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Regular readers of this blog will know that there’s no shortage of backpacks on the market claiming to be “travel-ready,” and we quite literally have reviewed hundreds of them over the years.
However, in truth very few of them successfully strike the sweet balance between functionality, design, and price.
Enter the Tolaccea Travel Laptop Backpack—a hybrid between a business rucksack, a casual daypack, and an expandable duffle that can be yours for under $100!!
Let’s take a deep and detailed pack to see how this pack fares.
Overview
- Capacity (L): 40 – 50 Expandable
- Weight (kg): 1.65
- Dimensions (cm): 52 x 32 x 23.5/28.5
- Material: GRS-certified eco-friendly fabric
- Price: $79.99
The Tolaccea Travel Pack is a versatile, mid sized travel ready duffel-backpack hybrid that is airline carry-on ready. Primarily designed for long weekend breaks, business trips and short holidays, it can also be used for outdoor, gym and day to day use. Some even call it “the Swiss Army Knife of backpacks”.
It excels in its ergonomic design, smart packing. However, the most notable feature is its expandability. With a simple zipper pull – the bag grows up from a manageable 40 liters to a spacious 50 liters.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
- Versatile and expendable
- Bargain Price
- Tech Friendly
- Plain looking
- No rain cover
- Not great for outdoor use
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Storage and Access
What impresses me most about the Tolaccea is how the internal layout has been designed with actual travel in mind. The backpack opens clamshell-style (kinda like a suitcase) which makes it far easier to lay down and properly organise your belongings as compared to a standard top-loader pack.
Inside, you’ll find multiple zippered mesh pockets and compression straps — ideal for keeping clothes in place or separating the clean from the dirty.
There’s also a dedicated padded compartment for laptops up to 15.6″, and it feels snug and secure even when the rest of the pack is full. I am not a particularly light packer but think I could fit a week’s worth of travel essentials, including a change of shoes, toiletries, tech gear, and a lightweight jacket.
For those who travel lean and mean, this bag easily supports one-bag travel.
This backpack features a dedicated compartment for dry and wet separation compartment. This is highly convenient for stashing your dirty clothes, wet towels or toiletries — all in all its super useful for real-world travel.
Aesthetics
It has to be said that this pack definitely isn’t trying too hard to be flashy.
It has a clean, simple utilitarian look with just the right amount of structure to hold its shape, even when empty. Some might say it looks kind of ‘budget’ but this is reflected in the price. If you compare it to other tactics packs, you can easily pay hundreds of dollars for that squeaky clean, space-age, shiny tarpaulin.
Really this is designed with versatility in mind – it’s neural enough to carry into a meeting, but practical enough to stuff into an overhead bin or fit under an airplane seat and not worry about ‘scuffing’.
Carry Comfort
A travel backpack is only as good as how it feels on your back after several hours of wear and carry. The designers at Tolaccea seem to have thought this through. The backpack features S-curve ergonomic shoulder straps with thick padding and breathable mesh.
During long walks between train stations or airport terminals, the weight of the pack will feel well-distributed and never uncomfortable. Now, I am not sure I would want to take this pack out hiking in the mountains, but it’s not primarily designed for that.
There’s also a chest/sternum strap to stabilize the load and a luggage strap that slides over a suitcase handle to attach it —these two small features make a big difference when you’re in transit.
As well as the primary ‘backpack’ carry style the Toleccea also offers hand-held and cross-body carry options which perfectly fits various travel scenarios.
Durability
The Tolaccea Travel Pack is constructed from water-resistant polyester ensuring that the backpack holds up well against both rough handling and unpredictable weather. Note that this is not the same as being fully waterproof and the pack does not come with a pull out/pull over rain cover. Therefore don’t leave the pack on the roof of long distance buses in Indian monsoons or anything stupid.
The zippers are also lockable, smooth-gliding, and feel sturdy. Zips are a usual stress point on backpacks but these ones feel reliable enough.
It has to be said though, don’t expect this pack to last a decade like more expensive offering might.
Tech-Friendly Touches
For remote workers and digital nomads, the tech features on this pack are a nice touch. The laptop sleeve is well-sized and slightly elevated from the bottom – this helps protect against impact. There’s also a built-in USB charging port—you just need to add your own power bank on the inside.
While some high-end backpacks tend to over-engineer their cable systems, the Tolaccea keeps it simple and functional. The external port makes it easy to charge your phone while on the go, and there’s also a quick-access top pocket that’s perfect for storing your charger, earbuds, or perhaps your boarding pass.
Best Uses
This backpack is best suited for frequent flyers, digital nomads, and urban travelers who want flexibility.
This airline carry-on-ready backpack fits snugly into the security trays and into overhead cabins compartments in its ‘pure’ 40L size. This makes it perfect for short city breaks, one-bag business trips, or as a personal item alongside a checked bag. I know some ultra-minimal travellers who could last for weeks with a bag this size but personally this is too small for me to take on a full vacation. However, if you stretch it to 50 L then the extra dimensions may mean it does not and will need checking
It’s probably not the best choice for backcountry hikes or serious trekking as it’s not made from lightweight, extra weatherproof materials but it’s not really that kind of pack. There are plenty of Hiking Backpacks available elsewhere.
Value For Money?
Price – $79.99
Considering all that it offers, the Tolaccea Travel Backpack is an absolute bargain. At the time of writings its available for $79.90 which is 25% of the price you would pay for a 40L travel pack from Nomatic or AER.
To be honest, the only similar packs you will find at this price are random pieces of questionable quality at either Wallmart or Amazon.
Final Thoughts
I can wholeheartedly say that The Tolaccea Travel Backpack is one of those rare travel products that genuinely delivers more than you would expect. It’s not just a good cheap backpack or a decent travel pack “for the price”, it’s simply an all round good backpack, full stop.
Boasting clever storage, expandable capacity, and surprising comfort, it’s a reliable accessory whether you’re navigating a layover or settling into your hostel bunk for the night.
Would I travel with it again? Sure I would. Without hesitation.
PSST – In case you liked the sound of this pack you may also be interetsed to learn Tolaccea offers a full line of well-designed sports and travel bags, with even more innovative gear coming soon!
Our Rating: 4.5/5
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