We tried the viral Amazon travel backpack — and it lives up to the hype

CNN

a day ago

If you're anything like me, having a reliable travel bag is an absolute travel essential, which is why the viral Coowoz travel backpack immediately caught my attention. Whenever possible, I aim to pack everything into a single backpack. Even when that's not feasible, I always carry a versatile bag for easy in-flight access to my essentials.
After years of traveling and testing countless products, I've honed in on what makes a great travel companion: durability, organization and comfort. Finding something that nails all three without breaking the bank isn't always easy, so when I spotted the Coowoz bag for around $30, I knew I had to try it.
This viral sensation has earned its status as an Amazon bestseller, largely thanks to TikTok fans who've dubbed it 'the best travel bag.' With over 17,000 glowing reviews, it's clear this bag has captured the attention — and approval — of many travelers.
I picked up my Coowoz backpack in April 2023 and have been using it regularly ever since. Here's my honest review of what stands out, where it could improve and how it compares to other options on the market.
Coowoz Large Travel Backpack
The Coowoz travel backpack went viral and lived up to the hype in our testing. With impressive capacity and many pockets to organize your laptop, clothes and belongings, it's an excellent value for around $30. Perfect for both travel and everyday use, this backpack delivers on both function and affordability. It's a great size for many uses
Overall, the Coowoz backpack is a great choice, especially considering the price. Whether you're flying a low-cost carrier or you simply need a new personal item, this bag is the perfect under-the-seat bag. It measures 12.6 inches by 16.53 inches by 7.87 inches; most carriers require personal items to be under 14 inches by 18 inches by 8 inches.
Even when packed, the Coowoz backpack is a great size for carrying around during a full day of traversing airport terminals or exploring a new city.
When it's empty, the backpack weighs in at 2.2 pounds, and when I fully packed it with clothes and other essentials on a recent trip, it reached 19 pounds. What's remarkable is how much the small bag can accommodate: four days' worth of clothes, shoes, toiletries, a book, two laptops and a water bottle, among other, smaller items.
If you're going on a quick weekend getaway, this backpack can take the role of a weekender bag, thanks to how much you can fit. Even if you're using it with a larger bag — whether it's a weekender, carry-on bag or checked bag — it can fit all your favorite travel gear so it's close by during your travels.
There are plenty of organizational compartments
Size aside, the Coowoz backpack is packed with organizational compartments and features that make it stand out. While the variety is great, keeping track of what's in each pocket can be a bit challenging.
Here's what you can expect.
1 large compartment that features a zippable tablet pocket, mesh pocket and two additional storage sleeves
1 USB charging port
1 padded laptop sleeve
1 waterproof compartment
1 shoe compartment
1 theft-proof zipper compartment
2 smaller front pockets
1 expandable water bottle sleeve
In short, there are plenty of pockets and nooks for storing smaller items. One of the most useful — and well-hidden — features is the anti-theft zipper pouch on the back of the backpack. It's the perfect spot to stash your passport, wallet or phone while on the go, as it's virtually impossible for pickpockets to access it while you're wearing the bag.
I was particularly impressed with the amount of space in the Coowoz backpack. The laptop sleeve is advertised as fitting a 15-inch laptop, but in my experience, I was able to fit both a 15-inch and a 13-inch laptop with room to spare. The sleeve also offers plenty of padding, which reassured me that my devices would be well-protected. This is a major improvement over my previous Béis backpack, where the lack of padding caused my laptop to hit the ground more than once.
What really sets the Coowoz backpack apart is the separation and organization. In many other backpacks, the laptop sleeve is located inside the main compartment, which can be frustrating, especially when your bag is packed to the brim and you need to pull your laptop in and out. With the Coowoz backpack, your gear has its own dedicated space. And speaking of tech gear, there's a built-in USB charging port on the side of the bag so you can keep your devices charged up even while you're on the go — though you'll need your own portable charger.
It's got a game-changing packing style
My favorite feature of the Coowoz backpack is its clamshell-style packing system. In other words, the large main compartment unzips like a suitcase for easier packing and more organized travel days — no more digging around trying to find things at the bottom of your bag. This has become a must-have feature for me, and trust me when I say it's a game changer.
