Sympl Studios 35L Travel Backpack Review

When planning my four-month overseas trip I knew I needed a carry-on that would make travel simple. It had to be durable, spacious, and easy to carry.

Since we had a great experience with Sympl Studios and their Weekender backpack in the past, I was excited to discover they had a travel pack that met my criteria. Now, halfway through my trip, and extensive use I’m ready to share an honest and detailed review based on my experience so far.

Airline Compliance & Travel Features

Airline Compliance

At 35L this pack is an excellent carry-on size and is TSA-approved.

Size: 20.5" x 13.5" x 9

Carry-on luggage according to TSA regulations and most major airlines need to be 22in x 14in x 9in including handles and wheels.

I found that the size and weight of this backpack make it easy to put it in the overhead compartment and bring it back down without hassle or getting injured.

The size of this backpack has also made it very easy to store away between trips.

Travel Features

The features Sympl Studios chose to include on this backpack make it pretty obvious they do a fair bit of traveling themselves. This is important since travelers all want products that make our lives easier.

A lot of the features on the Sympl Studios Travel Backpack are the same as the Sympl Studios Weekender. Such as the hidden passport pocket that rests on your back, which is big enough for your passport and any other important documents you might need.

It also includes a luggage passthrough to safely secure it to your rolling luggage.

Interior & exterior

Interior

The interior of this backpack is one of my favorite features. Its simple yet durable materials make the interior of this backpack clean, breathable, and spacious.

The main compartment is designed as a clamshell opening allowing you to easily pack and access your stuff. It’s composed of two zippered mesh compartments and an additional stash pocket.

The compartment closer to your back has more capacity for items such as shoes, toiletry bags, or bulkier items. Both compartments, however, are spacious and lined with an easily wipeable light blue material that is made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. (9 out of 10 Sea Turtles approve.)

Perfect for up to a 17 inch laptop.

Like the weekender, the travel backpack also has a laptop compartment and a phone pocket (which can also double as a sunglass pocket) both lined with a soft faux-fur lining, perfect for keeping these items safe and scratch-free while traveling.

The laptop compartment is secured with a YKKⓇ water-resistant zipper. It is also suspended meaning the bottom of the pocket is sewn higher up than the rest of the backpack, protecting your laptop from any hard drops.

The expandable workstation at the front of the backpack is the feature I have been using the most. It holds all of my electronics, keeps them organized, and it’s quickly accessible.

I’ve noticed a lot less frustration on my part since I don’t have to dig to find a charger.

The last pocket of this backpack is located at the very front, it’s the perfect pocket to keep items that you need to quickly grab. To my surprise, it is a very spacious pocket reaching to the bottom of the backpack.

Exterior

This backpack weighs 3.4lb which is heavier than your average backpack however the durable fabrics and the padding used in this backpack justify the weight in my opinion.

The back panel is a molded EVA that creates structure, allows airflow, and makes it breathable and comfortable to wear.

The shoulder straps are incredibly comfortable to wear as well. They are well-padded with breathable perforated foam on the inside of the strap, and they're ergonomically designed.

One feature that is different from the weekender backpack is the ability to wear it in three different ways. If you want to convert your backpack into a brief style there is a stash system for your shoulder straps.

You can also convert it into a duffel bag with a shoulder strap that is sold separately.

One nice thing about the shoulder strap stash system is if you need to check in the backpack you know your shoulder straps aren’t going to be getting caught in the conveyor belts or tangled up with other suitcases.

The top handle and the side handle of the backpack are well cushioned with heavy duty stitching.

Another neat compartment of this backpack is a side pocket that expands to become a great water bottle compartment. When not in use you can simply zip it back up and it’ll lay flat taking up no extra space.

Durability & weather resistance

Durability

The durability of a backpack comes down to the materials it’s made of and how well they are stitched together.

The Sympl Studios Travel Backpack is made of sustainable & waterproof 100% recycled 420D CorduraⓇ Ballistic Re/Cor nylon.

Materials that are not only incredibly tough and durable but are reinforced with some impressive stitching all around. All their backpacks have a lifetime warranty so you know that they believe in their product’s durability as well.

Although the buckles and tension locks are made from plastic they are made by a supplier who is known for durability, Duraflex. To me, these buckles all feel high quality and most importantly haven’t shown any signs of weakness.

Weather Resistance

Although the backpack is not submergible, it is made of waterproof materials and YKKⓇ AquaguardⓇ exterior zippers.

I have tested its waterproofness several times on this trip as we’ve been caught in the rain more than once. Weather is unpredictable but thankfully none of my valuables inside have gotten wet.

Appearance & comfort

Appearance

The look of this bag is very simple, clean, and professional. The branding is subtle, and I love that it doesn’t ask for attention, which is what you want when traveling.

The only downside to this backpack in my opinion is how bulky it might look on certain people. For context I’m 5’3 and about 120lb so when I wear this backpack I kind of get lost in it.

My Height: 5’3”

Height: 5’10'“

Other than the fact it might look bulky to some, the clean look of this backpack allows you to wear it pretty much anywhere. Whether it be a business, adventure, or leisure trip.

Comfort

This is by far one of the most comfortable backpacks I have used for travel. All thanks to the cushioned ergonomic straps, the breathable back panel, and the ability to adjust the straps to your liking. Being able to adjust both the shoulder straps and the sternum strap makes it easy for weight to be distributed properly.

Conclusion

There are so many travel backpacks and carry-ons out there to choose from.

Ultimately what we look for in a product is one that is going to last us a long time, feels good, looks good, fits our belongings, and maybe most importantly one that Airlines aren’t going to give us a hard time over.

In our opinion, the Sympl Studios Travel Backpack is a travel item worth checking out.

I’ve been able to fit all the items I needed, kept my items from getting wet and I’ve been able to access everything I need quickly (especially getting through TSA if you know you know).

This is a travel pack that I will continue to use on future trips, and I’m looking forward to what other travel products Sympl Studios releases.

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