Expandable Backpack Reviews
- Series 1: Large
- Series 1: Medium
- Series 2: Large
- Series 2: Medium
- Series 2: Small
- Convertible Duffel

Series 1: Large Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
I don't normally write reviews. But I want to give props to Knack for designing an extremely durable and functional bag. I travel extensively for work, and for fun, often with a small roller suitcase for shorter trips. This bag has been amazing! It may be expensive but it's worth every penny. I've had my series 1 medium for almost 5 years now. Extremely well designed and plane friendly. I've tried all the big expensive ones (I'm looking at you Briggs and Riley). After 30 years of extensive business travel I've never had a better carry on bag and daily worker. Unfortunately for you, you built this bag so well that I don't need to buy a new one!
This is a great backpack. I’ve used mine for years now for business travel. And it is by far the best backpack I’ve ever had. It’s well-made, intelligently designed and highly functional. I do not work with or have any affiliation with the company. But I can tell you this is a great backpack. The ability to put a few pieces of clothing in there along with a computer, all the charging cords, etc. and a bunch of files, means that I can use a small roller carry-on as my second bag. So no checked bags for even week long work trips. I’d be surprised if anyone did not love this backpack.
I got this to carry around during a business trip/trade show. I had it delivered to my hotel and I spent the evening exploring the backpack. I absolutely cannot believe how much you're able to do with this backpack. I even made a couple gasps when I discovered yet another pocket or another cool thing, especially when I found the zipper to expand its size. Super functional, and can fit so much in it when needed, but can be made more compact when traveling. I would say that it is worth the investment, for sure.
This was a great purchase. I am very satisfied with my decision to purchase this bag. It’s great for every day use and even better for traveling. I love that I am able to expand the bag to fit even more stuff in it. Traveling with this and my carryon suite case makes it less stressful when traveling for a long weekend.
I travel a lot for work. Generally its either a one day trip or a 3-4 dayer. I used to have separate back packs for each of these, and would inevitably not transfer something that I needed from the unused pack to the used pack. This eliminates that issue. I have taken the pack on a 10 day personal trip and it did great. Only slight things I could see improving would be: More comfortable straps. They seem like if you were wearing this on a hike all day they would get bothersome. I dont do that, so no bigs. A place for pens. Yes, I still use those. And a loop where the top strap and bottom strap join to hang a carabiner. I clip off a good-sized water bottle to my strap, and there is no place to do that. I just used a soft shackle to make my own, so again no bigs. For my needs, this is a great pack.

Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
Long-time V1 owner. When I finally wore out the bag (which was really just small things like the original rubber zipper pulls, etc.) I ordered another V1. Lo and behold, every little tweak I wanted in the first version was made in the second. The metal zipper pulls, the deeper water bottle and glasses/phone pocket, and the luggage pass-thru make this my perfect bag. And the gray looks really classy. Can’t recommend enough.
It’s good
I had specific needs when I was shopping for a new backpack: since I'd be carrying it to the office and on business trips, I didn't want it to look like I was heading out on a campaign trip. I wanted it to have enough space to carry my gym clothes or one change of clothes and toiletries for an international flight. I wanted to be able to easily reach small objects without having to completely remove the whole pack and put it down somewhere. I wanted it to be able to easily carry a water bottle securely. And as a short woman (5'0"), I wanted the bag to sit comfortably on my hips.
This bag hits all those marks and then some! In addition: the space for storing cords and chargers is a thing I didn't know I was looking for. The small top pocket for storing sunglasses is also perfect for storing my my ear buds.
My one small request for improvement: when I travel and go to the toilet in bathrooms in airports in a variety of countries, the carry handle on top isn't well situated for hanging the bag on a bag hook in a toilet cubicle. Since we use the bottom of the bag for the cord storage, I'd rather not be putting it down on strange bathroom floors. Just a suggestion to keep in mind for future design! :-D
I have become obsessed with my Knackpack Series 1!!! And NO, this is not a paid review. I saw an Instagram ad for this Knackpack when I was in the market 6 months ago for a laptop backpack that would hold my personal Macbook + work laptop + coffee tumbler + a few personal effects, without looking too bulky or masculine (I have a small frame at 5' and 100 lbs). Price was not too much of an issue, but I wanted to stay under $500, so TUMI was out of the question. I took a chance and ordered the Series 1 in Medium (black), cautious that I may have to exchange for a size up bec in the website photos, it looks a bit small... I didn't want to get the Series 2 bec I like all the pockets and organization far more in the Series 1, and Series 2 looked a lot bigger (vertically) in the photos. Do NOT let the size of the Series 1 Medium fool you. I have been absolutely blown away at the quality of this company!! Not only was the packaging so carefully thought of, it arrived quickly, and for a backpack that looks so small, it fits soooo much and never ever looks bulky. When traveling, it slides very easily under the seat in front of you. Oftentimes, I grab the essentials from my purse or tote and toss them in my Knackpack to be completely hands-free. One thing I really appreciate (besides all the pockets and org) is that the pocket for the tumbler is hidden away. I HATE those backpacks that expose the water bottle or tumbler and it's just floppin around as you're frantically running to catch a connecting flight lol. I'm a forever customer as long the quality remains this way!!
Note to the company: You guys are doing some really great work - thank you for this gem. :)
I'm almost 2 years in my knack pack journey. After extensive research, I reluctantly purchased this bag for work travel. 30-40 trips a year. This bag needed to hold 2/3 days worth as well as all my work gear and supplies. Not only does it still look brand new, I have never needed anything on the road as it has a place for everything. It's so good, I use 2 compression cubes and have ditched my suitcase all together. You'll never need another bag.

