Being a travel blogger, I can work just about anywhere and so I always take my laptop on my travels. So when Tortuga asked me to test their Tortuga Setout daypack, I was curious.
I usually bring one or two types of backpacks on my trips: I always have a larger laptop backpack to use as a carry-on and sometimes I also bring a smaller one as a daypack. I took the Tortuga backpack to serve both as my carry-on and as my daypack for my 7-day road trip around western Latvia, and I also brought it as a carry-on bag on my month-long trip to Hong Kong and Australia.
How I like it? You can read that in this Tortuga Setout review.
Contents
Tortuga backpacks: a Tortuga Setout review
The Tortuga Setout Daypack is listed on many sites to be one of the best backpacks/daypacks for those who travel with a laptop, such as myself. That Tortuga backpacks are known to be of high-quality definitely has something to do with that but it also has to do with the fact that the Tortuga daypack is designed to be used both as a laptop daypack and a laptop carryon. Most airlines have a maximum carryon size limit of 22” x 14” x 9”. At 18.5” x 12” x 6.75”, the Tortuga Setout backpack fits both in the overhead compartment and underneath the chair in front of you.Technical specifications and features
Dimensions: 18.5 in x 12 in x 6.75 in / 47 x 30.5 x 17.1 cm
Volume: 25L
Weight:2.8 lbs / 1.2 kg
Laptop size:
The Tortuga Setout says it will fit a laptop of up to 15 inches, but it has to be a sleek laptop. My 14-inch HP Elitebook fits perfectly, but my old 15-inch Vaio was too big to fit comfortably and close the little lid that goes over the compartment. I can, however, put it in the space in front of the tablet compartment.
Tablet size:
This backpack will also fit a tablet of up to 9.7”, which means it will fit an iPad and most tablet readers, as well as Android tablets.
Zippers: YKK
Other notable materials: Polyester, Durable Water Repellent Coating, Duraflex
Warranty information: https://packha.kr/ll59
Official price: 125 USD / 111 EUR
Lots of compartment and organizing options
Do you love pockets and compartments? The Tortuga Setout will not disappoint. There are lots of different organizing options for me to use, including mesh zippered pockets, credit card pockets, a stretchy black pocket for a small hard drive or battery stick, a zippered quick grab pocket near the top of the backpack, a carabiner for keys, and the normal pen/pencil/stylus pockets.
The daypack unzips completely flat, which allows you to easily pack it tightly and completely with packing cubes to organize your clothing and other items.
Laptop compartment
The laptop compartment will hold up to some 15-inch laptops (a sleeker model) securely in its padded compartment. It is padded on all sides to not only protect your laptop but also give the compartment some added structure. It is made to ensure that your laptop will not come into contact with the ground, as the padding will raise it about 1-inch from the bottom of the pack.
The entire backpack and laptop sleeve of the Tortuga Setout daypack are made of water-resistant nylon to keep your belongings safe and dry. The laptop compartment is located on the back of the laptop next to your back to protect your electronics completely while you are carrying it.
Tablet compartment
You can find the tablet compartment next to the laptop compartment. It is padded and fits a maximum 9.7”-size tablet. The laptop and tablet sleeves can be closed with the same velcro strap.
Main compartment
One of the best parts of the Tortuga Setout Daypack is that it opens much like a clamshell. Oftentimes, backpacks are top loaders, which means what you want normally falls to the bottom where you can’t find it. This one, however, zips entirely open like you would open a book, which allows you to see everything in it and pack it very efficiently.
Packing cubes work great in it.
The lining is made of polyester ripstop nylon and is a bright color to allow you to see what you need much easier than if it had a darker lining.
Other compartments
A water bottle compartment is on the right side and it zips closed if you want to use it for storage of something else.
A front zippered pocket allows you to stow away your gum, earbuds, or other little items you may need on a flight and the front horseshoe compartment zips down for easy access to other little organizing nooks, including spaces for pens, passports, credit cards, and more.
Lockable zippers
All three major compartments have lockable zippers that allow you to protect your belongings, whether you are using it as a carry-on or checked luggage. The locks are not included which I think is a bit silly. Yes, you can buy them separately, but why would you need to do that?
What is included, is that you can “open up” one of the shoulder straps to attach the backpack to a chair or table so nobody can snatch it away while you’re having a coffee or a meal. This is a great feature yet oddly enough, it’s not even emphasized on the official product page.
It would have been even better if this security hook was lockable, as is the case with the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450.
Zippered bottle holder and side handle
The zippered water bottle holder is on the right side of the pack and it fits my 1-liter water bottle perfectly, but it could also be used for umbrellas, tripods, or the like. Unfortunately for me, however, the bottle holder compartment is on the wrong side.
Aside from that, I also would have preferred a second bottle holder on the left side instead of the side handle that’s now there, as I don’t really have much use for it. After all, the backpack also has a top handle.
Adjustable and hideable memory foam straps
The shoulder straps of this Tortuga carry-on backpack are padded with memory foam and are fully adjustable to allow you to get it snug on your back. I wasn’t too sure about them in the beginning as they were rather stiff and even hurt a bit. After having taken the bag with me on a long trip, however, the straps have softened and did indeed take the shape of my shoulders.
The size of this backpack makes it comfortable to carry around and I can wear it really high on my back, which is something I like to do to prevent back pain.
Chest strap
If you are carrying a lot of weight in your Tortuga Setout, you will want to take advantage of the sternum (chest) strap. This strap fits snugly across your chest to help balance out the weight for your comfort.
Fully openable main compartment
One of the best parts of this backpack is the clamshell main compartment. It unzips on three sizes to allow you to completely pull back the top and pack it snugly and efficiently. This compartment will fit at least one complete change of clothes, which is ideal for a carry-on, and if you are a great packer, can hold even more.
Roller suitcase slide-on handle
Do you use a rolling suitcase? This backpack has a handle that will allow you to slide it over the handle on your suitcase, ensuring that you can roll it on top. This saves your back from the airport walk to and from your car and to and from your accommodations.
Who is the Tortuga Setout daypack for?
The Tortuga Setout daypack is a great travel daypack for those who tend to travel with their laptop and a bunch of other electronics. It’s great for people who need a bag that helps them organize their stuff but still want a big main compartment to pack some extra clothes, or – in my case – snacks.
It’s classic yet stylish look and neutral color makes it a good fit for both man and women, as does its size and its adjustable shoulder straps.
If you need a carry-on backpack that you can also use in an urban environment, this is a great option. What it’s not for, however, is hiking and outdoor exploration.
You can take it on short hikes and trips to the beach – I did in Latvia – but that’s not what it’s made for. While you can put all of your belongings in there, the many compartments will be redundant and to go hiking, you’ll probably want something lighter, possibly with a space for a water bag or a breathable mesh back.
Then again, that’s just fine as the Setout is made for urban travel.
Where to buy?
You can buy the Setout directly from the Tortuga website.
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this Tortuga Setout backpack review. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about it.
PIN FOR LATER
I received a Tortuga backpack for review purposes.
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