CALPAK Terra Backpack Review: Is It Ultimate Personal Item?

Over the holidays, CALPAK reached out asking if I wanted to check out their gear.

Naturally, I was thrilled because I’d been seeing the brand all over my TikTok page over the last year.

And as a frequent traveler, who tries to travel light whenever possible, I love testing out popular new carry-on or personal items.

So I asked if I could try out their trending Terra 26L Backpack.

This bag caught my eye specifically because I’d seen so may videos raving that it works as a personal item on flights.

Since it’s arrival this bag has been my go-to backpack for travel on six flights and one train journey, as well as my daily carry when I work from a cafe or head to the gym.

I’ve used it as both a duffle and backpack, though spoiler alert, I prefer it as a backpack, even though I do like to switch up the look of the bag occasionally.

Now the main question is, does this bag live up to all the hype it’s seen online?

And boy is this a big question!

Over my time in the airport with this popular bag, I had multiple people stopping to ask me about the brand, and/or asking is this backpack as great as everyone claims it is?

Keep reading my CALPAK Terra Backpack review to find out, or head to my YouTube channel to watch my review!

Overview of the CALPAK

If you’re like me, and had never heard of CALPAK before seeing them all over social media recently, you’re in for a surprise, because this brand has been around for a while.

Here’s their fascinating backstory.

Edward and Judy Kwon founded Pak (now CALPAK) in Los Angeles, California in 1989, with a modest collection of handbags and wallets.

By 1997, Edward and Judy began growing the line, shifting their focus to travel goods, including duffels and soft luggage, in response to a growing demand for functional yet stylish travel accessories.

Then in 2013, Edward and Judy’s children, Jennifer and Roy, joined the family business, giving it a fresh perspective, including updating the brand name from California Pak to CALPAK, with a refreshed logo and all-new products.

This transformation breathed new life into the brand, aligning it with a new generation of travelers and solidifying its place in the travel industry.

Cut to 2023, when CALPAK updated its vibe once again, unveiling a whole new look that reflects its ongoing commitment to making travel more joyful and accessible, all while becoming a social media favorite amongst young travelers.

This brand believes that with the right tools—or bags—there’s so much more joy to be found in every journey, and I couldn’t agree more with them.

If you’re looking for a brand that’s all about staying organized and on trend while traveling, without breaking the bank, CALPAK is a superb choice to invest in.

Things to Consider Before Buying the CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack

When I’m picking a travel backpack, especially one I want to use as a personal item, I always think about size, material, comfort, price, and sustainability.

So naturally, CALPAK’s 26L Terra Duffle Backback stood out immediately, especially with its UGC advertising about being the perfect personal item on flights.

CALPAK has lots of different sizes and bags depending on what you prefer, giving you lots of options to find one that suits your daily needs or travel plans.

The 26L Terra Duffle Backpack, for example, is a solid sized bag that’ll keep you organized, while fitting your daily essentials or serve as a personal item on most trips.

Plus, it’s got the bonus of being both a backpack and a duffle bag!

Next, think about the material and durability. Bonus points for a focus on sustainability.

One of my favorite things about this bag is that it’s crafted from eco-friendly materials—recycled ripstop polyester and a recycled polyester lining—using 27 recycled plastic bottles.

Another factor to that’s really important to think about before buying is comfort and design. You’ll want to look for padded straps, ergonomic features, organization, and a design that fits your body well.

And of course, in this economy, price is also something to keep in mind.

One of my favorite things about CALPAK is that their bags are on the more affordable side while remaining a brilliant investment.

CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack & Unboxing

What’s in the Box?

• 1x CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack
• 1x Duffle Strap

It’s worth noting, this bag doesn’t come in a box, but instead arrives in a bag.

I didn’t think to examine the wording on the bag at the time, but did ask their customer service (who was awesome) if that was shipped in a bag because recycled materials were being used to mail it, and received the following response.

“I just wanted to inform you that most of our products’ packaging, which includes a hang tag and a poly bag, is not made from recycled materials.”

Honestly, I don’t find it to be a huge turn-off, since I know lots of great brands don’t always use recycled materials, especially for shipping.

But I do think it’s worth noting for any shoppers who are super focused on being as sustainable as possible, since they may be eyeing this bag because it’s sustainably made with recycled materials.

Also, if you’re thinking about ordering, note that they don’t currently offer shipping outside of the United States.

