Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
For a swift weekend escape, a professional engagement, or a brief holiday, a standard rucksack often proves insufficient.
Fortunately, the era of cumbersome wheeled suitcases is receding.
Mous has introduced its latest Travel Backpack, touted as a ‘revolutionary substitute for rolling luggage’.
Boasting a capacity of 40-45 litres, this backpack surpasses typical daypacks, accommodating clothing and essentials for up to a fortnight.
Equipped with 25 pockets and compartments, accessing necessities like passports, keys, or hydration is considerably more convenient compared to traditional wheeled luggage.
Crucially, it adheres to the size regulations of most airlines, including budget carriers known for stringent policies.
The Mous Travel Backpack, priced at £299.99, represents a significant investment but offers enhanced practicality over conventional wheeled suitcases, positioning itself as a vital accessory for frequent travellers.
Mous Travel Backpack: A Detailed Review
Mous Travel Backpack: A ‘revolutionary substitute for rolling luggage’
Overall Assessment
The Mous Travel Backpack emerges as an ideal companion for travellers prioritizing speed and efficiency.
Despite its generous capacity, capable of holding gear for up to two weeks, it maintains surprising comfort even when fully loaded.
The abundance of pockets and specialized compartments simplifies locating essential items, while the wraparound zipper enables complete opening, similar to a suitcase, eliminating the need to rummage through contents.
Although priced at a premium of £299.99, this backpack represents a worthwhile investment for individuals seeking liberation from the constraints of unwieldy wheeled suitcases.
Detailed Examination of the Mous Travel Backpack
Size and Capacity
Compared to a standard 20L daypack, the Mous Travel Backpack, with dimensions of 550mm x 350mm x 200mm, is noticeably larger and initially feels substantial when worn.
However, its expanded size is purposeful, catering specifically to travellers requiring increased packing volume.
While Mous offers smaller backpacks, this model prioritizes packing efficiency for travel, providing extra space where it matters most.
The main compartment offers a 40-litre capacity, expandable to 45 litres, providing significant room for clothing, footwear, and toiletries.
The Mous Travel Backpack is noticeably larger than standard backpacks, providing ample packing space
The separation of the main compartment from the technology section is a notable advantage, safeguarding electronic devices from potential spills from toiletries.
Furthermore, the backpack conforms to cabin baggage regulations for most airlines, fitting comfortably in overhead compartments, similar to compact wheeled suitcases.
Comfort and Portability
When fully packed, the Travel Backpack can become quite heavy.
However, its design prioritizes user comfort, even under maximum load.
Features such as the padded back panel, sternum strap, and load-lifter straps distribute weight effectively, minimizing strain on the shoulders.
Side and top access points facilitate quick retrieval of items, ideal for airport security.
The inclusion of storable straps adds versatility, allowing the bag to be carried as a duffel, convenient for short distances.
Design and Features
The design of this backpack is a standout feature.
The wraparound zipper enables a full clamshell opening, simplifying packing and organization, unlike typical top-loading backpacks.
For quick access while travelling, convenient side and top entry points are incorporated, streamlining retrieval of items during airport security checks.
The backpack boasts an impressive 25 pockets and compartments, providing dedicated storage for items like keys, tissues, and headphones.
These include a water bottle pocket, secure internal pockets, and a concealed pocket for valuables, ensuring items are readily accessible when needed.
25 pockets and compartments provide dedicated storage for various items.
Optional Accessories
Beyond its numerous integrated compartments, Mous offers modular accessories for the Travel Backpack.
These include a Document Pouch, Tech Pouch, and Toiletry Pouch, though the backpack’s inherent storage capacity may render these redundant for some users.
However, the Compression Wardrobe accessory stands out as potentially highly beneficial, especially for festival-goers.
The ability to organize clothing within a portable wardrobe that can be hung in confined spaces like tents offers significant convenience.
Pricing and Value
The Mous Travel Backpack is positioned at a premium price point, particularly when considering optional accessories.
The Compression Wardrobe accessory enhances organization, ideal for events like festivals.
The backpack retails for £299.99, with accessories ranging from £34.99 for the Document Pouch to £64.99 for the Compression Wardrobe.
Purchasing the backpack with all available accessories would amount to £499.95.
Comparatively, similarly sized softside suitcases from brands like Samsonite are priced between £139 and £339.
However, the Mous Travel Backpack distinguishes itself through its versatility, offering superior practicality for dynamic travel scenarios where mobility and accessibility are paramount compared to traditional wheeled luggage.