Tortuga Backpacks Review: Everything You Need to Know
If you‘re in the market for a high-quality, comfortable, and well-designed travel backpack, Tortuga is a brand worth paying attention to. Created by travelers for travelers, Tortuga backpacks aim to be the perfect companion for city travel, road trips, and adventures all over the globe.
In this comprehensive Tortuga backpacks review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s bestselling models, key features, materials and construction, and what makes these bags such a great choice for jetsetters and frequent flyers. Plus, we‘ll see what customers have to say, where you can buy Tortuga travel backpacks, and how they compare to other popular brands. Let‘s dive in!
About Tortuga: Carry-On Travel Bags for City Travelers
Founded in 2010 by childhood friends Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen, Tortuga set out with a clear mission: to create the perfect travel backpack after struggling to find good options on the market. The idea for the brand came to Fred and Jeremy while backpacking through Eastern Europe in 2009. They realized that most backpacks and luggage weren‘t well suited for the type of travel they enjoyed most – cities, hostels, and public transport.
After two years of researching, designing, and testing, they launched their first product, the Tortuga Travel Backpack, on Kickstarter. The campaign was a huge success, surpassing their $20K goal and raising nearly $350,000 from over 2,500 backers who believed in their vision. Since then, Tortuga has continued to grow and expand its range of carry-on travel backpacks and accessories.
Today, Tortuga is still 100% employee-owned and bootstrapped. Their small team of 10 people is fully remote, spread out across 3 continents. Tortuga‘s mission is to make travel easier and more enjoyable. They believe that packing light shouldn‘t mean sacrificing comfort and functionality.
Tortuga‘s dedication to creating the best travel backpacks has earned them accolades from customers and media alike. They‘ve been named the "Best Carry On Travel Bag" by Wirecutter, "Best Carry-On Bag" by Carryology, and one of the "10 Best Backpacks for Travelers" by Travel + Leisure. Needless to say, they know a thing or two about designing quality travel gear!
Materials and Construction
Before we look at specific Tortuga backpack models, let‘s go over some of the key materials and construction elements you‘ll find in these bags. Tortuga is committed to using high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Here are some of the main materials you‘ll find in Tortuga backpacks:
- VX21 waterproof sailcloth (outer material on Outbreaker collection)
- SHELL200 ultra-durable polyester (V4 Travel Backpack)
- 900D heathered polyester (Setout collection)
- YKK weather-resistant zippers
- Duraflex buckles
- Ariaprene foam back panel
Tortuga also incorporates thoughtful design elements for maximum comfort, even when the backpack is fully loaded:
- Adjustable suspension system to accommodate different torso lengths
- Padded, removable hip belt to transfer weight off your shoulders
- Hideaway shoulder straps and padded top and side grab handles
- Breathable, moisture-wicking back panel and contoured straps
- Lockable zippers and internal compression straps
All of these materials and features come together to create an exceptionally durable, comfortable, and secure backpack. With a Tortuga bag, you can trust that your belongings will be well-protected as you navigate airports, city streets, bus stations, and beyond.
Top Tortuga Backpack Models
Over the years, Tortuga has released and refined several backpack models to suit different travel styles, budgets, and size requirements. While they‘ve discontinued a few models, like the classic Tortuga Backpack and the Homebase Backpack, they‘ve also introduced new and improved designs.
As of 2023, Tortuga‘s core collection includes 4 main backpack models: Outbreaker, Setout, Prelude, and the Travel Backpack. Let‘s take a closer look at each one and break down the key specs, features, and use cases.
Outbreaker Backpack
The Outbreaker is Tortuga‘s premium travel backpack, built for maximum durability and organization. It‘s available in 35L and 45L sizes, with the 35L being carry-on-friendly for European airlines. The 45L is best for US carry-on.
Key specs:
- Weight: 4.6 lbs (35L), 5.1 lbs (45L)
- Dimensions: 20.3" x 12.9" x 8.2" (45L), 18.5" x 12" x 9" (35L)
- Laptop: Up to 17" (45L), 15" (35L)
- Tablet: Up to 9.7"
- Material: VX21 waterproof sailcloth
Top features:
- Peak Design-compatible strap system
- Adjustable shoulder straps and removable hip belt
- Padded, fleece-lined laptop and tablet sleeves
- Designated pocket for battery pack + charging cable pass-through
- Organized front pocket for easy access
- Lockable zippers
- Hideaway straps for checked luggage
The Outbreaker is ideal for travelers who want the best of the best and are willing to invest in a premium backpack. If extreme durability and organization are your top priorities, this is the pack for you. It also makes a great "one bag" option if you want to pack everything in a carry-on.
Setout Backpack
The Setout strikes a balance between functionality and affordability. It has a sleeker look than the Outbreaker but still offers plenty of thoughtful organization. The Setout comes in both men‘s and women‘s models, each with a suspension system optimized for different body types.
Key specs:
- Weight: 3.4 lbs (35L), 3.9 lbs (45L)
- Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (45L), 20" x 13" x 7.5" (35L)
- Laptop: Up to 17" (45L), 15" (35L)
- Tablet: Up to 9.7"
- Material: 900D heathered polyester w/ weather-resistant finish
Top features:
- Carry-on-friendly 35L and 45L sizes
- Comfortable, injection-molded foam shoulder straps
- Removable hip belt and load lifters
- Front panel access for easy packing/unpacking
- Zippered mesh compartment for toiletries, shoes, etc.
