Salkan just released a carry-on backpack. Here’s my honest review.

👉 Jump to: Review Summary | Full Review | Features | Specifications | Final Verdict

For years, Travel Lemming writers have recommended Salkan backpacks for their versatility, durability, and thoughtful design.

But Salkan’s selection has long been limited to a 20L Daypack and 45L Mainpack — which is fantastic, but didn’t give options to those looking for a single carry-on compliant backpack.

By popular request, Salkan launched its first-ever Carry-On Backpack just last month. I was thrilled to get my hands on it and be one of the earliest to give it a review. Spoiler: it’s become my go-to choice when traveling. 

Enjoy classic Salkan qualities like a comfortable fit, an included rain cover, and eco-conscious materials. Plus, it has new organizational features, a lighter weight, and best of all: you don’t need to stand in a checked luggage line. 

👉 Note Travel Lemming purchased its own evaluation model so we could give you our honest take. We are, in full disclosure, affiliate partners of Salkan (and most other backpack companies). If this pack isn’t right for you, we have a round-up of many other travel backpacks to consider, too!

A Quick Summary of My Thoughts

In my opinion, it’s clearly evident that the Salkan Carry-On Backpack was made by experienced travelers.

It solves many of the problems seen in similar gear via thoughtful design and construction — which are areas that Travel Lemming founder Nate also praised in his Salkan Backpacker bundle review.  

I especially love the Carry-On Backpack’s spacious main compartment and many external organizational features. They’re great for bulky items like travel tripods and perhaps that souvenir you really didn’t have room for. But with the clip of a carabiner, you’re good to go. 

As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m also obsessed with the style of the pack. It takes cues from tactical backpacks, with its Army green and numerous lash points. But it has a more refined shape and customizable features, like easy-to-change straps in varying colors and patterns. 

I also love a brand that’s eco-conscious, and Salkan uses recycled materials to construct its Carry-On. The pack is also durable, water resistant, and comfortable with generous, yet breathable padding. 

In honesty, it was hard to find faults with this bag but there are a few minor things. For one, as a petite woman, I had to significantly tighten the shoulder straps, hip belt, and sternum strap. Salkan has provided loops to tuck in the strap tails, but they’re made of the same stiff fabric and too tight. Elastic bands would have been more effective, in my opinion. 

I also think the key clip could have been more accessible, such as in the lid or a hip belt pocket, rather than deep in the main compartment. A waterproof pocket, as seen in the Salkan Daypack, and an adjustable back panel, as seen in the Salkan Mainpack, would have also been nice touches. 

Pros of the Salkan Carry-On Backpack 

• Thoughtful organizational features, inside and out 
• Stylish design that suits both urban and outdoor environments  
• Adaptable to other Salkan products, including its Daypack and packing cubes 
• Comfortable, durable, and comes with a rain cover  
• Lifetime warranty and 100-day free trial period 

Cons of the Salkan Carry-On Backpack 

• At $345, it’s bit pricey but definitely worth its value, in my opinion 
• May not suitable for every body type  

The Salkan Carry-On Backpack is best for:

• An itinerary of up to a week featuring both urban and outdoor adventures 
• Budget travelers — avoid checked luggage costs while maximizing carrying capacity   
• Eco-conscious buyers given the pack’s lifetime warranty and recycled materials

The Salkan Carry-On Backpack might not be a fit for:

• Digital nomads and others traveling for extended periods 
• Thru-hikers and ultra-light enthusiasts  

My Full Review

Features

Time to get into the nitty-gritty. Below, I dive into its extensive organizational features, design elements, eco-conscious materials, and more. I also include tons of photos to help you get a real feel for the bag, allowing you to better determine if it’s right for you. 

Organization

The Salkan Carry-On Backpack has tons of organizational features which make such a difference when traveling. Use them to not only keep track of your belongings, but to maximize load capacity. 

On its exterior, you’ll find the following:

• Lid Storage – The removable lid features a zippered pocket with a decent amount of storage — enough to hold items you’d want to access quickly, like a cell phone and wallet. It also has two horizontal rows of daisy chains, each with 12 lash points where you can attach carabiners for additional external carrying capacity. 
• Front Storage – The front of the pack features two vertical daisy chain strips, each with 12 lash points, along with criss-crossed bungee cords. Use the attached lock to tighten the cords so that they securely hold jackets, hats, and similar items. 
• Bottom Gear Loop – There’s a thick gear loop near the base of the pack. On backpacking packs, this loop is traditionally used for trekking poles or an ice ax. But it can also serve other purposes with the attachment of a carabiner.

• Rain Cover Pocket – The base pocket is secured by a hook and loop (Velcro) strip. This is the default location for the included rain cover. Of course, it can be used for other purposes, but I don’t recommend storing anything delicate here since, more than likely, the pack’s weight will often be resting on its base. 
• Hip Belt Pockets – The hip belt features two zippered pockets on either side. They’re somewhat shallow and generally not suitable for storing a cell phone. But they’re handy for small, frequent-use items like chapstick, sunscreen, etc.

• Shoulder Straps – Each shoulder strap has three lash points, plus two metal G-hooks that act as attachments for the Salkan Daypack.
• Side Pockets – You’ll find deep pockets on either side of the pack, ideal for tall and wide water bottle styles, among other items. Each pocket is secured by an elastic band.

