minimalist backpacks out there, I couldn’t test them all. So, I asked frequent travelers for their top picks. You might find the perfect one for you in their backpack recommendations.

FAQs About Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Review

Is a 30L backpack big enough for Travelling?

Yes, if you follow some minimalist travel tips, a 30L backpack is enough for short and long-term travel.

Does a 30L backpack fit under seat?

In general, a 30L backpack does not fit under an airplane seat.

Where are tortuga bags made?

The Tortuga bags are all made in Vietnam, and some of their travel accessories like their water bottle are made in China.

Are tortuga bags waterproof?

The Tortuga travel backpack is made out of a waterproof fabric and it uses water-resistant zippers.

Where to buy a Tortuga backpack?

The only place to buy an official Tortuga backpack is the official Tortuga website.

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Final Thoughts: Is Tortuga Backpack Worth It?

My honest Tortuga backpack review conclusion is that it’s a high-quality backpack with lots of features and functionalities perfect for any kind of travel.

However, the limited color options, delivery only within the US, and potential fit issues for smaller people may be drawbacks to consider.

But overall, I highly recommend this backpack for its durability, organization capabilities, and comfort. It’s definitely worth the investment for any avid traveler or digital nomad.

So, whether you’re planning a short trip or embarking on a long journey, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is ready to be your reliable travel companion. Happy travels!

Honest Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Review