Latest news with #Dinictis
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Go-To Travel Backpack Costs Less Than $30
As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. And right now it's available in both the black and light gray colors for just $29. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $40 at full retail price and that often goes on sale for less. If you have travel plans coming up this summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a superlow price too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind When only a backpack will do To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $29, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? There's no way to know how long this Amazon Prime Day-holdover deal will last. However, prices on the various colors of this backpack seem to change day by day. We'd definitely recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don't want to miss out on your color of choice if it happens to be on sale.
CNET
12-07-2025
- CNET
Last-Chance Prime Day Deal: My Go-To Travel Backpack Is Still 20% Off
There's only a few hours left in Amazon's Prime Day sale, which means the deals are starting to wind down. But if you're looking to grab a new backpack for your upcoming summer adventures, it's not too late to score a 20% discount on this Dinictis 40-liter travel backpack. That drops the price down to just $29, but this deal is only available for the blue option. As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $40 at full retail price and which often goes on sale for less. If you have travel plans coming up this summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a super low price too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind When only a backpack will do It's available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $29, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? While there's a chance that this deal will stick around after Amazon's Prime Day sale officially ends tonight, we wouldn't count on it. Several colors have already gone back up in price, so it's likely that this holdover discount won't last for much longer. We'd definitely recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don't want to miss out on these savings.
CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Favorite Travel Backpack Is up to 28% Off for Prime Day Today
Amazon Prime Day sale: The Dinictis 40-liter travel backpack is available in all four colors for just $29 during Amazon Prime Day. That's a discount of 28% off the usual -- already shockingly affordable -- retail price. If you're shopping the Prime Day sale and have summer travels coming up, now's a great time to add this bag to your cart. As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $40 at full retail price and which often goes on sale for less. If you have travel plans coming up this summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a super low price, too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind When only a backpack will do It's available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10 kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $29, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? We don't know how long this deal will last, but we do know Amazon Prime Day ends on July 11. We often see at least one color of this backpack on sale on Amazon. Still, we always recommend placing your order sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get this price and your color of choice.
CNET
08-07-2025
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Favorite Travel Backpack Just Dropped Below $30 for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day sale: The Dinictis 40-liter travel backpack is available in all four colors for just $29 during Amazon Prime Day. That's a discount of 28% off the usual -- already shockingly affordable -- retail price. If you're shopping the Prime Day sale and have summer travels coming up, now's a great time to add this bag to your cart. As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $40 at full retail price and which often goes on sale for less. If you have travel plans coming up this summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a super low price, too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind When only a backpack will do It's available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10 kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $29, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? We don't know how long this deal will last, but we do know Amazon Prime Day ends on July 11. We often see at least one color of this backpack on sale on Amazon. Still, we always recommend placing your order sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get this price and your color of choice.
CNET
05-07-2025
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Favorite Travel Backpack Is 25% Off With This Last-Chance July 4th Deal
As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This $30 Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. And it's available now with a 25% discount at Amazon. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $30 in most colors. (The dark gray version is available for a dollar more, at $31, which is still a great deal.) If you have travel plans coming up this spring or summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a super low price, too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind Here are the current discounts for each color: Light gray: $30 (was $40) - $25% off Black: $30 (was $40) - 25% off Dark gray: $31 (full price) Blue: $30 (was $36) - 17% off When only a backpack will do It's available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10 kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed, but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $31, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? We don't know how long this deal will last, but we often see at least one color of this backpack on sale on Amazon. Still, we always recommend placing your order sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get this price.
