I’ve been there. You’re scrolling online, looking for the perfect travel bag. You see sleek, expensive backpacks that cost more than your plane ticket. Then you see it: the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack—the one you’ve seen in countless reviews and best-seller lists.
In this Matein Travel Laptop Backpack review, I’ll share exactly how it held up on my latest 3-day trip.
What Is the Matein Backpack?
Matein is a brand that focuses on practical, affordable bags. Their bestselling Travel Laptop Backpack is designed to function as a carry-on personal item and work bag all in one. It has a dedicated laptop sleeve, built-in USB port, hidden pockets, and multiple compartments—all for under $40. It’s meant to be your go-to whether you’re heading to the airport or your local coffee shop.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Build Quality
If you buy a travel bag for less than $40, you might expect it to be made of cheap materials and have bad stitching. I was honestly prepared to be a little underwhelmed. But when I got my hands on the Matein, I was pleasantly surprised.
The backpack is made from a water-resistant polyester fabric that feels solid and strong to the touch. It doesn’t feel cheap or crinkly. The stitching is neat and tidy, with no loose threads in sight. The handle on top is thick and reinforced, so you can grab it and go without worrying about it snapping.
The metal zippers are another standout feature. They are smooth, easy to pull, and feel very sturdy, which is a huge deal if you’ve ever had a zipper bust mid-trip. The zippers also have holes that allow you to lock them for extra security.
The overall style is simple, clean, and professional. It’s not a flashy, high-fashion bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s discreet and doesn’t scream “tourist with expensive gear inside! ” It comes in a few neutral colors like black and grey, which makes it perfect for both business trips and casual vacations. It’s a bag that focuses on function over fashion, but it still manages to look sharp.
Let’s Talk Pockets and Organization (The Best Part! 🎒)
There’s one thing about the Matein bag that really stands out: it’s very organized. There are a lot of pockets and spaces in this bag. The more you look, the more you find. It feels like it was designed by someone who actually travels a lot and understands the frustration of digging through a bottomless pit of a bag.
Let’s break down the layout:
The Main Compartment:
Amazingly, this section of the bag has a lot of room. With a capacity of up to 40 liters, you have more than enough space for a weekend getaway—or longer. This bag held my clothes in a few packing cubes, a toiletry bag and an extra pair of shoes without any trouble.
🧳 What I Packed for a 3-Day Trip
For this review, I used the Matein backpack on a 3-day holiday and was surprised by how much it could hold—without feeling stuffed. Here’s what I fit inside:
- 👖 3 pairs of pants
- 👚 4 tops
- 🧦 Undergarments
- 🧴 1 toiletry bag
- 💻 14” laptop
- 📱 iPad Mini + earbuds
- 🔋 Anker power bank
- 🎒 1 compression cube (Bagail) to organize my clothes
All of this fit in the main compartment and laptop sleeve, with room to spare.
The Laptop Compartment:
This is a separate, padded area in the back of the bag. It’s made to keep your tech safe and sound.
It worked perfectly with my 14-inch laptop and would easily hold a 15.6-inch model too. The padding feels thick and secure, and the Velcro strap keeps it from shifting in transit.
There is a Velcro strap to keep your laptop in place, and the padding is thick. This space is great for quickly getting through airport security. Your laptop can be slid out without messing up the rest of your packed things.
Front Organizer Pockets:
The front of the bag is where everything is kept in order. There are three zipped pockets on the outside. For anything I wanted to quickly reach on the plane—like my iPad Mini, headphones, and hand sanitizer—I found the two vertical side-zip compartments ideal. The horizontal pocket is great for travel documents or snacks. Behind them is another zipped pocket that holds a pen, a pocket for a notepad, and slot for your phone. It’s ideal for your in-flight necessities.
Two Extra Zippered Front Pockets (More Than Meets the Eye)
Besides the main compartments and organizer pocket, the Matein backpack has two additional zippered front pockets—and they’re surprisingly useful.
- 🟦 The side-entry pocket (just below the logo) opens from the side and runs deeper than it looks. I used it for things like snacks, a small tablet, or even a mini notebook. It’s ideal for quick-access items that aren’t super valuable but still need to be zipped up.
- 🟩 The smaller front-facing zip pocket is great for your wallet, sunglasses, or phone. It’s secure enough for travel but easy to reach—especially useful when you’re boarding or checking in.
These aren’t decorative. They’re real, functional pockets—and they give the bag even more flexibility on the go.
