My honest review of the travel bag with a built-in vacuum system
With airlines charging a premium for both carry-ons and checked bags, bringing a change of clothes can cost you as much as the flight ticket.
And if you’re anything like us, you’ll do anything to avoid paying extra.
Now, a Dutch start-up says it has the answer to overpacking woes.
The signature backpack from Amsterdam-based Airback contains a vacuum-sealed section designed to help you squeeze more into less space, plus a range of mod-cons including a USB/C charging port.
This volume-squeezing, gadget-loaded beast claims to go from 22L to 47L with the flick of a switch and the hum of a pump.
But is it a silver bullet for dodging baggage fees?
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Our Travel Editor Alice Murphy puts it to the test.
The details
The Airback is an expandable, compression-enabled backpack that tries to give you the best of both worlds: everyday carry-on and full-sized hauler.
There are several versions, but I’m trying the Original, which has a base capacity of 22L and the potential to balloon up to 47L, thanks to both an expansion zip and a vacuum compression system.
Built using weather-resistant recycled nylon, it is waterproof and looks and feels premium, with a finish that resembles rubber.
It has a lockable laptop compartment, water bottle holder, and a built-in scale on the handle (though I’m not sure how much use this is for a cabin bag).
It comes in five colours: black, navy, grey, olive green and beige, and has several pockets including a quick-access strip that’s good for phone, passport, wallet.
Opening the bag, you’re met with a clamshell layout. There is an odour-resistant shoe pocket, an internal zip section for chargers and documents, and the main compression chamber.
The brand claims that this fits a week’s worth of clothing, which can be vacuumed down using either the hoover you have at home, or an Airback electric pump which they will sell you for £37 extra.
The cost
£291. At the time of writing, on sale for £214. This is not an ad, but if you’re interested, you can buy it here.
The pros
Like Ronseal, this bag does what it says on the tin: it helps you to pack more in carry-on.
I kept a list in my Notes app and here’s what I fit with the help of the vacuum (and a bit of elbow grease):
- One pair of jeans
- One chunky knit cardigan
- Three tops
- Three pairs of underwear
- Three pairs of socks
- One pair of tights
- Pair of pyjamas
- Soft running shoes
- Laptop
- Paperback book
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Journal
- Skincare bag
- Makeup bag
The vacuum section really does work, but it works best if you pack only clothing in that section. I watched as it shrunk, fabric shrivelling like a prune.
Keep electronics, books, and anything hard in other compartments for maximum compression.
I’ve taken the Airback on five Ryanair flights, and even stuffed to the limit, I have yet to be pulled out of line to the ‘cage of doom’.
It fits comfortably into overhead bins and under the seat, with a shove. You can position it so that the quick-access top pocket stays easily accessible.
The cons
It’s not the lightest backpack out there. In fact, it’s quite a bit heavier than it looks, even when empty.
At this size and capacity, it could do with a hip belt or load lifter. That would make it more comfortable to carry.
The nylon is stiff, which makes some compartments difficult to open.
And another downside is the lack of YKK zippers, which all other zippers are compared to in terms of quality and an industry-standard for travel bags at this price point.
Finally, I’m not convinced on the built-in scale. You can order the bag with or without the weight handle (£14 extra) and honestly, I’d save yourself the money.
The verdict
The Airback is designed for people who want to maximise space on the road.
And as someone who lives out of a bag for a living, I can confirm that on that front, it delivers.
That said, it’s a bag that feels heavy even before you’ve filled it. At times, it is cumbersome.
Is it right for me?
Right for…
Frequent fliers who pack a lot, but don’t want the hassle or cost of checking on a wheelie suitcase.
Also, people who love a gadget (built-in charging port).
Not right for…
People who prefer lightweight luggage and anyone who dislikes travelling with a backpack.
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