Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack Review

In this test report, we take a closer look at the Expandable Travel Backpack from Almond Oak. How does the backpack perform and is it worth buying?

Background on the Almond Oak Brand

Before we focus on the backpack itself, a brief look at the brand behind it is worthwhile.

Almond Oak is a relatively young brand that has set itself the goal of developing well-thought-out and functional travel equipment. The focus is on a minimalist design that integrates seamlessly into urban spaces but is also built to withstand the rigors of travel.

Almond Oak was founded by Dylan, who wanted more products that focus on traveling with just one bag. The philosophy is to create products that are not overloaded with countless, often unnecessary features, but concentrate on the essentials and make the user’s life easier.

Material, Size, and Workmanship

The first impression of the Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack is characterized by its simple exterior. It uses 280D Nylon with a PU coating. Inside, 100D Nylon is used.

The material used feels pleasant and has a matte surface that is resistant to light dirt. If the backpack does get dirty, the surface can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

A crucial factor for hand luggage is weight. The backpack scores points here, as it weighs only around 800 grams without contents. It is clearly evident that the backpack was developed by someone who travels a lot themselves and is aware of strict weight restrictions, especially from low-cost airlines. Every gram saved counts and can make the difference between being charged extra for your luggage or not.

The dimensions of the backpack are designed to comply with the standard hand luggage regulations of most airlines. The volume is specified as 25 liters.

A special feature is its expandability. Through a surrounding zipper, the volume of the main compartment can be increased by another 5 liters. This flexibility is invaluable when traveling. You can start the day with a slim backpack and have enough space for souvenirs or additional clothing if needed.

One consideration would be whether the material could be slightly thicker and more robust in some areas, especially at the bottom. On trips, a backpack is not always handled with velvet gloves. It is placed on the floor, shoved into overhead compartments, and exposed to various surfaces. Reinforcing the bottom could further increase durability without significantly increasing the overall weight.

It is positive to note that the backpack can be folded very flat when not in use. This makes it easy to store in a larger suitcase if needed, without taking up much space.

Features and Compartments

The Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack follows a clear and well-thought-out approach here. The main compartment can be fully opened like a suitcase. This “Clamshell” design allows quick and uncomplicated access to all contents.

No more rummaging through the entire backpack to get to an item at the very bottom – a situation anyone who has gone through airport security knows all too well.

There is no division inside the main compartment. This gives you the freedom to place your belongings as you wish or to use additional packing cubes. On the opening side, there is a large mesh compartment, ideal for clothing, such as a jacket.

A separate, padded laptop compartment at the back is another important feature. It not only provides protection for the computer but also allows quick access. You don’t have to fumble for the laptop in the packed main compartment.

This compartment also accommodates documents such as booking confirmations, a notebook, or magazines. Quick access to travel documents, for example, at border control or hotel check-in, is extremely practical.

The laptop compartment also includes a divider for a tablet or similar. Additionally, there is a mesh pocket above for cables, chargers, or similar items.

On the front of the backpack, there is another compartment that extends over the entire height and opens on the side. Inside, there is another large closable compartment, which is further subdivided.

I’m a bit torn about the side compartment. On the one hand, its side placement is practical when carrying the backpack and bringing it forward. However, if the backpack is next to you or in front of you under the seat on the plane, it’s difficult to access.

The other point for me is that the compartment has to compete for space with the contents of the main compartment to some extent. Although the outer compartment has some play forward, if the main compartment is really full, it naturally presses against it.

What I personally miss is a “Quick Access” compartment on the top of the backpack. Such a compartment would be ideal for items that need quick access, such as sunglasses, Bluetooth headphones, or a charging cable. Such a compartment naturally comes with other drawbacks.

A type of “Quick Access” compartment can be found on the side. It can hold a passport or notebook, for example. A very small camera can also be stored there.

On the opposite side, there is a slip pocket for a water bottle. You can also place a small tripod or umbrella there.

