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In our ongoing search for the ideal travel backpack, we come to the Standard Luggage Carry-on Backpack. This backpack and innovative packing cube set really impressed me during a recent trip to Washington DC. I’ll break down my favorite features of the bag and explain why the packing cubes are an upgrade over any I have used before.
Who is Standard Luggage?
Earlier this year Ryan, the founder of Standard Luggage, reached out to me and asked if I would travel-test their ultimate travel system (Backpack and Packing Cubes). After checking out their website and reading about the products, I was pumped to give them a try.
Based out of Toronto, Canada, Standard Luggage is a company of travelers who make products for travelers. Their original product, the Standard Luggage Carry-on Backpack debuted on Kickstarter in 2015 and raised over $35,000. The second version earned nearly twice as much in 2016, demonstrating that people believe in the quality of their products. Since then, they have expanded their product lines to include packing cubes, a wallet, and a day pack.
Carry-on Backpack
The Standard Luggage Carry-on Backpack comes in a standard 35L size, and is the space-maximizing, rectangular shape that I prefer. At this size, it easily fits any airline’s carry-on requirements. It also extends an additional 10L via a zipper on the perimeter, in case you buy too many souvenirs on your vacation. At only 3.7lbs, it’s nearly a pound-and-a-half lighter than the Tortuga Outbreaker (the closest competitor IMO). Let’s discuss my favorite features of the pack:
Detachable Hip Belt and Hideaway Straps
If you’re going to be carrying this pack at full capacity for any length of time, you will appreciate the option to add hip straps. If not, you will REALLY appreciate the option to remove them. For this particular trip, I didn’t have a very heavy pack, so I left the hip straps off. Additionally, the main shoulder straps can unclip and tuck behind the back pannel. This protects them from being snagged, if you decide to check the bag or put it under a long-haul bus. It also gives the bag a sleek look, if you’re using it in a professional setting.
Hip belt attached 
And it’s gone!
Open Main Compartment
I love the ability to pack as I see fit, without too many pockets for forced organization. This backpack has a huge main compartment, and it is wide open. It works very well with the packing cubes that are detailed below and even has compression straps to lock everything in place.
Wide Open 
All Packed Up
Integrated Laptop Sleeve
This one is pretty unique. The laptop compartment features a neoprene sleeve that slides in and out of the compartment, while remaining attached. You also have the option to unclip it and remove it from the bag. This way, you can bring your laptop or tablet along for a day trip. If you don’t carry a computer, simply leave the sleeve out and pack other items in this space.
Water Bottle Pocket
I really appreciate small stuff like this, because hydration is so important during long travel. An elastic pouch on the side of the bag expands to fit your water bottle. If you don’t need it, you’ll never notice it’s there.
Safety Whistle
Sometimes travel can bring you into some questionable areas. If you’ve got a bag, with all of your belongings strapped to your back, it’s nice to have a safety device. One of the clips for the chest strap has a built in whistle, ready just in case!
Durability
This bag is built like a tank! It’s constructed from 1680 denier high tenacity ballistic nylon, making it highly durable and water resistant. It’s so durable, that they offer a lifetime warranty. Even though the material is water resistant, Standard Luggage also includes a rain cover to keep your stuff dry in a downpour.
Colorful Accents
With so many black backpacks out there today, it helps to add a pop of color for identification. Standard Luggage includes handle covers, zipper ties, and a logo patch in two colors, to make your bag jump out of the crowd.
Packing Cubes
I enjoy the backpack, but these packing cubes are seriously impressive. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a true innovation in the packing cube space. The Standard Luggage Packing Cubes offer two significant new features:
Hanging Travel Dresser
Packing cubes are supposed to help you pack efficiently and stay organized. These take it to a whole new level, by allowing you to hang the cubes vertically, creating a “travel dresser.” Each cube has a velcro strap along the top and bottom, allowing them to hang together. When not hanging, the velcro can be closed down, to prevent snags.
My standard layout is to pack socks and underwear in one cube, tops in another, and bottoms in another. When I arrived at the hotel, I popped out the packing cubes, velcroed them together, and hung them in the closet. Easy peasy!
Convertible Day Pack
This packing cube is a transformer. In its original state, it looks like any other packing cube. Turn it inside out, and it becomes an 8L day pack, and it even has a compartment for a tablet! This is a great size for carrying snacks, souvenirs, a water bottle, and a light jacket, while walking around a city. If you don’t need it as a packing cube or daypack, if folds into itself for compact storage.
It’s a packing cube 
No, wait, it’s a backpack! 
Sunglasses for scale
Final Thoughts
Standard Luggage has really created an ultimate travel system. The carry-on backpack offers so much versatility, with 35-45L expansion capacity, removable/hideaway straps, and a huge main chamber to pack as you like. It’s durable, well-designed, and it stands out from other packs. The packing cubes offer intelligent solutions to help you stay organized and explore new places. If you’re looking for a great system to improve your mission to pack effectively, this is a fantastic option!
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
