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tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L: Grey $91.99 (OOS), Black $93.99 Delivered @ tomtocDirect via Amazon AU

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I've been keeping a close eye on this one over the last couple of weeks as I have some travelling to do and it appears to be a good 'budget' weekender/light overseas travel backpack.

You can also pair it with OzBargain's favourite eshay bag which is 20% off again - https://www.amazon.com.au/tomtoc-Minimalist-Shoulder-Crossbo…

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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  • +3

    I too have been keeping a close look. Prior to this they were having this 15% discount with a code clearly listed on Amazon. Not much differences

    • +1

      Sadly is this case, but I might just bite the bullet.

      • it's similar pricing on prime day few months ago if it makes you feel better (bought one then)

      • It's a really good brand, I have the minimalist crossbow which can slip a Nintendo in. Their quality is really good

  • +1

    Do you know the nett-weight of this bag ?
    ( Amazon says 1.2 kg )

    I like the features of this bag, but I'm wondering if you know of something like this…but 50L and 60L capacity?

    I really like duffle bag designs, and I have those North Face PVC duffle bags,
    but from different brands (eg. Mountain Designs, Patagonia, etc.), and in 40L - 70L sizes.

    However, they don't have as many side pockets as the 'tomtoc' ones, and that's what I'm needing.

    • Yeah it's a tad more than 1.2kg when empty, I suspect this is more the 35L-38L carrying capacity.

      I'm not too fond of the duffel bag look, but I did see the new Patagonia Blackhole range that might fit your criteria.

      • Patagonia Blackhole range that might fit your criteria.

        I already have the 60L Patagonia Black Hole duffle bag.

        It is my favourite one, because of how it sits, and can qualify as hand-luggage too ^_^

        It's just that with my duffle bags (the generic ones), there are no side pockets for drink bottles, or any other pockets to hold maps, laptops, etc.

        So, that's why I liked this Tomtoc design,…and especially when each zip compartment can be locked too.

    • duffle bag designs = usually heavy?
      i prefer the osprey materials. light.

      • +1

        duffle bag designs = usually heavy?

        I'm a gram-counter, when it comes to the luggage bags :-)

        All my duffle bags (I have several!) are PVC material, water-resistant and single zip.
        They all weigh around 0.9 - 1.2kg , depending on capacity (I have 40L - 90L range of duffle, for different situations and I've used them all, a few times).

        In fact, I also have an Osprey 70L duffle bag.
        I forget the model.
        It's also around 1 - 1.1kg heavy.

        I've toured around Europe, with even 2 duffle bags (not filled completely),
        but I like the duffle bag design, because it's the best weight-to-space luggage I found.

        Duffle bags do not have wheels, so I need to lug the 7 - 20kg on my back,
        but otherwise there is no other way to carry luggage, in a lightweight, cost-effective bag.

        To save on some 200 - 400grams, for the same capacity, I have to get DCF (Dyneema) bag for the weight savings, but they're super expensive…and the material deteriotates over time.

        All my duffle bags were bought in excellent, second condition around 10 years ago,
        for $30 - 70 each.

  • -1

    How much is the Cashback on Cashrewards?

  • +23

    I have a TomToc sling and was very happy with the quality - to a point that I ditched my Bellroy slings for it. it's very high quality and super convenient, also looks cool and modern

    so when I ordered this backpack in July this year I had same expectations, but I was disappointed - fabric is not the same one they used for the sling, and overall this thing feels cheap, I returned it. if it was just a big version of their sling (like their 14" laptop bag is, I use it for my MBP 14" and it's awesome!), it would justify the price and would be the best backpack ever, but it's not, it's a considerable downgrade from those 2 TomToc products I mentioned above.

    so don't expect the same quality if you own other TomToc products like their sling or 14" laptop bag

    • +5

      Thanks for the review will skip this one

      • +1

        the pleasure is mine

      • +7

        On the contrary, I have this bag and I use it every day for my commute. It’s amazing and the quality exceeds the price by far. I’m planning on using it as my only bag for a trip I have coming up soon. I suggest reading the Amazon reviews and watching some YouTube reviews by a backpack channel instead of taking one person’s word for it.