The Hidden Anti-Theft Pocket:
I think this is my favorite part. The lower back part is padded, and there is a hidden zipped pocket there. When you wear the bag, it rests against your back, making it very hard for thieves to get to. This is the best spot to keep your most important things, like your ID, wallet, or extra cash. It gives you a lot of peace of mind when you’re in a busy city or on public transportation.
The Water Bottle Pocket
While I’ve read reviews mentioning a tight fit, I had no trouble fitting my 8, 16, and even 32 oz bottles on each side.
Comfort and Carry: How Does It Feel When Packed?
A backpack can have all the pockets in the world, but if it’s painful to carry, it’s useless. So how does the Matein feel once it’s fully packed?
When I loaded mine up for a trip, it weighed just over 17 pounds. At first, it felt pretty comfortable—the shoulder straps are padded, and the back panel has soft, breathable mesh that’s meant to reduce strain and increase airflow. There’s also a U-shaped ventilation design on the back that helps with airflow during long walks or hot travel days.
But here’s the catch: after wearing it for a while, I started to notice the weight more than I expected. I’m 5’2″, and the padding just didn’t feel supportive enough over time. It didn’t dig into my shoulders, but I wouldn’t describe it as “all-day comfortable” with a heavier load. If you’re packing light, it’ll probably feel fine—but if you’re traveling with a full bag, be prepared to take breaks.
One thing I did appreciate: the luggage strap on the back (also called a trolley sleeve). It makes airport travel so much easier—you can slide the backpack right over your suitcase handle and give your shoulders a break.
Travel-Specific Features: More Than Just a Backpack
The Matein comes with a few extra features that show it was truly designed with the modern traveler in mind.
USB Charging Port: On the side of the backpack, there is an external USB port. On the inside of the bag, is the corresponding cable tucked into a side pocket. This will allow you to connect your portable power bank (not included) to the internal cable and store it in the pocket. You will then be able to plug your phone’s charging cable directly into the outside of your backpack to charge it on the go.
Zipper Security Loops: A Simple Anti-Theft Bonus 🔒
One of the small but smart details I appreciated? Both the main compartment and laptop compartment zippers have built-in loops that let you add a mini padlock or zipper clip for extra security.
It’s not a full-blown anti-theft system, but when you’re traveling through crowded airports or staying in shared spaces like hostels, this tiny feature gives a big boost in peace of mind. I used a simple luggage lock to secure the compartments when I stepped away from my bag.
Who Should Consider It
- Budget-Minded Travelers who want a capable carry-on under $50
- Students or Digital Nomads carrying laptops and gear
- Weekend Flyers looking for a versatile personal item
- Commuters who want something organized and professional-looking
Who It’s Not For
- Long-haul hikers or travelers who need technical support and load-bearing frames
- Travelers carrying bulky 40oz water bottles
- Style enthusiasts looking for leather finishes or premium materials
My Pro Tips
- Don’t overpack. It’s easy to do—this bag holds more than you expect. I packed light, and I still had extra space left over.
- Use a compression cube. It made fitting three days of clothes effortless and kept everything tidy. (optional)
- Watch the weight. Once packed, my bag weighed around 17 lbs. At 5’2”, I found it comfortable at first, but a bit heavy on the shoulders after extended wear.
- Use the trolley sleeve. For longer travel days, I recommend stacking it on your rolling suitcase to give your shoulders a break.
The Verdict
After testing it myself, I can confidently say this Matein Travel Laptop Backpack review confirms that it’s one of the best value picks under $50.
The Matein backpack truly holds its own. It offers excellent storage, a smart layout, and travel-focused features—all at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s not just a good bag for the money—it’s a good bag, period.
If you need something affordable, durable, and ready for travel, school, or commuting, the Matein is a top contender. I’ve tested pricier bags, and this one holds its own in all the ways that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Matein backpack come with a power bank?
A: No. It includes a USB port and internal charging cable, but you’ll need to supply your own power bank.
Q: Can it handle rain?
A: It’s made with water-resistant fabric, so light rain is fine. In heavy downpours, you’ll want a rain cover.
Q: Will it fit under a Spirit Airlines seat?
A: If you pick the slim model and don’t overpack it, yes. The larger 40L version may be too big for Spirit’s tight limits.
Q: What laptop sizes fit?
A: The standard version holds up to a 15.6″ laptop. Larger models can handle 17″.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes. Matein offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, which adds peace of mind to an already affordable bag.
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