However, you can find CALPAK products through retail partners—Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Container Store, and Net-A-Porter—who may provide additional international shipping options.

Hardware and Design Features

Use of Recycled Materials

CALPAK thoughtfully designed the 26L Terra Duffle Backpack with sustainability in mind, chosing to use recycled materials.

By incorporating recycled ripstop polyester and a recycled polyester lining—using 27 recycled plastic bottles, CALPAK reduces environmental impact while maintaining durability and style.

This conscious choice not only helps divert waste from landfills but also supports a more responsible approach to travel and everyday carry.

Water-Resistant Features

CALPAK designed the Terra 26L Duffel Backpack with water-resistant recycled ripstop polyester, to help protect your belongings from light rain or accidental spills.

It’s important to note they use the term “water-resistant” and not the word “waterproof” when describing this bag.

If you’re wondering what the difference is, here’s what I learned after walking around for about ten minutes in a rainstorm with this bag.

Basically, the terra material resists water enough to keep items safe under moderate exposure, however the zippers let in water if it’s more than a light sprinkle.

I think you’ll be okay if you’re just running into a cab or building, staying only briefly outdoors during a rainstorm.

But if you’re living in a city, like New York, where the closest train or cab could be blocks away, and are basically not immediately going from one covered place to another, you’re going to see water leaking into the bag via the zippers.

For example, after that 10-minute stroll through a mild Florida rainstorm, I found any clothing packed near the zippers to have water marks, especially anything toward the top of the bag.

I also noticed dampness soaked through the zippers of the laptop compartment and absorbed up into what is otherwise an outstanding amount of padding that will generally keep your laptop very safe.

Thankfully, I didn’t have my computer in the bag at the time of testing, otherwise it would’ve had a bit of moisture exposure.

However, the good news is it’s an easy enough fix to either put important tech towards the middle of the bag, away from zippers.

Or just make sure tech or anything that water exposure might damage goes into a waterproof bag before heading out on a day where rain is forecast.

For long-term travel with this bag, I’d suggest just keeping a waterproof backpack cover in one compartment, to make sure there’s no stress if you have to commute in the rain.

The great news is, the bag is easy to clean. A simple wipe-down is often all that’s needed to maintain its sleek and polished look. This practicality makes it a popular choice among travelers and urban commuters.

CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack Color and Style

The CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack stands out with its sleek and modern design, offering a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Its minimal yet stylish appearance makes it versatile for various settings, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or heading to the gym.

You can choose from a range of subtle yet sophisticated shades, like White Sands to exude a clean and crisp vibe, while darker tones like Black Obsidian (the one I have) add a more classic and polished touch.

There are also lots of fun colors including Blossom Pink, a Flaming Red, and a beautiful Juniper Green for anyone who loves to add variety to their outfits.

Size

The designers of the CALPAK Terra 26L Duffel Backpack created dimensions that balance spaciousness and portability.

One of my favorite things about this bag is its clamshell opening. Between that and it having a capacity of 26 liters, it’s perfect for day trips, commutes, or short travels.

The bag’s external dimensions measure approximately 17.5″ x 12″ x 7″, offering enough room to store your essentials without feeling bulky.

This backpack is also compact enough to fit under most airplane seats, making it a superb choice for travelers seeking a carry-on that maximizes space without exceeding size restrictions.

It also has a lightweight build thanks to the recycled terra material, meaning it won’t add unnecessary weight to your luggage.

Plus, the dual-function design as a backpack and duffel adds versatility.

CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack Dimensions

Specifications	Details
Capacity	26 liters
Dimensions	Approximately 18″ x 12″ x 7.5″
Weight	2.9 lbs

Duffle Backpack Hybrid

The CALPAK Terra 26L’s duffle backpack hybrid concept with its versatile design is one of my favorite things about this bag.

As a fusion of both duffle and backpack, it offers the practicality and accessibility of a duffle bag with the comfort and ergonomics of a backpack.

However, I wish the attachment for the duffle strap was on the opposite side so that the water bottle compartment would be on top, since the water bottle sleeve doesn’t really work in duffle mode because it’s currently on the bottom and just falls out.

Though I do also understand why they gave preference to having the handle be available at the top of the duffle version.

It would also be nice if the zippers would open up top to bottom while in duffle mode, since currently they open from the bottom, meaning things sometimes fall out when trying to access the outer pockets, unless you stop and sit the bag upright like a backpack.

