Have you ever been searching for a getaway on and found an absolute bargain flight only to click through and find that the cost of checking a bag is as much as the ticket itself or even more in some cases?!
This is one of the reasons why carry-on-only trips are becoming ever more popular.
But finding the right bag or luggage for a carry-on-only flight can be challenging. You need something that meets the airline’s strict size and weight standards while offering enough space and storage for your stuff.
Well over the years we have tried and tested LOADS of carry ones and today, we are going to road-test one more – but one we are particularly excited about.
In this post, we’re going to take a close look at the WANDRD Transit 35 Backpack. By the end of this review, you will know what it is, what it does, whether it’s any good, and whether it’s worth the price – oh, and hopefully you will be able to decide whether this is the pack for you.
About The WANDRD Transit 35L Review
The WANDRD Transit 35L is a versatile, extendable, carry-on backpack designed for travellers, photographers, and of course everyday commuters. It’s built to withstand the rigours of travel while providing plenty of storage space and organisation for all your essentials.
With its sleek design and durable construction, the Transit 35L is ready to accompany you on your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a round-the-world trip.
It comes in 2 versions, the 30-35L and the 40-45L. For the purposes of this review, we will focus mostly on the 35L versions but many of the specs and all of the core details/info are the same.
The innovative brand WANDRD uses only quality materials to build high-calibre, totally ergonomic gear. Their wares are not cheap, but this is a robust travel backpack for serious travellers. Does that sound interesting? Then read on!
- Capacity: 30 – 35L (extendable)
- Weight: 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg)
- Dimensions: 19.5″H X 11.5″W X 8.5-10.5″D (49.5 X 29.2 X 21.6-26.7 CM)
- Price: $300
Size, Weight and Capacity
The WANDRD Transit 35L strikes a perfect balance between size, weight, and capacity. It EASILY fits into the overhead compartment or under the seat, fits nicely on the back, doesn’t weigh too much and holds enough gear to last most people a few days.
The pack zips open to release an extra 5L of space which gives us 35L. Think of it like this, an average day-pack is about 25L, 40L is typically MAXIMUM carry-on and a 60L backpack is what backpackers take on multi-month trips. Basically, it will fit a laptop and enough clothes for 2 – 3 days – maybe even a week if you travel minimally.
When empty, the pack weighs 1.9 kg. That’s actually kinda heavy for a pack of this size (the weatherproof tarpaulin is quite weighty) but it still shouldn’t bother you when carrying.
Storage, Packing and Access
One of the standout features of the WANDRD Transit 35L is its thoughtful storage design. The backpack features multiple compartments and pockets, allowing you to organise your belongings efficiently. As long as you know how to pack a backpack, then this bag has all the space you’ll need.
The main compartment (accessed by zipping the pack open like a book) is spacious enough to accommodate clothing, shoes, and other bulky items like a travel camera. The inside front has 2 decent-sized meshy pockets too, which will hold about 7 litres of stuff once you zip out the extra storage.
At the rear, we have a dedicated padded laptop sleeve that keeps your electronic devices safe and secure.
Finally, there are 2 front external pockets (one on each side) providing easy access to essentials like snacks, while the side and front access points make it easy to retrieve items without unpacking the entire backpack. Oh, and there is a water bottle pocket, too.
Materials, Durability and Aesthetics
Crafted from high-quality materials, the WANDRD Transit 35L is built to withstand the rigours of travel. As soon as you touch the sleek, smooth tarpaulin outer material you can feel how rugged and hard-wearing it is. Weather, stain and tear-resistant.
The backpack (like all WANDRD gear) features durable YKK zippers, and reinforced stitching, ensuring that it can handle whatever you throw its way. WANDRD offers a lifetime guarantee too which tells you how much faith they hold in their product.
However, despite its rugged construction, the Transit 35L boasts a sleek and stylish almost professional design, making it equally suitable for urban adventures and outdoor excursions. WANDRD certainly does aesthetics well and all of their packs have a strong, cool brand identity.