        • +1

          "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio,
          that are dreamt of in your philosophy. but come.."

          there's "one person's word" and there's "facts". fabric and quality are not the same as other TomToc products, and my "word" or lack thereof would not change that

        • +4

          commuted

          40l

          damn can we get a rough breakdown on whats the EDC you rocking? Or you just like having extra space?
          Some days I think even a 20L is a bit too much…

          • @Jimothy Wongingtons: They might travel a lot for work, in which 40L seems to be around the right size for.

            • @magic8ballgag: Yeah I thought that could be the case, but I wouldn’t call travelling a commute.. like I used to just take a duffel with me when I used to drive down to Coffs for work for a 2 day return trip. This could be a good alternative.

              @alcadive please confirm 😭

              • @Jimothy Wongingtons:

                but I wouldn’t call travelling a commute..

                Why not? It's literally the definition of commuting!

                OP please confirm.

                • +1

                  @magic8ballgag: Commute I thought was more for something you do regularly… otherwise I thought most would refer to it as more travelling for work? I guess unless he’s like a rep for a farm supplies mob maybe and his commute is driving or flying out to rural places everyday?

                  • +2

                    @Jimothy Wongingtons: Agree. Commute is between home and work on a regular basis.
                    Travel intimates something new or of distance, but could mean a generic 'A to B' change of location.

          • +3

            @Jimothy Wongingtons: It’s admittedly overkill for my commute, I just mentioned that to show I’ve used it a lot and I’m happy with the quality. Plus I like the idea of not having a separate travel-only bag sitting around.
            I carry a 14-inch laptop and I like being able to fit a decent-size cooler bag and extra layers during winter. Yeah there’s a tonne of extra space, but you can cinch it down to make it compact no matter how full it is.

            • +1

              @alcadive: Hmm maybe I should get one too to add to the pile of bags…

              • +2

                @Jimothy Wongingtons: Side note: I have the black version and I coloured in the tomtoc logo with a sharpie. It makes it look 10% more premium imho haha

    • Thanks for the sharing. I know that sling bag is a quality product but I didn't expect this to be a disappointment. Will pass and money saved!

      • +1

        sling is amazing, I wear it almost every day. it doesn't fit a Lenivo SmartPaper tablet, but this is kinda a stretch no pun intended lol

    • +10

      This is bag is a travel duffle pack first and foremost - less EDC and more travel orientated which would contribute to the cheaper feeling.

      I've been using this bag for a few trips over the last year now, over to the US, Japan, SK and a brief stint in the Nordics. IMO you simply aren't going to get a bag like this at this price or at this weight for this intended purpose. Other bags cost more (sometimes significantly) and/or weigh up to half to a full kg more. You can look at those cheap $40, similarly featured bags on amazon but the quality won't be there at all.

      If you're on a budget and you are looking to get a carry on backpack for travelling it's hard to go wrong with this IMO. It punches well above its weight in this space.

        • +3

          This bag is more than fine for business class lounges lmao, made it in every time. Stop rocking up looking like a shoestring backpacker and you'll be fine  😉

          You are welcome to spend the $200-300+ for the better looking bags in this area though

        • +6

          This comment makes me think you don't fly business class

          • -5

            @D3m3ntia: and why is that, may I inquire?

            I am just kidding there, flexing my morning rant muscle with a bit of bitterness - COVID changed my business to mostly remote engagements, so I am not flying as often as I used to. I don't mind BTW, getting a bit long in the tooth.

            oh those strange, irretrievable days.

        • +2

          if I wanted to get laughed out of business class lounge, that would be my primary choice, yes.

          No one cares what you use as luggage, and neither should you.

          • -1

            @magic8ballgag: spot on. I have no opinions about anyone and anything, and likewise don't care about others' opinions on what I am, say, or do.

