We’ve been fortunate enough to test out Tropicfeel travel trainers throughout our travels the last 18 months, and we absolutely love them!
The fun doesn’t end with travel shoes though, because Tropicfeel also makes travel backpacks!
And the newest addition to their lineup of sustainable, functional, and durable travel backpacks is the Hive backpack!
The Tropicfeel Hive backpack has some pretty ingenious packing solutions, and we’re really excited to cover them all in our Tropicfeel Hive backpack review.
We’ll also dive into who exactly the Hive backpack is best for, so you can decide if it’s suitable for your specific travel type.
Let’s jump in, starting with…
Tropicfeel is an emerging travel gear company based in Barcelona Spain.
They were founded in 2017 by a couple of travelers who realized there was a serious lack of versatile and sustainable travel gear.
They also realized that most of the gear available on the market was not made specifically for travelers.
Tropicfeel was founded to provide travelers with the gear they need: shoes, backpacks, and clothing that are versatile, sustainable, and high-performance.
Currently, the only place to purchase the Hive backpack is directly from the Tropicfeel website.
Their check-out system is very easy to use, and you are able to completely customize your order before checking out.
Also, Tropicfeel conveniently has the option for you to make a payment in over a dozen different currencies.
Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the incredible features of the Hive backpack, and what exactly makes it so unique from other travel backpacks on the market.
One of the most impressive features of the Tropicfeel Hive backpack is its ability to expand from 22L, to a 46.5L.
Essentially, this backpack is able to more than double its storage size!
In its base form, the backpack is 22L. This is more than enough space for a daybag, or even an overnight/weekend trip.
The first mode of expansion comes from the backpack's 3cm expansion zipper. When you unzip this zipper, the backpack gains 3cm of width, and an additional 4L of storage space, bringing it from 22L to 26L.
To bring the backpack from 26L to 32.5L of storage, you can use the backpack’s kangaroo pouch, which is perfect for storing shoes, towels, and other bulky travel items.
The backpack’s last 14L of storage space come from combining the 12L packing cube, and the Fidlock magnetic pack that securely connects to the front of the backpack.
What these expansion capabilities mean is that this backpack is incredibly versatile. With the backpack fully expanded, it’s excellent for backpacking trips.
Or, you can keep it smaller and use it for day trips.
With so many options, the Tropicfeel Hive is truly the ready-to-adapt backpack.
The kangaroo pocket is located on the bottom of the Hive backpack, and folds out for an additional 6.5L of storage. It’s super convenient for bulky items like shoes, and it’s also great to put things like wet swimsuits and towels, so you won’t get the rest of your belongings wet.
The weight distribution that comes along with the kangaroo pocket is nice too- rather than having a super bulky backpack, the distribution of weight is much more even with the kangaroo pocket on the bottom.
With a backpack that gets as large as 46.5L, you’re definitely going to want a little extra support.
That’s where the supportive hip strap comes in- The Hive backpack has an extra supportive hip strap in addition to an adjustable sternum strap.
This is great, because it helps keep the weight of the pack more evenly distributed, which will save your back and shoulders from getting stiff and sore while you're on the go.
When the Tropicfeel Hive backpack is fully loaded up with gear- it’s bound to get a little heavy.
The supportive hip strap allows your legs to do most of the heavy lifting, which makes this backpack loads more comfortable than other travel backpacks on the market that don’t have this feature.
We’ve big fans of the clamshell opening of the Hive Backpack.
Rather than having to dig around to access your belongings, the clamshell opening means the Hive backpack completely unzips so both sides of the pack can lie completely flat.
Not only does this make it easier to access your belongings, but it also makes it so much easier to keep organized.
While this isn’t totally unique from other travel backpacks, it’s worth mentioning because it is SO convenient.
In addition to the main zipper/clamshell opening, there are other convenient access points and pockets across this backpack.
The top of the backpack has a small zipped compartment which is perfect for storing things like chapstick, sunscreen, keys, and other items you want easy, frequent access to.
For more valuable items like passports, wallets, and phones, there is a secret zipper pocket located along the back panel.
