Tropicfeel Backpacks Review: In-Depth Honest Guide (2024)

Looking for honest Tropicfeel Backpack Reviews? Look no further because in this article we are going to share with you everything that we know about this brand and their line of travel backpacks.

If you’re looking for a new travel backpack, you’ve undoubtedly been bombarded with the seemingly unending array of options. 

We hope to make this decision a little bit easier for you by shedding some light on one of the hottest travel products on the market: the Tropicfeel backpacks. 

We’re here to lay out all of the details about this brand that you need to know, both the good and the bad so that you can decide for yourself whether their backpacks are the perfect addition to your next adventure or another brand to take off the table as you continue your search. 

Tropicfeel Backpack Review

To start with, Tropicfeel has a variety of backpack options, all with different styles and features. This is great because between all of these varied options, you are sure to find a backpack that suits your needs. 

All of these backpacks are durable, waterproof, and made ethically and sustainably. Tropicfeel’s brand is mostly known for its versatility and superior organization features. 

While their backpacks have differing ranges of versatility, they are all expandable and contract to meet different needs.  They all also have aesthetically pleasing designs, meaning that they are suitable for everyday use in addition to exciting adventures. 

Tropicfeel has four different backpack styles: Shell, Nest, Hive, and Cruiser. 

All of these styles are great for different kinds of adventures, and we are going to give you the inside scoop on each one! At a glance, here are the different backpacks and what we recommend them for.

Tropicfeel Backpacks Comparison Table

To help with organization and to maximize storage capacity, Tropicfeel also sells attachments that you can add to the front of any of their backpacks that can help customize your backpack for your specific needs, such as their toiletry bag and tech pouch. 

These attachments clip right onto the front of most of their backpacks and can’t be removed without pulling a strap that releases the strong magnets and sliding it out of the plastic slots.

This means that you don’t have to worry about it falling off or being pulled off by pickpockets without you noticing. They also sell attachments that can be used for organization within the backpacks, such as the wardrobe and camera cube. 

Let’s get down to the breakdown of each of Tropicfeel’s backpacks.

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack Review

Colors Available: All Black, Clove Green, Chocolate Red

First of all, the Shell backpack seems to be the most versatile of all the Tropicfeel backpacks. Tropicfeel boasts that if you buy their Shell backpack, it will be the only backpack that you need to own. 

Their backpack has an enormous size range. When fully compressed, the Shell is a twenty-two-liter backpack and looks similar to an everyday backpack that someone might take with them to work or school. 

When expanded, however, this pack transforms into a forty-liter travel bag that looks similar to something that you would see in an outdoor store. We have the chocolate red pack and love the overall versatility and look of it.

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack Features

Backpack Organization

It has a separate “kangaroo pouch” that expands from the bottom of the backpack to store things that you want to keep separate from the rest of your pack. 

This is a nice touch because it allows you to keep things like wet swimsuits and dirty shoes separated from your clothes without having to use a separate bag that takes up valuable space. 

The bag also has a cargo strap on the very bottom that allows you to strap on bigger items. 

Easy Accessibility

The clamshell opening gives you easy access to the pack without having to pull everything out which is something we always actively look for in a backpack. While this isn’t brand new, it is a feature that is a must when looking for a travel bag replacement.

Expandable

I think the best feauture of this backpack is the fact that it can easily expand and go from an everyday bag to one used on longer trips. Being able to transition between a normal 22L to a 40L bag is awesome for full-time travelers like us!

Overall, Tropicfeel describes this backpack as “a backpack for a lifetime.” They say that they have successfully combined the ergonomic benefits of a large hiking pack with the portability and minimalist design of a daily use pack. 

Is this true? Did Tropicfeel come through with the ultimate pack to suit every need?

Our Thoughts on the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

Here’s our verdict! We tried out the Tropicfeel backpack, and upon first glance, it felt like it was pretty well made. The material looked durable and I loved all the different pockets to help with its overall organization.

