This “Smart” Bag Replaced My Personal Item on Flights (It’s So Good!)

Whenever I’ve gone on a trip, I’ve relied on a slim backpack I’ve had since college as my personal item. I always justify that I don’t travel much, so there’s no need to invest in a new backpack — but then right when I’m on the plane or at my destination, I completely regret that thought. The backpack is always packed to the brim and has only two pockets, so whenever I go to take something out, most things have to come out with it. It’s an embarrassing mess in the airport waiting area for sure, but more than that it’s just so dysfunctional. 

So when I got a chance to try out Bagsmart’s Blast Travel Backpack — which I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews online about — I ditched my old backpack immediately. I was so sure it would be better than what I had, and then it proceeded to exceed my expectations.

The Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack comes in two sizes. The standard size holds 28 liters and measures 12.2″ x 16.5″ x 8.1″ so it is compliant with the personal item regulations of most airlines, and the extended size holds 38 liters and measures 12.2″ x 16.5″ x 8.1″ before being expanded and 12.2″ x 16.5″ x 10″ after being expanded. It has a spacious main compartment that flips open, plus a 180-degree laptop compartment (fits a 15.6-inch) and six independent pockets. The entire backpack is also machine-washable.

Another cool feature is that it’s available in an array of colors; the standard size has a selection of eight colors that ranges from classic tones like black and white to a slate blue, mossy green, and even a tangerine orange, while the extended size has 11 color options, including a fir green and rosy pink.

After reading the reviews, I could tell this backpack was going to be a winner. One reviewer shared that they are a chronic over-packer and this backpack was the remedy. Another said it’s “the perfect backpack for airline travel,” while another noted how they “could not believe how much I was able to fit in the backpack.”

Once I got my hands on the standard-sized backpack, I admired all the pockets. (When you’re upgrading from just two compartments to eight, that can feel like a lot of storage!) Now I can organize based on items I need to reach for immediately, like keeping my medication in the very front pocket.

To test the backpack, I packed as if I was going on a five-day trip, so I was able to comfortably fit four different types of tops, a pair of jeans, a midi dress, undergarments, shoes, socks, chargers, a laptop, and all my go-to travel essentials I’d need (like toiletries and whatnot), with room to still put a small purse on top of my clothes before I used the compression straps and an empty water bottle in the side pocket.

The laptop compartment in the back zips all the way around, which makes it easy to unpack and pack, if needed, but because I have TSA PreCheck I don’t have to worry about this — it’s just great to have in case security does need to open my bag.

What I love about this backpack is that it can fit an unbelievable amount of stuff without feeling so bulky. I think that’s because it has compression straps inside and outside of the bag. The padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel make it feel comfortable when you need to carry it around, but I prefer to strap it onto my luggage with the trolley strap.

The Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack would be great to use in lieu of a carry-on luggage if you were taking a shorter trip, but I’d say you’d want this plus the carry-on for a week-long trip or if you’re going somewhere that requires you to pack for changing seasons, activities, and so on.

• It’s compliant with the personal item regulations of most airlines. 
• It’s spacious: It has a main compartment, a laptop compartment, and six additional pockets (one dedicated for shoes!).
• It has compression straps and is machine-washable and water-resistant.
• It has a luggage trolley strap to easily sit on your suitcase, plus padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel.
• This is a trusted Apartment Therapy brand. Read our other reviews on the softside carry-on, compression packing cube set, foldable travel duffle bag, and travel jewelry organizer.

Anyone looking for an incredible travel backpack that works as a personal item on most major airlines would love the Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack. It’s also super stylish, has multiple compartments, and makes a great companion to your regular carry-on luggage. 

Buy: Bagsmart’s Blast Travel Backpack, $69.99