The front of the backpack has Tropicfeel’s signature spider net system, a more open sort of pocket where you can store bulkier items like shoes, gear, and the 12L packing cube.
The side of the backpack has a water bottle pocket, which perfectly fits a narrow water bottle.
Plus, you can use the side straps to hang things like your headphone!
The front flap of the backpack has a 16” laptop compartment- another reason why this is a great backpack for digital nomads!
There are also multiple mesh pockets on the inside of the backpack, ideal for organization. The mesh is great too, so you can actually see what you have in each pocket.
Another unique feature of the Tropicfeel hive backpack is its magnetic fidlock attachment. Located right on the front of the bag are 4 magnetic buttons that attach the fidlock pouch to the backpack.
The fidlock pouch is the perfect size for items like toiletries, chargers, and gear attachments.
It’s also extra secure- nothing will come off unless you pull the security tab!
With the Tropicfeel Hive backpack’s weatherproofing features, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in some light rain.
All materials in the backpack are treated with waterproof repellent, and/or PU coating.
While this isn’t a drybag, you can safely carry your belongings out in a light drizzle. If you’re caught in heavy rains though, it is possible some water could get through the seams.
This addition to the Hive backpack is simple but brilliant. In addition to typical backpack straps, and a top handle, this backpack is also equipped with a side handle!
If you’ve got your backpack packed to the brim, and you just want to carry it like a duffle, the side handle is wildly convenient.
It’s also great for when you’re stowing your backpack away in an airplane overhead compartment, or when you’re simply on the go.
Tropicfeel has always really hit the mark with their stylish travel gear.
However, they’ve really outdone themselves with the Hive backpack!
This backpack really mashes up the clean, urban look of the Tropicfeel Nest, with the more sporty/backpacking look of the Shell, into the ultimate travel backpack for digital nomads.
It has a clean, sleek look to it, and the shape is perfect- not too bulky, but it can fit exactly what you need.
It also comes in some pretty great colors- between the mulled green, core black, and walnut sand, there’s a color for every traveler’s style.
As travelers, we know how important it is to invest in gear that is sustainably made. And we are happy to report that the Hive backpack is truly made with sustainability in mind!
Almost 100% of the materials that go into the Hive backpack are recycled nylon and polyester.
It’s also 100% vegan!
Additionally, Tropicfeel has very high standards for their factories and labor processes, and only uses factories with the highest level of sustainability, and fair trade conditions.
The straps on the Tropicfeel Hive Backpack aren’t your typical backpack straps. For extra comfort and ease of use, they're equipped with thumb loops, and an offload mechanism.
The offload mechanism is super convenient for adjusting your straps- you simply flip the latch up, and pull the strap to adjust it.
For extra comfort when using the Hive Backpack, it’s equipped with a padded, ergonomic back panel.
This back panel protects your back, and is also breathable which makes it more comfortable to wear on hot days.
This is maybe one of the coolest features of the Hive backpack.
This bag is equipped with an adjustable hip strap that is great for taking some of the weight off your shoulders while carrying the backpack.
However, if you slide that hip strap around, it converts into a BumBag! When you’re not using the Hive backpack during the day, you can slide this off and store your valuables in it while you’re out exploring.
It has plenty of room for keys, your wallet, and passport!
The straps on the Hive backpack are also equipped with a sunglass holder.
This is great for when you’re wearing the backpack around town, and want an easy place to slip your glasses off to.
This last feature is hugely important for digital nomads- the front flap of the hive backpack is equipped with a laptop compartment!
While many other travel backpacks have plenty of space for a laptop to float loosely, we absolutely love how the Tropicfeel Hive Backpack has a dedicated compartment for it.
It really makes packing for a long trip where you know you’re going to be working from your laptop a breeze.
The Tropicfeel Hive backpack starts at about $230, and once you add some of the optional attachments, it gets into the $300-$400 range.
While this is a little pricier than other backpacks on the market, you get so much value out of the Hive backpack that it’s 100% worth the investment.
How many backpacks can expand from 22-46.5L? Not many that we know of!
