Able Carry Max Backpack Review: Is This the Ultimate Travel Pack?
I’ve been using the Able Carry Max Backpack for almost one year, and it’s become my do-everything carry. It handles workdays (laptop, charger, notebook), short trips (a couple of packing cubes + toiletries), day hikes (water, shell, first-aid), and even photography outings (camera body + two lenses in a cube) without breaking a sweat.
The harness stays comfortable, the structured shell makes packing simple, and the quick-access pockets keep essentials ready to grab. Add the weather-resistant X-Pac/CORDURA build, and you’ve got a durable 30L everyday/travel backpack that confidently flexes from commute to trail, my go-to bag for almost everything.
The Able Carry Max Backpack boasts durability, versatility, and sleek aesthetics, though minor design tweaks could enhance usability. Read our in-depth review below.
Quick Takeaway Able Carry Max Backpack
Max Backpack
The Able Carry Max Backpack is built for modern life, whether you’re commuting to the office, hopping on a flight, or heading out for the weekend. With 30L–32L of efficient storage, this versatile backpack combines ergonomic carry comfort, smart organizational features, and secure compartments to keep your essentials safe and secure. Designed with premium materials and minimalist style, it’s the ideal backpack for work, play, and travel.
Pros
- High-quality materials ensure longevity.
- Excellent ergonomic harness system.
- Extensive internal and external organization options.
- Stylish and minimalistic aesthetic.
Cons
- The laptop compartment lacks securing tabs.
- Slight resistance in zippers.
- The rear pocket is somewhat restrictive.
Carry-on Bag Airlines
| Airline | Inches | Centimeters | Compliant |
| Aegean Airlines | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Aer Lingus | 18.9 × 13 × 7.9 | 48 × 33 × 20 | ❌ No |
| Aeroflot | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Aerolineas Argentinas | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Aeromexico | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Asia | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Astana | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Baltic | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Canada | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Caraibes | 17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 | 45 × 35 × 20 | ❌ No |
| Air China | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Europa | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air France | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air India | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Macau | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Malta | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Niugini | 20 × 12 × 8 | 50.8 × 30.5 × 20.3 | ❌ No |
| Air Nostrum | 17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 | 45 × 35 × 20 | ❌ No |
| Air Serbia | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Seychelles | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Tahiti | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Air Transat | 20.1 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 51 × 40 × 23 | ❌ No |
| AirAsiaX | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Aircalin | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Allegiant Air | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| ANA | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Asiana Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Austrian | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Avianca | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Azerbaijan Airlines | 22 × 14 × 8 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 20.3 | ✅ Yes |
| Bahamasair | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Bangkok Airways | 19.7 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 50 × 36 × 23 | ❌ No |
| Belavia | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Biman Bangladesh | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Blue Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Boliviana de Aviacion | 11.8 × 9.8 × 7.9 | 30 × 25 × 20 | ❌ No |
| British Airways | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Bulgaria Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Cambodia Angkor Air | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Cathay Pacific | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Cayman Airways | 24 × 16 × 11 | 61 × 40.6 × 27.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Cebu Pacific | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| China Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| China Eastern | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| CommutAir | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Conviasa | 24 × 14.6 × 9.8 | 61 × 37 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Croatia Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Czech Airlines | 21.7 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Delta Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| easyJet | 17.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 | 45 × 36 × 20 | ❌ No |
| EL AL | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Emirates Airlines | 21.7 × 15 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 38 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Enter Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Etihad Airways | 22 × 16 × 10 | 55.9 × 40.6 × 25.4 | ✅ Yes |
| Eurowings | 15.7 × 11.8 × 9.8 | 40 × 30 × 25 | ❌ No |
| EVA Air | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Fiji Airways | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Finnair | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| flybe | 22 × 14 × 8 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 20.3 | ✅ Yes |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 | 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 | ✅ Yes |
| Garuda Indonesia | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Gulf Air | 17.7 × 15.7 × 11.8 | 45 × 40 × 30 | ❌ No |
