For seasoned travelers, the quest for the perfect backpack is never-ending. We’ve tested countless models, and one recurring issue with compartmentalized backpacks is the trade-off between organization and packing space. Dividing the main compartment can restrict your ability to pack bulky items freely, forcing you into a rigid packing structure. While this appeals to meticulous organizers, it can limit flexibility and accessibility.
The Pakt Travel Backpack V2 (35L) boldly enters this arena with a highly compartmentalized design. Despite this, it promises spaciousness and easy access. Both internal sections feel generously sized for packing cubes, and the clamshell opening is enhanced by two quick-access zippers. Sounds promising, right? However, there’s a potential snag: the harness system, particularly its wide shoulder straps, which might compromise long-term comfort. Let’s dive into the details to see if the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 lives up to the hype.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Ocean Blue
External Components: Sustainable and Stylish
Our review unit comes in the “Ocean” colorway, an apt name considering Pakt’s commitment to sustainability. The backpack utilizes rNylon, a recycled nylon fabric that Pakt claims is indefinitely recyclable, aligning with their eco-conscious ethos. This 500-denier fabric feels robust and appropriate for a 35-liter travel backpack. It offers a good balance of structure without being overly rigid like heavier ballistic nylon.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Brand Detail
It’s worth noting that our sample is a pre-production unit, so minor imperfections are to be expected. We noticed a few loose threads in the pockets, but Pakt assures us these will be resolved in the retail version. Despite these minor issues, the overall construction seems solid.
The fabric and colorway contribute significantly to the bag’s clean aesthetic. The “Ocean” blue, in particular, softens the visual impact of the numerous zippers and straps, creating a calmer appearance. For those preferring a more understated look, the Black colorway offers a stealthy alternative. The Forest colorway is also available, though it leans towards a darker, grayer shade of olive.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Zipper Pull Detail
Pakt has chosen quality components for the rest of the backpack. YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware are used throughout, both brands renowned for their reliability. In our testing, neither the zippers nor the clips, buckles, and adjusters showed any signs of failure or jamming.
Grab handles are essential for any travel backpack, and the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 is well-equipped in this regard. It features a top handle, a bottom handle, and two side handles on the right side. Having two side handles is a welcome touch for balanced carrying. However, these side handles are quite low-profile and can be slightly awkward to use simultaneously, especially for those with smaller hands. On the positive side, all handles are adequately padded, making it comfortable to maneuver the bag in tight spaces.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Side Handle Grip
While the top handle is somewhat recessed, Pakt thoughtfully included a loop between the shoulder straps for easy hanging. This standard backpack loop is perfect for hanging the bag in restroom stalls, keeping it off potentially dirty airport floors.
Compression straps are another standard feature of travel backpacks, and the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 has four, two on each side. Pakt’s design stands out for its stowability. While not fully removable, the straps have clips on one end, allowing you to tuck each strap into designated slip pockets. Stowing the compression straps is beneficial as they cross the main compartment opening and can otherwise dangle. It’s worth noting that these compression straps lack elastic keepers.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Water Bottle Pocket
A raised water bottle pocket is located on the right side. Pakt opted for a simple yet effective design: a fabric pocket with gussets and built-in elastics for grip. A small bungee loop is included for securing bottle necks, but we found it unnecessary as the pocket is deep enough to hold even slender bottles securely. We successfully tested it with a 33-ounce bottle, which also fit snugly.
The harness system of the Travel Backpack V2 incorporates all the features we expect in a quality travel backpack. Load lifters are easily adjustable and maintain their setting during use.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Harness System Detail
The shoulder straps are generously padded, as befits a travel backpack. However, the padding feels rather stiff, which impacts comfort, as we’ll discuss further. Pakt cleverly designed the top of the shoulder straps with thin joints connecting to the bag. This allows for greater strap movement compared to straps directly attached to the back panel. While this is a smart feature, it does lead to the straps flipping around when putting the backpack on, a minor but noticeable inconvenience.
Loops on the shoulder straps offer attachment points for accessories or for managing load lifter straps. The sternum strap is the hook-on-loops type, not the sliding variety we prefer for its finer adjustability. While functional, users seeking a highly customized fit may find it less than ideal.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Stowable Straps
Like many travel backpacks, the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 features stowable shoulder straps. The bottom ends detach via clips, allowing them to be tucked behind the back panel. This is a practical feature for preventing straps from getting caught when stowing the bag in overhead bins. The clips are user-friendly, making re-attachment easy on the go.