            I only deal in facts. and silly jokes. the ability to distinguish between the two is what separates my friends from the crowd

            • +1

              @shabaka:

              I only deal in facts. and silly jokes. the ability to distinguish between the two is what separates my friends from the crowd

              If you were being sarcastic with your original comment, it didn't travel very well. 😉

              • -1

                @magic8ballgag: that was a bit heavy handed, but it was intentional, too, to add a couple more layers beneath. was sloppy, but not bad for Monday morning I reckon (:

        • +1

          I fly business class all the time and dress like a homeless person with a cheap Amazon backpack. Nobody has ever laughed.

          • +1

            @drfuzzy: I hope you're happy you just made me cry

    • +2

      Could be a rebrand with some slight changes of this

      https://www.temu.com/ul/kuiper/un9.html?subj=goods-un&_bg_fs…

      • +2

        The 2nd pic says "Capacity: about 30L" However the title says 40L.

        It does look suspiciously similar to the tomtoc. However at the amazon sale price I would much rather the buyer security and legitimate branding of this deal over Temu.

      • +1

        On first glance, it does look very similar. However, it is almost totally different when I compare it to my tomtoc. Maybe this came after the tomtoc or maybe they used this as a base very early on in the design process.

    • Do you mean the 14” version of the sling backpack?

    • The sling is top notch stuff

    • Ooh what 14" bag is that? This one?

  • +1

    I've had this bag for roughly 6 months and used it on a number of trips and love it. The amount of compartments and the way they are split is great. Fantastic for carry on and have used this bag for a week trip which was perfect. Agree that the fabric isn't the same quality as the sling but don't find this to any way effect the use of the bag. Any questions, I'll try and answer.

  • how does this compare to the high sierra or Targus backpacks in similar size?

  • +3

    I have this and it's great. Good for 3-day trips and the simplicity is just the way I like it.

    • +1

      Agreed- i have one too and its perfect for short overnight trips. However i lve recently gotten a slightly smaller bag for everyday commute and work

      • +1

        yeah ive been using it as my daily commute/work bag but agreed it's a bit tall/long for that purpose. Will prolly get a smaller one too.

      • Looking for a bag for everyday commute as well that is similar but smaller than this. Any recommendation?

        • I probably wouldn't get one of those expandable bags if you're looking for a smaller everyday commute option. They're a bit fiddly but are great when you need more space e.g. gym clothes

          I've been recently trying something smaller like this which reminds a lot of those really expensive camera bags (but smaller)
          (https://amzn.asia/d/2ZjbChK)

  • i bought a while ago. a 7/10 bag, little soft but should be fine.

  • Can’t seem to find the grey one, any links?

    • +1

      OOS now..
      but who knows with Amazon. It might magically come back in stock in an hour.

      • …and a cheaper price too.

  • +2

    I got rid of my peak design travel 45. Ended up getting this and much prefer it. It's much lighter and simpler to use. Plus it still fits the large camera cube when needed.

  • I've been eying up this for ~$50

    https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007435274694.html?

    • +1

      It's AU$33+ now

  • -1

    There's one on Temu that looks really similar like this bag…

  • I'm looking to get a carry-on travel bag for a few upcoming trips, should 40L be sufficient for 5+ days?

    • I use a ~28L bag for 3 week trips. All depends how heavy a traveler you are.

      • Wow, that's light!

        I have previously been heavy but looking to significantly downsize the amount of items I take.

  • Looks like this bag is fast becoming the Security backpack from Xdesign (initially?)
    I ended up getting a cheap imitation secuirty backpack from ALDI for $30 and ended up disliking it because it would hold its shape.
    So thats one of the downsides of going cheaper.

    For me its for my EDC so i jusy put up with it.

    Those considering going with cheaper options will just have to accept the potential lack of design thought process

  • +1

    I am really enjoying this bag. It's my go to for any trip away and have found the features and fabric to be great performance for the price.

  • Any recommendations for travel bags like this one for kids? I like the concept of the bag, but ideally in a smaller size

    • IIRC they do a smaller version.

