When shopping for a backpack, the number of incredible choices out there can make the process overwhelming. And all the advanced travel features offered by high-end brands can quickly wreak havoc on your budget. One name you shouldn’t overlook is Matein, a budget brand that offers many of the same features as the big high-end brands, but at a price point that’s surprisingly affordable.
The top choice from Matein is the Extra-Large Business Travel Backpack because it offers enough storage space and organizational compartments to make it perfect for travelers, commuters and students, and it is reasonably priced. While Matein has a lot of great bags, some of them are designed for highly specific uses and aren’t for everyone. So, there’s a few things you should keep in mind before you make your selection.
What to know before you buy a Matein backpack
Size
The first thing to think about is how big of a bag you want to get. Depending on their ages, students will have varying needs. While high school students can leave some books in their lockers during the day and might not require a laptop sleeve, college students will need to take everything with them and therefore might require more space. Travelers hoping to avoid bringing a separate bag for clothes might also need something larger, whereas general commuters really only need space for their computers, tablets and a few other assorted items. You can go as big as you like, but it’s easy to overestimate how much capacity you’ll really need, so think practically when making a purchase.
Travel vs. school bags
Because there are so many backpacks available online, many are now designed for a specific purpose. While travelers can take advantage of features like lie-flat laptop compartments and TSA-approved locks, students won’t need these things and would probably prefer a larger main compartment for carrying books. Check for keywords that describe a bag’s intended market, as they can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Wheels
Though most backpacks are carried with traditional shoulder straps, some travelers and business people don’t want that much strain on their shoulders every day. For them, there are options with wheels and telescoping handles that can be pulled around like regular rolling suitcases. Most brands offer bags with two wheels, but Matein stands out by having options with four wheels as well.
Number of pockets
The best way to stay organized is by having a bag with a lot of internal compartments so you can keep everything separate in its own special area. Matein offers a lot of bags with organizational slots for items like tablets and smartphones and also has bags with multiple external zippered pockets so you can quickly grab something without having to open the main compartment. The best bags for travelers often feature two main compartments (one with a padded laptop sleeve) and several front pockets, sometimes with additional side or rear pockets.
Matein backpack features
Hard vs. soft exterior
You’ve probably had backpacks in the past with nylon or fabric exteriors and Matein has plenty of these soft options available. But one thing Matein offers that a lot of brands don’t is a hard-shell option that provides a bit more protection for delicate items. These hardside bags don’t offer as much space, but if you worry about your stuff getting knocked around should you set your bag down too quickly, they provide added peace of mind.
Locks
If you’re concerned about someone going through your bag while you’re away from it, locking zippers can be extremely useful. However, if you ever plan to check your bag at the airport, you’ll need to allow TSA agents to look inside your bag. Finding an option with TSA-approved locks means you can keep unwanted individuals from sifting through your belongings while still letting government agents do what they need to do.
USB ports
A modern feature that has found its way onto many backpacks and suitcases is an external USB port. You can plug your phone into the port, which connects to a power bank inside the bag, and charge devices while walking around. However, in just about every case, the power bank is not included as part of the bag, so if you don’t want to purchase one, this feature won’t mean much to you.
Coolers and lunch boxes
One area in which Matein is largely ahead of the pack is in backpacks designed for those bringing a lunch to work or school. The brand has several options with included lunch boxes that can keep food cold or warm for a number of hours. Since these do take up space in the bag, they’re not a good choice if you don’t intend to use them, but if you’ve found yourself lugging a bag and a lunch cooler to work every day, this option combines the two to make your commute easier.
Matein backpack cost
As a budget brand, one of the best things about Matein is that just about all their offerings are available for under $100. Most of their bags are between $25-$60, which is less than half of what comparable designer bags cost, so even if you get one of Matein’s bigger and pricier choices, you’ll still be saving money.
Matein backpack FAQ
Can I use my Matein backpack as a carry-on personal item on a flight?
A. Matein offers several backpacks that are advertised as being small enough to use as carry-on luggage (stored in the overhead compartment) or as a personal item (stored under the seat in front of you). However, different airlines have different regulations regarding what can be used as a carry-on bag. International carriers are generally more restrictive when it comes to size, and many airlines also now have weight restrictions for carry-on bags. Check with your preferred airline before you buy a backpack so you don’t end up with one that’s too big to use for your intended purpose.
Are Matein backpacks waterproof?
A. Matein offers several backpacks that are made with water-resistant fabric or that offer leakproof containers. However, there is a difference between water-resistant and completely waterproof, and it’s important to pay attention to what is actually being offered. A water-resistant bag can repel rain if you’re forced to walk outside in a light drizzle, but cannot handle being entirely submerged. Not all of Matein’s backpacks are the same, so check whether the one you’re looking at offers water-resistant material if that’s important to you, and don’t take it on a river-rafting trip until you’ve verified the level of protection being provided.
Which Matein backpack should I get?
Best of the best Matein backpack
Extra-Large Business Travel Backpack: available at Amazon
Our take: With a wealth of pockets and features like a luggage strap and checkpoint-friendly design, this inexpensive backpack offers many of the capabilities boasted by high-end brands without the gaudy price tag.
What we like: The built-in USB port allows you to charge your devices on the go. A hidden pocket on the rear of the bag is great for storing important items like a passport. With a laptop compartment, main compartment and multiple zippered exterior pockets, it’s easy to stay organized.
What we dislike: While the addition of the USB port is nice, the power bank must be purchased separately.
Best bang for your buck Matein backpack
Insulated Cooler Lunch Box Backpack: available at Amazon
Our take: Busy students and commuters who want to bring a healthy lunch with them as they go about their days can take advantage of this bag’s insulated cooler that’s capable of keeping food cold or hot for up to four hours while also making sure it’s separate from electronics and other important items.
What we like: The laptop sleeve can accommodate most 17-inch laptops. The aluminum foil liner of the cooler compartment can be wiped clean in case of spills. Thick multi-panel ventilated padding on the rear provides cushioning while allowing enough airflow to cut down on sweat.
What we dislike: Because the cooler takes up space normally reserved for the main compartment, it’s not really possible to transport large and heavy items at the same time as a lunch.
Honorable mention Matein backpack
Rolling Backpack for Travel: available at Amazon
Our take: While most rolling backpacks only have two wheels, this convenient option from Matein has four wheels, giving it the maneuverability of a rolling suitcase while offering shoulder straps that can be utilized when going up stairs and then conveniently stored away when the bag is in the overhead compartment.
What we like: Its 40-liter capacity makes it ideal for using as your only bag on weekend trips. The side water bottle pocket allows you to keep liquids separate from important documents or electronics. The front pockets have organizational slots for small items like pens and smartphones, as well as a key leash.
What we dislike: While it’s quite a large pack, the laptop sleeve is only capable of accommodating laptops up to 15.6 inches.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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