Whether it’s a weekend break, a business trip, or a short getaway, there are often times when your standard backpack just won’t suffice.
But the days of lugging a wheeled suitcase around with you are finally a thing of the past.
Mous has launched a new Travel Backpack, which it describes as a ‘game-changing alternative to rolling luggage.’
At 40-45 litres, the backpack is much bigger than most standard backpacks, with room for up to two weeks’ worth of gear.
And with 25 pockets and compartments, it’s much easier to fish your passport, keys, or water bottle out than it would be from a wheeled suitcase.
Best of all, it’s compliant with the majority of airlines – including the notoriously strict Ryanair.
Mous kindly sent MailOnline’s Science and Technology Editor, Shivali Best, the backpack to test this week.
At £299.99, Mous’ Travel Backpack isn’t cheap, but it’s much more practical than my usual wheeled suitcase – and is set to become a staple item for my future travels.
Mous Travel Backpack
Mous has launched a new Travel Backpack, which it describes as a ‘game-changing alternative to rolling luggage’
Our verdict
The Mous Travel Backpack is the ultimate bag for fast-paced travellers.
While large enough to fit up to two weeks’ worth of gear, it remains surprisingly comfortable, even when packed to the brim.
The plethora of pockets and compartments makes finding important items a breeze, while the wraparound zip allows you to open it up like a clamshell, rather than having to dig through for your belongings.
While the bag comes with a rather hefty £299.99 price tag, it’s a fantastic investment piece if you’re someone who is fed up of the constraints of your clunky wheeled suitcase.
Why trust us
Shivali Best is the Science & Technology Editor at MailOnline and has been testing products and writing reviews for nine years. She completed a Master’s degree in Science Journalism at City University London in 2014 and previously worked at The Mirror as Deputy Science & Technology Editor.
At 40-45 litres, the backpack is much bigger than most standard backpacks, with room for up to two weeks’ worth of gear
Mous Travel Backpack review
Size
My day-to-day backpack is Stubble & Co’s 20L Roll Top, which measures 470mm x 320mm x 140mm.
So when I first put on the Mous Travel Backpack, it was a bit of a shock to the system.
Measuring 550mmx 350mm x 200mm, the Mous Travel Backpack is noticeably larger than standard backpacks, and feels pretty hefty on your back.
However, that’s exactly what this bag is designed for.
While Mous offers a range of smaller backpacks, this one is specifically aimed at travellers – and the extra inches offer valuable packing space.
The main body of the suitcase has a whopping 40 litre capacity, which increases to 45 litres when the bag is fully extended.
Measuring 550mmx 350mm x 200mm, the Mous Travel Backpack is noticeably larger than standard backpacks, and feels pretty hefty on your back
This provided ample space for my multiple bulky jumpers, shoes, and clothes, as well as my toiletry bag, which isn’t exactly dainty.
I really like that this main section is sealed off from the tech compartment, allowing me to rest assured that any leaks from pesky toiletries wouldn’t risk reaching my laptop.
Best of all, the backpack is complaint with most airline guidelines for cabin baggage.
While it probably won’t fit under your seat as a personal item, you could easily pop it into the overhead locker, just as you would with a small wheeled suitcase.
Comfort
Once you’ve filled it up with everything you need for your travels, the Travel Backpack can get pretty weighty.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfy the backpack is to wear, even when packed full.
The back of the bag is nicely padded, while the sternum strap and load-lifter straps offer additional support, so your shoulders aren’t taking the entire load.
On the go, you’ve got the option for quick side and top access – perfect for grabbing things out as you go through airport security.
I also really like that you also have the option to stow the straps and carry the bag like a duffel, which is really handy if you’re only carrying it a small distance.
Design
Where this bag really comes into its own is with the design.
While I was packing, the wraparound zip allowed me to open the entire bag up like a clamshell – much like you would with a suitcase.
This made for very easy packing, rather than having to stuff things in from the top, as you do with most other backpacks.
However, on the go, you’ve also got the option for quick side and top access – perfect for grabbing things out as you go through airport security.
As someone who loves having a dedicated spot for things like my keys, tissues, and headphones, I was also delighted to discover a whopping 25 pockets and compartments scattered around the bag.
There’s a handy water bottle pocket, secure inner pockets, and even a pocket hidden behind the straps, meaning you’re never left digging for items when you need them.
As someone who loves having a dedicated spot for things like my keys, tissues, and headphones, I was also delighted to discover a whopping 25 pockets and compartments scattered around the bag
Accessories
As if the 25 pockets and compartments weren’t enough, Mous also offers a range of modular accessories to go with the Travel Backpack.
Users can opt to add a Document Pouch, a Tech Pouch, or a Toiletry Pouch, although I personally don’t think these are necessary, given the amount of storage you’ve already got in the bag itself.
The one accessory I could really see myself using, however, is the Compression Wardrobe – which would be a game-changer at festivals.
In a cramped tent I hate nothing more than living out of my backpack, fishing around for wet wipes and clean socks.
Having the option to pack a temporary wardrobe and hang it up in my tent would definitely help me to function more easily!
Price
The Mous Travel Backpack isn’t cheap – especially if you decide to splash out on the accessories.
The one accessory I could really see myself using is the Compression Wardrobe – which would be a game-changer at festivals.
The backpack alone is £299.99, while the Document Pouch is £34.99, the Compression Wardrobe is £64.99, the Tech Pouch is £44.99, and the Toiletry Pouch is £54.99.
So, if you do want to get the backpack and all its add-ons, you’re looking at a total bill of £499.95.
For comparison, Samsonite’s softside suitcases of a similar size range in price from around £139 to £339.
The big difference between a wheeled suitcase and Mous’ Travel Backpack, however, is versatility.
While wheeled suitcases undeniably serve a purpose for many trips, the backpack is much more practical for fast-paced travels where you’re constantly on the go and need to be able to cart your stuff around with you.
