If you’re anything like me, checking a bag is the last thing you want to do when flying. When I travel, I want to get off the plane and to my destination pronto. I don’t want to wait around at baggage claim or worse, spend my vacation tracking down a lost bag. I also definitely don’t want to lug around a heavy checked bag once at my destination. That’s why I’m a big fan of travel backpacks.
So when I came across the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack Travel Backpack, I had to give it a try. Not only is it unbelievably affordable for a backpack of its size, but it also has over 26,000 reviews with an average review of 4.7 stars on Amazon.
I recently put this antitheft backpack to the test on a 5-day trip and here’s a full look at what I liked, what I didn’t and how it compares to other backpacks on the market.
With a durable build and spacious compartments, the SHRRADOO 40-liter backpack is perfect for travelers seeking affordability without compromising functionality. While lacking some advanced features like a clamshell opening and personalized style options, its overall value makes it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious adventurers.
What we liked about it
Overall, the SHRRADOO backpack offers a great bang for your buck. Not only is it affordable, but it’s made of quality material and really fits a lot. I found myself pleasantly surprised at just how much I loved this $22 backpack.
Durable and affordable
If you’ve been on the hunt for a good backpack, you know that some of the top-rated backpacks on the market can come with a high price tag. But a high price doesn’t always mean high quality. I’m willing to invest in good travel gear, but I’m also all-in on affordable travel gear as long as it holds up.
During my testing period with the SHRRADOO backpack, I took it on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Not only did I use it as my main bag, but I also brought it on a splash-filled boat trip.
On my flight down, I had to put it under my seat, and while it was a tight squeeze, it didn’t sustain a single scratch despite all my pushing and shoving. And on the boat trip, it not only served us a transportable cooler, but it also kept my personal belongings dry too. It’s fair to say I was very impressed with all that it withstood.
Easy to pack
I typically pack in my 35-liter Cotopaxi Allpa and can fit a generous amount, so I was curious if the extra 5 liters would be that significant. While I only packed for a 5-day tropical vacation, I was happy to have room to spare. The main compartment is very roomy and the bag itself can be compressed or expanded with side straps, which is a nice feature whether you’re packing light or not. I used compression cubes to pack, which helped keep things organized in the main compartment.
The bag also features:
- One anti-theft lockable compartment with one laptop sleeve(fits up to a 17-inch laptop) and one iPad sleeve (fits up to an 11-inch iPad).
- One medium-sized middle pocket.
- One small front pocket.
- Two expandable water bottle sleeves.
- One luggage strap.
One USB charging port (for a portable battery/power bank).
Surprisingly comfortable
This is where backpacks make it or break it for me. Since I choose to carry everything on my back rather than roll it around, I care about comfort. I don’t want to feel my flat laptop on my back or anything in my bag, like a speaker. The good news is that the SHRRADOO back and straps are well cushioned, so you don’t have to worry about any of that.
Comes with added security
When I’m traveling abroad, I always travel with TSA-approved luggage locks as an extra layer of security from pickpockets and if I happen to stay at a hostel. The SHRRADOO backpack conveniently comes with a built-in lock for the laptop sleeve. While this isn’t a feature I always take advantage of, it’s certainly nice to have.
What we didn’t like about it
Top loading & top zip
One of the main reasons I love my 35L Cotopaxi Allpa backpack so much is because of the clamshell opening. It’s great because you can see everything you have without having to unpack things from the top just to see what’s on the bottom. Unfortunately, the SHRRADOO doesn’t include this feature and instead is your classic top-loading, top-zippered backpack.
In general, the backpack is wide enough that it’s not a complete black hole. But if it weren’t for my packing cubes, you’d have to unpack everything to get anything at the bottom out. If the SHRRADOO had the clamshell-style zipper it would be even more of a steal.
Not super stylish
The SHRRADOO backpack is pretty basic and a bit old-school when it comes to style. I don’t love the look of it, but it’s hard to deny the functionality of it. With only four colors to choose from, there’s not a lot of room to make it feel personalized.
How it compares
Colors | 4 |
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Capacity | 40 liters |
Key specs | 14 x 10.5 x 19.5 inches |
Organizational pockets | 1 main compartment, 1 medium compartment, 1 small front pocket, 1 laptop sleeve, 2 water bottle sleeves, 1 locking system |
Price | $22 |
Colors | 2 |
---|---|
Capacity | 45 liters |
Key specs | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches |
Organizational pockets | 1 main compartment, 2 small mesh sleeves, 1 small compartment, 1 laptop sleeve |
Price | $220 |
Colors | 5 colors, plus the option to customize |
---|---|
Capacity | 35 liters |
Key specs | 22 x 12 x 10 inches |
Organizational pockets | 5 main compartments; 1 large compartment, 1 laptop sleeve, 1 medium compartment, 1 mesh storage sleeve, 1 large front pocket |
Price | $200 |
Colors | 20 |
---|---|
Capacity | 27 liters |
Key specs | 12.6 inches x 16.53 inches x 7.87 inches |
Organizational pockets | 4 main compartments: 1 large compartment, 1 laptop sleeve, 1 waterproof sleeve, 1 anti-theft hidden pocket, 1 shoe compartment, 1 expandable water bottle sleeve |
Price | $33 |
Bottom line
If you’re in the market for a new travel backpack but don’t want to spend a ton, the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack Travel Backpack is tough to pass up. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it’s well made and easy to pack.
Depending on the type of packer you are, you could fit at least a week’s worth of clothing in this bag. Either way, for only $22, give this backpack a try.