| Hainan Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Hong Kong Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Horizon Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Iberia | 22 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Icelandair | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Indigo | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Iran Air | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Island Air | 22 × 13.8 × 9.1 | 56 × 35.1 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Japan Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Jet2 | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| jetBlue Airways | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Jetstar Airways | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Juneyao Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Kenya Airways | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| KLM | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Kulula | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Kuwait Air | 22 × 18.1 × 9.8 | 56 × 46 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| LATAM | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 55.1 × 35.1 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Liat Airlines | 21 × 14 × 8 | 53.3 × 35.6 × 20.3 | ✅ Yes |
| Linea Aerea Amaszonas | 12 × 11 × 8 | 30.5 × 27.9 × 20.3 | ❌ No |
| Lion Air Group | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 30 × 20 | ❌ No |
| LOT Polish | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Lufthansa | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Luxair | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Mahan Air | 22 × 16 × 9 | 55.9 × 40.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Malaysia Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| Mango | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Mesa Airlines | 19 × 15 × 11 | 48.3 × 38.1 × 27.9 | ❌ No |
| Middle East Airlines | 22 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 40 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Norse Atlantic Airways | 22 × 18 × 10 | 55.9 × 45.7 × 25.4 | ✅ Yes |
| Norwegian | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Oman Air | 20 × 16 × 10 | 50.8 × 40.6 × 25.4 | ❌ No |
| Onur Air | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Pakistan International | 21.7 × 15 × 8.7 | 55.1 × 38 × 22 | ✅ Yes |
| Peach | 19.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | 50 × 40 × 25 | ❌ No |
| Porter Airlines | 16.9 × 13 × 6.3 | 43 × 33 × 16 | ❌ No |
| Qantas Airways | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Qatar Airways | 20 × 15 × 10 | 50.8 × 38.1 × 25.4 | ❌ No |
| Ravn Alaska | 16 × 14 × 9 | 40.6 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ❌ No |
| Regional Express | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | 21.7 × 15 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 38 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Royal Jordanian | 20.1 × 16.1 × 9.1 | 51 × 41 × 23 | ❌ No |
| Ryanair | 15.7 × 9.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 25 × 20 | ❌ No |
| S7 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| SAS Scandinavian | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Scoot | 21.3 × 15 × 9.1 | 54 × 38 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Shandong Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Singapore Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Sky Airlines | 17.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 45 × 35 × 25 | ❌ No |
| South African Airways | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 | 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 | ✅ Yes |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 × 18 × 10 | 55.9 × 45.7 × 25.4 | ✅ Yes |
| Spring Airlines | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 30 × 20 | ❌ No |
| SriLankan Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Sun Country | 17 × 13 × 9 | 43.2 × 33 × 22.9 | ❌ No |
| Sun Express | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Swiss Int’l Air Lines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| TAAG Angola | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| TAP Portugal | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| TAROM | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Thai Airways | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | 56 × 45 × 25 | ✅ Yes |
| Thomson Airways | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Tianjin Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Transavia Airlines | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 30 × 20 | ❌ No |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | 55.1 × 40 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Turkmenistan Airlines | 17.7 × 13.8 × 5.9 | 45 × 35 × 15 | ❌ No |
| Ukraine International | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| United Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 | ✅ Yes |
| uTair Airlines | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 30 × 20 | ❌ No |
| Uzbekistan Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Vietnam Airlines | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| Virgin Australia | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | 56 × 36 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
| VivaColombia | 15.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | 40 × 35.1 × 25 | ❌ No |
| Volaris | 18 × 14 × 8 | 45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 | ❌ No |
| Volotea | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 | 55.1 × 40 × 20.1 | ✅ Yes |
| Vueling | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 | 40 × 30 × 20 | ❌ No |
| WestJet | 20.9 × 15 × 9.1 | 53 × 38 × 23 | ✅ Yes |
- Capacity: 30l
- Weight: (lb)3.79 lb (1.7 kg)
- Dimensions : 20.5 in x 12.5 in x 8 in (52.1 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm)
- Notable Materials: Nylon, CORDURA® Ripstop Nylon, X-Pac, DWR Coating, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
- Laptop Compartment: Size 17
- Manufacturing Country: China
Full Review
When a brand uses the term “Max,” expectations skyrocket. It’s usually a promise of more space, higher durability, greater functionality, everything amplified. With the Able Carry Max Backpack, that promise comes through loud and clear. Sporting rugged materials, an impressive array of pockets, and seemingly endless loops, Able Carry clearly has ambitious travelers and urban adventurers in mind. But does it truly deliver maximum value?
Materials and Design
Able Carry clearly prioritized durability with the Max Backpack, crafting it from VX21 X-Pac fabric—a high-performance material known for weather resistance and strength. Paired with 1000D CORDURA nylon at the base (perfect for handling rough surfaces), and 420D ripstop nylon lining inside, this backpack is built to handle serious wear and tear.
