Amazon BasicsTravel Backpack Carry On Flight Approved, Lightweight, Expandable, Dual Use as Backpack or Shoulder Bag, Black

PROS:- Excellent design with large storage capacity and ample pockets/dividers for organization- Comfortable shoulder straps and back cushioning- Comes with shoulder strap, waist strap, sternum strap, backpack straps (can be tucked away), and two handles to allow multiple methods of easy-carrying- Includes internal padded laptop storage compartment placed nearest the back (ideal design for weight distribution)- Includes zippered expandable storage (unzip to expand the bag slightly, or keep zipped to keep the bag more compact)- Carry-on size!CONS:- DOES NOT include hide-away water bottle compartment or key ring clip, as described on the listing- Some loose threading here and there, and minor quality issuesPERSONAL EXPERIENCE:My wife and I travel frequently (we have Southwest Companion Fly Free) on weekend trips across the state (often 3-4 night trips). I have been somewhat addicted to finding the best carry-on size travel bag/backpack. A few months ago, I purchased the eBags eTech 2.0 Weekender Travel backpack for my wife and myself, and I recently purchased the AmazonBasics backpack as well for my most recent two trips to see how they compared. Here are some of my notable comparisons:**DESIGN & ORGANIZATION**If I am not mistaken, eBags 2.0 started selling on Amazon towards the end of 2012 and has only had minor revisions since then. The design focuses on maximizing the amount you can carry within a bag that still fits most standard "carry-on" size specifications (which is usually 9x22x14). It utilizes hide-away backpack straps (they tuck away into a zippered compartment), a handle on the horizontal and vertical side of the bag, and a suit-case style main compartment and zipper opening for easy access. This has been a winning combination, and I have found this to be one of the most efficient designs for easy travel and maximum storage (better than clam-style zippered opening backpacks, in my opinion). With the use of packing cubes, my wife and I easily pack for 4 to even 5 night trips with both backpacks. In the attached picture showing the backpack filled, I easily packed two medium-sized packing cubes carrying 2 pants, 3 shorts, 1 belt, 6 t shirts, 2 button shirts, and 2 long sleeve shirts; one small packing cube carrying 6 socks, 6 underwear; one pair of shoes; toiletry bag; lightweight jacket in the mesh compartment on the lid; laptop w/ charger and documents; chargers; sunglasses; Kindle; battery pack; and earbuds. With that said, AmazonBasics released this backpack in September 2016, and clearly copied/mimicked almost the exact design of the eBags 2.0 in nearly every respect (AmazonBasics has all the features described directly above as well).The notable differences is that the AmazonBasics backpack has a dedicated zippered laptop storage compartment placed right on the back (best design for weight distribution because it keeps the weight closest to your body), zippered expandable storage option (unzip to expand the dimension of the main compartment by 10%, or leaved zipped to keep the backpack more compact; refer to attached picture), and has clips that allow for shoulder strap carry. If you want to carry a laptop in the eBags, you either have to place it in the front zippered organization compartment or in the main storage compartment (both are not the most ideal since weight is either distributed on the furthest point away from your body, making it feel heavier; or if in the main compartment, it's a pain to open it up and remove it for Airport Security). However, the eBags has a slightly better designed front storage area that utilizes: elastic cinches on its pockets (when travelling, it keeps the contents placed in these pockets in place; while with the AmazonBasics bag, I noticed that my items would easily slide out of the pockets during travel), a larger variety of pockets, and a key clip (the listing claims AmazonBasics backpack has a key clip, but it definitely does not). Both backpacks utilized a zippered mesh compartment located on the lid-side of the main compartment, but if you look at the included pictures, eBags has it extend the full length to maximize the size, whereas AmazonBasics for some odd reason has it cut off nearly 5 inches short of the full length. I see no point in why AmazonBasics decided to do that because it's just lost space.VERDICT:Draw. AmazonBasics has the well-designed padded laptop compartment, zippered expandable storage option, and shoulder strap capabilities, but eBags has the better designed front zippered organization compartment. Subjectively, I prefer the AmazonBasics backpack because it is important for me to carry my laptop with me and have the option to use a shoulder strap, while my wife prefers the eBags because she prefers the better-designed front zippered organization compartment and is fine always using the backpack straps.