When comparing Tortuga Air (27L, 35L expanded) vs The North Face Router Backpack, the Slant community recommends Tortuga Air (27L, 35L expanded) for most people. In the question“What are the best travel backpacks between 25L-35L?” Tortuga Air (27L, 35L expanded) is ranked 2nd while The North Face Router Backpack is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Tortuga Air (27L, 35L expanded) is:
The bag can expand from 27L to 37L. The bag can have a slimmer profile when you aren't carrying as much stuff, but it can expand by 8L when you want the extra capacity.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Expansion zipper means you don't have to carry unnecessary bulk
The bag can expand from 27L to 37L. The bag can have a slimmer profile when you aren't carrying as much stuff, but it can expand by 8L when you want the extra capacity.
Pro Locking zippers to keep the contents of your bag safe
There are locking zippers on the laptop, front and main compartments.
Pro Nice looking pack
It's not always easy to find a travel backpack that also looks nice. The Router has a nice style and comes in 5 different colors.
Pro Fits larger laptops
The laptop compartment fits up to a 17" laptop.
Cons
Con All the weight will be on your shoulders
The bag does not come with a hip belt, so all the weight in the pack will be on your shoulders.
Con Laptop compartment isn't protective
The padding in the separate laptop compartment is fairly light, providing limited protection to your laptop.
Con Lack of support due to minimal hipbelt
The hip belt is just a nylon strap, it doesn't provide any padding.
