Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite Review: Is This A Good Carry On Backpack?

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If you’re someone who likes to travel light, then you may be in search of a carry on sized backpack, to which the Tortuga Setout Backpack may come up as a recommended option.

I must admit, I rarely travel with carry on only as I travel with my family, and I do miss the days of getting around with a backpack on my back. It just feels more adventurous and simple.

On the rare occasion when I travel alone, or for a short break, I do like to travel with just a backpack as it saves time and money by not having a suitcase – no more waiting at the baggage claim, no more lost luggage, and no more excessive baggage fees.

When Tortuga reached out to see if we wanted to include their Setout Backpack, now called the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite (thank goodness, as Setout is not a great name) in our list of best carry on bags, I suggested I test it out myself first.

I was under no obligation to post a Tortuga Backpack review, but I’ve decided to as I really love this small travel backpack and am now using it to replace my suitcase in some travel instances.

Below is my honest review of the Tortuga Setout Backpack.

Who are Tortuga Backpacks?

Tortuga Backpacks was created by Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen in 2011.

They learned on their own backpacking travels around Europe that it was hard to find the perfect bag for city travel – so, they made their own!

I love that their mission is to help you live on your terms. They understand the travel market because they are travelers themselves.

As a result of their experience, they have created products that are modern, innovative, and actually help support travelers needs. I am now an avid supporter of them.

I knew Tortuga was a reputable, young, modern company from the many backpackers and travelers I know who rave about them.

For that reason, I was keen to test out the bag and share it with you.

Other travel packs they make include the Tortuga Outbreaker, travel duffel bags and travel daypacks.

What I Like About The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite

The Tortuga Setout Backpack was released in November 2017, and has since been renamed to Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite.

I loved my backpack when I backpacked through Europe and South East Asia for what it represented, but, it was no where near the comfort and quality of the Tortuga Backpacks – nor was it as affordable as the Tortuga Setout.

Here are some of the things I loved about this backpack…

1. The size

I first used the Tortuga Setout to visit Chicago on a Mummy Daughter date with Kalyra.

We were flying in the chilly winter months, so definitely needed more clothing (and shoes) to pack etc. and I wasn’t sure the small carry-on size bag would do the trick.

It ended up being the perfect size. It has 40 liters of space, and weighs just 1.5kg, hence the name Lite!

Anyone who has been backpacking before will know that 40L backpacks are the recommended size, as anything above this gets too heavy and bulky to lug around.

I was surprised when I opened the Tortuga Backpack Lite, as it didn’t look like a traditional 40L backpack. In my mind, I had visions of the Osprey Farpoint, which is probably the most popular backpacker backpack on the market, and this looked a lot smaller.

But, it was only for the weekend, so I was determined to make it work.

It ended up being the perfect size, and made for effortless travel. I loved it so much that I then took it on several of our road trips.

The square shape makes it look smaller than it is.

It’s great for flying, but it’s also makes road trip luggage and easier experience that takes up less space in your car.

It’s definitely now my luggage of choice for short getaways, particularly for city stays, as well as road trips and travel in the warmer months.

inside pocket of Tortuga Setout backpack (2)

2. It’s carry on approved

As mentioned, the standout feature of this Tortuga backpack is that you don’t have to bother with checked luggage.

It’s so nice to walk off the plane and straight out the door. No more hanging around luggage carousels waiting, and waiting and waiting.

The luggage carousels seem really slow in delivering checked bags in America, and the only time I’ve had delayed or lost luggage is in the US.

It made it that much easier traveling with kids as well.

Not to mention avoiding checked in baggage fees! I’ll take that extra $50 for our shopping spree on the Magnificent Mile thank you!

It does make me line up to board earlier, so I can ensure I find room in the overhead luggage.

It’s material and malleable shape make it easier to fit into the overhead compartments and I was quite surprised at how small it actually looked when it fit snugly in.

I’ll admit, I was nervous boarding the plane for the first time, thinking that it couldn’t hold that much inside and still fit in the overhead bins.

They were not lying when they told me it would.

I think sitting on your back inconspicuously also means it won’t be noticed as much as rolling suitcases when the airlines are looking to check people’s carry ons in as the flight is full.

As I was using the carry on backpack as my personal bag as well (more on how you can do that below), I really did not want my carry on to be flagged for check in.

This could be a potential problem if it is also used as your all in one bag.

Traveling carry on only means you can only pack toiletries and fluids less than 100mls. Don’t forget as it will be taken from you when going through security.

As I rarely travel carry on only, I completely forgot about the rule when packing my brand new bottle of shampoo in my backpack!

The dimensions of this bag are:

21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in
40L
1.59 kg

For reference, the carry on allowance size is:

22 x 14 x 9 in
45L
6-15 kg depending on the airline

So as you can see, the size is well below the limit, and the low weight means you can pile in plenty of items and not have to worry about maxing the weight limit

3. Great for city travel

I think this Tortuga backpack is perfect for city travel. It can be a headache rolling a suitcase around busy streets, especially if they have uneven suitcases and many legs that can trip over them.

You can also easily take the stairs and manage hilly streets with a backpack.

It made it easier to get around and keep an eye on Kalyra. Those comfortable padded shoulder straps will make all the difference!

This is the kind of backpack you want to travel around Europe with.

4. Sleek design

Tortuga Setout Backpack front view Photo: Tortuga Backpacks

The sleek rounded shape and grey water resistant fabric means it doesn’t stand out, which is perfect for city travelers wanting to blend in.

There is nothing worse than looking like a traveler, as this makes you an advert for thieves.

I loved the feel and look of the backpack. It could easily look like I was commuting or coming home from university, rather than a traveler looking for my hotel.

The material is very soft, which I have not found in a backpack before. It’s made from 900D heathered polyester and is weather resistant.