**WEIGHT AND COMFORT**AmazonBasics backpack weighs slightly over 3 lbs, while the eBags weighs slightly over 2 lbs. Honestly, the difference in weight is quite minimal when the backpack is actually worn, and I did not notice that the AmazonBasics bag was slightly heavier.With respect to comfort, the AmazonBasics backpack has slightly more cushioning in the backpack straps, and it adds cushioning along the entire length of the bag that rests on your back. The eBags backpack does not provide any real cushioning for your back, and while the shoulder straps are still comfortable, it has slightly less cushioning. However, the eBags has much more cushioned and well-designed side handles (the handles on the vertical and horizontal sides of the bag). eBags uses elastic under each handles to always pull the side handles closer to the bag (refer to attached pictures), and pads it with a soft neoprene. AmazonBasics uses the same nylon covering the entire bag over its handles, and you can feel the plastic material of the handles beneath. Both backpacks have adjustable sternum straps, and simple nylon straps that can be attached to the bottom to be used as waist straps.VERDICT:AmazonBasics slightly edges out eBags here. With the slightly more cushioned/padded backpack straps, and cushioning along the length of the portion of the bag the rests on your back, the AmazonBasics backpack is slightly more comfortable to wear. The eBags has better designed and more cushioned side handles, but ultimately these travel backpacks are made to be worn as backpacks, not primarily carried by the side handles.**QUALITY**AmazonBasics describes the material used as "durable polyester", while eBags states that the material used as "420D & 1680D Nylon". Nylon is generally a stronger & more durable material than polyester, and the 420D & 1680D Nylon rated materials used by eBags is highly rated/reviewed for its quality and durability. Based on feel and appearance, the Nylon material on the eBags backpack is of higher quality than AmazonBasics.Additionally, eBags uses higher quality components and materials on many of the finer details of the backpack, such as: Clips that attach the bottom shoulder straps to the backpack (has a cleverly designed release mechanism outside of the clipped area to allow for quick release); seams on the shoulder straps are sealed & hidden (AmazonBasics uses the simpler method of placing a separate piece of material that is stitched over; refer to picture of the shoulder straps); YKK zippers with a lifetime warranty (YKK are like the gold-standard for zippers; AmazonBasics uses strong & quality zippers, but not quite as nice as YKK); and quality side handles with neoprene padding and elastic pull-back mechanism (AmazonBasics wraps its side handles in the same polyester used for the rest of the bag, and the hard plastic of the handle can be felt). Lastly, I noticed that the AmazonBasics backpack had a few loose threads here and there, and somewhat sloppier stitching/finishing (refer to attached picture).VERDICT:eBags wins here when it comes to quality materials and craftsmanship.**VALUE**eBags is very reasonably priced at $99.99 (occasionally goes on sale too) for the quality & craftsmanship that you get with the bag. eBags also has an excellent reputation for customer service and warranty. The AmazonBasics backpack currently retails for $49.99, which is a steal.VERDICT:AmazonBasics takes the cake when it comes to value. eBags backpack is well-priced and uses some higher quality materials & craftsmanship, but the AmazonBasics backpack is literally 1/2 of the retail price. eBags is a great price at $99.99, but AmazonBasics is a steal at $49.99.**CONCLUSION**Both backpacks are incredibly impressive with respect to design, organization, comfort, quality, and value. You honestly cannot go wrong with either backpack, and both are excellent choices for your carry-on travel bag needs. Each backpack has slight pros/cons as compared to the other, and I wish I could combine some aspects of both to create the perfect combination. If you want slightly higher quality materials, durability, craftsmanship, and a better designed front storage compartment–and you do not mind not having a shoulder strap-carry option or a dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back–then eBags is a great overall choice for you. But if you want slightly more comfortable shoulder straps & back-cushioning, shoulder strap-carry option, dedicated laptop storage compartment near your back, zippered expandable storage option, and an unbeatable price; then AmazonBasics will be the travel backpack for you. To prove my point: my wife opted to keep the eBags because she liked the overall quality more, thought it was plenty comfortable, and did not mind that it lacked a dedicated laptop storage compartment near the back. I opted to go with the AmazonBasics backpack because I like having the option to carry the backpack on a shoulder strap, and I love having a dedicated laptop storage option near the back.**For the attached pictures, the olive backpack is the eBags and the black backpack is the AmazonBasics. I will update this review after my wife and I travel some more!

