This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Details
- Price $250 at tortugabackpacks.com
- Material ECOPAK™ EPX200 waterproof sailcloth
- Capacity 25 L / 1526 cubic inches
- Weight 2.6 lbs / 1.18 kg
- Dimensions 12.0" (w) x 18.0" (h) x 7.5" (d) / 305 (w) x 457 (h) x 191 (d) mm
Overview
Tortuga was the first backpack brand that I reviewed and it feels like I've come full circle with this review of the Daily Carry Pro. The Outbreaker series wowed me for travel, even now with all the new innovation in backpack trends and technologies.
Tortuga is known for their simplicity yet technically sound backpacks, but I've only really used their travel backpack long-term. Will Tortuga fare as well for a daily carry? Let's find out.
Style
If you already know Tortuga from their travel backpacks, this smaller package feels like its sharper, more disciplined sibling designed with the same DNA but less bulk.
It looks well-made, but doesn't attract unwanted attention where travelers can be targets. The backpack works well in airports or offices. Despite the edgy materials and design, the squarish silhouette, is signature of Tortuga backpacks, but can be a little dorky for social events since it screams an office backpack.
Materials & Build
The ECOPAK™ EPX200 sailcloth is one of the biggest differentiators. It feels technical, lightweight, and purpose-built—more “expedition gear” than lifestyle backpack. It resists abrasion, holds structure without stiffness, and shrugs off rain easily.
Water-resistant YKK zippers with lockable sliders reinforce that this is meant to travel, not just commute. Hardware is solid across the board, with Woojin buckles that feel confidence-inspiring rather than plasticky.
That said, this is a lightweight-first bag. You can feel that philosophy in places: The top handle, while functional, could use more structure. The side handle is useful but not particularly padded
Nothing feels fragile, but you can tell Tortuga prioritized weight and carry comfort over overbuilt heft.
Organization
The panel-loading design immediately sets the tone. Instead of forcing you to dig vertically like a traditional backpack, the Daily Carry Pro opens wide, making packing and access easy, especially in tight spaces like airplanes or hotel rooms.
The layout is deliberate:
This used to be an ad.
But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.
- A separate electronics compartment with padded sleeves for up to a 16” laptop and a large tablet, opening from the top for in-flight access
- A spacious main compartment that stays flexible rather than over-segmented
- A front admin pocket that’s genuinely useful without becoming clutter
- A top quick-access pocket with key clip
- A flat front pocket for documents or items you want invisible but reachable
The electronics compartment has two padded slot that are lifted off the ground. You can drop your laptop or tablet into them even when your bag is placed on a hard surface. The problem is that the compartment itself is not lifted off the ground, so if you miss the right slot when sliding your laptop in and dropping it in carelessly, it is similar to dropping it onto the ground.
The smaller padded pocket won't fit my 12.9 inch iPad Pro with a case that holds my Apple Pencil, so I could tell they were made for smaller tablets.
The main compartment is spacious and I would feel comfortable with packing for a three nights stay. There is little else to say but it is really just one big compartment like a main compartment should be.
The admin pocket is exactly the same as the main compartment, just with a lot less depth. Near the top of the compartment, there is a zippered mesh pocket that is two-thirds the width of the compartment, perfect for something like the NOMAD Adapter. I use it to put a alcohol spray and my GR IV camera.
I use the slot next to it for my calorie-limit pill container.
Right below is a full-width zippered pocket which I keep unzipped as well and have a packet of wet tissues.
If you are not using these nominal organization, then just like the main compartment, you'll have to reach your hand in to get whatever is below. This is slightly annoying and I wish it would be half the height so it would work as a larger quick access pocket.
Two stretch mesh bottle pockets is a win for me. I keep a one-liter bottle in one and the Nitecore EMR06 in the other. The pocket being mesh and on the outside works well with since I exclusively bring out cold water and condensation would have wet the contents of my bag otherwise.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
The luggage pass-through sleeve is well executed and stable when stacked on a roller.
Usage
This is where the Daily Carry Pro earns its price.
The shoulder straps are thick, soft, and immediately comfortable without a break-in period. Combined with the breathable mesh back panel and sternum strap, the bag carries weight far better than its size suggests. This is my main backpack when I am out cycling in humid Singapore and the breathability is great.
I use this backpack for my weekly bottled drinks run. That's about five 1.5-liter bottles each time. They fit into the main compartment with room to spare.
At 2.6 lbs, it stays light enough to remain pleasant during long airport walks or full workdays. At 25L, it sits right at the upper limit of what airlines will tolerate under the seat and that’s intentional. This is a maximum-sized personal item that actually uses every centimeter you can get away with.
The organization hits a sweet spot. Enough structure to stay tidy, but not so much that you’re locked into a specific packing style. The zippers are accessed from the top of the bag, and with four zippers that look similar, opening up a different component unintentionally is, unfortunately, a daily occurrence.
While they feel sturdy holding my overpacked backpack on the toilet stall hook, more padding in the handles would be great as it feels as if they cheap out in that area for the price.
Conclusion
The Tortuga Daily Carry Pro is for travelers who know exactly what they want from a personal item—and are tired of compromises. It’s not trendy. not trying to impress strangers but practical and intentional.
If you want one bag that works under an airplane seat, on top of a roller, and through a full workday without feeling like a downgrade in any setting, this delivers.
Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.
Tagged backpack bag review tortuga water-resistant