Tropicfeel Nest Backpack Review [In-Depth & Unbiased!]

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
July 13, 2023
Want to know about the new Nest Backpack from Tropicfeel? Our review goes in-depth on all the features and quirks and if it's worth buying today!
tropicfeel nest backpack review

For the last year and a half, we’ve been excited to review Tropicfeel’s series of travel trainers

We’ve been more than impressed by not only their style and functionality, but also impressed by the sustainable approach that Tropicfeel takes overall as a company. 

However, Tropicfeel doesn’t only make travel shoes… 

They also make travel backpacks

And their latest addition is the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack, which we’re happy to say, we're pretty big fans of.

This post will include an in-depth review of the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack where we break down all the key features.

As well as offering our first-hand experience using the pack and seeing how well it fits in among other popular sustainable backpacks.

First up ...

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Who are Tropicfeel?

tropicfeel review

Tropicfeel was founded in Barcelona in 2017 as a travel gear company. 

Their goal?

To change the way we travel. 

Tropicfeel understands that today, there are more global travelers than ever. It’s natural that an increased number of travelers has a much higher environmental impact. 

Tropicfeel strives to reduce that impact by offering sustainable travel gear, and promoting a more sustainable way of travel through their products, such as the Tropicfeel Shell backpack.

Tropicfeel makes their products with organic and recycled materials, and they are completely upfront and transparent about their carbon footprint, and annual emission savings! 

They also uphold high standards of animal welfare, workplace safety, and wages/benefits for all of their workers

And not only are they a sustainable company, but their products (designed for travelers, by travelers) totally rock

this is one of the key reasons why we love reviewing their products and sharing them with our audience.

Best place to buy the Nest Backpack

Currently, the only place to buy the Tropicfeel Nest backpack is directly through their website

Their website and check-out system is simple and straightforward, and offers plenty of options to customize your order. 

They offer multiple payment options, as well as different currency options, so you can choose what works best for you!

In-depth Tropicfeel Nest Backpack review

Let's start by looking at specific features of the Nest backpack, and what makes it a little bit different from other popular bags out there.

Transforms from 16L to 30L

One of the key qualities of the Nest Backpack is that it can serve as both a 16L and 30L pack. 

The backpack itself holds 16L. This is the perfect size for a day bag around the city, for some light hiking, or a weekend getaway. 

For when you need a little more space, the backpack has an awesome feature called a Kangaroo Pouch that folds out from the bottom of the bag to provide you with an additional 4L of storage

To reach 30L, Tropicfeel has the option to add on a 10L packing cube.

The packing cube fits smoothly right on the front of the pack, and provides that extra storage space that makes this pack great for long term travel as well! 

Clamshell opening

clamshell opening

The Tropicfeel Nest backpack has a clamshell opening, which means the backpack zips all the way open flat so you can easily access your belongings. 

Packing is also extremely convenient with the clamshell opening, as you can lay your bag flat and easily fit everything inside. 

It's why we love other backpacks like the Salkan Backpacker, as it makes finding all of your belongings so much easier.

Tons of pockets

tropicfeel pockets on nest

This travel backpack has some very useful and well-placed pockets. 

On the top, there is a pocket that is handy for things you need to frequently access such as keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. 

I really like that there is a water bottle pocket on the side too, so your travel water bottle can fit snugly against your pack. 

One of the things I love about nest is that it doubles as a great laptop backpack.

A lot of travel backpacks don’t have a laptop compartment, so it’s pretty convenient that this one does, especially when you work from your laptop like we do! 

The Nest Backpack also has some pretty convenient side pockets.

They’re located on the bottom of the backpack, and unzip from the sides- super convenient if you want to store something in the bottom of your pack, but still have easy access to it. 

Prime organization features

This is a cool feature that makes it easy to stay organized on the road

In addition to all the pockets and the clamshell opening, the Nest has added zippers with four separate compartments to help you stay organized. 

There is also a little protected compartment on the bottom of the inside of the bag, which is fortified with extra cushioning- this is the perfect spot to stash anything you have that might be delicate. 

With all of these organizational features, the Nest truly is the everyday adventure backpack

nest backpack from tropicfeel
You can fits LOTS in!

Sleek and stylish pack

Prime organization features
Super stylish!

Just because a travel backpack is useful, doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish!

And the Tropicfeel Nest is a true testament to that. 

The backpack comes in four colors: all black, desert green, blueberry navy, and amphora brown. 

It has a sleek and clean look, the colors are great, and the material is soft and high-quality.

The logos are well-placed, and the bag has an overall stylish appearance.

Comfort Features

comfort of the nest backpack

We know that one of the most important features of a travel bag is comfort, and are happy to report that the Nest Backpack is extremely comfortable. 

