Travel Backpack Lite 40L

The 40L backpack from the new lite collection truly lives up to its name. You can immediately sense the difference with its 1-pound lighter weight compared to the Travel Backpack Pro! This lighter load means less pressure on my back. Moreover, despite its reduced weight, this backpack doesn't sacrifice on space. I'm able to fit a substantial amount in both the main compartment and mesh compartments. Additionally, it has all the usual great Tortuga backpack features, such as the water bottle side pocket, front pocket and laptop area. You can also tuck the shoulder straps in at the back and carry the bag by the side handle. It's a straightforward and versatile choice for minimal organizers who simply need a lightweight backpack that gets the job done! I'm confident it can easily accommodate enough for a 2-week trip!

After loving my Tortuga Setout for 5 years now, I was excited to try out the Backpack Lite for my two month adventure to Mexico & Colombia (& this included a wedding!). It easily fit everything I needed. The two mesh pockets are quite deep and fit all of my toiletry items (for showering, for makeup, for hair, etc). My Tortuga packing cubes fit perfectly in the main compartment with room left over for any other items you might need a home for. I love the laptop sleeve and I use it to store my wallet, passport, & important documents when they aren't in use. I love that all the zippers can be locked. I think this bag has just the right amount of organization, but still keeps things simple. It makes packing a breeze.

I am 5'2" and have no issues wearing this around. The weight of the pack sits nicely on my hips.

My only complaint is that I would love a 35L version as I love challenging myself to pack lighter & lighter :)

I purchased the previous 40L model a few years ago. The only real difference is the front pocket - mine is horizontal, not vertical, when the backpack is being worn. No big deal.

I love the size - I used it for a 6-day trip to Santa Rosa, CA in October 2023 and a 2-week trip to Europe in December 2023 (Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Frankfurt) and didn't use another piece of luggage on either trip (although I wore a 26-pocket ScottE Vest in Europe.) I also use it for business travel (usually 3 days or less) and carry a large company-issued laptop.

My main complaint: weight management is (almost) completely absent. The backpack needs D-rings in the two top corners of the main compartment so that heavier objects can be restrained high and close to the wearer's back; this is a crucial element in backpacking. The ability to add aluminum stays would also be very welcome to improve fit when the backpack is heavy. (Mine weighed close to 40 lbs(!) on my European trip.)