Organization and Storage

Laptop Compartment

The CALPAK Terra 26L Duffel Backpack includes a dedicated laptop compartment designed to keep your device secure during travel.

It’s padded for extra protection, safeguarding your laptop from minor impacts or scratches.

This compartment fits laptops up to 17 inches, making it suitable for most standard and slim devices.

And for added convenience, the compartment is near the back panel, which is designed for comfort and support, balancing the weight when you wear the backpack.

I love the back placement of this compartment because it gives easy access without having to rummage through the main compartment.

Front Pockets

One of my favorite things about this bag are the front pockets, designed for quick and easy access to frequently needed items.

These pockets are ideal for travel documents, chargers, snacks, or your sunglasses.

Each pocket features durable zippers to safeguard your essentials, with the bigger front pocket offering interior organization perfect for pens, notepads, or your phone, catering to your organizational needs.

The pockets also match the rest of the backpack’s robust fabric, offering resistance to wear and tear.

Throughout your travels, you can count on these front pockets for anything you need quick access to.

Interior Pockets

The CALPAK Terra 26L Duffel Backpack features exceptionally designed interior pockets to keep your belongings organized and accessible.

This is easily the most organized backpacks I’ve ever used.

These compartments make it easy to categorize your items while traveling, commuting, or working.

CALPAK also includes integrated mesh pockets which keeps everything visible without compromising storage.

Plus, the main compartment is equipped with multiple zippered pockets to secure items that need extra protection.

These pockets are perfect for passports, keys, or valuables that require a reliable closure.

There’s also two pockets perfect for stashing shoes, though I prefer to stick undergarments in mine, since I prefer to keep my shoes inside a shoe bag that can be easily washed between trips.

The clamshell opening is a favorite detail of mine. It adds convenience, offering easy access to the entirety of the interior space.

This is a game-changer if you don’t have TSA precheck and need to quickly remove items before going through security.

Whether you’re carrying travel gear, work essentials, or personal items, the well-thought-out interior pocket layout of this backpack makes organization simple and efficient.

Water Bottle Holder

Another cool feature of the CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack is a side pocket that works as a water bottle holder, as well as a larger zipped pocket depending on your needs.

The holder is strategically placed on the side of the backpack, giving easy access without the need to open the main compartment.

I really like that it’s designed to basically zip up around your water bottle’s shape, holding it snugly in place.

The only downside is this feature can’t be used in duffle mode because the pocket is on the bottom of the bag.

Shoulder Straps

For those long travel days or busy commutes, you’ll find these well-designed shoulder straps make carrying your essentials a much more comfortable experience.

They’re crafted to support your posture and minimize any discomfort, even when your backpack is fully loaded.

Even on long travel days my shoulders are always happy.

There’s also an adjustable sternum strap to assist in distributing the weight more evenly across your shoulders.

And if you want to use your backpack in duffle mode, it’s easy to tuck the backpack straps under the back panel, so that your bag remains sleek.

Whether you’re navigating an airport or taking a stroll through the city, and all of these straps ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Trolley Sleeve

The trolley sleeve on this backpack is also a really thoughtful addition.

It’s quite a narrow sleeve, so when fully packed, it can be a bit of a struggle to slide your bag over the extendable handle of your rolling luggage.

However, because it’s quite snug, you’ve got secure and stable fit, reducing the chance if it slipping around on the handle.

The design is thoughtful, ensuring the sleeve is both accessible and subtle when not in use.

Compression System

The CALPAK Terra 26L Duffel Backpack features a thoughtful compression system designed to maximize space efficiency, helping you keep everything tightly secured, well-organized, and making it ideal for travel or daily use.

The adjustable compression straps on the sides let you tighten the bag’s profile when it isn’t fully packed, which is great if you’re trying to squeeze it into an airline sizer.

The large interior main compartment’s straps work well with packing cubes or zippered pouches, helping you to buckle down everything to condense your travel essentials without creating clutter.

Product Warranty

When you purchase a Calpak Terra 26L Backpack, you’re backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

This warranty ensures your backpack is free from material and workmanship defects for a year from the original purchase date.

Coverage Details:

• Limited Warranty: 1 year
• Eligibility: Original owner with proof of purchase
• What’s Included: Defects in materials and workmanship

Keep in mind, the warranty won’t cover damage resulting from wear and tear, accidental misuse, or theft.