Aesthetically, the Max Backpack strikes a perfect balance between sporty and minimalist. The textured pattern gives it a distinct, active feel without overwhelming the design. Branding is subtly executed with a small Hypalon tab at the bottom, ensuring a clean, streamlined look.
Available colors include Tarmac Black, Ocean Blue, Earth Green, and Dark Forest MCB (dark camo). Each variant offers a tasteful, sophisticated appearance suited to various styles—from urban commutes to outdoor adventures.
Durability and Craftsmanship
It’s easy to trust a backpack with renowned hardware names like YKK zippers and Duraflex buckles. Throughout our testing, every zipper, strap, and seam remained robust without signs of weakening. We particularly appreciated the trapezoidal stitching on exterior webbing, enhancing both durability and style.
Comfort and Carrying System
Comfort-wise, the Able Carry Max Backpack performs admirably. The harness system includes densely padded, breathable shoulder straps and a contoured back panel featuring a central airflow channel to keep your back cool during prolonged use.
The removable sternum strap employs a magnetic buckle. While innovative, we found pushing inward to release slightly awkward, especially under load, and might prefer a traditional buckle for ease.
Load lifters are absent, which initially raised concerns given its 30-liter capacity. However, the harness design was balanced enough to provide a comfortable carry even when fully loaded, a testament to thoughtful ergonomics.
Our only minor complaint was the slight resistance encountered when opening the main compartment zippers. They required a deliberate pull, although this might improve after extended use.
Handles on the top and side offer convenient grab-and-go functionality. Both handles are generously padded, making brief carries comfortable and balanced, something travelers will certainly appreciate.
External Storage & Features
The Max Backpack features a uniquely integrated side water bottle pocket capable of accommodating up to a 32-ounce bottle. The seamless integration keeps the backpack streamlined but naturally consumes internal space—a common trade-off for minimalist profiles.
One standout element is the impressive array of external loops. Positioned along handles, shoulder straps, and even the bag’s base, these loops allow attachment of accessories, carabiners, or extra gear. While potentially overwhelming at first glance, the subtle placement means they blend effortlessly into the design.
Interior Organization
Inside, the Max Backpack impresses further. The front quick-grab compartment features vertically aligned mesh pockets (despite a horizontal zip), an ingenious design decision that keeps contents from shifting. A removable key leash with adjustable mounting points offers unmatched convenience.
The laptop compartment comfortably houses devices up to 17 inches, complemented by an adjacent tablet sleeve. However, we wished for an additional securing strap to prevent accidental slipping—especially since the sleeve depth is somewhat shallow.
A clever hidden security compartment behind the laptop sleeve adds a discreet, useful touch. Ideal for important documents, this compartment emphasizes Able Carry’s thoughtful approach to practical travel features.
The main compartment fully opens in a clamshell fashion, ensuring hassle-free packing and unpacking. While packing cubes are highly recommended for optimal organization, the structured walls ensure items remain accessible and upright during loading.
Stretchy interior pockets further enhance versatility, allowing adaptable storage for water bottles or bulky items. Additional webbing loops inside permit further customization—ideal for adventurous or meticulous packers who want total control over their gear.
Areas for Improvement
While the Able Carry Max Backpack is thoughtfully designed, a few areas could be refined:
- Easier Access to Rear Pocket: While secure, the rear security pocket felt overly restrictive, limiting quick retrieval.
- Laptop Sleeve Security: Adding a strap or tab to secure devices would significantly boost laptop and tablet protection.
- Zipper Smoothness: Reducing resistance on the main compartment zippers would enhance the overall user experience.
Who is the Able Carry Max Backpack For?
With durable, weather-resistant materials, generous organization, and excellent comfort, the Able Carry Max Backpack is ideal for:
- Digital nomads and remote workers seeking dependable daily carry.
- Short-term travelers require versatile, organized storage.
- Urban explorers who prefer a minimalistic style combined with practical functionality.
- Adventure enthusiasts who value ruggedness and adaptability.
Final Verdict: Should You Get It?
Ultimately, Able Carry has created a rugged, stylish, and exceptionally versatile backpack suitable for both urban and outdoor use. Its thoughtful design, durable build, and impressive flexibility more than justify its “Max” moniker. While there’s room for minor enhancements, particularly with laptop security and pocket accessibility, the overall performance easily makes it one of the top contenders for your next everyday or travel backpack.
