Minimul M38 Travel Backpack Review | by Geoff

• Luggage passthrough — The back panel has 1.5-inch-wide webbing running down the center of the bag acting as a luggage passthrough. When in use, the bag will be lying on its side.
• Lockable zippers — Standard lockable zippers compatible with TSA-compliant locks (locks not included with bag).
• Exterior compression straps — Though the M38 doesn’t have any exterior compression straps, it does have rings where you can attach your own compression straps.

The M38 is 21 x 14 x 7 inches (H x W x D) and 38 L. The main compartment makes up 30–32 L. The tech compartment is 4 L, and the front panel compartment is 2–3 L. The backpack comes in at 3.68 lbs (without the additional accessories like the waistbelt, Dopp kit, and packing cubes, all of which Minimul also sells). The waistbelt adds 0.38 lbs. It’s certainly not a light backpack, but not too heavy for a bag this size either.

The exterior of the bag is polycarbonate-coated 840D Cordura Ballistic nylon, which is very durable and should be able to put up with the wear and tear of the most seasoned traveler. Inside is a 75D x 150D ripstop polyester liner. So, you get ample weather-resistance on the outside and longevity on the inside. The zippers are YKK with what seems like #10 Aquaguard for the tech compartment, #10 RCz on the main compartment, and #8 RCz for the front admin compartment. The hardware is all Woojin and while plastic, it feels plenty sturdy.

The overall craftsmanship feels excellent, and I haven’t noticed any stitching issues — though, again, I haven’t taken the M38 on any flights or long trips yet. There is box stitching at the shoulder straps’ anchor points and bartacks for the grab handles. The sidewalls are very flimsy, especially compared to the back panel, which has an internal frame sheet. Some sort of padding inside the walls to give it a bit of shape would be nice, but certainly not a deal-breaker.

The M38 is decently comfortable for a 38L travel bag. The shoulder straps are contoured and a good width for the amount of weight you’ll be carrying. The back panel, as mentioned above, has a frame sheet. The back panel and underside of the shoulder straps are covered in a soft foam and wrapped in mesh. The padding feels like it’s an open-cell foam, which I think is a little too soft for a travel backpack, considering how heavy it will be when fully loaded. I’d prefer something that doesn’t squish as easily, to provide a bit more support under the weight of all my clothes and gear. The back panel also has an airflow channel down the spine, where the luggage passthrough is. However, with a loaded backpack and open-cell padding that squishes under all the weight, there isn’t much airflow for your back. I would have used dual-density foam or EVA foam instead.

• Though the yellow fabric underneath the mesh is not my favorite design, the yellow fabric inside makes the interior nice and bright so it’s easy to find things.
• When loaded, the M38 stands up on its own very well. However, since the sidewalls are flimsy, when the main compartment isn’t fully loaded, the bag loses that ability and will topple over.

Overall, the M38 is a solidly built travel backpack that can haul a ton of stuff, is highly organized, and has good durability and weather resistance. It is a great backpack for a digital nomad, a one-bag traveler, or someone who prefers to just use carry-ons and avoid the hassle of checking in luggage. Most of the bag looks nice with a sleek minimal design, but the bag’s panel style can be a bit jarring for some people. It may not be suitable for someone who likes using org pouches and doesn’t want a backpack that has dozens of organizational pockets. The aesthetics of the back panel will also be very divisive.

Features: 5 of 5 — The M38 has a lot of features to it, including unique ones like the magnetic grab handle. For the most part, they’re all pretty well designed and enhance the experience with the bag.

Organization: 5 of 5 — With 3 main compartments, 3 additional exterior compartments, and dozens of internal pockets, there is certainly no shortage of organization. It will feel like TOO much organization for some people. So, just a reminder that these ratings are highly subjective.

Construction: 5 of 5 — The coated 840D ballistic nylon, internal liner, and sealed zippers provide excellent weather-resistance and durability. The craftsmanship feels excellent, and I haven’t noticed any stitching issues or loose threads.

Aesthetics: 3 of 5 — While I love the clean minimal look of the front panel, the contrasting yellow/black on the back panel can be very off-putting for certain people (like me).

Comfort: 4 of 5 — With contoured shoulder straps, padding wrapped in mesh, an elasticated sternum strap, and padded waist belt, the M38 is pretty comfortable. I would have just preferred some dual-density foam for the shoulder straps.

Life Integration: 4 of 5 — The M38 is quite easy to use and there aren’t any features that require learning. With so many organization pockets, you’ll just have to figure out how you like things organized and where you want things.

X-Factor: 3 of 5 — Though Minimul is a small and relatively new team, they’ve done a good job of engaging the market to get samples out and reviewed.