Able Carry MAX Backpack | Taking Everyday Further

When I was asked to review another travel backpack, I honestly was less enthused. I mean, how different can one be from another. And it feels like I’ve tested my fair share of them over the years. When I opened the package from Able Carry, a relatively new Hong Kong based company, I was pleasantly surprised what I found. The initial look of the MAX Backpack is clean and uncluttered. The Black/Black color scheme helps keep it below the radar too. Yet a durable X-Pac material with 1000D Cordura reinforcements protect the MAX from damage and the elements.

“The Ultimate Everyday backpack for work, play, and travel. Built with 30L of smart, efficient storage, engineered carry comfort, and secure features.”

“Dedicated work compartment. Spacious main compartment, and external pockets on all sides gives you the flexibility to arrange your day, your way.”

The lack of visible accessory pockets and attachment points lends one to believe it’s just an ordinary daypack. But as I started poking around and exploring the interior of the MAX Backpack, I noticed that it’s just the opposite. In fact, there may be more pockets and attachment points that some of my 5.11 packs. Pockets hidden in the seams, pockets with organizers and even pockets in pockets. Organizer slots for small items like a phone, chargers, pens, flashlight, etc keep everything within reach. Padded handles located on top and side of the MAX backpack allow various carry methods. For added convenience, a pass-through web allows mounting to the handle of a roller suitcase.

MAX Backpack Run-through Video:

While packing for a week long trip to Colorado and Wyoming, I found that the Able Carry MAX Backpack was all I would need. Able to carry a weeks worth of clothes (for most males), toiletries, Macbook Pro, iPad, AirPods, cables, flip flops, etc. Although the MAX backpack lacks a waist belt, this backpack stayed firmly in place with the contoured padded shoulder straps and magnetic sternum strap. Even while sprinting through Minneapolis / St. Paul only to watch my connecting flight backing away from the gate. Fortunately, the padded back with central air channel helped reduce the sweat build-up.

Although the MAX Backpack doesn’t appear or feel large on your back, it hauls a lot more that I originally thought. The laptop pocket safely held all my “office” related goods in one place and well organized. The main compartment was large enough for a weeks worth of clothes. And a long interior stretch pocket protected my glasses. A generously sized exterior water bottle pocket can hold a bottle of wine. And a sneaky pocket on the top of the pack kept my iPhone, AirPods and a charger easily accessible. All-in-all, the quality of materials, stitching and layout make this the most functional travel pack in my inventory.

Able Carry MAX Backpack Specifications:

• Weight: 1.72kg (3.79lbs)
• Capacity: Total Capacity: 30L, Main Compartment: 25L
• Backpack Dimensions: Height: 52cm (20.5in), Width: 32cm (12.5in), Depth: 20cm (8in)
• Materials: Surface: X-Pac + Cordura 1000D, Lining: 420D Ripstop Nylon
• Laptop sleeve will fit: Up to 17″ devices
• Compartment Dimensions: Length: 40cm (15.7in), Width: 28cm (11in), Depth: 3cm (1.18in)
• MSRP: $260

Final thoughts:

Although I wouldn’t say the MAX Backpack from Able Carry is inexpensive, I would say it’s worth the retail price. I’ve used a lot of backpacks for travel over the years and this one has all the features I want rolled into one backpack. Little details like the additional loop for hanging onto a bathroom stall hook. Because we all know the top handle typically doesn’t work on a short peg. A laptop sleeve that’s suspended off the bottom of the pack incase it’s dropped. Stowable magnetic sternum strap. Stretchable organization pockets. Enough volume to carry a weeks worth of clothes and still fit in the smallest of overhead bins. It all comes together in the MAX Backpack. And will be my current go-to travel bag.