We used it as an everyday bag while traveling all over France and was pleasantly surprised at how much we liked it. Having used other bags like Osprey and Nomatic for years, we loved the versatility of the Shell Backpack and enjoyed its many features.

Things like the waist strap, small pockets, and even the kangaroo pouch were all great touches which overall adds to the appeal of the backpack. The material is touch, durable, and waterproof which means you don’t need an additional raincover.

We’ve only done a few long hikes with it and although the straps aren’t cushioned similar to Osprey Hiking packs, the waist strap helps even out the weight. Overall, we feel like the Tropicfeel is a great travel backpack and is worth the price if you enjoy having a bag that is thoroughly organized.

Tropicfeel Nest Review

Colors Available: All-Black, Desert Green, Blueberry Navy, Amphora Brown

The next backpack we’re looking into is the Nest backpack. This backpack is a lot smaller than the shell backpack. 

Fully compressed, the Nest is only sixteen liters and it only expands to thirty liters, a stark contrast to the Shell. 

While this may mean that the nest is not ideal for long backpacking trips, if you aren’t big into extreme backpacking or frequent and need something more suitable for everyday life or weekend getaways, the Nest may be for you! 

Tropicfeel Nest Backpack Features

It has a sleek, modern design, which contrasts with the Shell’s more rugged adventurous look. This makes the Nest great if you want to use it as an everyday bag. 

If you are looking for a way to use this bag on your next adventure, the nest is a great airport bag and if not fully expanded, is the perfect size for a personal item on a plane, but it could also be used as a suitable carry-on. 

Lightweight

The Nest backpack is a much more affordable option than the nest or hive, and if you need a travel bag that’s more affordable, it could still work if you pack light and make the most of the thirty-liters of space and superior organization that is offered by this backpack when fully expanded. 

Organization

As always, this backpack is big on the organization and has a ton of different pockets and organizer add-ons which you can customize. Similar to the shell, it also has the kangaroo pockets where you can add a pair of shoes/ strap on a compact tripod or trekking pole.

Whilst the Shell is an everyday adventure backpack, the Nest is dubbed as an “all-rounder backpack designed to satisfy the curious in their daily commutes, unforgettable getaways, and every hobby in between.” 

Our Thoughts on the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack

Overall, we feel like the Nest is a great addition to their line of backpacks, especially for those who want something smaller. While we LOVED the Shell Backpack, it was a lot chunkier in size. 

In our case, when we have a big bag, we end up filling it with stuff so the Nest’s smaller size is a bonus as an everyday backpack. While the overall material feels a little bit flimsy, the fact that it is made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester is something that we absolutely love.

Their commitment to sustainability is something we’ve always admired from Tropicfeel so it’s no surprise that the Nest Backpack uses the same principles. One tiny detail that we wished it had was the same weatherproofing that the Shell backpack has. Although it isn’t waterproof, the Nest backpack is water resistant.

Coming in at a slightly cheaper price point compared to the shell, it’s overall a great backpack for those who want something smaller while having the options to expand later on. We love the laptop compartment and the camera cube which is perfect for content creators like us.

Tropicfeel Hive Backpack Review

Colors Available: All-Black, Mulled Green, Walnut Sand

Adding to the range of their packs is the newly launched Hive backpack. At first glance, the Hive backpack looks a lot like the Nest backpack, but in function, it is much more similar to the Shell backpack. Fully expandable to a whopping 46 liters, the Hive backpack is great for backpacking adventures. 

Also similar to the Shell backpack, the Hive backpack can compress to twenty-two-liters for everyday use. 

Tropicfeel Hive Backpack Features

Initially, I was a bit taken back by the Hive backpack as it looked very similar to their other collections. However, once I saw that the Hive can expand to a large 46L backpack, I knew they had created this bag for long term travelers/backpackers.

