Tortuga is known for its rugged, reliable travel backpacks, and the Outbreaker has long been a favorite for those needing a durable, well-featured bag. But what if you’re looking for something lighter and simpler? Enter the Homebase collection—Tortuga’s answer to the demands of digital nomads and light travelers. This new range offers more streamlined, portable options without sacrificing key organizational features, and I’ve had the chance to test them out.
Let’s take a closer look at the Homebase Backpack and Duffle Bag, two products that combine sleek design with practicality.
The Homebase Backpack
At 32 liters, this backpack is designed to be your everyday carry companion without weighing you down. It’s just the right size for a carry-on, with enough space for your essentials—laptop, tablet, clothing—and then some. The goal is a pack that’s light enough for easy mobility but spacious enough to carry what you need.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21″ x 13″ x 8″
- Weight: 2 lbs 4.8 oz
- Capacity: 32 liters
- Price: $245
- Included: A matching packing cube
Exterior Features
The first thing you’ll notice about the Homebase Backpack is its water-resistant fabric, which has a distinctive linen-like appearance. This material has a slick, almost crinkly texture, making it more like a high-quality rain jacket than a traditional backpack fabric. The zippers are also water-resistant, offering extra protection against the elements.
You’ll find a padded grab handle on one side for easy lifting, and a mesh pocket on the other side that fits a water bottle, though it’s not super stretchy. It’s designed to work best if the main compartment isn’t packed to the brim.
The backpack also includes a small handle on the bottom. While it may seem redundant, it’s useful for lashing extra gear or making it easier to grab from the floor.
Hidden Straps
One cool feature of this backpack is the ability to stow the shoulder straps. This is particularly handy if you need to check the bag or keep the straps out of the way when not in use. The straps are detachable and tucked into a velcro-sealed compartment on the back, keeping them secure and neatly hidden. The padded back panel also provides excellent breathability, ensuring comfort during long walks or commutes.
However, the shoulder straps themselves can be a bit of a challenge. They are quite rigid, which may cause pressure points if the straps don’t align well with your body’s shape. For those with broader shoulders or a more muscular frame, this might not be a problem, but for others, it can create discomfort. Additionally, there are no load lifter straps to help adjust the pack’s positioning, which means it can lean away from your back if worn too low.
Interior Features
The Homebase Backpack’s interior is designed with a mobile office in mind. The laptop compartment has a dedicated space for a laptop and a tablet, as well as room for notebooks or other slim items. It’s well-padded, but be aware that the tablet compartment isn’t as heavily protected.
There’s also a front organizer panel that’s perfect for small items like pens, business cards, and a passport. The layout is practical and thoughtfully designed—everything has its place, and you won’t have to rummage around for your essentials.
The main compartment is simple and spacious. It’s ideal for the included packing cube, but it can also accommodate extra items like jackets or shoes. The packing cube fits perfectly at the top or bottom of the bag, keeping everything neatly organized.
The Homebase Packing Cube
Included with the backpack, the packing cube is a handy organizational tool that adds 22 liters of storage. It’s the perfect size for clothing, but it could also double as a small daypack with detachable shoulder straps (something I think Tortuga should consider for the future). The packing cube features a double-sided design, which helps separate clean and dirty clothes, keeping everything organized during your travels.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 6″
- Weight: 10 oz
- Capacity: 22 liters
- Price: Included with the backpack
The packing cube’s biggest strength is its versatility. The divider panel is “floating,” meaning it adapts to whatever you pack, ensuring no wasted space. While it’s a bit heavier than some other packing cubes, its design and dual functionality make up for the extra weight.
The Homebase Duffle Bag
If you need a larger bag to complement your backpack, the Homebase Duffle is an excellent choice. With a 45-liter capacity, it’s perfect for carrying bulky items or for situations where you need extra space. Whether it’s for camping gear, sports equipment, or even baby supplies, this duffle can handle it all.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Weight: 1 lb 12.6 oz
- Capacity: 45 liters
- Price: $225
Exterior Features
The Homebase Duffle is constructed with the same water-resistant fabric as the backpack, ensuring your belongings stay dry. The bag features three grab handles: one on the top and one on each end. These handles make it easy to stow the duffle in overhead compartments or carry it around when necessary. There are also small zippered side pockets for quick access to smaller items.
Interior Features
Inside, the duffle is straightforward—a spacious main compartment with a top flap that includes two mesh pockets. The design is simple, but that’s what makes it so functional. There’s no complicated organization; it’s meant for stuffing bulky gear without worrying about finding space.
The main compartment is ideal for larger items like clothing, boots, or gear that doesn’t need to be neatly arranged. The lack of compression straps means you’ll want to pack it carefully to avoid bulging, especially if you’re using it as a carry-on.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Tortuga Homebase collection offers a great balance of functionality, portability, and durability. The backpack’s organizational features make it a solid choice for everyday carry, while the duffle bag offers extra capacity for bulkier items. However, the backpack’s shoulder straps and lack of load lifters may pose an issue for those with smaller frames or those who need to carry heavier loads over long distances.
If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight travel solution with great weather resistance, the Homebase Backpack and Duffle are worth considering. Though there are a few design tweaks that could make them even better, the combination of practicality and durability is sure to appeal to frequent travelers.
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