Carrying Comfort
Comfort is paramount when it comes to choosing a travel backpack, and the WANDRD Transit 35L doesn’t disappoint.
The backpack features padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, providing optimal comfort even during long days of exploration.
The adjustable sternum strap and waist belt help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or hiking rugged trails, the Transit 35L ensures that you stay comfortable every step of the way.
I did say earlier that the pack is kinda heavy for its size but rest assured, it’s still not that heavy and the back panel plus strap ensure a comfortable carry even over extended periods.
It’s the durable outdoor travel gear that I’d confidently tote across town or even take on some light hiking trails. The pack also has a soft, padded side handle too so you can carry it brief-case style if you are so inclined.
Best Uses
The WANDRD Transit 35L is a versatile backpack that’s well-suited for a variety of travel scenarios. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend city break, a cross-country road trip, or an international adventure, this backpack has you covered.
However, I will say that its BEST uses are weekend trips and short breaks ESPECIALLY ones when you are travelling carry-on only.
In terms of limitations, it’s not big enough for trips longer than a long weekend, and it’s not really the most suitable pack in my collection for hiking/camping trips.
Its compact size and carry-on compatibility make it ideal for air travel, while its durable construction and ample storage space make it equally suitable for outdoor adventures and everyday use.
Whether you’re a photographer, a digital nomad, or a weekend warrior, the WANDRD Transit 35L is the perfect companion for your next journey.
Price
Coming in at $300, the WANDRD Transit is not the cheapest pumpkin in the patch. There are much cheaper carry-ons out there but then again, there are far more expensive ones too. The way we look at travel gear is that it should be viewed as an investment and buying the right piece saves you replacing it.
WANDRD built their products to last a lifetime so if you take care of the Transit, it should still be going strong in 10-20 years. When you look at it like that, $300 suddenly doesn’t seem bad, does it?
The WANDRD Transit Backpack Vs. The World
There are PLENTY of other carry-on backpacks out there. Let’s now look at a few similar ones to the WANDRD Transit.
Nomatic Travel Bag
Nomatic 30L travel bag is the smaller version of their flagship Travel Pack product. It’s a popular and versatile backpack designed specifically for travellers and digital nomads.
It’s known for its sleek and functional design, offering numerous features to help organise and carry essential items while on the go. It’s 5L smaller than the WANDRD Transit but retails at $279.99.
Whether you need a backpack for a business trip or are a digital nomad travelling the world, this will keep your laptop and valuables well-secured all while looking stylish.
Stubble & Co Adventure Backpack
The Stubble & Co Adventure Pack is a durable and versatile backpack designed for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Constructed from high-quality, water-resistant materials, it offers ample storage space and organisational features to accommodate all essentials.
The pack is a bit lighter than the Transit, and yet packs 42L capacity. Whole its headline price is $300, it is usually on sale at $250 or less. In many ways, the Adventure Pack edges it out for me although the materials don’t feel quite as hard wearing and I would not feel as comfortable storing a DSLR camera in it.
This section was short and sweet – to get all the deets on this backpack, read our comprehensive review of The Stubble & Co Adventure Pack.
Final Thoughts on The WANDRD Transit 35L Backpack
The WANDRD Transit 35L is a true standout backpack that offers versatility and a high-quality standard. With its durable construction, thoughtful design, and fair price tag, it’s hard to find too many faults with this travel companion.
Whether you’re exploring far-flung destinations or navigating your daily commute, the Transit 35L has more or less everything you need to stay organised, comfortable, and stylish on the go. If you’re in the market for a reliable travel backpack that won’t break the bank, look no further than the WANDRD Transit 35L.
- Let’s team up and help you find the best travel backpack for your next trip.
- Make sure you’re packing the right way.
- You should also consider what NOT to pack in your carry-on.
- Should you buy a duffel or a carry-on for your next trip? Let’s help you find out.
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