Finding the perfect travel backpack is a tricky feat. There’s the need to balance size with storage, comfort with utility — not to mention the ever-important bonuses like water bottle holders and small pockets for valuables. And, while many backpacks work well for weekend trips, not all are made for adventures longer than two to three days. You even sometimes need to consider weather-resistant baggage, especially if you’re bringing a laptop or going to a rainy area in the spring like I did. Luckily for me, a $50 4-in-1 Bagsmart duffel was the ideal solution for a two-week trip across Japan.
This roomy pack is a hybrid of a backpack, a shoulder bag, and duffel bag: you have the opportunity to wear it as a traditional backpack, where it’s just a bit smaller than the typical outdoors backpacking bag, or carry it by the attached handles on either side. And each option is optimized for comfort and ease. The padded shoulder straps make a heavy load feel light, and the backpack mode has a water bottle pocket as well as a small zipped area in the back for keys and wallets.
Alternatively, the duffle option has secure handles for carrying in-hand, plus a longer, horizontal handle that comes as an add-on if you want an over-the-shoulder option. This was the perfect way to lug things around after long days when my shoulders were aching from walking around for hours, or if I needed to quickly swing my bag into overhead storage on the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed “bullet train” that connects most of the nation’s major cities.
The bag is designed to fit easily into overhead bins.
The best part of the Bagsmart pick is, of course, its massive amount of storage. At 40 liters, this is by far the most capacity I’ve had in a travel bag that still qualifies as a carry-on for planes and trains. I was able to fit ten days’ worth of items into the back, with room for some souvenirs gathered throughout the journey.
The various built-in compartments made for easy storage — I placed sandals in a side pocket and a small jacket on the other side, lengthening the bag without taking up more room in the main compartment. Even at its max capacity, the bag never felt stretched: its thick, water wicking material was always in place, not taut with the objects inside, and the zippers were easy to finagle.
The second-best part of this bag is the price tag. Clocking in at under $50 on Amazon, depending on your choice of the four color options, the luggage is way cheaper than your typical backpack, but its quality would never show it.
Ahead, see what a few reviewers had to say or just keep scrolling to grab one for yourself ahead of your next trip.
“Chosen exactly for the new 2026 TSA carry-on rules which it meets with its size. It exceeds the expectations from the description. Quality is better than expected for this price point and the ability to carry in different manners is a bonus.” — RE
“So impressed with the quality. Was the perfect size for a carryon for even small planes. Bag itself is nice and lightweight too ― great for tight international cabin baggage weight restrictions. The plastic-lined shoe pocket is also a really nice touch on the side. Love it!” — Fiona H
“This bag has been awesome so far! True to color, and so spacious. My favorite feature is being able to wear it as a backpack. So convenient and better for my back/shoulders than a regular duffle bag.” — Molly
“This bag (similar to Beis) is perfect for so many uses. The shoe compartment works well for shoes, or for books or to keep your hairdryer or cosmetics separate from clothing. The size is great, and will fit perfectly underseat or in overhead while flying.” — Margot T. Cox
AloJapan.com