Tropicfeel Hive Backpack vs Tropicfeel Shell

There are some small differences that set the Hive backpack apart from the Shell. The Hive backpack was specially designed with the growing community of digital nomads in mind. Its classy design makes it feel very sleek and modern. 

It is perfect for long trips and overseas travel, given all the available space with tons of handy compartments and compression features. 

Created for Digital Nomads

Because it was created with digital nomads in mind, the Hive has several features that are perfect for storing electronics, as well as a minimalistic design that is consistent with the modern digital nomad aesthetic. 

If you are into photography, you can also purchase the camera cube xl attachment, which can store a large amount of camera gear and fits snugly into your bag, while also protecting your photography supplies. 

Bum Bag Feature

One of the coolest features of this backpack that sets it apart from the others is the adaptable bum bag. 

This feature is built into the bag and serves as a waist strap to help support the backpack while traveling, but can also be detached and used as a fanny pack to carry your valuables throughout the day once you arrive at your destination. 

Tropicfeel describes this backpack as a ready-to-adapt backpack. The description says, “Bring on any adventure with the ultimate travel lifestyle backpack.” 

Our Thoughts on the Tropicfeel Hive Backpack

Having just finished their kickstarter campaign, Hive was another successful backpack from Tropicfeel, specifically for those who are planning on traveling for longer. The expansion system from 22L to 46L is pretty impressive and overall no small feat.

We haven’t tested the Hive just yet as it just finished its pre-order phase but are overall impressed by the back and all the new features that they tried adding. However, with that being said, it is on the pricier side which doesn’t make it as accessible.

We would want to see this in person to be able to properly test it out but at a glance, it looks to be a decent bag. It has a lot to live up to though as bags such as the Osprey Farpoint 40L have been tried and tested when it comes to backpacking.

That being said, the compactability of the Hive is hard to beat which is why it would be a pack that we would definitely try out!

Tropicfeel Cruiser Backpack Review

Colors Available: Black, Blue

The final backpack found on Tropicfeel’s website is their Cruiser backpack. This backpack is very different than the other packs that we have reviewed. 

At only $79, the cruiser is the cheapest backpack on Tropicfeel’s website. It is also the smallest, with only twenty-liters worth of total space. 

As you can imagine, this backpack is not intended to function as a primary backpack. Instead, this bag can complement your main bag. 

This backpack can be folded up into itself and zipped up into a tiny bag that you can stuff into your main backpack. Then, once you get to your destination, you can unfold it and use it as a day pack to store essentials that you might need throughout your day. 

This bag is great if you plan on doing any day hiking once you arrive at your destination because it allows you to keep your hiking essentials with you without having to lug a huge bag around everywhere you go. 

This bag is super lightweight, yet it doesn’t leave out the organizational features that the Tropicfeel brand is known for. 

Our Thoughts on the Tropicfeel Cruiser Backpack

I like this bag, mainly because it is extremely lightweight. It is one of those day bags which you can keep folded up and always have on you. We currently have one of these from Decathlon but the Tropicfeel Cruiser is definitely better made and more durable.

If you’re looking for something that you can store then use when you get to your final destination, the cruiser is a good option. It has a ton of storage, organization, and is affordable.

How to Decide Which Tropicfeel Backpack to Buy?

So what do you think? After reading all of our thoughts, are you considering getting a Tropicfeel backpack? If so, you still have another very important decision to make. You need to decide which backpack is right for you. 

How do you make this decision? 

You have to think about your lifestyle, and what you will be needing your backpack for. 

We’ve already discussed all of the different backpacks and their differences, so by now you can probably judge for yourself which backpack is right for you, but if you are still on the fence and need some help, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. 

✅ Hive Backpack: If you are a digital nomad, urban backpacker, or someone who often finds yourself on an airplane, the Hive backpack is probably for you.

✅ Shell Backpack: If you are a rugged outdoor adventurer or a minimalist who is looking for a single backpack that could serve every purpose that they might have, you probably should look into the Shell backpack. 

