The flexible carry on backpack for short to long trips
Regular price$250
Unit price/ per
Expands 20% for longer trips or bringing stuff home
Adapts from a weekend to a week of travel
Carry-on-sized for US and international airlines
Comfortable to carry, especially for shorter torsos and smaller frames
Features
Carry-On-Sized
Pack for a weekend with extra space when you need it
Expands to fit 20% more stuff
Meets international and US carry on size limits
Fits in the overhead bin
No checked luggage, no baggage fees
Easy to Pack
Front-loading for easy packing
Spacious main compartment with mesh pocket for dirty clothes
Padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve
External water bottle pocket
Top pocket with key clip
Flat front pocket
All Day Comfort
Hip belt takes 80% of the weight off of your shoulders
Luggage handle pass through to carry on a suitcase
Padded foam shoulder straps
Hip belt (removable), sternum strap, and load lifters
Straps tuck away for security
Built to Last
Made of 630D CORDURA® nylon
Lockable YKK zippers
Best-in-class buckles and hardware
Specs
Type: Carry on (Fits in the overhead bin)
Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.5 x 6.9 inches (48.7 x 31.8 x 17.5 cm)
Expanded: 19.2 x 12.5 x 8.3 inches (48.7 x 31.8 x 21 cm)
Volume: 27 liters, expands to 32.5 liters
Weight: 3.6 lb (1.6 kg)
Torso Fit: 17-19 inch torsos
Hip Belt: 24-55 inches
Trolley Sleeve: Yes
Straps: Stowable
Electronics: Up to 16 inch laptop
Material: 630D CORDURA® re/cor™ RN6 nylon
Hardware: YKK zippers, Woojin buckles
Used on Real Trips
"Great size. Took it for a trip to Egypt, and when I returned, I used it expanded for the gifts I purchased."
—Roberto, Verified Buyer
Expandable Backpack
$250
Free Shipping
On US orders $95+
Free Returns
Self-service returns within 30 days
Worldwide Warranty
Guaranteed against defects
Used on Real Trips
FAQ
How many days can I travel with the Expandable Backpack?
The Expandable Backpack is the perfect size for long weekends. Light packers can carry it for up to a week when expanded.
Is the Expandable Backpack carry on compliant? Even when expanded?
Yes, the Expandable Backpack is carry-on-compliant on most major airlines, even when fully expanded.
The bag is 19.2 x 12.5 x 6.9 inches (48.7 x 31.8 x 17.5 cm) when compressed and 19.2 x 12.5 x 8.3 inches (48.7 x 31.8 x 21 cm) when expanded.
Always check your airline's carry on size limits before flying.
Which Tortuga backpack should I choose if I’m considering the Expandable Backpack?
Choose the Expandable if you mostly take short trips or prefer a less-than-max-sized carry on. Shorter and more petite people often prefer the Expandable over our larger bags.
Is the Expandable Backpack comfortable when fully packed?
Yes, the Expandable's padded, weight-bearing hip belt can transfer up to 80% of your bag's weight off of your shoulders, even when expanded and fully packed.