I’ve made the same mistakes many travellers make. My first time backpacking through Europe, I lugged around a 65+10 litre hiking back. It opened at the top. It had little-to-no organization. It was *heavy*, and I only wore half of what I actually brought (mostly because I couldn’t be bothered to rummage into the depths to find my clean clothes…it was much easier to pull on semi-clean items). By the third week of my 7-month trip, I was seriously contemplating leaving it in a hostel and getting through my trip with a 10 litre daypack. (Much as that would have been an adventure, I’m glad I didn’t do this…but equally glad I will never again travel with that original bag!)

After this first trip with my awful bag, I sold it upon coming home and began the endless search for The Perfect Bag. With my newfound experience, at least now I knew what I *didn’t* want, and I slowly eliminated options.

I finally stumbled upon a great small company, founded by backpackers like myself, who were also frustrated with the lack of Perfect Bags out there.

Enter the Tortuga backpack.

The tortuga bag I took a chance on was a maximum carry-on length (don’t get me started on why carry-on is best…) of 44litres. This probably isn’t quite small enough to do carry-on on budget carriers like Ryanair/Easyjet, etc, but for most airlines, it will do fine.

It was suitcase-style loading, had enough, but not too much, organization, side and front pockets for water bottles and light items (I carry papers or a small book in the front pocket), and best of all, some heavy duty straps, and a hip belt with pockets. The back air-flow system makes sure you don’t wind up at your destination with a dripping wet shirt.

I took this bag along with me on my next trip. Two months back packing again through Eastern Europe. And this is what truly made me believe in, and love Tortuga (and which is why I probably won’t ever need or buy another different backpack).

My bag started to rip at pretty important places. One shoulder strap, the front zipper, and then one of the hip pads ripped off. I emailed the company, explained the problems, and then within one week, a bag had been shipped to one of their employees in Germany, who then shipped it to be waiting for me at my hostel in Bucharest. When I arrived, it was waiting for me. Not only was my brand new bag waiting for me, but I had a return shipping label and 20 euros in the front pocket to pay for return shipping. No questions, no hassles, and amazing that they were able to have it meet me on my travels.

If you are still searching for The Perfect Bag, I would highly suggest you check them out! They also have a packable day pack, a smaller Tortuga Air backpack, and rain covers for both bags. I also have the rain cover for my bag, and love it. The extra layer of protection gives me peace of mind on journeys when my bag is on a luggage rack, or when I am in crowded public transport. The bag that gets stolen/sliced/tampered with, is the easiest one to access. Plus the added bonus of keeping my expensive electronic equipment dry in the rain!

If you would like to know exactly how I fill my Tortuga Bag, check out my packing list here.

(I feel it’s necessary to go on to say that my new bag has travelled to many more destinations, on many future trips without so much as a sign of any wear and tear).

Also, as much as I would love to be paid to write great reviews like this, I did not receive any compensation from Tortuga bags, nor did I receive my bag for free.