The backpack has been designed with lots of pockets, some hidden, giving you great scope for organization.

It has a water bottle pocket, and a quick-access pouch on the top which is big enough for sunglasses and other small accessories. There’s a front side pouch which is big enough for a notebook or kindle.

You can also tuck the shoulder straps in for protection when carrying your bag down the aisle of the plane or when stowing it in an overhead bin.

On the inside, it opens like a suitcase and has one main compartment, and a zipped up storage compartment with two sections. I put shoes in one section, and toiletries in the other, and clothes in the main compartment.

You could easily use this as a camera bag and use one side for lenses and the other for cables and chargers, for example.

5. Super comfortable and light to carry

Tortuga backpack carry on back view Photo: Tortuga Backpacks

I think this carry on travel backpack is great for women especially as it is super comfortable to carry and molds to the shape of your body.

The padded strap and sternum strap/hip belts takes the strain off your shoulders by transferring 80% of the bag’s weight evenly to your hips.

The foam padding on the grab handle, along with multiple compression straps, make it easier to lift when it’s full, and are also there to better disperse the weight load.

There is a shoulder strap attachment, so you can carry the bag like a duffel when the backpack straps are stowed away. This strap is not included however.

The injection-molded backpack straps conforms to your body and makes the bag more comfortable to carry. As it is carry on dimensions, it does mean you pack less so it is not very heavy on your back.

It’s so important to have a backpack that disperses weight and is kind to your body.

6. Easy to pack

Tortuga setout backpack on bed filled with clothes

The Travel Backpack Lite is the style of backpack I have always preferred and mostly used.

It’s a front loading backpack, which means it opens from the side, like a book or a traditional suitcase, to make packing easier.

It’s SUPER helpful if you want to quickly get something out of it.

I do not like top loading backpacks at all. I owned one once, and never again.

I have no idea why they even make top loading backpacks anymore as I am yet to meet someone who prefers them.

It’s a hassle and a chaotic mess when packing and when quickly trying to get something out, like a long sleeve T-shirt because the AC is freezing.

7. Plenty of internal packing space

Tortuga backpack carry on inside view

The internal packing space is larger than I anticipated. I was surprised how much I could fit in.

You can organize it with packing cells, although mine felt too bulky. I could not use my underwear organizer as it was too bulky.

But given, it was a short trip, it wasn’t really necessary anyway.

However, I did find the space a little challenging given that we were traveling during the cold Chicago months. I hate being cold and tend to overpack when traveling during winter.

I also don’t have great lightweight warm clothes and I like to take a few different pairs of shoes.

A girl has to travel with her cowgirl boots in the winter, right?

Tortuga setout backpack inside meshed zipper compartment

There are zippered mesh pockets on the inside as well which helps to make organization that much easier.

It’s great for those items that can get tangled or lost easily like cords, underwear, accessories and socks.

inside view with clothes of the Tortuga Setout

We wanted to take just the Travel Backpack Lite for Kalyra and I, but soon realized that was not going to happen, especially since we knew we’d be shopping along Magnificent Mile.

The backpack is great for short term travel – perhaps a week, or more if you are a great minimalist person.

If I was 22 again, backpacking through South East Asia, with only summer dresses, sarongs and flip flops, this would absolutely be the best travel backpack for me.

Tortuga also designs packing cubes that fit perfectly within the Travel Backpack Lite range. See more here.

8. Fantastic extra pockets and organization

Tortuga backpacks with lots of pockets

I loved how I could use the Travel Backpack Lite for my clothes as well as my personal items making it a contender for the best carry on backpack.

I only needed the one bag.

There are two compartments for carrying your personal effects. They are so well hidden in their design that I didn’t even notice the back laptop compartment until I used the backpack for the second time on our road trip.

I was stunned when I saw it – how did I miss that? Kalyra and I had quite the chuckle.

The back electronics laptop sleeve is perfect for your laptop as it is sturdier and sits flush against your back.

As mentioned, it blends in well to the rest of the design!!

top view of backpack Tortuga

The front electronics department is perfect for your eReader, tablets, journal, reading book, pens, and nick nacks.

The Travel Backpack Lite safely holds a 15” laptop, a 9.7” tablet, and an ereader.

I loved being able to stash my phone and boarding pass in the hip belt pockets while en route.

It’s effortless and reduces my need for another bag, or to keep taking the bag on and off my back to access important docs.

It also had a side pocket where I could put my water bottle. I love having easy access to water when I travel. Got to stay hydrated.

9. Affordable price for great quality

The Travel Backpack Lite costs $250, which includes free shipping in the US when purchased online.

I think it’s a great price for the high quality of the bag and the ease it offers for travel.

10. Lockable zippers

There are three lockable zippers on the Travel Backpack Lite, which is great for keeping your items safe, especially if you do end up putting it in hold luggage.

What Could Be Better About The Travel Backpack Lite

Of course, there is always something that can be improved with anything, so here are some things I think could be better about the Travel Backpack Lite.

1. A mesh back panel would be nice

I’m quite a fan of backpacks with a mesh back panel so that I can use the bag hiking or on camping trips.

When you hike, your back works up a sweat, and there is no worse feeling that stopping for a drink of water, removing your backpack, and then putting it back on over a sweaty back.

I know it’s a pleasant image, but it’s true.

The back panel is soft cushion on the Travel Backpack Lite, which I think would soak up the sweat.

The Verdict: Would I Recommend The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite?

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite.

We’ve used it on several trips now, and it’s still looking clean and in good condition, almost as if it’s new.

It’s highly durable, comfortable to wear, carries enough gear for a weekend vacation or a week long break if you’re travelling in the summer, and it looks stylish.

What more could you really want for a carry on backpack?