Review: Gonex 35L packable backpack
Traveling with only carry on luggage is a fantastic experience. For example, it drastically reduces waiting time before and after a flight.
But one thing I learned was that my carry-on compliant backpack I use to travel was simply too big to use it as a daypack on site.
So, I needed a smaller daypack. That's when I discovered packable backpacks.
Those backpacks typically come with a capacity of 20-35L and can be folded very small, and thus, you can easily store them inside your big backpack for use as a daypack on site.
I know that it may somehow sounds strange to bring a smaller backpack inside a big backpack, but hey, it works and makes exploring cities so much more convenient than using a big backpack.
I tried a few different brands and models before I found the perfect foldable backpack that I could use as a daypack during a trip. And that is the Gonex 35L packable backpack.
Before we go into a detailed review, here are my requirements for a packable backpack:
- Must fold "in itself." I tried several models that would fold into an extra bag; but this extra bag is something you can lose and it's inconvenient to handle.
- Must have at least one mesh pocket on the outside for a bottle of water
- It has to have adjustable straps
- A volume of 30-35L
Material of the Gonex packable backpack
The tear-resistant and water-repellant nylon fabric makes this bag is a perfect lightweight packable backpack for traveling.
One thing I like to stress here is that this bag is water-repellant and not water-resistant. So, a few splashes of water in a mild rain won't do any harm. But from my own experience, I wouldn't walk in a cloudburst for hours with that backpack.
During my trip to Estonia, heavy rain took my by surprise in Tallinn while I photographed the abandoned music hall at the seaside.
The hotel was 20 minutes from where I was. As there was no sign that the weather would get better, I finally walked back to the hotel in the rain. Once I returned to the hotel, I checked the contents of the Gonex backpack. The stuff inside was a bit wettish.
The Gonex packable backpack can be folded into its own front pocket
I tested a few packable backpacks that I could fold into an extra bag that came with them. I've to admit, I didn't like that at all. It's one more thing to carry, to take care of, and one more thing you can lose.
Gonex solved this cleverly for their packable backpack. To pack it, fold it into its own outside pocket.
Gonex packable Backpack packs into itself
How to fold the Gonex packable backpack
Packed, the Gonex backpack is roughly an inch larger than a current Amazon Kindle and probably 1.5 inches thick and here's how to fold the Gonex packable backpack:
Open the front pocket first. This is where you'll store the backpack.
Then, turn it around and fold the sides towards the center. Make sure all of the belts are inside.
Now fold it three times towards the bottom.
Turn it around by pulling the flap of the external pocket over the folded part. Now close the zippers.
Two Mesh Pockets
The packable backpack from Gonex not only has one outside mesh pocket, but two. Bonus points for that.
Moreover, the mesh pockets are conveniently located at the side of the backpack so you can easily reach them and grab the bottle of water - or whatever you like to drink.
Further, the mesh pockets are quite big. They can hold a 0.4-gallon bottle without problems.
I even sometimes use one of the mesh pockets to carry my tripod. The bag comes with two straps on each side that are located right above the mesh pockets. So you can use these to attach and carry a tripod to the backpack securely.
Adjustable, slightly padded, straps
Some packable backpacks I tested at had rather thin and unpadded shoulder straps. During a long day shooting, these may become quite inconvenient.
The Gonex packable backpack has broad shoulder straps that are even slightly padded. Even with the backpack fully packed, including water bottles, it's still comfortable to carry for an entire day.
A really cool feature is the two rings at the shoulder straps. I haven't seen anything similar on other foldable backpacks. I use them really often to attach things like additional water when it's hot, and even gear like the tripod, when it's folded.
Mounting Rings and sternum strap on the Gonex packable Backpack
Finally, you get a sternum belt and even an emergency whistle that's built into one of the clips. But I wouldn't rely on that too much in case of an emergency. I believe that even a squirrel makes more noise than this whistle.
Two Side straps
The Gonex packable backpack also has two side straps that you can use in several ways:
- As tension belts
- To hold a larger bottle of water in the mesh pockets
- Or even to carry your tripod as I've outlined above.
Sidestraps on the Gonex packable Backpack can be used in a variety of ways
Gonex claims, that the packable backpack has a Volume of 35L
Personally, I believe that the 35L capacity is a bit exaggerated. My Osprey Farpoint 40 has a capacity of 40L, and that's way too big for a daypack. Nevertheless, the size of the Gonex packable backpack is perfect for use as a daypack. Here's what I can fit easily into the main compartment:
- My Travel Tripod (either inside or in the mesh pockets)
- A windbreaker jacket
- iPad (carry electronics only in a padded sleeve as the backpack is not padded at all)
- My Anker 26800 power bank
- Cables for charging
- Lots of snacks for the day
Plus, this bag has several additional pockets that you can use to carry and organise smaller stuff:
- A medium-sized pocket outside. This is also the pocket the backpack folds into.
- A small pocket at the top of the flap (e.g., for sunglasses)
- Two smaller pockets inside the big compartment
One important thing you may want to take into account: I don't recommend using this or any other packable backpack as a daypack if you need to carry a notebook or tablet unless you use a special padded sleeve for these. Packable backpacks do not have any padded pockets to protect your valuable electronics!
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Gonex 35L packable backpack probably won't win any prize for the most beautiful backpack.
But it may win a prize for the most convenient, sophisticated, and most portable backpack. As it folds into itself, you can bring it inside any carry-on bag and use it as a truly lightweight daypack on site.
Despite the affordable price, it also lasts quite a bit. I have been using mine for almost three years now, and it's still in excellent condition.
What's even more, the Gonex 35L foldable backpack has excellent reviews on Amazon and it's available in several colors.
Check the price of the Gonex 35L foldable backpack on Amazon.
