A few years ago, I reviewed the original Salkan 45L+20L Backpacker system. At that time, I was receiving several new backpacks each month and while I did my absolute darnedest best to give them all a run-through, it was so hard to keep up that I could only ever really meaningfully road test the ones that really piqued my interest and caught my attention. Well, this one (or its Papa rather…) did.
The first Salkan was a kinda old skool looking, rugged, two-part travel setup built for big trips and bigger ambitions. It was bold, it was modular and it was unapologetically large.
Now Salkan has released the Backpacker 35L Carry-On — a smaller, more streamlined evolution of their unique formula.
And in many ways?
This is actually the Salkan that makes the most sense…
Quick Verdict
The Salkan 35L is a durable, ethically built, carry-on-sized travel backpack designed for modern minimalist travellers albeit ones cool with a timeless, boyscout-via-WWII aesthetic!! In a word, it strips away the detachable daypack system of the 45L and delivers a clean, robust, airport-friendly one-bag solution.
It’s certainly not ultralight, and it’s not gimmicky. It’s simple, straightforward and its built to last.
Best for: Digital nomads, frequent flyers, and long-term travellers committed to one-bag travel.
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Design & Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the Salkan 35L is that it feels quite serious.
The recycled polyester fabric is thick and abrasion-resistant. The stitching is tight, the zippers are chunky, the clips fashioned from metal all inspiring confidence. This bag doesn’t feel like it was designed primarily for Instagram although it could definitely look seriously cool dressed up with the right aesthetic.
Where many modern travel packs chase sleek aesthetics, ultralight credentials, or pointless novelty extras, the Salkan stays closer to its roots: durability first. If you are after an eco-sound backpack then tick this one.
Size & Capacity – Is 35L the Sweet Spot?
Right, this pack is bang on 35 litres. Some would say that’s where smart travel lives now.
It’s enough space for:
- 5 or so days of clothing
- Packing cubes
- Laptop and tech pouch
- Toiletries
- A light jacket
- Sandals or compact second shoes
But it’s small enough to stop you from over packing with nonsensical non essentials.
This is the discipline zone. You won’t overpack, you won’t check luggage and you won’t get stung by low-cost airline fees (the Ryanair baggage limits are a whole world of pain so double check that one before you board).
Compared to the 45L system (which I always said was a slightly odd size dynamic…), the 35L moves differently. It sits tighter to your back and feels more balanced. It’s better suited to cities, co-working spaces, train stations, and airports BUT is also in the perfect size ballpark for a hiking pack.
Crucially, though this it fits overhead bins on all airlines properly. No negotiations. No gate-side stress.
Organisation & Access – Clean, Not Cluttered
The 35L opens offers 2 ways of access and organizing. One, from the top like a classic hiking pack. The other is the clamshell-style (you can zip the front down and pull it open) which is essential for carry-on travellers.
Used this way, you pack it like a suitcase — not like a hiking pack.
Inside you get:
- A spacious main compartment
- Internal compression straps
- Mesh zip pocket for smaller items
- A padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 16”)
- External quick-access pocket
Note that Salkan also sent me accessories that fit insider the pack;
- 2 ‘shoe sized’ packing cubes
- A laundry/dry bag
What you don’t get is 27 hidden compartments for cables you forgot you owned.
That’s a deliberate move. Salkan assumes you bring your own packing system — cubes, tech pouches, organisers — and the bag simply supports that simple strategy.
It’s modular through simplicity, not gimmicks.
Comfort & Carry – Proper Harness, Sturdy Support
This is where Salkan still stands out.
The shoulder straps are thick without being rigid. The back panel is added but has airflow channels. The load sits close to your spine rather than sagging outward and CRUCIALLY, the bottom of the pack feels solid like it won’t slowly start to sag with weight after a year (this can really make a pack feel heavy).
Fully packed (10–12kg), it remains genuinely comfortable for:
- Airport transfers
- 30-minute hostel walks
- Metro changes
- City relocations
- Multi day hikes
What’s Different From the 45L+20L?
The obvious and primary change is the size/capacity and that there is no detachable daypack with this version.
The 45L+20L system revolved around its modular two-pack concept. Some travellers loved it. Others found it slightly fiddly and bulky for shorter trips.
The 35L strips it right back and fills a definite need that most travellers have from time to time – shorter trips and hikes.
In 2026, most people already carry a sling, packable tote, or compact day-bag. You don’t necessarily need a permanently attached second pack to carry that bit of extra junk.
If you want to find out more about the original, then our Full Salkan Backpacker Review will tell you all you need to know and more.
Durability & Sustainability
These days, any respectable outdoor gear producer needs to think carefully about its sourcing, supply chain and its eco-credentials. Afterall, those who love travelling and hiking our planet generally wish to see it cared for and are willing to pay a premium to supplier companies that take sustainability seriously.
Well Salkan continues using recycled materials and ethical production practices. Perhaps more importantly, this pack feels built to last and won’t end up in a landfill in 5 years time.
The base fabric can survive bus holds in Southeast Asia. The seams feel reinforced. The structure resists sagging. The hardware doesn’t feel fragile.
This is not a seasonal fashion travel bag, it’s built for years of movement.
Who Is It For?
- Digital nomads
- One-bag travellers
- Frequent flyers
- Minimalist packers
- Long-term travellers downsizing from 45L+
- Hardcore ultralight hikers
- Expedition trekkers
- People who want endless micro-compartments
This is urban-travel optimised.
Salkan 35L vs The World
Let’s zoom out for a second. This is clearly a decent pack but there are plenty more out there.
So, how does it compare to the other big names in premium carry-on travel packs?
Salkan 35L vs Pakt Travel Backpack
The Pakt Travel Backpack leans heavily into organisation. It has multiple segmented compartments and a very structured suitcase-style layout.
Pakt wins on: Hyper-organisation and structured internal division.
Salkan wins on: Harness comfort and rugged durability.
If you like highly separated compartments, Pakt might appeal more. If you want something tougher and more backpack-comfort focused, Salkan feels stronger.
Salkan 35L vs Nomatic Travel Pack
Nomatic builds sleek, tech-forward, highly compartmentalised travel gear.
Nomatic wins on: Tech organisation and urban aesthetic.
Salkan wins on: Simplicity, durability, and long-term resilience.
Nomatic bags often feel engineered for airports and co-working spaces. Salkan feels built for airports and dusty bus stations in Colombia.
Salkan 35L vs Peak Design Travel Backpack
Peak Design’s travel backpacks are beautifully engineered, camera-friendly, and extremely customisable.
Peak Design wins on: Modularity and camera integration.
Salkan wins on: Simpler layout and more traditional backpack comfort.
If you’re a photographer, Peak Design might be your tool. If you’re a general traveller who wants something less modular and more straightforward, Salkan may feel cleaner.
Final Verdict
The original 45L Salkan Backpacker was bold but the 35L feels mature and to be honest, somehow saner. There is a definite and clear niche for this 35L pack and every traveller should have one in their collection.
It embraces how people actually travel now — lighter, faster, more airline-conscious — and delivers a carry-on that’s robust without being overcomplicated.
It won’t be the lightest bag on the market.
It won’t have the most compartments.
It won’t try to reinvent travel.
It just works and in a crowded premium travel pack market, that clarity is refreshing.
