This is the most solid and well-made backpack I’ve seen so far. It is waterproof, durable and plenty of space and pockets. With one big gap.
But let’s start from the beginning: after I switched my idea of traveling from trolleys to a backpack only traveling, I’ve become addicted. So, in the last months, I’ve spent my time looking for the best travel backpack.
It has to respond to several requirements, such as comfortability, space, organization, laptop slot and, of course, design.
So far, I’ve been traveling with an Osprey Kestrel 48, I will post a review of that soon, promise. That is a technical bag for trekking more than a carry-on backpack, but it’s really adaptable.
Looking for a substitute, the could fill the gaps of the Kestrel, I saw the Arcido backpack, funded on Kickstarter in just 3 hours.
Arcido Bag Review
I was fascinated so I decided to give it a try, here is the review after some time:
Arcido is intentionally made for the one-bag-travel lifestyle. It is organized, waterproof, modern and it offers you the possibility to take your technology with you.
Some specifications:
- Dimensions: 35cm x 25cm x 55cm
- Total Capacity: 35L
- Materials: Outer Fabric – 100% Cotton with waterproof PVC lamination, Lining – Premium Oxford Weave Polyester
You will be able to use it as carry-on with any company, except WizzAir.
The backpack is divided into two main compartments, the first and the big one, a front loading space, it is very practical and easy to access. Most important it is really big, I was able to fit:
- 2 pairs of Jeans
- 1 pair of Shoes
- 4 t-shirts
- 2 jumpers
- 1 sweater
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 3 shirts
- A power bank
- Kindle
- Laptop
I still had some space. As you can see, from the picture, the only thing I couldn’t fit it was my water bottle. This, smart travel bag has not a place where to fit it? Is a huge miss. Imagine to store it inside, it means you’ll be walking in a new city and you’ll have to stop on a bench/street open the bag, take out the water and drink. It is definitely too long and uncomfortable.
Office Compartment
The second part of the backpack is the laptop compartment, I love it. It is situated close to the back. It means that all the weight of the laptop will be closer to your body= easier to carry. There is no limit of dimension for your laptop. Moreover, is well equipped and organized, it has lots of pockets, big enough even for a tablet/kindle. You could store inside a good part of your office, being able to work also abroad.
There is a third pocket in the back, where you could store your documents/valuable because it will be invisible/inaccessible while you’ll wear the bag.
Inside the package you will find 3 accessories:
- Document holder: it is made of the same material of the bag and its RFID, it means that your cards and documents will be safe.
- Liquid bag: A transparent liquid bag, that will make easier your security controls.
- Messenger strap: The Arcido bag quickly converts from backpack to messenger; unclip the straps and tuck them behind the back plate and then attach the messenger strap included. Another key feature of the Arcido.
Let’s talk about price, the Arcido Backpack it’s available online on the company website at £160, or on Amazon .
Conclusions:
This is the tank of the backpack; it is so well made that it looks indestructible (Time will prove it).
I really appreciate some of the features: the waterproof materials, the removable laptop compartment, and the convertibility.
Well, these features are not common, but is possible to find them in some other backpack, plus, as I said before, there is some big miss like the lack of a bottle mesh pocket. The comfortability of the straps could be a problem, they are not so padded and a waist belt is missing along with the chest clip. After a long walk with the bag full, you’ll definitely need to stop.
The price overall is in line or even more cheap of the direct competitors.
I suggest this bag to the traveler that are not willing to city sightseeing all day long with the bag on. If your plan is to drop the bag in the room after you’ll arrive this is the backpack for you.
PRO CONS
✓ Construction and materials X No external mesh pockets
✓ Waterproof X Straps not well padded
✓ Laptop slot X No waist belt/Chest clip
✓ Convertibility
This is not the best backpack overall but is a really good one.
Are you looking for a cheaper travel backpack?
Check my Cabin Max Ontario review!
