5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for a weekend getaway and MUCH more!

M. · June 4, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Ordered this so we could have a "between" bag for short trips that you really don't need a larger suitcase for, but a backpack is not quite enough either...or at least until now...Having had quite a few Samsonite bags in the past, I did have an expectation for this bag - and not only did it meet those expectations, it exceeded them by miles! This seemingly "normal" backpack holds SO much stuff that I don't know how it does it.Here's what we love about this bag:1. It's super light when it's empty. There's nothing worse that having a bag you love but it's built heavy, so when it's full, you feel like it's dragging YOU around the airport instead of the other way around. Not the case here!2. Despite being very light, it is exceptionally well made - sturdy, water resistant, tough zippers that are made for realistic sized hands...you name it. This bag reminds me of a Kenneth Cole backpack that I had for well over 20 years and took literally around the world - finally retired it because it smelled like the inside of a plane cabin pretty heavily, ha ha. This design is similar - which I will say is NOT something I expected from Samsonite since they are an old brand and their designs don't change much. But they did an excellent job here on the design AND construction, so kudos to their design team!3. The way the inside looks is just as impressive as the outside - the chambers are nicely divided and makes it super easy to keep your items in place and separated - one side has a zipped mesh cover that lets you see exactly what's in there, and it compresses it's contents very well. The other side - tough straps that are easy to work and no frills, just function. Excellent!4. The outside straps allow you to compress the bag when it is not so full, and let them out when it is. So easy and doesn't make it any heavier or terribly bulky when it's fully let out. You can get almost 2 extra inches at it's largest, which still let you stay compliant with most airlines' carry on requires.5. The bag has an EXCELLENT compartment system that lets you access stuff easily but stay secure and safe. The top compartment is awesome - my trustly old Kenneth Cole bag had this and I was THRILLED to see this because the Timbuk 2 bag that I currently have does not....and I miss it LOL. This is "supposed" to be for sunglasses which is works for fine but you can also put plenty more in this one - including AirPods, keys, tickets/passes, or really whatever else you want. This is probably my favorite feature of the bag in case you can't tell...because it is SO SO useful. Especially when you are trying to grab something from under the seat in front of you quickly.6. There is a great compartment in the back that fits a laptop well - my 16" MacBook Pro fits in there beautifully and there's room to spare. It's a very secure chamber that keeps your laptop protected and takes up VERY little room from the rest of the bag.7. It's comfortable to wear - straps are nicely padded...the bag has reinforcements that helps tremendously in distributing weight, and there is a connector across the chest as well to help this some more. Even at it's fullest, this bag is still comfortable, so that is a huge testament to the designers and how well thought out this bag is.8. It has a top handle and a side handle, both incredibly sturdy, that makes this bag a quick grab from an overhead compartment. This doesn't seem like a big thing but when you are on a full plane with people behind you eager to get off too...this matters. Trust me. LOL9. This is truly an all in one bag where you can put a couple of clothing changes in, your laptop and electronics, and other items to make it the only bag you need to take for a short trip.Overall, this is a high end looking and feeling bag that can hold it's own against "designer backpacks" like Nomatic or Troubatour, but for about half the price. The quality and functionality is comparable, so it's nice to have this as an option for those who don't care about labels and just want a GOOD BAG, period...without paying more than your car payment for it LOL. And since it's a Samsonite...you know it is built to last.So if you are looking for an all purpose, durable, versatile and exceptionally well made bag, this one is the perfect choice. All of it's strengths make it well, WELL worth every penny of the price (which is very reasonable anyway). I highly, highly recommend this bag - it's excellent in every way! A solid 5 star item!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Travel Backpack - Lots of Great Features!

S.B. · June 5, 2025

I am amazed how much I can pack in this backpack and this is the Jr version! I don’t usually travel with a backpack as my carry-on; I have WAY too much stuff to get into a carry-on for a backpack to work. When I came across this Samsonite backpack on Bolo, I decided to give it a try and I am quite impressed. The number of compartments and pockets for organization is off the charts! The main compartment is set up like a carry-on with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps to hold in packing cubes or clothing, PLUS this compartment has expansion!The back has mesh fabric for breathability and is padded for extra comfort. There is a suitcase trolley handle pass through and the backpack straps can discreetly tuck away if I want to carry the pack by one of the hand grips on the top or side. I would have liked TSA lock loops on the zipper pulls. I wouldn’t be checking this bag but I would like the option to put locks on it so the contents are secure when I leave it in a hotel room or Airbnb. Overall, this is an excellent travel backpack, one of the best I’ve tried. This is full of great features and if it isn’t over-stuffed it would fit under the airline seat so you could have a wheelie carry-on too!

5.0 out of 5 stars An innovative, ingeniously designed Samsonite for the modern-day traveler …

D.F. · May 31, 2025

When I was a young traveler, Samsonite was the luggage we all wanted. Way back then, the suitcase was a hardshell one with a lock on the outside. Expensive, yes, but well worth the money if you were an on-the-go individual. Times have changed and Samsonite has moved into the modern world to accommodate the new way of traveling.Many individuals want to travel as light as they can, but instead of that hardshell, backpacks are in order. This backpack has an innovative, ingenious design for the modern-day traveler. It’s convertible and can be carried like a backpack or carried via the handles. All the outside hardware, save the zipper pulls, are made of impact-resistant plastic.The buckles are quick release for easy access. The zipper pulls are metal, something I prefer. Oh, and if you don’t think you have enough room (think souvenirs here), the pack can expand to provide an extra two inches of space. When I was young, laptops and things like cell phones were futuristic. There’s a laptop sleeve built right into this case. Did I say innovative? Ingenious? I did.Inside there’s a key leash, which I’ve always found to be convenient. There are a couple of pockets to accommodate water bottles or baby bottles, if need be. All in all, I found nothing I didn’t love or at least like about this newfangled Samsonite. It’s a modern-day Samsonite that can easily fit in that overhead compartment. Expensive, yes, but you get what you pay for.