Versatile, with excellent organization and compact style, the Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack 28L is my pick for best travel backpack. It’s great both for travel and daily carry.
I probably spent way too much time researching backpacks, but I ended up with a good one. I’ve had my Transit Line 28L for over a year now, and I’m still very satisfied. It was actually one of the first bags I came across in my search, but naturally, I got lost in the rabbit hole of online backpack reviews. Eventually, I circled back to it.
What I Like About the Transit Line 28L
Here are the main reasons I am a big fan of this bag:
- Size. It’s suitable for both travel and daily carry. I have a checked bag as well, but sometimes I’ll leave that at my AirBnB and head out for a night or two with just my backpack. The Transit Line has plenty of room for such trips, yet it doesn’t feel excessive for a quick trip to the coffee shop. It’s roomy enough for grocery store runs too.
- Organization. The two large main compartments offer some separation, for instance between clothes and electronics. You can even unzip the separator between the two, making it easy to pack both compartments without needing to flip the bag over. Quick access pockets on the top and side are great for keeping little odds and ends you may need at a moment’s notice. I find I use the top one more than the one on the side.
- Top Loading. I considered a side-loading bag but found that in tight spaces, I prefer top access. On flights, I slide my bag under the seat in front of me or between my legs, so keeping it upright is more convenient. Likewise in a coffee shop; my bag is usually upright to the side of me somewhere. If I have more space, like when packing on a bed, the Transit Line’s compartments can open fully, which is a plus.
- Quality Construction. After more than a year of daily use in various situations, this bag remains in top shape.
- Style. I don’t know about you, but I like the compact and modern aesthetic of this bag. It has the look and feel of thoughtful design, and there are some nice little details, like the magnetic clasp on the sternum strap.
What Could Be Improved
The main thing that I feel could use a little work is the organizer attached to the laptop sleeve. I think perhaps a more rigid material might be better for it, as the large pocket has tended to stretch out a bit over time, and the elasticity makes it a little harder to insert pens, etc. I’m also a little hesitant to put anything in the other pockets there, since there aren’t covers or zippers to keep things in.
Other Bags I Tried
I also tried out the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L Mirror. It was obvious that a lot of care had been put into the design of that bag, and it is definitely high quality. Ultimately I decided that I wasn’t a fan of accessing everything from the side though, as previously mentioned.