I bought a TikTok-viral travel backpack for a recent trip. For less than $40, it's the perfect carry-on bag.

Jordan Parker ErbJan 13, 2024, 02:14 IST

The viral backpack from Amazon.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Earlier this year, I kept seeing TikTok videos for a backpack that was said to be perfect for travel.
I finally caved and bought the bag on Amazon for $34.

TikTok has a special way of feeding you videos about products you probably don't need, but that might come in handy someday.

That was the case earlier this summer when I continuously saw videos about a backpack that influencers claimed was a travel "must-have." Videos of the bag, often posted with the hashtag #ViralTravelBackpack, have raked in 137 million views as of Monday.

A video posted on May 26 solidified my decision to buy the bag. In the video, TikToker @bmekween said she "cannot go on a trip without this bag," and gave a tour of the backpack's features. The TikTok has 4.3 million views as of Monday.

In June, with a trip to Paris coming up later that month. And while it ended up being too small to bring on my trip to Europe, I've used it on several smaller trips since — and have found it really is a great carry-on bag for short trips. Here's why.

Several Amazon vendors sell a version of the bag, and most of them are less than $50.

Dozens of brands sell a version of the backpack. I bought mine from VGCUB.Amazon

The most important feature is the bag fits under an airplane seat or in the overhead compartment.

The bag is big enough to fit your belongings but small enough to be a carry-on.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Because I had lots of stuff to pack for my trip to Paris, I found the bag too small for an international trip.

The bag doesn't fit a ton of clothes and isn't great for long trips.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

While I didn't end up using it for a longer trip, it's worked well for weekend excursions.

The bag can fit two to three outfits without packing cubes.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

One thing I don't love is how small the water bottle pocket is.

The backpack doesn't hold large water bottles.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The bag has a host of handy pockets and compartments, including a specific place to put your shoes.

The backpack has a compartment to put shoes in.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

It also has a port you can use to charge your phone if need be.

The backpack has a charging port for a mobile charger.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Overall, the bag probably won't work for long trips, but it's great for a short getaway.

The bag opens like a suitcase, making finding and removing items easy.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

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