Don’t Overpay for a Travel Bag. My $20 Backpack Does the Job for Way Less
Trust me, I know travel bags pretty well, and the usual price of $40 on the Dinictis Travel Backpack is already a steal. But cutting that price in half makes it a steal. Amazon is offering it again at a very low price as part of its first Black Friday sales.
Right now, the practical and versatile bag in jet black is on sale for only $20 for Prime members. This is an incredible Black Friday deal on a backpack that works equally well as a carry-on or checked bag.
A reliable carry-on bag is non-negotiable for any frequent traveler. As a full-time food and travel writer flying more than 50 flights a year to destinations around the world, I need a carry-on bag that’s roomy and light enough to fit into an overhead compartment while still holding everything you need for the trip.
You can spend hundreds of dollars on carry-ons and backpacks, but the sturdy and affordable Dinictis backpack is the best I’ve tried. The bag is available in a range of colors, all under $40 — and the black version is on sale even cheaper.
I admit that other handbags might look more stylish and be available in a wider range of colors. But I have yet to find one that better meets my needs for durability, efficiency, and affordability than this well-designed travel bag that costs less than $40 at full retail and is sometimes on sale for less. If you have travel plans this fall, this is the carry-on bag you want to take, period.
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When only a backpack is enough
It is available in four colors: gray, dark gray, blue and black.
To be clear, my hiking days were over before they even began. Without the means to travel seriously until the age of 25, my travel life didn’t begin in earnest until I was equipped with only the sensibilities of a wheeled bag. Inasmuch as [age redacted]-years ago, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest lodgings, suddenly a rolling bag seemed a little…well, prissy. Wheeled bags are decidedly impractical on unpaved or untiled surfaces; Plus, it just doesn’t look good when the ambiance is more low-key than luxurious. This was by no means a backpacking trip, but a backpack was definitely necessary. One that could hold a week’s worth of clothes, amenities, and a laptop, but still fit in a locker.
The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since this Peruvian adventure, this bag has accompanied me on every trip, whatever the occasion.
A backpack that works like a suitcase
A side handle is essential for navigating public transportation.
Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized, but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack works like a suitcase. It opens on three sides so you can open it like a suitcase and store it accordingly, with straps to hold your clothes in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than pushing your stuff up and down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows it to be carried like a suitcase.
When full, it can easily hold up to 10 kg, or 22 pounds, the carry-on weight limit for many budget airlines. Because it is a backpack, no one has ever asked to weigh it to check its conformity. It will always appear lighter than it is.
Store your laptop with confidence
It’s a backpack that stores like a suitcase.
As a writer, I always travel with a laptop, so I’m concerned about its portability as well as its security. That said, I hate having it pressed against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you’re going, sweaty. This model’s laptop sleeve is conveniently located near the (sweat-free) front of the bag, but it’s not the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills.
Exterior pockets are essential
I’m a soft body, even in roller bags, for two reasons. First, it’s much easier to slip last-minute items into an already-zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case; and second: the exterior pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two exterior compartments for miscellaneous items, probably three when you consider the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve – and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within compartments. These are the kinds of details that, in my opinion, separate successful travelers from stick-it-out travelers.
Learn more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-on Bag When Navigating TSA Lines
A personal item that can masquerade as checked baggage
Secure laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve.
Many travel backpacks have an internal structure that maintains its shape even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you load it, but its essence remains that of a lightweight fabric backpack. If you’ve ever been asked to prove that your carry-on bag actually qualifies as carry-on baggage, you’ll understand that “carrying capacity” is an important factor. I packed this backpack for a weekend and took it on board as personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines, but I will only do so with as little money as possible.) It can totally slide under the seat in front of you if needed.
The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable for checked luggage, thanks to its durable fabric that can withstand travel. The straps can be unclipped and stored, and the body secured with additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn’t have you panicking as you watch it being taken down the luggage conveyor.
I’ve had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked baggage. Even in its lighter gray color, its durable material doesn’t reveal that it’s ever seen the tread of a luggage carousel. This was the feature I didn’t even know I needed, but now I never travel without it for this purpose.
Learn more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025
Features of the Dinictis travel backpack
External dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches
Storage capacity: 40 liters
Weight: 2.49 pounds
Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 interior padded laptop pocket
Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side
Material: Polyester and nylon
Impulse buys under $25 that make unexpected gifts
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Average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon
You don’t even have to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know how rare this type of review is. And now it’s still selling for only $20at least for Prime members, this bag is a pretty safe bet.
When will this agreement expire?
There is no way of knowing how long this deal will last. However, prices for different colors of this backpack seem to fluctuate daily. You can almost always find one of these backpacks on sale. However, I recommend placing your order as soon as possible if you don’t want to miss out on the color you want, especially if it’s on sale. The price is unlikely to drop any lower anytime soon.
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