Depending on what kind of packer you are, you can easily fit a long weekend's worth of spring or summer clothes — I was able to fit enough for a four-day trip. Thanks to the clamshell-style packing system, you're able to utilize packing cubes, allowing you to keep your clothes more organized.
Additionally, the exterior compression straps allow you to pack down your backpack so it'll fit under most airplane seats. Once you're done packing, pull the clips tight to compress the main compartment down.
It's durable
I've been using the Coowoz backpack for over a year and a half, and I'm happy to report that it has held up exceptionally well. Coowoz claims the backpack is made from waterproof and durable polyester, and I can confidently confirm that it has withstood some major Charleston storms and a few beach trips, keeping my belongings dry inside. This makes it a great choice for touring a new city, especially if you find yourself caught in a downpour.
One feature worth highlighting is the dedicated waterproof sleeve in the backpack. It's perfect for storing wet bathing suits, toiletries or even snacks you want to keep separate from your other items. This has been especially useful living in Charleston, where I often have a dry set of clothes on hand after a beach day.
As for the shell, I did a test early on by scraping scissors across it, and while there were faint marks left, the backpack has since shown no visible wear and tear despite extensive travel. It's a durable option that still looks great after all this time.
It's extremely comfortable
When it comes to comfort, I found the Coowoz backpack to be very ergonomic. Both the back and straps are sufficiently padded, and you can easily adjust the strap length to your preference. Even when fully packed, this backpack sat nicely and the weight was evenly distributed and didn't hurt my shoulders or back.
While there is no waist belt to distribute the backpack's weight, there is a chest belt that helps to make carrying heavier loads easier on your frame.
I loved that not only was the backpack built with a traveler's many storage needs in mind, but the company didn't sacrifice comfort to get there either. Ultimately, it's this combination that makes the Coowoz backpack largely a winner.
The water bottle sleeves could be bigger
For only $30, there's not much to dislike about the Coowoz Large Travel Backpack. If I had to be really picky, I wish the water bottle sleeve expanded a bit more. While Coowoz claims it's an expandable water sleeve, I found that the side pocket didn't offer enough expansion. I was able to easily slide in my 18-ounce Yeti Rambler; however, my 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask didn't quite make the cut, which might be an issue if you're looking to carry larger water bottles.
Some small design flaws
I found the compression straps and buckles a bit cumbersome for everyday use, but they proved to be quite handy when packing for a trip with a full backpack. The built-in trolley sleeve was initially too tight when the bag was packed, making it difficult to slide over my suitcase handle. However, it loosened slightly over time and continued to function well, making it a solid feature for carry-on luggage.
20
7
4, plus option to customize
12.6 inches x 16.53 inches x 7.87 inches
13 inches x 19 inches x 5.5 inches
19 inches x 12 inches x 9 inches
4 main compartments: 1 large compartment, 1 laptop sleeve, 1 waterproof sleeve, 1 anti-theft hidden pocket, 1 shoe compartment, 1 expandable water bottle sleeve
3 main compartments: 1 large compartment, 1 laptop sleeve, 1 front pocket, 2 water bottle sleeves
5 main compartments: 1 large compartment, 1 laptop sleeve, 1 medium compartment, 1 mesh storage sleeve, 1 large front pocket If you're in the market for a versatile, carry-on-size backpack, the viral Coowoz backpack from Amazon certainly lives up to the hype. It's perfect for travelers who value organization, with plenty of compartments to keep your small items separated, yet easily accessible, whether you're navigating the airport or exploring a new city.
At around $30, this bag is a steal. Not only is it ideal for travel, but it also doubles as a practical everyday bag, perfect for commuting to the office or running errands around town. While there are a few minor design quirks, its overall functionality and flexibility make it a standout choice, especially at a price point that won't break the bank.
Can a travel backpack be a carry-on?
Can a travel backpack be a carry-on?
Yes, many travel backpacks, including the Coowoz backpack, are designed to meet standard carry-on size requirements for most airlines, making them a convenient option for air travel.
Is the Coowoz backpack waterproof?
Is the Coowoz backpack waterproof?
Yes, the Coowoz backpack is made from waterproof polyester material, protecting your belongings during rain or wet conditions.
What are the security features of the Coowoz backpack?
What are the security features of the Coowoz backpack?
The Coowoz backpack includes a theft-proof zipper compartment located on the back of the bag, providing a secure space for valuables like your wallet, phone and passport.
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