This is not a backpack for everyone, and I think that’s actually one of its strengths. You really need to know exactly what you’re looking for to fully appreciate it.
For me, I was specifically searching for something extremely lightweight (1 lb threshold) that I could pack inside my one-bag travel backpack and use as a dedicated daypack at my destination. I tried the Unbound Merino UltraSlim backpack, and while I liked its structure and design, it ended up being a bit heavier than what I wanted for this purpose. On the other end of the spectrum, most packable daypacks have no structure at all, which is a complete no-go for me—especially when carrying tech.
What makes the Tortuga Daypack Pro so rare is that it manages to be genuinely lightweight while still offering serious laptop padding and protection. That combination is incredibly hard to find. The laptop compartment is well padded, structured, and secure—far more than I expected for a bag in this weight class. My laptop feels protected whether I’m using it as a daypack walking around a city or pulling it out during flights and airport transitions.
Because I work remotely, laptop protection is non-negotiable. I carry my laptop everywhere—on flights, in cafés, coworking spaces, and during full days of exploring. This bag gives me peace of mind that my laptop is protected without forcing me to carry something heavy or bulky.
If you’re looking for a primary backpack, a hiking pack, or a heavily structured everyday carry bag, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re a one-bag traveler who wants a lightweight secondary daypack that still treats your laptop like a priority, this is an exceptionally well-designed and surprisingly rare solution.
For my specific use case, it’s exactly what I was looking for.
Love this bag! The layout is exactly what I was looking for and is very versatile. Its the right size and dimensions that enables me to use this as a personal item for travel alongside my roller carryon and most importantly, it's not heavy. Tortuga knocked this one out the park. Amazing bag! Keep it up.
I really love this bag. The front pocket is super convenient, especially with the side access when it's sitting on top of my carry-on. Having two bottle holders is a huge plus.
I wasn't sure about the main compartment at first, but the wide open space actually works really well.
My only real complaint is the placement of the top handle. It's on the laptop section toward the back instead of centered on top, so the bag feels unbalanced when you grab it. For the price, the handle could also be sturdier. The side handle is helpful for a briefcase-style grab, but it could use more structure too.
Overall though, it's a great bag and I'd still recommend it. 🙌
Excellent, durable backpack. Perfect for regular 3-5 day business trips. Used on many different plane configurations and can always find a place to fit the bag. Customer service is responsive and fair, they back up their product if there are ever any issues and provide different solutions when requested. One of the few companies with a great product, great service and a fair price point for the quality of this product.
It’s so spacious and built in quality. Super comfortable too. Also it’s saving me money when Im traveling for a week to tattoo somewhere. I can fit all my clothes and my tooling. Neeno
the compression strap and the comfortable carry system are the best feature for this bag compared to its competitors. my partner likes it a lot. i really really wish 'Daily Carry Pro' could also implement the compression strap into the design, coz the current one is too 'cubic' ish for me. if so i will definitely get one for myself too.
I haven't had a chance to actually use it yet on a trip but i did load it up and compare it to my aer travel pack 3 x-pac (35L) and it felt so much better to pack everything in and carry around. The luggage style opening is so much better than the Aer's clam shell style and I like that the tortuga doesn't have a bunch of unnecessary hidden pockets everywhere and overly complicated organization. The harness system felt just as good if not better than the aer (less stiff feeling) also.
The backpack was really great during our 2-week backpack-only Japan trip. The material is very durable, padded, and the backpack fit everything we needed. We are overall very happy with them and will keep them. However, the hip straps did not support enough of the weight and our shoulder muscles took some of the strain. The hip strap also sits a bit high on my husband and we could not adjust it.
Great size. Took ir for a trip to Egipt, super confortable, and when I returned I used it expandabled for the gifts I purchased.
This is a great every day carry backpack and holds a lot more than expected. All the pockets are carefully thought out. The straps are comfortable and the design is very sleek. The materials used and the design just exudes quality. Tortuga have done what others have not and that is create a bag that stands out from the crowd. Well worth the price and customer service is excellent.