After much indecision, I purchased this Amazon Basics bag as my only luggage for a week-long trip to California, wanting to avoid checked luggage. I'm happy I pulled the trigger on this one.I bought “used, like new” to save a few bucks and as far as I'm concerned it really is like brand new. It arrived in original plastic bag (which is actually how you're supposed to return stuff to Amazon anyway.) No sign whatsoever of having been touched by human hands. (Thank you to the person who didn't take it on a trip to test it out before returning it!)I was a bit worried about the size as the description lists it as slightly larger than standard 22X14X9, but my measurement says it's closer to standards than listed. It fit perfectly in the size checker at check in, in case anyone else had that concern.Right off the bat I liked almost everything about this bag.The size is almost exactly the maximum standard carry on size so there's no wasted space (or extra weight) as with wheels. That was important to me for being able to pack enough to avoid checked luggage and that whole waiting at the carousel for your man-handled suitcase. In this case I packed for a week…easily.I like the material as it appears to be quite durable and feels “heavy duty” enough to hold up for years. Stitching looks good too. Zippers work well and are pretty heavy duty.Another important feature, to me, is that this fully opens like a suitcase making it a lot easier to pack than having to stuff a bag.There is a nice, wide handle on the side and top so it can be carried horizontally or vertically. The handles don't bunch up since there is a “stiffening agent” sewn inside (probably a strip of plastic). I tried squeezing it tightly and it didn't bend so it seems durable. The only issue with squeezing it (or holding it tightly) is that the internal plastic strip is both thin and rigid and can press into your hand in an uncomfortable way. Not a problem, just don't squeeze.I appreciate that there are four compression straps on the outside to squash down the load for when saving space is a concern or just to snug up your load. I think these could also work as an umbrella holder or to strap a jacket to the side of the bag. [Note: I did strap my jacket on at the airport and it worked great for that.As far as the backpack use is concerned, the padding on the back is adequate and the straps are comfortable. The waist strap is thin and I think it would get uncomfortable quickly. I didn't even take it on my trip.As you can see on the listing, there is a zippered, mesh compartment on the inside of the “lid” of the main compartment. This compartment is flat with no depth although you could stuff it and make it bulge, taking space away from the main area. I suppose it would be good for a wet swimsuit or dirty underwear or something. As another reviewer noted, It's kind of strange how this mesh panel was only designed to occupy about ¾ of the width of the lid which wastes an opportunity for slightly more packing…but that's a negligible concern.I don't think the compression straps on the inside of the main compartment are all that useful considering the external ones do a fine job of compressing the whole load. I didn't use them at all…they just seem like interference with getting to your stuff.I like that this bag is expandable because you just never know what you're going to find on vacation that you can't resist bringing home! I did not use that this trip but thought I was going to have to, so it was added security.I like the idea of the strap across the back that would enable you to slide this bag over the extended handle of a rolling suitcase, but I generally try to avoid traveling with that much stuff to have to haul around, so I'll probably never use it.For the $37 I spent, I have no complaints, but there is room for improvement. For one thing, I'd like it if there was a shallow zippered compartment on the front rather than the deep ones.That would be more convenient for stashing things you want quick access to without having to dig. Cellphone, charger, cables, glasses, chapstick, breath mints (a courtesy for your row partners.)I also would have liked a beverage holder pouch on the outside so I wouldn’t have to hold my thermal coffee container in hand or stuffed inside taking up packing space. My fix was to order a separate bottle holder to attach to an external compression strap. (See photo)If there is ever an upgraded version of this bag that includes those missing features, I'd buy that too.I travel quite a bit and I think this will be my new “go to” bag despite the small criticisms. I think that for the price you can't really go wrong, so, notwithstanding those design omissions, I give this my full recommendation, endorsement and five stars.Follow up: On my return trip I checked this bag due to “sensitive” content (empty gun clips my brother was sending to my son who's a cop) and I didn't want to get stopped at security. I also thought it would be a good test to see how well it stood up to the baggage handling process. Call me foolish but I had also packed a large, heavy, ceramic mug that I'd picked up at a thrift store (so no big loss it didn't survive). The bag and all contents came through in perfect shape except for one small “snag” in the fabric. (Thank you American Airlines baggage handlers.)Other: To say I packed for a week is subjective. (In college it could’ve been a couple shirts, an extra pair of pants, some underwear and a toothbrush…and, wistful thinking, a couple condoms…lol!)So here's what I actually just unloaded when I got home.3 pants1 cargo shorts1 gym shorts1 swim suit5 button down shirts (short sleeve)2 v-neck tees2 regular tees1 long-sleeved polypro shirt7 underwear3 socks1 small toiletries bag1 shaver in hard case1 small zippered pouch for cables, chargers, adapters etc.1 16oz insulated coffee container (I didn't have the external strap-on holder yet for this trip.)1 large, heavy ceramic mug1 left over 3.5oz bag of Cheerios1 bag of granola1 tin of breath mints2 e-candles (night lights for dark hotel bathrooms.)1 large Samsung tablet.1 reading glasses1 can hair sprayA few small packets of creamer, sugar and red pepper flakes.1 (hopefully never to be used) covid maskAnd 1 bandana (never travel without a bandana! See my book, “100 uses for a bandana”.)All this without even using the “expando” feature and I'm sure I could have put in another couple tee shirts etc.

I purchased the Amazon Basics Travel Backpack for my trips, and as a first-time travel backpack user, I’m really pleased with it. This backpack is surprisingly spacious, easily fitting clothes, essentials, and even a dedicated padded compartment for my laptop, which keeps it secure. The quality feels solid—no rips, loose threads, or zipper issues after multiple trips, which is reassuring for the price.The padded straps are a standout feature; they’re comfortable even when the bag is fully loaded, making long walks through airports or cities much easier. I don’t have other travel backpacks to compare it to, but this one checks all the boxes for functionality and durability so far. My only minor gripe is that I wish it had a few more organizational pockets for smaller items, but it’s not a dealbreaker.Overall, for the price and performance, I’d highly recommend the Amazon Basics Travel Backpack to anyone looking for a reliable, no-frills option for travel. It’s been a great companion on my journeys!