We put the Airback Go Underseat bag to the test during an overnight trip to Edinburgh, flying without any baggage allowance, to evaluate its functionality, style, and convenience.
History
Airback Go was established by Maarten, Tobias, Dylan, and Gijs, starting their venture in 2020 out of personal travel annoyances like overpacking and baggage fees. Identifying a market opportunity, they developed the Airback Go, the world’s first backpack equipped with an integrated vacuum-sealing system.
The crowdfunding campaign, which raised over $350,000, supported their mission to create a bag that would simplify travel and be environmentally friendly. Incorporating the vacuum bag concept into a backpack, their goal was to offer a solution that allows travellers to pack more effectively, minimizing the necessity for numerous bags.
Function
A lightweight backpack designed to fit under the seat, suitable for all types of travellers.
Colour
The four colours are Black, Navy Blue, Olive Green, and Ash Grey.
I would like to have all of them, but I have only tested the Navy Blue.
Style
Airback Go (Underseat)
Dimensions
15in (L) x 10in (W) x 6-8in (H)
Maximum width when using the extension is 6 inches
Volume 16-32 litres when using compression
Weight
2.8lb (empty)
Materials
Main Fabric: 100% Recycled Nylon 900D with face wax coating and back PU coating, GRS certified, PFC free.
Back Panel Fabric: 100% Polyester.
Interlock Lining: 100% Polyester 230T.
Mesh: 100% Polyester.
Webbing: Polypropylene Webbing, Nylon Herringbone Webbing.
Foams: Polyethylene Foams, EVA Foams, Neoprene Foams.
Quality
The Airback Go revolutionizes outdoor convenience with its water-resistant design, guaranteeing that your items remain dry and safe in any weather conditions.
Constructed from superior materials, its durable fabric endures the demands of travel, offering a dependable and enduring travel partner that excels in both appearance and functionality.
Sustainability
Conscious of the planet’s vulnerability, the company embraces a circular system that permits you to return your bag once it has reached the end of its life. It will then be repurposed, thereby offsetting carbon emissions and contributing to the ongoing enhancement of the product’s sustainability.
Patented Vacuum Compression System
This innovative feature can reduce the volume of packed items by up to 50%, making it easier to fit more into your bag by compressing clothes and other packable items.
Storage
- Multiple Compartments
- Expandable for maximum space
- USB-C and USB-A ports
- High comfort & Odour resistant compartment
- Drinks bottle holder
- Hidden pocket, providing a discreet and safe space for your valuables.
- Lap top pocket
- Multiple compartments and dedicated pockets
- Expandable given extra room
Lock
3-digit TSA-approved combination lock.
Accessories
Packing cubes, travel covers, compression bags, hip belts, air pumps, and toiletry bags in coordinating colours.
Verdict
Initially sceptical about travelling with just a backpack, I often overpack, yet I was amazed at how the vacuum system compressed my clothes to a fraction of their size without creasing them. The zip on the compression compartment was somewhat stiff, which I presume is to ensure a tight seal. Wearing the backpack was surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the padded shoulder pads and found the weight was evenly distribution, though caution is needed to avoid overpacking and making it too heavy.
The backpack’s style and practicality, complete with a lock, charging ports and laptop compartments, make it ideal for business travel. It could easily fit in the overhead compartment or in the hold, but its classified as an underseat sized bag is a massive bonus
The only issue I encountered was self-inflicted; the air pump was in one of the pockets and would activate whenever the bag was jostled. However, once I found it was me being over zealous, I quickly resolved this.
It has become my favourite weekend bag, eliminating worries about size and weight restrictions and additional fees while flying, whilst still accommodating my tendency to overpack. Would I recommend, definitely!