  • The reviews on this bag has been decent. It's pretty barebones but is on the better end of the barebones options.

    I won't be getting one though as if I'm one bagging a trip, I'd probably need to keep under the 7kg carry on limit which won't work with a 1.2kg bag.

    Gonna try using one of my old Kathmandu Contiga bags that I think is 28L for carry on only travel.

    • I won't be getting one though as if I'm one bagging a trip, I'd probably need to keep under the 7kg carry on limit which won't work with a 1.2kg bag.

      Different airlines have different rules.
      In general, it's 7kg, but some airlines have a 10-kg hand-luggage limit,
      and then, for some airlines…if you have 2 x 4-kg bags, they don't say anything either.

      Also, if you separate the laptops, tablets, powerbanks , … you can fit in enough summer clothes in the remaining 6+ kg :-)

      • +1

        My next carry on only flight, I'll be flying Jetstar who are definitely 7kg.

        Scoot do 10kg carry on but I'm after cheap flights to Osaka and they don't get much cheaper than Jetstar atm.

        No laptops, tablets or powerbanks… I'll have my S23U and a back up G54, and then USB-C cables plus power adapters/travel adapters so I'll definitely have 6kg+ for spring/summer clothes (assuming I can do the trip during spring, early summer). If I can deal with minimalist travel, I suspect this will be my tech setup going forward. I can do everything I need to with phones these days.

        And if I do have more than 7kg carry on, I'd consider bringing a mirrorless set up with me which will have its own bag.

        So for now, the TomToc isn't needed and not likely to be in the foreseeable future. I have an alert though set up here and at Amazon so am still keeping an eye on the bag for when I may need it.

        • If you put all your tech stuff in a separate "laptop bag",
          do you think JetStar would weigh that, or are they more interested in the main bag to be 7kg,
          but a not-to-heavy looking laptop bag, can be 'ignored' like a female person's handbag ?

          • +1

            @whyisave: My parents' last trip included the same Jetstar Brisbane to Osaka flight I plan to take and they weighed mum's handbag and main carry on. The website does state that the 7kg carry on includes both the main carry on and the small hand item:

            https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/articles/carry-on-baggage…

            Guess the bastards will try to make money when ever possible.

            Either way, I've had enough of lugging around laptops and my camera gear when traveling (bought the S23 Ultra for the camera). I've lugged a DSLR with multiple lenses up Kilimanjaro and through China and that is enough. Whilst my back is better than what it was during my 30s (thanks to a lot of pilates and core strength exercises), now that I'm in my 40s, I don't need to be carrying all that tech gear just to check my emails, do banking, message my family, do google searches, take photos, etc, etc. A phone will do the job perfectly fine for most trips.

            If I was going somewhere visually spectacular though (say the Darvaza gas crater), I'd probably make the effort to bring my mirrorless and one or two good lenses as the image quality is definitely better than my phone. But for general holiday snaps, my phone will do.

            • @Mugsy:

              they weighed mum's handbag and main carry on.

              That's disgusting.
              Though, I've seen them cart that weighing scale around the Gate area, looking for their victims.

              (bought the S23 Ultra for the camera)

              I'm in a similar situation.
              I'm trying to replace my Sony RX100M4, which is fantastic camera,
              but bulky in the trousers pocket, and taking out that camera overseas,
              instantly gives it away that I'm a tourist….whereas a smart-phone could make me more 'with the times'.
              ( I had the RX100M6 too, but kept the M4 and spare M1 as backups, haha )

              I just haven't found any smartphone which has a great sensor for night-time photos and videos.
              Mind you, I'm not a serious photographer, but value nice, clear pictures…especially at night.

              up Kilimanjaro and through China

              Props !

              Darvaza gas crater

              Good luck getting Visas to go there.
              You had to wait about a week, in the neighbouring country,
              and have a русский speaker to assist you, and that was 2020 BC times. (BC = Before C*v!d)

              You can see something of the same effect, ie. burning, but not as grand, in Azerbaijan.

