In 2023, the Outbreaker Backpack was renamed the Travel Backpack Pro. 

Here's a quick guide to the updated product names.

• Outbreaker Backpack => Travel Backpack Pro
• Outbreaker Daypack => Daypack Pro
• Outbreaker Packing Cubes => Packing Cubes (Set of 3)

What’s the Same

First up were the non-negotiables. The new Travel Backpack Pro had to maintain the four most important features of every Tortuga bag:

1. Carry-On-Sized
2. Front-Loading
3. Comfortable
4. Durable

Those are the "must haves" for any travel backpack.

What’s New

Updated Size

The Outbreaker Backpack came in two sizes:

• 45L (22 x 14 x 9 in): The maximum-sized carry oncarry on for most US airlines and fare types.
• 35L (20 x 13 x 8 in): A smaller carry oncarry on that fit both US and international carry on limits.

After surveying and testing, we learned that travelers strongly prefer maximum-sized international carry ons that can be brought on any airline worldwide. Those measurements are 55 x 35 x 20 cm or about 22 x 14 x 8 inches. That 40L size allows for maximum compatibility across airlines and regions without sacrificing much packing space or needing to own two sizes of backpack.

Improved Silhouette

The main aesthetic feedback on the Outbreaker Backpack was that it was too boxy.

Airlines define their carry oncarry on size limits as a perfect rectangle. The more rectangular your bag is, the more you maximize every cubic inch (or liter) of space you’re allowed. The softer the shape of your bag, the more packing volume you lose. One Bag calls this “the curse of curves.”

While a perfect rectangle may maximize packing volume, most people don’t want a bag that’s all straight lines and right angles. The shape isn’t as attractive, especially on a large bag. So we softened the space, corners, and angles on the new version.

Reduced Weight and Complexity

The other complaint about the Outbreaker Backpack was that it was too heavy. The 45L weighed 5.1 lb, and the 35L weighed 4.6 lb. Both were heavy relative to the 22 lb weight limit imposed by some airlines.

The Outbreaker Backpack was heavy because it was a big, complex bag. 

To reduce the weight of the new bag, we eliminated pockets, cut down on padding, and simplified how the adjustable suspension system works.

We only made these changes when we felt we could make the bag lighter and simpler without impacting overall performance.

Switched to Recycled Fabric

As already mentioned, we were excited to be able to switch our flagship product line to use a recycled body material. Previously, the Outbreaker Backpack only used a recycled lining fabric. 

We’ve switched from virgin nylon to recycled polyester as the basis for our sailcloth fabric. The new version, ECOPAK™ EPX200, is more durable, lighter weight, and (still) completely waterproof.

As a bonus, the new fabric is 100% recycled and contains no fluorocarbons or VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Simplified the Suspension System

Our customers didn’t request the final upgrade, but we saw an opportunity to improve one of the Outbreaker Backpack's most important features and had to take it.

We want everyone to be able to travel comfortably with a Tortuga. But sizing can be challenging. As a small, bootstrapped business, we can’t support infinite sizes and fits across every product.

But every bag with a hip belt must fit well, or it will be uncomfortable.

When we launched the Outbreaker Backpack, we created the first height-adjustable travel backpacktravel backpack. The hip belt is fixed. You move the shoulder straps up or down to match your torso length for a perfect fit. Travelers appreciated this innovation and the improved fit. The design worked well but had room for improvement.

The Travel Backpack Pro also adjusts to your height for a perfect fit. The adjustment is just easier to make. You can adjust the height by moving a “floating” back panel piece connected by velcro. You can easily adjust the shoulder straps up or down quickly.

The Outbreaker Backpack used a webbing “ladder” which took longer to adjust and was less flexible for sizing. You had to choose one of the rungs of the ladder to use. With the velcro piece, you can dial in your fit even better.

You can also loan your bag to a friend or family member who can quickly adjust the straps to their height while they use it.

Travel Backpack Pro vs. Outbreaker Backpack

You already know that the new Travel Backpack Pro has a softer shape, is simpler, and has an easier-to-use suspension system.

You’ve also read that they are a more internationally-friendly size, lighter, and use a better (and recycled) fabric. Below is a comparison of the specs of both bags so that you can see the objective improvements.

	Outbreaker Backpack 45L	Travel Backpack 40L	Outbreaker Backpack 35L
Dimensions (in)	22 x 14 x 9 in	22 x 14 x 8 in	20 x 13 x 8 in
Dimensions (cm)	56 x 36 x 23 cm	55 x 35 x 20 cm	51 x 33 x 21 cm
Volume (L)	45L	40L	35L
Weight (lb)	5.1 lb	4.5 lb	4.5 lb
Weight (kg)	2.3 kg	2.0 kg	2.0 kg
Fabric	X-Pac® VX21	ECOPAK™ EPX200	X-Pac® VX21