The Tropicfeel Hive backpack is worth it for anyone who wants a versatile, and high-quality backpack that is ethically made.
Yes! While in its smallest size, the Hive pack is the perfect daybag. There is plenty of room for anything you might need while out for the day, and it’s not too bulky either.
It also has lots of security features like the secret pocket, and bumbag, so you can safely stow your valuables out of sight.
It also has a sleep urban look that’ll fit right in in the city.
100%.
With up to 46.5L of storage, the Hive has plenty of space for longer backpacking trips.
You can fit a good amount of clothes, a laptop, all your toiletries, and a couple pairs of shoes easily with the Hive backpack.
However, keep in mind that 46.5L isn’t actually THAT big. To make this backpack work for backpacking trips, you’ll have to be fairly selective with what you bring.
And keep in mind that most overhead compartments on airplanes have a 40L max capacity, so you will have to size the Hive down a little for it to be a guaranteed fit in overhead bins.
If you pack only the necessities, and bring clothes and shoes that are versatile and lightweight, then you’ll find that the Hive backpack is great for backpacking trips.
3. Do I think it’s worth buying for digital nomads?
Absolutely.
The Tropicfeel Hive backpack is easily one of the best travel backpacks on the market for digital nomads.
The laptop compartment is perfect for keeping your computer safe if you need to bring it to work remotely!
You can also utilize the camera cube if you need to bring your camera gear along.
One thing that really makes this backpack great for digital nomads is its expanding and contracting features.
You can fit all your backpacking essentials in the bag, and then once you get to your hostel/hotel, you can shrink the pack back down to 22L, take out your clothes, and it’s now the perfect daybag that safely stores all your gear to work from home.
If you’re looking for a smaller daybag, or a backpack for overnight/weekend trips, the Tropicfeel Nest is a go-to.
Depending on how you use it, the Nest fits anywhere from 16-30L. At 16L, this is the perfect daybag.
At 30L, you can fit more than enough for a day excursion or for a weekend/overnight trip.
You can read our full Tropicfeel Nest backpack review.
If you’re looking for a slightly sportier pack that is great for backpacking, we absolutely love the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack.
This backpack has similar expandability features to the Hive, but at 22L-40L the Shell Backpack is a little smaller, and is almost always carry-on friendly!
The Shell backpack is also fully waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about being caught in any sudden rainstorms.
It also has a waist harness, so it can take some of the pressure off your shoulders while carrying it at its max capacity, or hiking.
You can read our full Tropicfeel Shell backpack review.
The Cruiser is the smallest backpack currently offered by Tropicfeel, and it’s a great daybag option.
This 20L backpack is fully weatherproof, and it stuffs down into a tiny pocket- making it a no-brainer addition to a bigger backpack like the Hive or Shell.
It’s not quite big enough to serve as your go-to for backpacking trips, but it’s a perfect daybag to accompany your larger backpack.
In addition to other backpacks, Tropicfeel also offers:
Tropicfeel has a collection of branded tee shirts and jumpers available. Their cotton, lightweight tees come in a soft collection of colors that pair nicely with their available trainers.
Tropicfeel makes flip flops! They’re super comfy, and available in 3 colors: Living Coral, Core Black, and Aqua Green.
The NS40 is currently still in the crowdfunding stage, and it's set to ship this July 2022!
This jacket is essentially a windbreaker, rain jacket, thermal jacket all in one.
It’s made with cutting edge graphene technology and thermofiber insulation to create a truly reliable travel jacket. It’s also completely waterproof.
It also packs into a tiny pouch, making it sure to be a backpacking staple.
While we love Tropicfeel Backpacks, they’re even better known for their travel trainers- which we’ve had the privilege of fully testing out.
You can read all about it on our Tropicfeel travel shoe review.
Currently, Tropicfeel has these shoes on offer:
Check out our in-depth review if you're interested in finding out more...
Now over to you…
Are you interested in the Hive backpack?
Do you have any more questions about the Hive backpack?
If so, drop a comment below! I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about the Hive, and help you decide if it’s the right travel backpack for you.
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