              • +1

                @whyisave: Thanks for the heads up with Darvaza… back in 2012, I had originally planned to use my large quota of annual leave along with long service leave to travel the silk road after I finished my Masters. Some unfortunate circumstances with my employment lead to me being paid out that leave instead.

                Since that time, I've instead been busy working towards getting back into work I enjoy, buying a townhouse, having mum and dad move in with me when mum was going through breast cancer treatment, fixing up the townhouse (balconies were found to have major defects), dating and marrying my now wife, getting her townhouse's balconies fixed up (she had similar waterproofing defects… but luckily I had experience dealing with the QBCC and their processes from my townhouse issues), and spending 3yrs getting a house built. We're left with just the landscaping now (which wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't protected trees stopping us from building our back fence. I'm just looking forward to it all being done and then settling into a quiet life of work/mortgage payments/going on one cheap international holiday each year until the house is paid off - lol

                I've been to China twice since 2012… the last time to meet my now in laws… so long overdue for a holiday. I can tap into my long service leave now. Perhaps in a couple of years, when I feel it's safer to travel the silk road by overland, I may finally take that trip.

                The Sony RX100 line of cameras is pretty sweet indeed. Almost bought one once upon a time but I ended up with a Canon S120 that I gave away to Dad less than a month later as he was after a new camera. I prefer interchangeable lens systems anyway so I bought into the now defunct Nikon 1 system (also used a 1 inch sensor like the RX100s). I'd still be using it if my 10-100mm lens still worked. I later switched to Micro Four Thirds with a 3 lens system… after many years using DSLR, I stuck to a smaller line up of lenses I know I'd use. This would be my go to camera now for good quality shots and night photography.

                I don't think we'll see phones good for night photography any time soon… there's physical limitations to those small sensors that phone cameras have. I remember a camera lens accessory for phones some time ago… it's a big lens with a sensor that one attaches to the back of their phone and they communicate via bluetooth. I don't know what the sensor size on that thing is but it's probably the only way to get get good night photos on a phone. Not sure it provides much benefit vs using your RX100M4. Also won't drain your phone camera battery as quickly.

  • What's the cashback rate on these item? It's under the category of Computers which it's 0%?

    • +1

      By my calculation it will be around 0%.

  • +2

    I bought that bag last year after seeing good reviews about it and then travelled for 2 months in SE Asia on carry-on and I was very happy with it. Good quality for the price, good features, not on the comfy side but for the price it's definitely good. You can pack a lot more using packing cubes than what I thought first! And nothing broken after these 2 months. My partner used the Osprey Fairview 40, it's very good but much more expensive…

    • Out of curiosity, did you find it easy keeping your carry on under the 7kg limit? Or did you buy additional carry on?

      (or did you fly with say Scoot who have a higher carry on limit?)

      • It was a bit hard to pack be honest. Had to make choices and take the minimum with me. I was also wearing lot of clothes in the plane ^^. We carried another small backpack like 12l for camera, powerbank,etc… that is accepted in cabin. We travelled mostly with scoot and i'm pretty sure that the limit is 7kg carry-on for the 1st bag then another small bag allowed.
        But finally it was pretty good during the travel with only 7kg, I mean easier to move around. Only downside is that we couldn't bring many souvenirs back home.

        • Cheers for the feedback.

          My parents have done one or two Scoot carry on only trips… they offer 10kg carry on in total (unsure if it's split or if one bag was allowed).

          I'm planning a trip to Japan with Jetstar (can't say no to sub $600 return fares) so only 7kg carry on… though, I'll likely buy 20kg check in for the return trip so I can bring souvenirs/gifts home. I'll have to buy a suitcase over in Japan… but as you said, it's easier to move around which is invaluable for the first half of the trip where I just want to enjoy myself and not worry about lugging things around.

        • +3

          Only downside is that we couldn't bring many souvenirs back home.