- Hideaway water bottle pocket
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
The Setout is a fantastic all-around travel backpack if you want something that‘s durable, comfortable, and easy to pack, without all the bells and whistles of the Outbreaker. It‘s also more budget-friendly.
Prelude Backpack
The Prelude is Tortuga‘s lightest and most affordable backpack. At 31L, it still offers plenty of room for shorter trips and budget air travel. The understated design makes it great for both city travel and day-to-day use.
Key specs:
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 19.5" x 12.5" x 7.5"
- Laptop: Up to 15.6"
- Tablet: Up to 9.7"
- Material: 600D recycled polyester
Top features:
- Front-loading main compartment for easy packing
- Designated, padded laptop compartment
- Mesh zippered pocket for small essentials
- Water bottle pocket
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Removable hip belt
The Prelude is perfect for minimalist packers who still want a comfortable carry, whether for a weekend trip or as a versatile everyday bag. The slim profile is great for navigating busy airports and city streets.
Travel Backpack
Last but certainly not least, we have the simply named but thoughtfully designed Travel Backpack, the latest iteration of Tortuga‘s original flagship backpack. Now in its 4th generation, the Travel Backpack is better than ever, with an improved suspension system, materials, and organization.
Key specs:
- Volume: 30-36L
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 21.5" x 13.5" x 7.5"
- Laptop: Up to 15"
- Tablet: Up to 9.7"
- Material: SHELL200 ultra-durable polyester
Top features:
- Expandable capacity from 30L to 36L
- Adjustable torso length
- Padded, removable hip belt
- Front panel access with two compartments
- Mesh divider to separate clothes
- Side handles for duffel-style carry
- Hideaway shoulder straps
The Travel Backpack V4 is the culmination of years of fine-tuning a carry-on backpack that truly does it all. It‘s expandable, adaptable, and suitable for trips from a weekend to a week or more. If you‘re looking for a bag that‘s not too big, not too small, but just right, this is the one.
What Customers Think of Tortuga
Of course, a Tortuga backpacks review wouldn‘t be complete without seeing what actual customers have to say. Tortuga products consistently get great reviews on their website, with most of their backpacks averaging over 4.5/5 stars from hundreds of reviews.
Here are a few highlights:
"I absolutely love this backpack. It is very well made and sturdy. There are so many compartments that help me organize everything so well. It helps me to be able to have the ease of a backpack, but keep everything organized and easy to find like a suitcase." – Katie S. on the Outbreaker
"I was amazed at how much I could fit in this bag. It was very comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. The hip belt made a huge difference in comfort and having a water bottle holder and a pocket I could easily reach on the shoulder strap was super convenient while traveling." – Rebecca M. on the Setout
"I was able to pack for a 4-day trip to Portugal in this pack. I love the small pockets – they helped me organize my toiletries, jewelry, pens, and snacks. The pack is really comfortable on my back and I love the removable waist strap for the days my pack is heavier." – Jill B. on the Prelude
These glowing reviews are pretty representative of the feedback you‘ll find for Tortuga backpacks. Customers rave about the comfort, organization, durability, and thoughtful features. The few complaints tend to be about minor design tweaks or wishing for a certain feature, but overall, Tortuga has a loyal fan base of satisfied customers.
FAQ
To wrap up this Tortuga backpacks review, let‘s go over some frequently asked questions about the brand and its products:
What‘s Tortuga‘s return policy?
Tortuga offers a 30-day return window for unused products in new condition, with free return shipping (US orders only). Final sale items are not eligible for return.
Does Tortuga ship internationally?
Yes, Tortuga ships to over 200 countries worldwide. Shipping fees and times vary by location.
What‘s the warranty on Tortuga backpacks?
All Tortuga backpacks come with the Common Decency Guarantee, which means they‘ll fix or replace defects beyond normal wear and tear for the lifetime of the bag.
How do I clean my Tortuga backpack?
Tortuga recommends spot cleaning with a damp cloth as needed. For tougher stains, use a mild detergent. Do not machine wash or dry.
The Verdict: Are Tortuga Backpacks Worth It?
So, are Tortuga backpacks truly worth the hype and the relatively high price point? In our opinion – absolutely. After thoroughly testing and examining these backpacks, it‘s clear that Tortuga puts a ton of thought, care, and expertise into their products. The materials are top-notch, the designs are functional and travel-friendly, and the bags are built to last.
While Tortuga backpacks may be overkill for the occasional traveler taking short trips, they‘re an excellent investment for digital nomads, frequent flyers, study abroad students, and anyone else who spends a lot of time on the go. The carry-on-friendly sizes, comfortable suspension systems, and clever organization make them a joy to pack and carry, no matter where your adventures take you.
Not to mention, Tortuga‘s commitment to customer service and the Common Decency Guarantee give you extra peace of mind that you‘re getting a quality product from a brand that stands behind its creations.
If we had to pick the best backpack for most people, our vote goes to the Setout. It hits the sweet spot in terms of price, features, and versatility, without any major downsides. But depending on your trip length, budget, and preferences, any of the Tortuga backpacks could be an excellent fit.
As with any big purchase, we recommend trying out a Tortuga backpack in person if possible, or taking advantage of their generous 30-day return policy if you‘re not sure. But all in all, we can confidently say that Tortuga is one of the best travel backpack brands on the market and well worth considering for your next trip. Happy travels!
