Behind every savvy sightseer is a good backpack. Traveling without one is like canoeing without a paddle. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen the value in having a quality bag that is comfortable to wear and convenient to carry. In fact, I was that kid who didn’t mind summer break coming to an end because it meant I’d get to pick out a new backpack for school. Seriously. As an adult and avid traveler, my years-long quest for the perfect daypack recently culminated with the discovery of a foldable backpack that puts my former ones to shame: the Venture Pal 35-Liter Packable Backpack. It’s so good, it belongs in the backpack hall of fame. 

To buy: amazon.com, $26 with on-site coupon (originally $32) 

Of course, the best part about this backpack is the fact that it folds down into its own pocket. When fully compressed, it takes up about as much space as a t-shirt in a suitcase. In the past, I’ve had to dedicate a good chunk of real estate in my luggage for a bag I could use during the day. But these days? I never worry about running out of room. If I’m flying, I just slip this bag in my carry-on. Then, when I arrive at my destination, I simply unfold it, and voilà! I have a backpack for all of my day trips and exploring.

Size-wise, this 35-liter bag is like the SUV of backpacks, and that’s not even counting its super-sized 40-liter counterpart. It can easily fit a pair of tennis shoes, a jacket, a travel towel, snacks, and souvenirs for the whole family. The main compartment also has two dividers, which are great for separating things. I use them for my towel after it gets wet and for my spare shoes. This bag also has mesh pockets on the side that are perfect for a water bottle and umbrella, and smaller front zippered pockets for items like sunscreen, portable chargers, chapstick, and loose change. 

Unlike other foldable packs I’ve had, this one has substantial padding on the shoulder straps, which is an essential component if you’ll be using it as a hiking backpack or wearing it for a prolonged period of time. Even if I’m just wearing my bathing suit or a tank top, the shoulder straps are comfortable and don’t chafe or rub. They also feature a chest strap with a buckle which helps distribute weight evenly and prevents the bag from sliding. While this bag is definitely lightweight — it weighs just over half of a pound — the tear-resistant fabric it’s made of seems pretty durable. It reminds me of the fabric on my camping tent, which has survived some pretty harsh elements. And, the bottom of the bag is reinforced, so I don’t need to worry about it giving way like my Trader Joe’s paper shopping bags when I overload them.

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While this bag isn’t waterproof, it’s impressively water-resistant, and I’ve never had anything inside get wet when water splashes on the exterior of the bag. Currently, I’m in Africa with The Luxury Safari Company where I’m doing daily watersports at Santorini Mozambique. I bring this bag to the beach with me every day. Last night, I took it on a sunset cruise where I sat near the front of the boat and got soaked. Despite the outside getting wet, the contents of my bag —a towel, my smartphone, a sweater, etc. — stayed bone dry. 

I love this next review because I can totally see myself doing the same thing as this shopper’s  wife: “I bought this one and my wife bought another brand. After being around my backpack, she got rid of hers and is ordering one of these.” Chiming in to speak to the backpack’s longevity and durability, another Venture Pal fan shared,  “I bought this back in June 2018. It has been on over 30 hikes, to over five different countries, and [to] Disneyland many times. The outside still looks great, like it is new.”

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Personally, my only complaint is that there’s no padded pocket for a laptop (although it easily fits my 13-inch Macbook). But then again, if there was a padded laptop pocket, this bag wouldn’t be so lightweight and easy to pack. And the more I think about it, the more I think it’s actually a good thing. If I don’t have my laptop with me, I’m not tempted to do any work. And if I’m not tempted to do any work, I can fully immerse myself in the destination. Heck, even the downside of the Venture Pal 35-Liter Packable Backpack is an upside.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $26. 

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