INTRODUCTION

We’re running out of storage space to house all the bags that we review, so it was a relief to receive the Bagsmart Falco 40L Expandable Carry-on Backpack to review. This bag, fortunately, due to its soft shell, flat packs and is easy to store when not in use.

Finding a travel bag that maximises carry-on capacity without breaking the bank is a challenge. The Bagsmart Falco 40L Expandable Carry-on Backpack targets budget-conscious travellers who want maximum packing efficiency without paying for premium, name-brand tags.

The last couple of bags we reviewed were brilliant; however, their main flaw was their weight, which, for us in Australia, leaves little wiggle room for packed items to stay under the airline carry-on weight restrictions. The Bagsmart Falco 40L bag is ridiculously light at just over 1kg (2.2lb), which allows a surplus of at least 6kg of packable items. It’s a bit of a trade-off, really, as the heavier and more expensive bags have hard-shell exteriors and give your contents a bit more security, whereas this bag has a soft-shell exterior and offers less security. For some, this may be an issue, and for others, it may not be. For us, the bag’s off to a great start. Keep reading as there are some included bonuses with the bag.

Bagsmart kindly sent us the Bagsmart Falco 40L Expandable Carry-on Backpack in the Khaki colourway for this review. Please read our Disclaimer below.

If, by the end of this post, you decide to purchase, please use the BUY HERE link at the bottom of the post or the banner below and enter the Wide10 discount code at checkout for an additional 10% off.

Disclaimer:  This review is unbiased. We would never recommend using any product unless we have used the product ourselves. We always strive to give you our honest opinion to help you make the best choice. We received the product with compliments , but were not paid for this review; however, we may receive commissions on links in this post.

THE EXTERIOR

The Falco is a direct, utilitarian response to strict airline baggage limits. Its standout feature is its chameleon-like ability to transform from a standard 25L daily commuter footprint up to a fully expanded 40L travel powerhouse.

Important Note: Keep in mind – although this bag is touted as a 40L bag, it is actually a 25L bag that can expand to 40L. Once expanded, it will not comply with carry-on restrictions regarding the depth of the bag. Most airlines allow a depth of 23cm (9″), but once expanded, the bag will jump up to 25.9cm (10.2″). We suggest that if you must use the expansion on this bag, you cinch the exterior compression straps tightly. Alternatively, use compression packing cubes inside the bag to avoid expanding altogether. Naturally, once at your destination, expand as much as you like.

Unlike generic day packs, the exterior’s fabric has a quality feel. The soft-shell exterior is constructed with water-resistant polyester, but as is the case with the majority of bags, especially those made for carry-on, this bag will survive getting slightly wet, but not a soaking, so if you are caught in a downpour, water will likely wet the contents. We would suggest you purchase a rain cover for the bag. 

The top of the bag has a large, very well-padded carry handle – probably the most comfortable of any bag that we have reviewed. The underside of the handle has breathable mesh, while the top has a smooth nylon finish (a little like polyurethane leather). Speaking of the finish, the bottom of the front of the bag has a panel constructed with the same weather-resistant material; however, we can see no purpose other than as a design element. This material would have been best used on the base of the bag, as this is the area that is placed directly on the ground if you are not wearing it on your back. Instead, the base uses the same polyester as the rest of the bag, and we can’t help but think that if it gets wet, water will seep into the bag’s interior. Many bag manufacturers use a much more weather-resistant material at the base, so we are not sure why Bagsmart would take this path. We suggest that you consider spraying the base of the bag with a watershield product.

The front of the bag has two wide, horizontal, weather-protected zipper pockets. The top pocket is a little deeper than the bottom. Each pocket has sturdy, well-made zipper pulls. A third zippered pocket at the front of the bag reveals a deep pocket for a laptop/tablet. It can accommodate up to a 17.3″ laptop. If you are not carrying a laptop/tablet, this pocket can be utilised for extra storage. However, please note that any items placed in these pockets could make the bag bulge beyond carry-on limitations, so be mindful when selecting items for these pockets. It would have been nice to have a secondary, smaller sleeve within the laptop/tablet pocket, as a tablet will slide around in this pocket.

On each side of the bag are pockets that will hold a water bottle. The pockets aren’t that deep, so if you are using a larger water bottle, make sure you use the compression strap to secure the top of the bottle.

The back of the bag has adequately padded shoulder straps which adjust smoothly; however, they lack the high-density EVA foam found in other bags, and you may struggle with a fully packed bag over long distances. 

A waist belt would have compensated somewhat for this, but unfortunately, it was not included. 

There is, however,  a sternum strap that can be adjusted vertically, so it fits comfortably on the chest and takes some of the weight off the shoulders. The back has a breathable mesh layer allowing airflow, which helps vent body heat and prevents sweat buildup during transit.

Lastly, the back of the bag has a luggage trolley strap, which can also double as a handle when lifting the bag. 

Inside the bag is a bonus – 1 x large and 1 x medium packing cube, and a shoe bag. We’ve used the packing cubes while reviewing another bag, and they are great, although the ones supplied with the bag are not the compression packing cubes. The mesh at the front of the packing cube allows you to quickly and easily recognise the contents. The larger-sized packing cube also has a handle.

Like many bags these days, especially those that are designed as suitable for carry-on, the interior of the bag concentrates on packing space. As a result, there are limited pockets; in fact, the only pocket is a large zippered mesh pocket on the underside of the opening lid. Any items placed in this pocket, however, may encroach on the space in the main packing compartment, so make sure that any items stored here are relatively flat. Naturally, the main packing compartment has the obligatory compression straps to keep your items secure.

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COLOURS

The BagSmart Falco 40L Expandable Carry-Backpack is available in 4 colours: Black, Grey, Beige, and Khaki. We were sent the Khaki colourway for this review.

PRICING

THE FINAL WORD

RATED: RECOMMENDED