If you want to extend this period, you can purchase an extended warranty covering your backpack for an additional year.

To make a claim during the warranty period, you need to reach out to CALPAK online with your proof of purchase.

They’ll guide you through the process of assessing the damage and replacing the product if it falls under the warranty terms.

It’s also worth noting, that besides the fact you can only file online, they do charge a service fee.

Per their website: backpacks, totes, duffels – $9.95; rolling backpacks, rolling duffels – $14.95; luggage – $24.95.

You must return the product to CALPAK with prepaid shipping to receive repair or replacement.

Performance

When you choose a travel backpack, you want reliability, comfort, and organization. The Calpak Terra 26L Backpack delivers on these fronts.

And after testing it out over the last three months, I can see why hybrid duffle backpacks like the CALPAK Terra 26L are trending.

They offer an outstanding balance of style, organization, and versatility. It’s truly the perfect bag for quick trips, gym sessions, or even as a daily commuter bag.

Over the last few months the CALPAK Terra Backpack has become my all-time favorite travel bag for short trips.

It truly fits way more than any of my other travel backpacks, and keeps me organized on the go.

I’ve used this as a personal item on six flights, and every time I’m at the airport, I always end up getting asked about where my bag is from by at least one fellow traveler per trip.

The big question a lot of people are curious about is if it fits as a personal item, and while it qualifies as a personal item for most but not all airlines, so far, I’ve never had a problem using it as a one with the couple airlines I’ve flown.

Just for fun, I spent one flight delay going gate to gate trying it about 10 different popular airline sizers, and the great news is it does fit in most sizers.

The ones that fit no problem are American, Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit.

United and Breeze were both quite snug, so it’s a bit of a toss up depending on how much you’ve got the bag packed.

In case you’re wondering the airlines so far that I’ve encountered issues with when testing personal item sizers are Iceland Air, British Airways, and Air Canada.

That said, a few of the airlines where this bag didn’t fit in the sizer, I’ve used a similar sized backpack as personal items while flying with them and it had no problem fitting it under the seat.

So I don’t think it’s a major thing to stress over unless they decide to ask you to size it. Which in my experience is very rare, as airlines normally target suitcases and ignore backpacks.

It also works great as an everyday carry for when I’m working from a coffee shop and heading to the gym afterwards.

I’m especially obsessed with how easy the compartments make it to stay organized, even when you’re packing in a hurry.

Plus, I really enjoy being able to switch the style up to a duffle when I get bored using it as a backpack.

While it may not replace a larger suitcase or larger carry-on bag for longer vacations, it’s definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite travel backpacks.

CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack Alternatives 

Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack

This backpack has been one of my go-to travel bags for the last two years, especially when I’m traveling with only a personal item.

While it’s a bit pricier than the Terra Duffle Backpack, and has less organization, it’s also got more space (it’s a 30L and CALPAK’s is 26L) and a coating over the zippers to protect from rain leaking through.

The only other downside to mention with this bag is like the Terra, the sizing on this doesn’t work as a personal item for all airlines, however I’ve never been stopped with it.

VGCUB Large Travel Backpack

The VGCUB Large Travel Backpack from Amazon is a budget-friendly, popular dupe for the CALPAK Terra Duffle Backpack.

However, if you want sustainability, the Terra 26L uses recycled materials, provides a more premium look and feel, and includes thoughtful features such as a separate shoe compartment and padded laptop sleeve.

While the VGCUB prioritizes capacity and practical extras at a lower price point, the Calpak Terra stands out for its aesthetics, eco-friendly construction, and brand reputation.

Baboon to the Moon Duffle Backpack

The Baboon to the Moon Duffle Backpack is known for its bold designs and rugged, water-resistant construction, making it a favorite among adventurous travelers.

Both bags function as duffles and backpacks, and have a similar price point, but the Baboon to the Moon bag’s playful aesthetic and tough build distinguish it, while the Calpak Terra 26L’s sleek design, thoughtful compartments, and sustainability earn it lots of praise.

While I haven’t tested Baboon to the Moon yet, I’ve noticed a lot of online comparisons end up liking CALPAK’s version better.

