Some of us are old enough to remember those glorious days where you could fly on any airline and not have to pay extra for check-in baggage (or even a carry-on). But nowadays, unless you’ve accumulated enough frequent flyer miles to circle the planet a few thousand times, you likely just have to deal with the added costs (like us). Unless, of course, you have the right travel bag that accommodates everything you need and can also fit under the seat in front of you or in overhead storage.
Our recommendation for a backpack that does just what we’ve described? The Maelstrom Travel Backpack. Both stylish and well-organized, the Maelstrom is great for both travel and everyday use, and has already received plenty of TikTok buzz. Here’s why it’s a TikTok fad worth getting into!
Maelstrom Travel Backpack, $39.99
First off, let’s get into the Maelstrom Backpack’s dimensions. It’s available in 25- and 35-liter sizes, with the larger pack measuring just over 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The good news is that both packs meet airline standards for storage. The backpack looks great, too, featuring a waterproof fabric that’s tough enough to handle the bumps and bruises of travel but lightweight enough that it’s easy to carry. (The pack’s mesh padding and straps are also easy on your shoulders and back.)
The key for any backpack is how well it stores your items, and the Maelstrom is loaded with compartments and pockets to carry everything from chargers to pens to tablets. The main compartment can be used for your clothes, and a padded compartment can carry laptops with screens of up to 17 inches. Extra internal and external compartments are sized to carry valuables like passports, phones and wallets. And if you’re especially security-conscious, the pack has an anti-theft pocket in the back.
Everywhere you look in the Maelstrom Travel Backpack you’ll find thoughtful touches, including a waterproof compartment to carry items like shampoos. There’s a hole in the top of the backpack that you can run a charging cord through, plus an elastic side pocket to hold water bottles or umbrellas, a dedicated shoe compartment (with two ventilation holes to air your shoes out), a luggage belt you can use to attach the backpack to other bags or suitcases, and a detachable crossbody bag that can be used as a daypack or purse. The bag also comes with an interlayer that prevents chafing when you’re carrying it. All of these features elevate the Maelstrom beyond being just a simple travel backpack. Whether you’re a student, a weekend traveler or even a hiker, you’ll find a use for it!
Good Housekeeping lists the Maelstrom Travel Backpack as one of the most popular gifts of the year, and based on its intelligent design, sleek looks and overall practicality, we can see why. For a do-it-all backpack that’s compact yet roomy enough for any kind of adventure, you can’t beat the Maelstrom.
