Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack

I just used this on two trips and it was a GREAT bag! It’s not that heavy, has padded straps, and holds a lot for a small bag. I wanted something that wasn’t too big, but had a lot of space. No bag is perfect, but this definitely fit most my needs. There is a lot of room inside. The bag has a lot of give to it because of the fabric, so you can fit a lot. I had all my daily stuff, kid/husband stuff I had to hold, and random small things I bought throughout the day. There is a great side pocket for my water bottle and it never fell out….this was important and so convenient. There is another side pocket that is zippered. I kept my battery pack and other small things in it. The front pocket section has room for different things, card holder pockets, and a key holder chain. I like that all the zippered pockets can lock, so no one can open my purse from behind.I had to get used to there just being one zipper you have to move across to open for each section, but it wasn’t a huge deal. Nothing ever fell out. My only wish would be that there was a big zipper pocket area on the inside of the main compartment. I just kept two pouches of items for money, credit cards, and other things in the open pocket area inside the main compartment. It’s a deep pocket inside which is good. The fabric is easy to clean. I was really happy with the purchase, and happy I got it on sale. Even with all my stuff in it, it was comfortable to wear all day walking around. Definitely a good day bag that isn’t too big and fits a lot.

For an upcoming coach train trip from Chicago to Albuquerque I searched for a backpack that met these criteria: It must be scaled to my 5’ size while being roomy enough for a weekend, secure, well constructed and usable also as a day bag. This bag meets these criteria! Here is what I easily fit into this bag for my test pack: An Amazon Basics small packing cube holding a pair of jeans, a long sleeve knit shirt, 2 pair of socks and underwear, a bra and a caftan; a Travelon light weight toiletries cube (approx 8”x6”x3”) holding deodorant, toothbrush and paste, a couple of prescriptions, a small bag with foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick and another clear zip bag with liquids (lotion, shampoo, hairspray, conditioner); my IPad in the tablet/laptop slot at the back of the main compartment; a small zipper bag with backup charger, earbuds, adapters, phone and battery cables; my knitting (for multitasking while watching scenery); snacks (a small bag of nuts, one of candy, an apple, a couple of chocolate bars and a can of the powdered drink I like). All of that went into the main compartment. In the front flap pocket I put some pens and a guide book. My wallet, a coin purse and my phone went into the secure zippered side pocket but these also would have fit in the front flap pocket. That's a lot of stuff! Kind of like the clown car trick.When fully loaded the bag still only weighed 11lbs and didn't knock me down or make me look ridiculously overburdened and clanking with gear! On the underside of the top flap is a zippered pocket that I didn’t use and I also didn’t use the credit card and passport slots in the front flap pocket. That pocket also has pen slots and a narrow pocket that my phone would have fit into if I chose. My travel documents will fit there nicely. My IPad easily fit upright in the 9 1/2” wide inner slot in the main compartment which is not padded but more to keep your tablet from falling over the other contents. The main compartment can open to 11 1/2” at its widest so keep that in mind if you intend this bag for your laptop. Using packing cubes kept things organized while leaving space on each side at the wider bottom to stash snacks baggies or other small items.Let me also vanquish one common complaint that Travelon must have heard often enough to fix: The straps are completely adjustable. In fact each can be shortened to only 18” from shoulder attachment to hip or extended all the way to 32”.The straps are nicely padded and backed with breathable mesh though the back of the bag itself is not. It appears to be sturdily constructed. My wish list to make this the perfect bag would include changing the water bottle pocket to elasticize mesh, adding a sternum &/or waist strap, breathable mesh for the whole back, using dual zippers on top and front flap openings, and offering more interesting colors. Where’s a nice lively red?!Lastly, some commenters have ridiculed the size of the bag as not being adequate apparently because they are big people. Their size doesn't mean this is a bad bag, it just means they didn’t read the specs to choose an appropriate bag for their stature. And take a look at what I fit into it!Once the bag gets through the shake down trip and has a few more miles on it I’ll come back and comment on it’s durability. Happy trails!

I love almost everything about this backpack. I carry a backpack instead of a purse. It is easier on my body. I have a child with food allergies so we have to be prepared with EPI pens, meds and inhalers so I need something I can use as a purse and daypack for his needs and mine. I love the antitheft features on this bag. I can feel peace of mind knowing my bag will deter someone from wanting to steal anything from me.What I love:I love the opening at the top. It is different from tradition backpacks. It opens on top and allows me to look in without letting the entire world see my belongings and it makes it so that things don't fall out. I stack my things inside vertically. There are hidden pouches inside that i love and a spot for an iPad or documents which is also handy. Also the inside color is light so you can see things very nice. There is also a little key fob/light for finding things on the front pouch. I love love love the pockets on the side. I put my battery power for recharging my iPhone in that pouch with all my electronic items like charger wires, earphones, etc. It keeps it away from everything and allows me to charge my phone in that pouch while securing it all. I love how deep the water bottle pocket is as well!What I would change:I think a neat feature they could add is a zipper to the water bottle pocket which would allow you to choose to zip it up with personal items like a quick grab for your phone or the option to leave it unzipped to store your water bottle. I would love that option.The only other thing I would change is putting double zippers on the front pocket. It would be nice to have that feature to open just slightly to grab things like my wallet or phone without having to open all the way to one side. I personally don't use the credit card slots there because I keep all my cards safe in a wallet inside my main compartment.Last thing I would change is putting a nice plastic dirt protector on the very bottom for sitting it on the floor. This would keep my bag safe from germs and icky items and would allow me to wipe it clean.All and all I'm very please with this bag so far. The nutmeg color is awesome! I love it!