Series 2: Large Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
I can't say enough about how great and versitile this bag is. The quality is impressive and it continues to deliver in terms of it's usefulness. I did have an issue shortly after receiving it with the sternum strap coming off of one side due probably to my overpacking. Knack customer service was fantastic and helped me to resolve the issue so I didn't need to go through the hastle of returning the bag. I'm so pleased I'm considering also purchasing the convertable dufle to have even more flexible options.
As a flight attendant I am aleays looking for sustainable and practical packing solutions. This bag is exceptionally practical and convenient. Initially, I had concerns about its size, but it has proven to be ideal. It comfortably fits on top of my carry-on and is secured to the handle using the convenient slit on the back of the bag, ensuring that all my documents and devices remain within easy reach. I highly recommend this bag to flight crew
This bag has exceeded my expectations and I have high expectations being that my last bag was a Tumi. The quality is on point. The number of pockets is impressive and I have never been more organized in my life! I was skeptical that I can really pack for a 3 day work trip in a single bag but it is absolutely doable. Carrying one bag is so much more efficient.
I'm 6'6" and wear size 14 shoes. I bought this bag because it was wide enough to fit my shoes. First trip was three days, and I easily fit two laptops, an iPad, cables, clothes and an extra pair of shoes. So packed it sat comfortably on my back. The airport was easy and it was great to have hands free. The bag would not fit under seat expanded, but I just took out what I needed and put it up top. It is great moving around with only one bag. I've taken several trips now and love the one bag program. I've yet to max this out. A quick overnight and I didn't even unzip the expansion. The bag is very well thought out, and well made. I wanted two laptops + clothes, and it works great with a pair of 16" MBPs.
I'm traveling every week and rely on my bag to hold my gear but also look good in a meeting room. I must have looked at over 400 laptop bags. I even bought a couple of things and had to return them. The Knack is perfect. I love it! I love the pockets, I love the quality, I love the expansion. It's got some thoughtful touches (the mesh pockets let you see everything in them, the key fob is long enough to be useful.)

Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
I do not typically write product reviews, and certainly not unless I’m feeling let down. However, I wanted to make it a point to call out how much I enjoy my Knack backpack. Not only is it clearly designed with on-the-go use in mind, but it’s durable and also looks very nice. I have never before received comments on a backpack until I started carrying this one. Can’t wait to buy another one whenever I get any excuse to do so.
I don't normally write reviews, but I feel compelled to leave one in this case because I love the Series 2: Medium. I did a lot of research before buying this bag. I finally pulled the trigger in December of 2021, Merry Christmas to me. I work from home, but use the Knack to bring my work stuff to get out of the house and hit the coffee shop or library or whatever. I have also used it for single-bag business travel on short trips and as my general go-to backpack. I have had no complaints and it still looks great over three years later. My MacBook Pro 16" fits in the sleeve perfectly, and the whole thing gives me room for what I need without looking baggy/floppy. The fabric still looks clean, and the zippers are smooth. Would buy again!
Just what I was looking for! Keeps everything organized, slim profile, intuitive design.
Amazing backpack that completely changes your mind about what a backpack should be.
Perfect bag! No issues or concerns. I can quibble with a few minor tweaks I’d make, but this bag gets all the important features right.

Series 2: Small Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
Very well made. Perfect size for personal item and underseat storage on aircraft. The hidden backpack straps, wide trolley handle pass thru and the expandable clam shell main compartment are just a few of the ingenious parts about this pack. Only one ask-more colors please. A bit pricey but well worth it as you’ll probably not need another backpack or travel bag…unless they come out with more colors!
Great design. Love how the straps hide away. Excellent quality.
I took my new Expandable 2 on my first visit to NYC and it worked out perfectly! On some outings I used the expandable compartment to carry my mirrorless camera with attached super wide zoom lens hidden from view like on the subway. The layout of compartments is awesome and extremely useful! As a Christ follower we’re supposed to love people and use things but I have to say that I LOVE my knack pack!
A minimalist bag ideally sized for everyday/commute as well as weekend travel. Easily fits 2-3 days of clothes. It’s also a great duffel bag; just hide the straps and grab it by the side handle! The computer sleeve lacks a false bottom; be cautious dropping in a laptop. Also, the water bottle compartment intrudes into the main compartment reducing space. My only 2 minor gripes. Overall, this bag is incredibly well designed… and It looks bad-ass cool!. Go donate your daily backpack, travel bag, and duffel bag… this one backpack does it all!
I regularly commute by plane between home and work and carry on only this bag. There are two great aspects of the bag. First, it allows for excellent organization. As the saying goes, there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Second, it is versatile. The expanding feature allows me to travel small when possible and larger when necessary.

Series 1: Leather Expandable Knack Pack Product Reviews from Verified Customers
Wonderful bag. This duffel was highly recommended by my two sisters who each have one also. I’m using it for the first time on my vacation and very impressed with how much I can pack in all the convenient places. Perfect under the seat carry on with all you need readily available for your in flight trip.
Carefully planned and designed, this goes everywhere with me. Even fully expanded, it fits under the seat of every plane I've had it on. Love the "secret" zippered compartment! Carries quite comfortably in backpack mode and clamshell style makes for easy access to items. Proven durability too. For me, this was by far the best value out there.
I liked the multiple ways to carry this item, and its size will be helpful on future flights!
I love the new bag. It does everything. The only addition would be a front zipper flap to quickly access important items.
Would have been a perfect solution for ODC and one bag travel except there is no quick access pocket which makes travel difficult on the plane, bus, etc when out of the country. Having to pull out the bag to open the main compartment is too inconvenient. Add that and you will certainly have close to the perfect bag!