          ProTip:
          Wear clothes that you would normally give to Vinnies,
          ie. while on your travels, you gradually discard your clothes and give them way,
          which will make way for your space in your luggage ;-D

          • @whyisave: Agree. My parents did this on the odd international trip and it's a really smart way of being able to bring back souvenirs and gifts.

            But they've stopped doing it for this year's trips. Main reason was the amount of things they wanted to bring back home… it was just easier to buy a ticket with check in for one person on the return leg.

            The following packing strategy works for check in that is based on total weight rather than a single piece of luggage. They'll bring a light small/medium sized wheeled duffel bag, and one carry on compliant soft/hard case luggage for carry on, ensuring that the size and weight meets carry on restrictions. When returning home, they'll use their foldable backpacks for carry on. The duffel will have all the clothes and anything that can be thrown around a bit. The soft/hard luggage will house anything a little more delicate. Fragile and expensive stuff will be in carry on.

            If the check in is based on a single piece of luggage, of if they know they will be checking in a lot of stuff that needs greater protection than what a duffel bag provides, then they'll buy a sufficiently sized luggage at a discount outlet at the destination country.

            I'll be doing the latter on my Japan trip… I'll be staying for 2.5-4 weeks so don't want any large luggage bogging me down (I hear there are a lot of stairs to traverse when traveling by train so only having a backpack will work best for most of my trip before I buy things to take home). I have a good idea of the type of snacks I want to bring home so will definitely need to buy a large luggage to fit it all in.

            Though, my biggest challenge will be getting a Rikuro baked cheesecake back into Australia. I have no idea if they will include a Manufacturer's declaration, Ingredient list or Food product label that has "Made in Japan" in English… and that Japan is not on the list of FMD countries at the time.

            https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ImportCondition…

            • @Mugsy: I know it probably isn't as good as the real deal, but you could fly down to Melbourne and Sydney for Uncle Tetsu's :P

              • @simplycurious: OMG! I had never heard of Uncle Tetsu's!

                Thanks for the heads up… I am currently churning the Velocity Flyer credit card so have got travel bank credit I could put towards a trip down to Melbourne. If my wife goes, I'll get her to pick one up. And I go, I'll eat one there and take two back up to Brisbane - lol

                All we have up here are the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts…

                https://hbctaus.com.au/

                • @Mugsy: I hope it doesn't dissappoint, or at least gets close to the real deal…

                  Also if you're able to find it in a Korean/Asian grocery store in Brisbane, Samlip's cheesecake hits a similar itch too without the jiggly goodness.

  • TLDR: Is this good for a 17 laptop and its power supply?

    • +1

      I suspect this is what it designed for as it is fairly large.

  • My initial impressions:
    The grey is certainly not the light grey as shown in the marketing photos and more like a speckled/brushed dark grey that gives it a tacky carbon fibre look in my opinion. I thought it would be light wooly grey fabric and suspect tomtoc wanted consistency between the grey and black colourways.

    This is both good and bad, as I wanted a lighter colour so the bag would not absorb as much heat and would have appreciated a minimalistic looking grey.. but at least the fabric appears to have a similar resistant as the black version and would be less prone to dirt/smogging with the dark grey.

    Otherwise, the bag seems more compact/compressed than I initially expected and most of the straps seem plush. My primary concern was the side handle strap to carry it in side "duffle mode", but that appears to have some inner lining to make it tad bit more comfortable than a thin strap. A little bit more comfort wouldn't have hurt, but maybe the stitching would have been more prone to failure?

    For the price, I certainly don't think it will be bad purchase in the long run but I am initially slightly underwhelmed due to the colour discrepency :(

    • +1

      Thanks for the update.

      I would have wanted that light grey colour if I was buying this bag. Guess it wasn't my time to purchase.

    • +1

      Any chance you can take a photo to show what the actual grey looks like please?

      • +1

        Here you go - this is in the afternoon daylight.

        • Thank you!

        • I actually don't mind this grey. Guess I'll see how my trip with a 28L backpack goes.

          If I do trips on Scoot in the future with 10kg carry on, the TomToc would be perfect.

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