My Overall Thoughts On the CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack

What I Like:

• This bag works as a personal item on most airlines.
• The bag is surprisingly spacious for a 26L size, with a dedicated laptop sleeve, a separate shoe compartment, and several smaller pockets for organizing travel essentials.
• I love the versatility the duffle backpack combo gives.

What I Don’t Like:

• I wish the trolley sleeve was slightly wider, as it’s a struggle to get on when fully packed.
• It would be nice if the zipper had a water resistant covering on it to keep rain from leaking in.
• Some might feel it’s a bit too large as an everyday carry bag.

The Verdict

The CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack is the perfect personal item for travel, especially for anyone who wants tons of space and organization.

It’s quickly become the first bag I reach for when packing for a weekend away because it fits everything I could want, while still qualifying as a personal item on most planes.

Plus, with an array of pockets, compartments, and internal dividers, you can easily keep items separated and accessible.

Besides using it as a travel bag over the last few months, I’ve also been reaching for it anytime I go to the gym, or head off on a day trip.

I truly cannot get enough of this bag and highly recommend it for anyone who wants a spacious and organized personal item or everyday carry bag.

CALPAK Terra 26L Duffle Backpack Video Review

Let’s be honest, sometimes you need more than pictures, or maybe you just don’t have time to read everything.

If that’s the case for you, check out my YouTube video review of the CALPAK Terra 26L Backpack after 6+ flights.

I’ll dive deeper into my personal experiance with this bag as an everyday carry backpack, as well as spilling more about using it as a personal item on flights, and as an every day carry.

Is it the perfect personal item for flying?

Watch now to find out!

FAQs

Does CALPAK Terra backpack fit under an airplane seat?

The CALPAK Terra backpack’s design prioritizes travel, and it typically fits under most airplane seats.

However, the exact fit can depend on the specific airline and aircraft type, as seat dimensions can vary.

The Terra backpack’s size and flexible structure generally make it an excellent choice for use as a personal item.

There are a couple airline sizers I’ve tested this bag in where it absolutely doesn’t fit, so always check the dimensions of the backpack against the airline’s personal item size restrictions to ensure compliance.

Is the CALPAK Terra a personal item?

The CALPAK Terra backpack is designed to be compact and versatile, making it a solid choice to be used as a personal item on most airlines.

While the Terra backpack’s dimensions usually comply with these requirements, I have run into a few airlines where it doesn’t fit in the personal item sizer, like Iceland Air, British Airways, and Air Canada, for example.

So it’s always a good idea to check the specific size restrictions of the airline you are flying with to guarantee that the backpack meets their criteria for a personal item.

That said, I’ve found most airlines don’t check backpacks as often, so you may be able to walk on without them asking you to size it.

For example, I’ve flown British Airways a handful of times over the years (they aren’t my favorite airline), and have used a backpack this tall but not quite as wide as a personal item without any issues (despite it also not being close to fitting in the personal item sizer).

So proceed at your own risk, but it’s likely they’ll be too preoccupied judging people’s suitcases to notice your backpack.

Is CALPAK Terra waterproof?

The CALPAK Terra collection is water-resistant, which is very important to note, as this bag is absolutely not fully waterproof.

This means light rain or splashes won’t harm them, but heavy rain or full submersion will get through and dampen or worst case damage your belongings.

I’ve only used mine once in rainstorms, walking around for about 10 minutes to test how water resistant this bag is, and the only area I noticed that really got quite damp was anything packed near the material around the zippers.

My sweatshirt which was at the top of the bag had water marks after ten minutes of being in a steady bit of rain, and the laptop sleeve, which has amazing padding, actually got fairly damp from soaking up the amount of water that soaked in through the seam on the zipper.

So I’d recommend packing anything important, like electronics in toward the center of the bag away from the zippers, and keeping them in waterproof casing to be totally safe if you need to venture into the rain.

For complete protection against water, I’d also suggest keeping an additional waterproof cover or a few waterproof bags handy to keep for your belongings safe if you’re using this bag for long-term travel.

Are CALPAK backpacks washable?

To clean a CALPAK backpack, it’s recommended to:

1. Spot Clean: Gently clean dirty areas using a damp cloth and mild soap.
2. Air Dry: Allow the backpack to air dry completely before using it again.

Always check the care instructions provided by CALPAK for specific cleaning guidelines to ensure you do not damage the material or structure of the backpack.

If in doubt, contacting CALPAK customer service for advice can also be a good option.