• Tall Back Pocket – There’s a tall fleece-lined pocket on the back-right side of the pack. It has a false bottom, making it ideal for storing a laptop, tablet, or other thin electronic device. 
• Security Pocket – This pocket on the back-left of the pack is small and tricky to access with the pack on, adding a greater level of security. Consider storing your passport, credit cards, and similar personal items here. However, note that the pocket is not RFID safe. 

The main compartment also has impressive organizational features, including:

• Gear Loops – There’s a gear loop on the top drawstring opening of the pack, along with four small fabric gear loops inside the bag. They’re placed on each corner along the “max fill line” which helps ensure carry-on compliance. Attach carabiners to hold items in place, or use these to hang your Salkan laundry bag (sold separately). 
• Mesh Pocket – The front flap of the main compartment has a large mesh pocket with a zipper down the center.

• Laptop Sleeve – This felt pocket rests against the back of the main compartment. It features a false bottom and top flap with a hook and loop (Velcro) fastener to keep your device in place.
• Long Side Pocket – The left side of the main compartment features a long dual-zippered pocket. Inside, you’ll find a key clip — which is a nice touch but personally, I wish it appeared in a more easy-to-access area, such as the lid or inside one of the hip belt pockets.

• Dual Side Pockets – You’ll find these smaller zippered pockets to the right of the main compartment. 

👉 Pro Tip: Maximize your organizing potential with the Salkan travel accessory bundle! Sold separately, it contains a roll-top laundry bag to keep dirty and/or wet clothes separated, plus 3 packing cubes (one 12 L cube and two 6 L cubes). However, note that the Carry-On can really only hold 12 L total in its main compartment. 

Design

Overall, I really like the design of this backpack. Similar to the brand’s Mainpack, it seamlessly transitions from urban sightseeing to outdoor adventures — maybe even more so. The front bungee cords really give the pack a sporty look. But other aspects are more conducive to traditional travel compared to the average hiking pack.

For example, it’s both top and front-loading. The top of the pack is secured with a drawstring and cord lock, as well as a release buckle attached to a compression strap. Additionally, if the lid is attached, it protects the top of the pack using two metal G-clip fasteners. 

To front-load the pack, you’ll unhinge the top two G-clips and simply unzip the suitcase-style opening. This is my personal favorite method of loading up, as it’s easier to organize when a pack is laid flat. 

As far as other design elements, the pack has top and side carrying handles. These make it easy to pull from a cargo bin, load onto a luggage cart, and so forth. 

Additionally, the bag is compatible with the brand’s 20L Daypack. Connect the packs together using the Carry-On’s compression straps or the G-hooks on the shoulder straps.

Comfort

The backpack is highly comfortable with breathable padding on the shoulder straps and entire back side, as well as the hip belt. 

Compared to the Salkan Mainpack, the hip belt is much less rigid — but I think this makes sense given that more likely, you’ll be carrying less weight in a pack that has 10 L less volume. 

Additionally, this flexible hip belt is more conducive to varying sizes. But that said, this pack may not be ideal for everyone. I’m a petite woman with a 24-inch waist and on me, the hip belt has to be on its tightest setting for proper weight distribution. 

Similarly, I had to really tighten the pack’s shoulder straps for it to fit properly, but it does fit well on my 5-foot frame. However, note that unlike the Mainpack, the Salkan Carry-On does not have an adjustable back. 

I wish the brand had included this, as it would allow the new pack to accommodate a greater range in heights. But with fewer features, the Carry-On weighs an impressive 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg). 

Material 

The backpack looks like it’s made of canvas. But it’s actually Cotna polyester which prevents pilling, holds its shape, and is water resistant. Salkan also coats the fabric with a wax finish, making it further repel moisture. 

Additionally, it’s a 900D polyester — “D” referring to denier. A higher number indicates greater fabric thickness and 900 isn’t the highest on the market. However, in my opinion, it’s a good balance between durability and weight, and also falls in line with the pack’s intended use. 

The lining of the bag is made of 210D nylon, which is also water resistant. I appreciate its high-contrast orange color, which makes it easier to find items within the pack. 

To top it off, both the body fabric and lining are made of recycled materials. Even the yarn used to construct the bag meets the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). 

Technical Specifications

• Retail Price: $345 USD
• Capacity: 35L 
• Weight: 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg)
• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 8.5 in (55 x 31 x 22 cm)
• Material: Recycled 900D Cotna polyester with wax finish & PU lining; 210D recycled nylon with PU lining
• Color Options: Forest green; strap colors include forest green, charcoal, Andes, dusty pink, gray, macaw (maroon), burnt orange, and amarillo 
• Warranty & Guarantee: free 100-day trial; lifetime guarantee with standard restrictions (e.g. normal wear and tear) 

FINAL VERDICT – Is It Worth It? 

I absolutely think that the Salkan Carry-On Backpack is worth the investment. No other carry-on bag I’ve tested maximizes load capacity in the same way, nor offers the same level of comfort and durability. 

It may not be best suited for extended trips. But if you’re going away for a week, save yourself the cost of a checked bag and opt for this versatile backpack instead. I highly doubt you’ll regret this purchase and if you do, there’s peace of mind in knowing you have a 100-day free trial.  

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I hope you found this review to be helpful! Let us know your thoughts on the pack in the comments and if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our guide to 45 travel essentials.