✅ Nest Backpack: If you are more of a weekend getaway traveler or if you are looking for a backpack that’s suitable for school, work, or hobbies, then the Nest backpack would be a great fit. 

✅ Cruiser: If you just need a daypack to supplement the amazing travel bag that you already have, or to carry with you on your everyday adventures, you should definitely try the Cruiser. 

Hopefully, that quick guide helps if you are on the fence about which backpack is right for you, or if you are trying to decide if any of their options suit your purpose and lifestyle in the first place. 

Overall Thoughts on Tropicfeel Backpacks

Finally, the moment of truth. Do we think that the Tropicfeel backpacks are worth it? One thing we can say about these Tropicfeel is that we don’t know of any other company like them. 

Their minimalist concept and design that allows them to be used for almost anything, from everyday life to long-term adventures, is unmatched by any other company. 

They are also very innovative in the realm of organization, and as far as we know, no other company is quite up to par with Tropicfeel’s ability to keep your things organized as well as compressed into a small space. 

Something that we noticed very quickly is that the Tropicfeel backpacks are definitely on the higher end of backpacking gear as far as price goes. 

Their backpacks range from $79 for their cruiser to $289 for the Hive. Similar backpacks from Osprey can range from $250-$300. Additionally, you can save up to 20% on Tropicfeel backpacks if you bundle them with other items from the website, bringing the price down dramatically. 

At the end of the day, when you compared Tropicfeel backpacks to other high-end backpack brands, they aren’t unreasonable. Afterall, a good backpack is worth the investment 100x over.

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Why the Bag Might Be Worth the Cost

If you are an organized person who can’t stand to dig through your bag in order to find what you need, Tropicfeel backpacks will probably be worth the cost for you.

One of the biggest advantages of Tropicfeel backpacks is how easy they make it to organize your things, especially when you make use of the extra accessories, like the wardrobe and toiletry bag. 

The only problem with these attachments is that they are all sold separately, meaning that if you want the full effect of an organized backpack, you will have to spend a lot more money to do so. 

For example, buying the hive backpack with the wardrobe, toiletry bag, and packing cube accessories would drive the price up from $289 to $500+ if you want all the bells and whistles. This means that if you want to have the convenient organizational components, you will have to spend a lot more money than you might anticipate. 

This might be worth it if organization and optimized storage space are important to you, but you will definitely need to weigh this with the cost and decide if it will work for you. 

FAQ on Tropicfeel Backpacks

Tropicfeel Backpacks Conclusion

We know that for avid adventurers, buying new travel gear can be exciting, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to your backpack. The quality of your backpack can make or break a trip. 

A bad backpack can cause back pain if it isn’t comfortable, frustration if it isn’t organized, and financial loss if it doesn’t protect your valuable items from being easily damaged or stolen. 

In addition to all of that, a good backpack isn’t cheap, and we know that you want to make sure that you find the perfect backpack to suit your lifestyle, needs, preferences, and style. After all, the last thing that you want to do is end up having to buy a new backpack every few years because you keep investing money in the next great backpack and then realize that it doesn’t work for you.

Overall, Tropicfeel is a brand that makes good shoes. We love that they are branching out to backpacks and are big fans of their innovative designs.

We absolutely love the Tropicfeel Shell and Nest and think they are great buys for those who value organization and sustainability.

The Hive I feel has a few more kinks to work out before they can be considered contenders to other well-established travel backpacks like the Osprey Farpoint. We would be happy to recommend these packs mainly for their compactability and organizational features which I think really sets them apart from other backpack brands.

 While we can’t tell you exactly what you should get, we can provide you with information that will help you to make the best decision possible. 

We hope that our article has helped to lighten the load on your journey as you search for the backpack that’s just right for you.

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Looking for more gear related articles? Check out some of our other articles:

• Nomatic Backpack Review
• Osprey Hiking Packs
• Best Travel Backpacks

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