14. Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel: Best Carry-On Duffel Backpack
There comes a time in nearly every traveler’s life when shoulder straps seem to snag on everything in sight. Duffels tend to hold the upper hand in this case, and the Timbuk2 Impulse beautifully bridges this gap.
Easily unclip the backpack straps, and stow them in a dedicated pocket. Although you don’t have a strap for your shoulder in duffel mode, the two beefy handles on the sides of the bag are sufficient.
The zippered 17″ laptop compartment is external, so you’ll never have to dig again. You also have a quick access pocket, perfect for everything from plane tickets to snacks, that also has another mesh pocket inside for even more.
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The main, clamshell-open compartment reveals the bulk of those 55 liters. One side is left completely open for you to pack at will, while the opposite side features two mesh pockets for some slight organization. The many compression straps keep everything tight and compact. The Impulse also has a wonderfully isolated compartment at the base of the bag to keep smelly shoes or dirty clothes separate.
I must, however, point out one small nick in this bag’s armor. When in backpack mode, the straps can occasionally become unfastened from the bag when trying to pick it up.
Nevertheless, this occurs very rarely and is just a minor annoyance compared to all the awesome features packed in here.
Overall, this is a versatile carry-on backpack-duffel combo that’s great for any trip.
Pros
- Wide, fold-open main compartment
- Exterior laptop sleeve for easier access
- Shoe storage compartment
- Tuckable straps
Cons
- No dedicated shoulder strap for duffel mode
- Shoulder harness straps in backpack mode have finicky attach point that
- sometimes comes undone