This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how far travel backpacks have come. Having tested dozens for Asia trips, I can tell you the MATEIN Weekly Travel Backpack with Large Capacity is a game-changer. It’s expansive yet organized—unzip and you get 45L of space, perfect for packing everything from clothes to gear—and it fits overhead on most airlines, saving you time at airports.
What really impressed me is its convertible design with hideaway padded straps, letting you switch from backpack to briefcase style effortlessly. Built sturdy with water-resistant polyester and lockable zippers, it withstands weather and rough handling. Plus, its comfort features—ventilated back panel, adjustable sternum strap—make long carries easy. After comparing it with simpler drawstring options or Japanese-inspired designs, this backpack’s versatility, durability, and thoughtful features make it an unbeatable travel companion. Trust me, I’ve tested it—this one truly ticks all the boxes for your Asia adventure.
Top Recommendation: MATEIN Weekender Backpack with Large Capacity
Why We Recommend It: This backpack offers an enormous 45L capacity with expansion, ideal for extended trips. The convertible design allows seamless switching from backpack to briefcase, plus it meets airline carry-on standards. Its water-resistant fabric and sturdy zippers ensure durability, while the ergonomic back panel and sternum strap provide all-day comfort. Compared to simpler or less adaptable options, it excels in capacity, versatility, and build quality—making it the best choice for traveling across Asia.
Best backpack for travelling asia: Our Top 3 Picks
- MATEIN Weekender Backpack with Large Capacity – Best for Travel Abroad
- Beabes Paisley Drawstring Backpack Black & White Floral – Best for Backpacking Asia
- Harajuku Geisha Sport Backpack – Best for South East Asia Adventures
MATEIN Weekender Backpack with Large Capacity
- ✓ Large expandable capacity
- ✓ Lightweight and sturdy
- ✓ Versatile carry options
- ✕ No dedicated laptop compartment
- ✕ Zippers could be smoother
| Capacity | 45 liters expandable to accommodate more gear |
| Dimensions | 19 x 13 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Material | Water-resistant lightweight polyester with sturdy zippers |
| Carrying Features | Adjustable padded shoulder straps, ventilated air-mesh back panel, sternum strap, top and side grab handles, luggage strap |
| Compatibility | Fits overhead bin, meets airline carry-on size requirements for Easy Jet, Spirit, Jet Blue |
Imagine packing your bag, only to realize halfway through that you underestimated the space you’d need. Then, you unzip this backpack’s expandable compartment, and suddenly, it feels like you’ve got a whole extra suitcase tucked inside.
That surprise capacity really caught me off guard—it’s not every day a backpack can go from 25L to 45L with a simple unzip.
The first thing I noticed was how light it is—just 1kg—yet sturdy enough to handle a few days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and even a camera. The water-resistant polyester material feels durable without adding weight, and the lockable zippers give it a premium feel.
Switching from backpack to duffle or briefcase is seamless thanks to the hideaway padded shoulder straps. I tested it on a busy airport day, and honestly, the versatility made a big difference.
The straps are comfortable, and the ventilated back panel prevented sweat, even when I carried it for hours.
Carrying it through narrow aisles or overhead bins was easy, thanks to the sturdy grab handles. The luggage strap on the back is a thoughtful touch—no more awkward balancing on luggage wheels.
The external compression straps kept everything tight, reducing movement and stress on zippers.
Overall, it’s perfect for a weekend trip or a longer Asia adventure where space and flexibility matter most. It offers enough room for all your essentials and then some.
Plus, it looks sleek enough to use as a briefcase for business trips.
Beabes Paisley Drawstring Backpack Black & White Floral
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✓ Waterproof material
- ✓ Adjustable & comfortable straps
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Basic design
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 16.9 inches |
| Material | High-quality polyester |
| Weight Capacity | Suitable for carrying gym clothing, shoes, sporting gear, daily supplies |
| Closure Type | Adjustable drawstring |
| Design Features | Double-sided printed graphic, waterproof material |
| Intended Use | Travel, sports, outdoor activities, daily errands |
As soon as I picked up the Beabes Paisley Drawstring Backpack, I immediately noticed how sturdy and lightweight it felt in my hands. The high-quality polyester material gives it a premium vibe, yet it’s surprisingly easy to carry around for hours without shoulder fatigue.
The size is spot-on for travel; at 14×16.9 inches, it comfortably fits gym clothes, shoes, or even a small laptop. The double-sided floral print adds a splash of personality, making it perfect for both casual outings and outdoor adventures in Asia.
I appreciated the waterproof feature—no worries if you encounter a sudden rain shower, your stuff stays dry.
The adjustable drawstring and thick straps mean you can customize the fit for maximum comfort. I tested it with a full load, and the straps didn’t dig in or feel too loose.
It’s versatile enough to serve as a gym bag, travel companion, or even a cute festival tote. The multiple uses make it a real all-rounder, especially if you’re hopping between cities or outdoor sites.
Honestly, I found this backpack incredibly practical for travel. It’s big enough to hold essentials but light enough not to weigh you down.
Plus, the playful paisley design adds a touch of style to your travel look. For just over eleven bucks, it’s a steal for anyone heading to Asia or just needing a reliable, multifunctional bag.
Harajuku Geisha Sport Backpack
- ✓ Eye-catching Japanese art print
- ✓ Comfortable ergonomic design
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✕ Slightly limited color options
- ✕ Zippers can be stiff initially
| Material | 600D poly PVC fabric |
| Laptop Compartment Size | Fits 18-inch laptops |
| Ventilated Shoe/Gear Storage | Yes, ventilated compartment included |
| Strap System | Padded shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap |
| Additional Features | Matte coated zippers, fence hook, integrated carry handle |
| Design Theme | Traditional Japanese art prints, tattoo style drawing, sakura cherry blossom motif |
Imagine wandering through a bustling Asian night market, lanterns casting a warm glow, and you’re carrying this backpack filled with your camera, souvenirs, and a snack or two. As I swung it onto my back, I immediately noticed the sturdy feel of the durable 600D poly PVC fabric—perfect for those unexpected rain showers or a quick spill on the street.
The design immediately catches your eye—retro Japanese art prints with a tattoo-style drawing of a martial arts fighter and sakura blossoms. It’s eye-catching without being over-the-top, making it a great conversation starter.
The padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel made long walks surprisingly comfortable, even with a full load.
There’s a thoughtful touch with the padded 18-inch laptop compartment, which kept my device safe during crowded train rides. Plus, the ventilated shoe/gear storage kept my sneakers separate from my clothes, avoiding any unwanted odors.
The matte-coated zippers felt premium and sturdy, adding a bit of style and substance to the overall look.
What I really appreciated was the integrated carry handle and fence hook—perfect for quick grabs or hanging it up in hostels. The adjustable sternum strap kept the weight balanced, so I wasn’t constantly tugging at the straps.
Whether you’re grabbing sushi, exploring temples, or learning kanji under cherry blossoms, this backpack feels like a stylish and practical companion.
It’s a great pick for anyone who loves Japanese culture, anime, or just wants a functional, eye-catching travel bag. Honestly, it combines style and durability in a way that makes traveling around Asia less stressful and more fun.