Airback Backpack Review: The Ultimate Test of Vacuum-Packed Travel
With airlines increasingly charging premium fees for both carry-on and checked baggage, the simple act of bringing a change of clothes can now cost travelers nearly as much as their flight tickets. For budget-conscious flyers determined to avoid these extra charges, a Dutch startup claims to have developed the perfect solution to overpacking dilemmas.
The Innovative Travel Companion
The signature backpack from Amsterdam-based Airback features a revolutionary vacuum-sealed section specifically engineered to help travelers compress more belongings into significantly less space. This innovative travel bag combines practical compression technology with modern conveniences including a USB/C charging port, creating what the company describes as a "volume-squeezing, gadget-loaded beast" that transforms from 22 liters to 47 liters with the simple flick of a switch and the hum of an integrated pump.
Constructed from weather-resistant recycled nylon, the Airback boasts waterproof capabilities and presents a premium aesthetic with a finish resembling durable rubber. The backpack includes multiple practical features: a lockable laptop compartment, convenient water bottle holder, and even a built-in scale on the handle, though the usefulness of this latter feature for cabin baggage remains questionable.
Design and Functionality
Available in five sophisticated colors—black, navy, grey, olive green, and beige—the Airback offers numerous organizational pockets including a quick-access strip perfect for storing phones, passports, and wallets. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell layout with several specialized compartments: an odour-resistant shoe pocket, an internal zip section for chargers and documents, and the main compression chamber that serves as the bag's centerpiece.
The manufacturer claims this compression section can accommodate a full week's worth of clothing when properly vacuum-sealed using either a standard household vacuum cleaner or Airback's proprietary electric pump, available separately for £37. The backpack's current pricing stands at £291, though promotional sales occasionally reduce this to £214.
Real-World Testing Results
Travel Editor Alice Murphy conducted extensive testing across five separate Ryanair flights to evaluate the bag's performance claims. Her packing list for these trials included:
- One pair of jeans
- One chunky knit cardigan
- Three tops
- Three pairs of underwear
- Three pairs of socks
- One pair of tights
- Pair of pyjamas
- Soft running shoes
- Laptop
- Paperback book
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Journal
- Skincare bag
- Makeup bag
The vacuum compression system demonstrated genuine effectiveness, particularly when users pack only clothing items in the designated compression section. Murphy observed fabric shrinking "like a prune" during the vacuum process, though she notes that maximum compression requires keeping electronics, books, and other hard items in separate compartments.
Practical Advantages and Limitations
Despite being stuffed to capacity during testing, the Airback consistently fit into overhead bins and under-seat spaces on all five flights, with Murphy never being selected for additional baggage screening. The quick-access top pocket remained conveniently accessible throughout travel.
However, the backpack does present some notable drawbacks. The empty bag carries substantial weight, and its sizeable capacity would benefit from additional support features like a hip belt or load lifter for improved comfort during transport. The stiff nylon construction makes certain compartments challenging to open, and the absence of YKK zippers—considered an industry standard for travel bags at this price point—represents another limitation.
The built-in scale feature proved particularly underwhelming during testing. Available as a £14 optional upgrade, this component offers questionable value for travelers primarily concerned with cabin baggage restrictions.
Final Assessment
The Airback backpack successfully delivers on its core promise of maximizing packing space for travelers determined to avoid checked baggage fees. For frequent flyers who regularly pack substantial amounts but wish to avoid the hassle and expense of wheeled suitcases, this innovative bag represents a genuine solution. The integrated charging port and compression technology will particularly appeal to gadget enthusiasts.
Conversely, travelers who prioritize lightweight luggage or generally dislike backpack-style carrying options may find the Airback less suitable. The bag's substantial weight even when empty, combined with occasional cumbersome handling, represents trade-offs that potential buyers must carefully consider against the space-saving benefits.
Ultimately, the Airback stands as a specialized tool for a specific type of traveler: those willing to exchange some comfort and convenience for the ability to pack more while paying less to airlines. As baggage fees continue to rise across the industry, such innovative solutions will likely attract increasing attention from cost-conscious travelers worldwide.
