Kickstarter Highlight: GoBag 2 Vacuum Compressible Carry-on Backpack

Crowdfunding is fast becoming the world’s go-to platform for new releases. But do you ever find it hard to cut through the noise and pin down the ones worth your hard-earned? Well, that’s where this sponsored series comes in. We’re vetting carry Kickstarters for you, digging up the facts, and shedding light on the ones we think are worth a closer look.

This week’s selection: The GoBag 2 Vacuum Compressible Carry-on Backpack.

Carry less, go further

Roaming with just a carry-on backpack offers a lot of great benefits. No need to watch the minutes ticking by as you wait to check in luggage or retrieve it from the baggage carousel. No checked fees. No need to worry about your bags going missing. And freedom. With just a carry-on backpack you’re not weighed down or restricted by your luggage. You can travel more easily, explore places you might not be able to with checked luggage in tow, take steps and staircases in your stride, and navigate through crowds more smoothly.

The GoBag 2 is designed to offer all of this – and more.

Pack the same, enjoy more space

The slight downside to carry-on bags is that with limited space you have to be fairly selective in what you pack. But the GoBag has a neat solution to help you pack everything you need, with space left over so you don’t need to forgo that souvenir you’ve been eyeing. The bag includes the Max Pack vacuum compression system, which allows you to compress soft items. The system features a rolltop bag for storing clothing, which can then be compressed with a vacuum cleaner or optional hand pump. So if you want to pack for extended travels without the carry bulk, you’re sorted.

Stay on track with on-the-go organization

When you’re traveling, you don’t want to waste time rummaging for a passport or having to unpack half your bag to reach that item at the bottom. The GoBag is packed full of handy organization and access features to make your travels as hassle-free as possible.

The pack’s top pocket is ideal for storing smaller travel essentials. It features interior organization pockets and a flat-lay section for easy, rummage-free access to your gear. The GoBag also includes a padded laptop pocket that fits up to 15″ tech. Even better, it comes with a quick-release tab so your tech’s ready in a jiffy for airport security.

Want to keep valuables secure and out of sight? A hidden pocket helps you do just that. And there’s also two side bottle pockets so you can stay easily hydrated during your travels.

But what about your liquids and toiletries? The GoBag takes care of those too, with a welded and transparent Wash Bag that keeps liquids securely inside and away from the rest of your gear in the event of accidental leaking. And for added convenience, the Wash Bag has Velcro on the back to secure it to Velcro panels in the pack for easy access at airport security.

So there’s plenty of useful pockets to keep your travel gear tidy, but how about accessing it in the main compartment? No problem thanks to the pack’s 2.5-meter YKK main zip and a choice of six different ways to open the pack. Open it fully for complete access and unpacking, or unzip either side while keeping the rest of your gear out of sight.

Built to go the distance…and then some

A travel bag is no use if it can’t stand up to use and abuse on your journeys. But the GoBag’s hard-wearing Hypalon base embraces rough terrain and smooth airport floors alike, with the rest of the exterior crafted with TPU-coated Ballistic Nylon for protection against the elements. Likewise, failing zips render a bag useless. So the GoBag opts for quality and reliability with YKK zippers. And with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, you can breathe easy knowing this bag is built tough to keep up on all your travels.

The little details that make a big difference

In addition to all the features above, the GoBag takes things a step further, to help you do the same. A variety of additional features make journeys even more enjoyable, such as side and top grab handles and stowable shoulder straps for snag-free storage in overhead bins.

Magnetic buckle compression straps add fun and functionality, while the sternum strap and removable waist belt help you carry comfortably so you can go further and do more.

Keen to make this pack your trusty travel companion for journeys near and far? Check out the GoBag Kickstarter campaign, which has already well surpassed its funding goal and runs until 15 December 2017.

Note: this is a sponsored series, but only the best candidates are given this feature placement.

Above are the facts, but there’s always a little risk when backing a crowdfunder, so keep that in mind before you decide to back/purchase.