Tropicfeel's game-changing modular travel backpacks are already whipping up a bit of a cult following. Seriously expandable and comfortable, each pack is at the core of a sort of 'ecosystem' of bolt-on accessories – making them incredibly versatile and adaptable. Take the Shelter pack, their most technical and outdoorsy model. In its most streamlined configuration you can get it down to 30 litres, but expand it right out and the core bag will go up to 54 litres – with 12 more if you add on an optional extra front compartment. Just think about that for a second – the same rucksack could do double duty as a day pack for mountain hikes or a 65+ litre load-lugger for extended international backpacking trips. In its basic form, the Shelter is a superb bit of kit, but part of the fun with Tropicfeel packs is deciding how you're going to mod them. Accessories that would be on our wish list are the 'wardrobe' – an integrated clothes storage system that compresses your stuff down by up to 20% – and the 12-litre front pouch that detaches to become a fully waterproof daypack. New for autumn 2024 is the concealed V-strap attachment point on the front of the pack, allowing you to attach smaller pouches from the Tropicfeel range.
Versatile travel backpack that can be heavily customised with optional accessories
Can go up to 66 litres with the addition of the waterproof daypack accessory
Hidden V-strap attachment point for attaching Tropicfeel pouches to the front of the pack
Includes integrated rain fly that can also be used to tidy up straps for air travel
Roll-top opening
Full clamshell opening for easy packing
Laptop compartment & multiple organiser pockets
Side compression straps
Stretch bottle pockets
Side zip pockets
Adjustable shoulder straps with sternum strap
Removable padded hip belt
Hidden folding 'kangaroo pocket' on the bottom gives an extra 6 litres of space
Attachment straps for poles, sleep mat etc.
HoverBack back panel features thermoformed foam with scapular and lumbar support
Made with part-recycled polyester fabric
Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on shell and lining
Made in Vietnam by an externally certified ethical manufacturing partner
Capacity: 30-54 L
Kangaroo pocket: 6 L of space
In compressed 30L configuration, it measures 50 x 27 x 22 cm
Weighs 1.45 kg
Recycled Materials - This backpack is made from recycled polyester
Eco Certified - Tropicfeel is a certified B Corp, the highest distinction for companies committed to making environmental and social responsibility a core part of their business operations
Climate Neutral - As a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp, Tropicfeel recognize their responsibility to positively impact people and planet through their products, programs, and actions
Tropicfeel are relatively new on the scene – but appropriately enough for a company that started out making ‘the world’s most crowdfunded shoe’, this Barcelona-based brand has hit the ground running.
Their story started in 2016, when co-founder Alberto Espinós and his mate returned from a backpacking trip to Thailand with a serious gripe. The problem, as they saw it, was that their gear just wasn't versatile enough. They were ponying around multiple sets of kit for various different activities, spread across a mismatched set of duffels, day-packs and bum-bags.
Alberto’s vision of travel was one where a single set of apparel would do for hiking, adventurous activities and city breaks, and where adaptable, modular luggage could be combined with an efficient 'ecosystem' of accessories. Working from the ground up, he began by designing a multi-functional travel shoe, pitching it straight to a worldwide community of globe-trotters through an ambitious and meticulously planned crowdfunder.
What followed was one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns ever to come out of Spain, and Tropicfeel have been quietly rewriting the backpacker rulebook ever since.
What's kind of special about Tropicfeel is an obsessive desire to move forward – to make each new product and iteration that bit cleverer and more versatile than the last. They're also hugely conscious of their own impact, with recycled materials and ethical manufacturing at the heart of pretty much everything they do.
It is a very practical and comfortable backpack. I love it.
