Venture Pal 35L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack with Wet Pocket & Shoes Compartment Travel Backpack for Men and Women

For the most part, this is a great pack. Lightweight, durable and comfortable to wear. With the expandable shoe compartment closed it's closer to 25L, which was perfect for me. I took it as my personal item on planes (in place of a purse) and vacationing/hiking through Colorado.I like that the are separate zippers to use the bottom shoe compartment and to expand it. The waterproof insert at the back is a great size for a couple phones, passport, map, a small first aid kit, and a kindle. The main pack is water resistant (I had much better luck with this bag than the previous VenturePal 35L). And it still fits in its own pocket- this one becomes a small inner pocket to use when the bag is expanded that's great for keeping cash- no external access for pickpockets.There are 2 design flaws on this bag that the previous incarnation did better: no side straps to secure my water bottle, and the top zipper is a little slippery and slides open if you're not careful. I also wish it had the chest strap of the previous version of this bag, but it works pretty well without.On planes I used the lower unexpanded shoe compartment for my bag of liquids and snacks that they require be removed for screening. I put my kindle and phone in the waterproof pocket (exterior zipper on the back of the pack) for easy removal. I discovered that if nearly full (jacket) and with the zipper at the top, the bag zips open of its own accord and dumps half your stuff on the ground behind you. I bought a little luggage lock that I used for the rest of the trip. It was a small annoyance, but I could never remember to close the zipper all the way to one side which probably would have prevented that. It fit under the seat in both a larger 757 airplane and smaller 200 regional jet.In Colorado it was perfect for the ever changing weather. It held up to the spitting rain and small hail, didn't stain in the red dirt, and didn't fade in the sun. It didn't snag or tear on the rocks or flora. There was plenty of room for everything needed for a day hike in variable temperatures (including rain jacket, lighter overshirt and fleece) and room to spare. Also great walking around cities and towns, bringing my own water and hiding all the souvenirs I picked up.I added pictures for color comparisons and so you can see the reflective strips (with and without flash) and shoe compartment capacity. Those are women's Keen Targhee III mid ankle waterproof hiking boots (bulky boots, size 9). They fit, but it takes a little maneuvering. Also note, there's nothing else in the pack but it still has a little structure which I appreciate.The green is a darker green, not teal as the listing shows. Still a good color but less feminine.All in all, I would recommend this pack for the price. Just be careful to close the zipper on the side.I'm excited to see what comes with the next version of this pack.

I purchased it because the description says it had a chest strap, it doesn’t. Makes it useless to me even thought I like the other features of the bag.

For an upcoming trip to Europe, I was searching for a multi-use bag that I could I pack into my luggage. Something that could work for an extra backpack on a day hike, a bag for swimming gear and as extra space so we could check a suitcase with souvenirs unable to brought back as carry-on. This ticked all those boxes. Lightweight but so flexible with the waterproof pocket, water bottle pockets and shoe pocket. It seems really well made, the seems appear very well sewn. I hope it travels as well as I'm expecting it to.UPDATE: It travelled very well. It was great for trips to spas and pools. It was convenient for carrying shopping. It worked perfectly as our carry-on when we had items requiring we check our suitcase on the way home. It does get a little hot and sweaty without any padding on the back. And it probably won't take a very heavy load, especially since there is no extra support with chest or hip belts. But it was super light, convenient and easy. Good buy!

I've only used this backpack for one trip across the US so far (from Washington state to Richmond VA). The backpack held a lot and seemed to hold up ok.The material is really rather thin and had me nervous. It's comparable to a windbreaker type material. But I love the print and the extra compartment for shoes at the bottom. The zipper on the main compartment tended to move a bit when I had it filled quite heavily, but then I addressed it but moving the zipper right at the top as opposed to the side where it would move and open the compartment.Overall, this is a nice lightweight backpack that I will put to the test this summer with hikes around the PNW and trips with my kids across the US.

I recently had an artist residency in the Olympic Peninsula where I would paint on location. When I wanted to paint in areas where I wasn't able to pull an art cart, I needed a back pack. Because my supplies add up in weight, and because I am almost a senior, I didn't want any extra weight from a heavy-duty back pack. This back pack was just what I needed. It was large enough to hold my portable easel, brushes, palette, sketchbook, water bottle, canvas panel and a few tubes of paint. I don't know if it is waterproof or not, since I was lucky enough to have good weather. The material reminds me of what I can "rip stop". Lightweight, but strong enough to carry my heavy supplies. The extra "shoe" compartment in the bottom of the pack usually carried my windbreaker or fleece jacket when I didn't need it.Two suggestions that would improve the backpack: a chest strap to keep the shoulder straps from slipping. A larger water bottle side compartment. My bottle of water stayed in place while I walked, but while taking the pack on or off it would often fall out. I don't think a reusable water bottle or thermos would stay in place at all.Over all, it was just what I was looking for, and I will be using it on many more painting trips.

I looked for various lightweight backpacks that an old lady could take on the plane. Although I haven't used it yet I like the construction and the variety of pockets. I will use the shoe compartment for my meds and jewelry. I can fit in my sweater and reading material in the top. I will buy my water after going through the "check point". I usually get black but the colors in this one were perfect. Great product.

This is a perfect traveling bag! I took it to Mexico last week. We didn’t need it on the way there so I packed it, and it’s very small and lightweight it took no room in my suitcase. I used it at the pool every day and put things I didn’t want to get wet in the waterproof pouch so that I wouldn’t get them wet when I wore the backpack around after the pool. It was perfect. One day it rained at the pool and we fit a book, two phones, an Apple Watch and a shirt into the waterproof pouch and we didn’t have to leave the pool! Love this bag.