The back panel is ribbed with segmented padding, designed to conform to the wearer’s back. It includes a luggage pass-through oriented sideways across the panel. A thoughtful detail is the embedded magnets that keep the pass-through closed when not in use.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Strap Joint Detail
Finally, a waist strap is included. It’s a basic strap, not a supportive hip belt, so it won’t offload significant weight from the shoulders. Its primary function is stability, keeping the bag closer to the body. The waist strap is detachable via gatekeeper clips if you prefer to remove it.
Fit Notes: The Shoulder Strap Conundrum
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Fit Comparison
Overall, the Pakt Travel Backpack V2’s harness system is functionally sound and supportive. However, the width of the shoulder straps is a significant point of concern. Even members of our team with larger builds found the straps digging into their necks and extending uncomfortably beyond their shoulders. Photos don’t fully capture this issue, but the straps feel disproportionately wide.
This issue is naturally amplified for individuals with smaller frames. While the flexible joints at the top of the straps do allow for some spread, it’s not enough to eliminate the sensation of tightness and bulkiness. Combined with the firm padding, the shoulder straps can become fatiguing during extended wear, such as walking to accommodations or navigating train stations.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Shoulder Strap Width
Despite this shoulder strap issue, the harness system has redeeming qualities. The load lifters and sternum strap effectively distribute weight, preventing sagging. The back panel is adequately cushioned. Even the basic waist strap contributes to stability. It’s the excessive width of the shoulder straps that detracts from the otherwise well-designed harness system.
Inside The Backpack: Organization Central
A hidden “TSA pocket” is located beneath the bottom section of the back panel. This compartment is designed for stowing personal items during airport security checks, offering a more streamlined alternative to separate bins. Simply fold up a section of the back panel to access the TSA pocket, which is neatly folded away and held closed by magnets when not in use. The pocket is made of semi-transparent fine mesh for TSA visibility and offers enough space for everyday carry items, though bulkier items like large power banks may not fit.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L TSA Mesh Pocket
The Pakt Travel Backpack V2 features two front pockets with distinct organizational approaches. The lower front pocket is a simple, spacious dump pocket, ideal for quickly stashing items like packable jackets, power banks, or snacks. Its simplicity is its strength, providing readily accessible storage for various items.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Lower Front Pocket
The upper front pocket has a wider horseshoe-style opening and offers more internal organization. Inside, you’ll find a zippered mesh pocket (perfect for AirPods), a passport-sized pocket with a hidden AirTag slot, a tablet-sized slip pocket, a key leash, and a horizontal pen slot. Despite the generous space in the lower pocket, the upper pocket is often more convenient for items like toiletry bags due to its easier access.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Upper Pocket Organization
The Pakt Travel Backpack V2 is indeed compartment-rich. The frontmost compartment is initially compressed by an outer zipper. This compartment is primarily designed to house Pakt’s Everyday 15L Backpack but can also accommodate other items like laptop sleeves. While the outer zipper might appear to be for compression, it’s not really functional for compression once the compartment is filled. Adding items to this compartment extends the bag’s depth by approximately two inches, which affects its carry profile.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Main Interior View
The remaining three zippers access the main compartment, which is structured unconventionally for a travel backpack. While it still features a clamshell opening via the central zipper, each half of the clamshell functions as a separate sub-compartment, accessible via additional zippers.
The front half features a large, mostly flat mesh compartment, best suited for flatter items like undergarments or thin layers. Unzipping this mesh compartment reveals a deep bucket space underneath, ideal for packing cubes. Vertical daisy chains are included for attaching pouches, preventing them from sinking to the bottom and improving accessibility via the quick-access front openings.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Shoe Compartment
The rear half of the main compartment mirrors the front, but instead of a mesh bag, it incorporates a well-padded laptop sleeve. The padding is thick and feels similar to memory foam. The sleeve is centrally located and elevated from the bag’s base for enhanced laptop protection.
Pakt Travel Backpack V2 35L Top Bucket Space
Behind the laptop sleeve is another bucket space, mirroring the front section and suitable for another set of packing cubes. Both bucket spaces are surprisingly spacious, dispelling initial concerns about compartmentalization limiting capacity. You can easily dedicate one bucket space for clothing and the other for bulkier items like jackets, shoes, and tech pouches. This review is based on the 35-liter version; the 45-liter version offers even greater capacity for those needing more space.
In conclusion, the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 is a highly organized and thoughtfully designed travel backpack with ample packing space and a focus on sustainability. While the wide shoulder straps present a comfort issue for some users, the bag excels in organization, accessibility, and component quality. If you prioritize meticulous organization and appreciate eco-conscious design, and are less sensitive to potentially bulky shoulder straps, the Pakt Travel Backpack V2 is definitely worth considering for your next journey.
