The large expandable Knack bag has been tested for several weeks. We’ve used it on road trips and short city excursions as a daily bag. What we thought.
KNACK EXPANDABLE BACKPACK KNACK Larg Specs
- Dimensions: Unexpanded 21.5″ x 14″ x 4.5″.
- Dimensions expanded : 21.5″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″
- Unexpanded Capacity: 22 Litres
- Capacity: Expanded to 37 Litres
- Weight: 3 pounds 4 ounces
Our KNACK Backpack Review (LARGE Expandable Pack)
Knack Bags’ large expandable bag can be easily converted from daily bag into a travel bag. This bag expands from 22 liters to 37 liters.
There’s one thing that makes the Knack backpack stand out from the rest of our reviews. The hidden sleeve on the Knack bag slips easily over the handle of a suitcase.
You can slide the backpack on your suitcase and pull it along.
In the past, we’ve carried backpacks in airports and on city streets by wrapping their straps around our suitcase handles. The backpack is prone to sliding around and sometimes it even falls off.
The backpack is securely attached to the handle of our suitcase with the help of the bag sleeve.
ORGANIZATION AND STORAGE
It has good storage space and the Knack bag is well organized.
Knack’s backpacks are notable for their unusual triangle-shaped front pocket with two zippers. There are several pockets inside, including one for small items like business cards, another pocket to hold other smaller things, and the larger pocket at the back that can fit cables and charging cords.
It is designed to store bank cards, credit cards or a passport. The fabric used in the front pocket blocks RFID signals. It is for this reason that I would not store money and my passport in the triangle-shaped pocket on the front. It’s just too obvious for me and easy to access by a pickpocket.
Above the triangle, there’s a pocket. This is a great place to keep sunglasses, chargers for batteries or cables.
At first I didn’t know where the laptop pocket was, as it wasn’t located in either of the other two large interior pockets. Knacks created a laptop sleeve that can be accessed via a side zip instead of using the usual laptop pocket within a large interior pocket.
This easy-access computer pouch with padded sides zips fits laptops up to 17″ and is protected by durable padding.
The bag has two compartments, each with a lockable zipper. First, the compartment on the front has plenty of pockets and storage. We found that the tablet pocket was lined with soft, fleece-like material and provided a perfect place to keep our eReaders.
It’s the largest compartment, which expands. This compartment can be used as a standard suitcase. The straps are used to hold clothing and there is a mesh area with a zipper.
You can expand the bag by unzipping the zipper located on the exterior. It’s hidden by a flap. I thought this made it difficult to locate on the go.
The zipper cover made zipping and unzipping a little difficult for me.
The compartment can hold a couple of shirts and pants and an extra pair of underwear in its un-expanded form.
The main compartment expands to hold 3-4 days worth of clothes (if you are a moderate to light packer) but remains compact no matter what you put in.
You’re looking for somewhere to store your water bottle. You can keep your water bottle in the side pocket to stay hydrated while you run your errands. You can close the pocket when not in use.
Bottom front pocket can hold a variety of tech accessories including USB sticks, cords, batteries, adapters, and chargers.
Is it safe to carry on?
Even when expanded, the Knack Large Expandable Pack should meet most carry-on regulations. It measures in expanded form 21.5′” x 14’’ x 9” and can hold 37 liters. It measures 22 liters when not expanded.
Comfort and Looks
Back panel made of molded foam is very comfortable and feels good to wear.
Even when the bag is fully loaded, the padded hip and shoulder straps provide comfort. The main backpack straps can be unclipped and stored in the pocket on the back panel.
The sternum belt’s buckle, which hooked into a loop, was not my favorite. It’s much easier to use a buckle I can do with just one hand.
The dark gray, two-toned fabric was my favorite. The fabric and zippers are designed to repel moisture, even though the garment is not waterproof.
Inside the pockets, there is a fabric in orange and white. Charles was initially not a fan, although I liked it. He’s starting to like it, I believe.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We liked the pack as a whole. This is a good option for those who are looking for a pack they can use as sling luggage or daily carry on.
Looking for the KNACK Small or Medium Bag?
Knack’s Small Expandable Bag makes a perfect everyday bag if you are looking for something small. It’s 16 liters when it isn’t expanded, but it can expand to 29 liters.
The Medium Expandable Bag has a capacity of 17 liters that can be expanded to 33 liters. This bag is a great option to carry around every day. It expands into a large travel bag that can fit enough for a weekend getaway.
KNACK ASSORTS
Knack sells travel items such as a margarita kit (alcohol is not included), laundry bag, travel candle and insulated bottles. They also offer zip cord pouches, extra straps for the sternum or keys. Visit their travel accessories here.
Knack makes packing cubes. You can choose from large, medium or bundles. Click here to see Knack’s packing cubes.