I own the larger Travel backpack which I use for longer International trips. I have since learned how to travel as a minimalist traveler. I was lookiwng for a Lighter, smaller capacity backpack for One Bag travel. When I saw that Tortuga had come out with their newest lightweight travel bag I jumped on it. The backpack is PERFECT for my needs. It still is a well made bag with plenty of pockets and Quality zips and buckles. The bag looks good too. Although I have not traveled with it yet I have packed it out with my usual pack out for a warm weather destination in March of the New Year. Everythinf fits and I still have plenty of room just in case I want bring home some souvenirs. The overall Vibe of this backpack for me is a lightweight one bag carry that looks good and is Super Comfortable to carry. I am looking forward to taking it on my next Adventure. Great job TORTUGA.
I was very happy with the quality of the materials and the organization within the bag
Great backpack. I recently used it as my carry on for an 8 day trip and it was perfect. Fit all of my capsule wardrobe plus a pair of shoes. Classy looking and packs a punch with sturdy zippers and nicely organized interior. Stellar quality. Not too big or too small. Wonderful backpack.
I currently use this bag for work. It can easily fit everything I need including my lunch tote. It is very convenient to have both hands free at all times. Can’t wait to try it as a personal item bag.
This backpack is of solid quality and it’s so comfortable to carry!!! Can’t wait for it to take me to my future destinations!
I love the size, the quality of materials and the large openenibv to easily pack everything you need! It's also light weight a huge factor for me.
Personal item sized, light weight, waterproof, luggage pass, water bottle holder, lots of storage to accompany my carry on roller. This bag checks all the boxes.
The Tortuga Daily Carry Pro backpack is a superior choice for a personal size travel backpack or every day carry backpack. The weather-proof fabric, PU (polyurethane) coated zippers, and harness system are uniformly excellent. The 25L rated capacity for the bag is conservative. In my limited use of the bag, the upper portion will nicely fold down a bit if the bag is not fully packed, and this situation reduces the overall profile of the bag. The technical section will accommodate, in separate sleeves, a laptop and iPad. My own minor gripes: (i) the top and side grab handles are underwhelming and uncomfortable for longtime use, and (ii) the use of even a regular size water bottle (Yeti Rambler 18 oz) in one of the side sleeves will expand the overall width of the backpack and make placement and remove of the backpack difficult under an airline seat. Overall, a superior backpack with little competition at its lower introductory price.
I am in Japan on vacation as I write this review. The Daily Carry Pro is working very well for me as a smaller travel bag in conjunction with a carry on piece of luggage. The comfort and organization is great. I was able to pack a lot without feeling that I overstuffed the bag. Having a top and side quick access pocket is super convenient.
I just completed my first journey with the Lite 40L; a week-long trip to California for an ultra marathon. This backpack rocks! I was able to pack an ample amount of regular clothing and running gear (trail shoes; cowbells, water vest etc.) for a 7 day trip with the assumption I would launder after my race on day three. Carry-on with no difficulty as it was light to lift and easily fit in the overhead. The pack itself was very comfortable and I only rarely used the hip belt; all straps stowed very well with ease. Easy to handle in duffle/briefcase mode for short transfers. All materials felt and performed like quality and its a beautiful pack too. I hope to get a lifetime (for me thats only about 30 more years) of use out of this wonderful pack. My only gripe or design choice I would change is the orientation of the front flat pocket zipper. I wish it were on the opposite side so I could access the pocket in briefcase mode and while the bag is in full open clamshell mode. Thats my only issue. 4.95 stars. Thank you Tortuga!
I have been loving this bag. Its big enough to use for travel and small enough to not feel too bulky for daily use. As a travel photographer it fits my camera cube and one of the Tortuga compression packing cube perfectly! This is now my go to bag when I need to travel for short trips.
The best every day bag! As someone who travels a lot for work, this bag really saved me. When I'm home, I cowork remotely, so the bag is perfect to carry my laptop/essentials on the daily. For quick work trips, it's the best personal item as it stores my laptop safely and still has plenty of space in the main compartment. I've found I don't really need to take anything else for weekend trips.
Tortuga knocked it out of the park with this one! This bag flexes very nicely from office to 'under-the-seat-in-front-of-you' personal item carry. I took this backpack with me on two trips (one international, one domestic US) using only this as my personal item One-Bag-Travel solution and the bag performed flawlessly. A great option if you're flying airlines that charge for carry-ons as this one is definitely under-seat-compliant.
