As a frequent traveller, I know all too well about the hassle of cramming my clothing and gear into cramped compartments. Whether I’m taking a weekend trip or a longer stay, it seems like there’s never enough room in my carry-on. That makes me the perfect demographic for the Airback, a Kickstarter-funded backpack that uses a patented vacuum system to open up more luggage space. But does it actually deliver on the promise of compression and convenience?
Design and Construction
On the outside, the Airback resembles a stylish technical backpack. I really love the 100 per cent recycled nylon construction, with the additional coating providing steadfast water resistance, while the polyester fabric on the back panel dials up the comfort factor. There is also an integrated weight handle that automatically detects the weight of your luggage for travel, which I think makes for a clever detail. Between the premium materials, ample pockets, sleek matte colourway, useful compartments (including a dedicated laptop compartment), and built-in USB-C port, you’re already looking at a dependable backpack… and that’s just the exterior.
Inside is where the real magic happens, namely due to the proprietary vacuum system. The organised layout is also well-executed, in general, with zippered mesh compartments on one side and then a main compartment for your clothing and gear on the other. It all resembles a standard luggage interior until you implement the compression system, creating more space by attaching and then using a small air pump (that’s included with the purchase).
Wearability
While ergonomic, the Airback does seem a little hefty once you’ve filled it with your clothing, tech, accessories, and gear. It’s by no means burdensome, but the bag can weigh down on you a bit, the way a carry-on might when you don’t have the option to wheel it across the floor (the Kickstarter page mentions a separate trolley attachment but I wasn’t provided with one). This is something to consider for longer journeys, whereby you might be hauling the bag from one location to another, either carrying it on your back or lugging it by the handle.
Performance
I’m the kind of traveller who’d prefer to be overprepared than underprepared, and in that regard, Airback is an absolute champion. With the patented vacuum system, there comes a convenient way to open up more space at no expense to my personal time or energy. The system conveniently presses down on your apparel and gear so that you don’t feel like you’re clumsily shoving everything together. As a result, your clothing doesn’t get all worn and wrinkled before you’ve even had the chance to wear it. Additional features such as the integrated weight handle and built-in port also work as intended and drive home the convenience factor.
Value
The Airback normally retails for around USD$495 (AUD$751) and is currently on sale for USD$308 (AUD$467). The former price seems fairly high while the latter seems more reasonable, though still a tad pricey. In return, however, you get a versatile piece of luggage that can function like a carry-on but also like a regular bag. Hence, the value factor is quite high no matter what the price, as the Airback puts multiple products in one convenient and weather-resistant package, with the added benefit of the patented vacuum system. For someone like myself, this one is well worth the investment and I recommend it for other frequent travellers, especially those with too much clothing and gear!