The zippers are a special highlight of the Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack. They run surprisingly smoothly even when the backpack is fully packed and convey a sense of reliability. You know the problem with cheaper backpacks where zippers snag or are difficult to close. Here, they glide as smoothly as butter on a warm summer day.

Due to the type of zippers, the backpack is not completely waterproof. In case of rain, it is recommended to use a separate rain cover. This can conveniently be stored in the front compartment and is quickly accessible if needed.

Since you usually don’t need constant access to the backpack’s contents while traveling, the associated minor inconvenience is acceptable. A rain cover is also useful if you transport the backpack in a car trunk, for example, to prevent the straps from getting tangled.

Speaking of straps, the Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack is comfortable to wear. The adjustable straps are sufficiently padded. Additionally, there is a chest strap. This can be easily adjusted up and down in height. It closes with a simple magnetic clasp. The chest strap can also be removed if desired.

The back panel has some padding, but it is rather firm. On the back panel, there is a strap to attach the backpack to a suitcase.

The top handle is easy to grip and feels sufficiently comfortable, even if you have to carry the backpack for a longer period.

The two side grab handles are practical if you want to carry the backpack over a longer distance. They could possibly lie a bit closer to the backpack to avoid snagging and also for the look. A single grab handle might have been sufficient here as well.

The lack of compression straps contributes to the clean and minimalist design. Whether you need these straps depends heavily on individual usage.

Additional small details could further enhance the backpack. A small eyelet on the back would be practical for hanging the backpack on a hook, for example, in public restrooms where you prefer not to place it on the floor.

Attachment points for carabiners on the outside would also be a useful addition. You could attach shoes or wet clothing to them, for instance, that you don’t want to store inside.

A hidden compartment for an AirTag would be a modern addition to locate the backpack in case of loss. I personally didn’t miss a key leash, but for some users, this might be a useful feature.

At the destination, the backpack proves to be a versatile companion. For a day at the beach, it offers enough space for towels, beach essentials, and snacks. At the end of the day, as mentioned, it can be easily cleaned.

In my opinion, it is only conditionally suitable as a backpack for everyday use. It lacks some more organizational compartments for me. Depending on the use case, it can also be advantageous in everyday life, for example, as a gym bag.

However, some caution is advised with the zippers. The zippers, as mentioned, are very smooth-running, and there is no stop. So, you can easily open the main compartment more than intended, especially if someone else doesn’t think about it and pulls too far.

In Practice

While I can well imagine that some people can travel with the Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack for longer periods, for me it is more of a backpack for a weekend trip or in addition to a suitcase.

I would always pack my photo equipment in a separate bag or a camera insert. An insert measuring 14 x 26 x 15 cm fits well, for example. Add a change of clothes and a few essentials, and you’re ready for a weekend trip.

Packing cube, camera bag, small bag, and a jacket in the mesh compartment

Packing cube, camera bag insert, small bag, and a jacket in the mesh compartment

Conclusion

Let’s return to the initial question: Is the Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack worth buying? Yes, with a few minor limitations.

It is a solid and well-thought-out travel backpack that particularly impresses with its fair price-performance ratio. It can serve as standalone luggage for short trips or be used in combination with a larger suitcase for longer journeys.

For me as a traveler, the decisive features are the full opening of the main compartment in the “Clamshell” design and the separate laptop compartment. These two functions greatly simplify packing and accessing contents and are invaluable at airports.

What I personally miss is an easily accessible “Quick Access” compartment on the top for small items. The side-opening outer compartment is a viable alternative, but I would find another solution more practical.

The Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack is a successful product that shows that thought has gone into it. It is a reliable companion for anyone who values minimalist design, thoughtful features, and a good price-performance ratio.

It will be interesting to see if there will be a revised version in the future that perhaps incorporates one or another suggestion and further optimizes the backpack.

Buy Almond Oak Expandable Travel Backpack

The backpack can be purchased from Almond Oak’s online shop. The price is currently around 115 Euros.

One unit was kindly provided by Almond Oak for this test report.

Comparison Between Empty and Full State

Another comparison of the backpack when it is completely empty, when it is filled, and when it is expanded.