The bag is fully adjustable- all straps can be adjusted to your size and height, making this bag a great fit for all travelers. 

In addition to the shoulder straps, this backpack also comes with adjustable sternum straps for extra support. 

The Nest also has a cushioned, breathable back panel, keeping it comfortable and cool for extended wear. 

Sustainability 

As global travelers, we understand exactly how important it is to buy and use sustainable products- and we’re very pleased with Tropicfeel’s overall stance on sustainability, as well as how sustainably made the Nest Backpack is! 

The Nest backpack is 100% vegan, as well as made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester. Making it a fantastic eco-friendly backpack.

Tropicfeel closely follows every step of the production process, and champions fair wages, animal welfare, and ensures that their products are created exclusively under fair trade conditions.

Tropicfeel Nest backpack review: other features

Here are a few other features of the Tropicfeel Nest backpack that are worth mentioning:

packing features of the nest

Spider net system- The spider net system is a detachable divider on the outside of the pack that provides you with tons of extra space for your belongings! 

This divider is a great place to store items like books, beach towels, shoes, and even pieces of sporting equipment like helmets!

Protected foldable compartment-The bottom of the inside of the pack is equipped with a padded, foldable compartment that is perfect for delicate items, or items you want separated from the rest of your pack. 

This is a great spot for things like small travel drones or blogging cameras, as well as things like hiking/climbing shoes that you don’t want to get the rest of your pack dirty. 

Sunglasses sleeve- Another feature we love about this backpack is the sunglasses sleeve on the backpack strap.

This is super convenient while shopping, and coming in and out of storefronts and they’ll be easily accessible to take on and off.

Metal hooks- The metal hooks on this backpack are super functional. Not only are they more durable, but they’re also great for optional attachments, and if you need to clip things onto your pack.

Water resistant- While the Nest Backpack is not fully waterproof, it is water resistant.

The zippers on the pack are 100% sealed, and the material on the outside of the pack repels water.

This isn’t a drybag or something you’d want to submerge in water, but if you’re out walking around or hiking and get briefly caught in the rain, you can trust that your belongings will stay completely dry.

Overall verdict - Should you buy one?

is tropicfeel worth byung

Starting at around $199, the Tropicfeel Nest backpack is pretty comparable in price to other high-end travel backpacks on the market. 

However, I know that’s still pretty expensive when it comes to travel equipment, and a pack needs something to set it apart to make it worth the investment.

The truth?

The Tropicfeel Nest backpack is a great travel pack for all sorts of adventures. It’s perfect for city wandering, sports like climbing and biking, and a great backpack for holding a camera and laptop gear for digital nomads. 

laptop carrying nest backpack
Fits your laptop!

1. Do I think it’s worth buying for exploring cities?

Yes.

If you’re looking to take a short weekend trip or city break then it’s well worth investing in the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack.

This pack has plenty of room for a weekend trip, and more than enough pockets and space for whatever you could need for a short trip.

2. Do I think it’s worth buying for digital nomads/carrying gear?

Absolutely.

This is one of the best travel backpacks on the market for camera gear/ digital nomads.

With the combination of the laptop pocket, padded compartment, and multiple pockets plus organization points, the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack is more than sufficient for anyone looking to travel with camera, vlogging equipment or other tech.

3. Do I think it’s worth buying for backpacking?

If you’re EXTREMELY minimal when you travel, the Tropicfeel Nest backpack is perfect for backpacking.

But for most people it won’t serve as an overall one-stop backpack. Instead, I would probably opt for something like the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

Instead, the Nest could be a fantastic smaller companion backpack for longer term backpacking.

Better suited for day use and shorter trips when away from your hostel or hotel. Depending on how you use it, it fits anywhere from 16 to 30L, which is plenty of room for shorter trip essentials! 

The wide range of pockets, including the protected folding pocket in the bottom of the pack, makes it especially useful for day trips to places like the beach.

I would say that if you’re planning a trip and looking to only bring along a few outfits, toiletries, and maybe a travel laptop, the Tropicfeel Nest is great.

features of the nest backpack

What else does Tropicfeel offer?

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

Shell Backpack

The Tropicfeel Nest backpack is the perfect backpack for city breaks, gear, and minimalist backpackers. 

If you’re looking for a slightly larger backpack that’s a little more geared towards backpacking, the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack is perfect. 

The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack also has an expanding feature like the Nest, except with the ability to grow from 22L to 40L, it has quite a bit more range. 

In addition to a clamshell opening, kangaroo pocket, and built-in wardrobe, the Shell also has a waist harness, which offers a little more support (which is much appreciated with a heavier pack), and also makes it a great hiking backpack

You can read our full review of the Shell Backpack.

Tropicfeel Cruiser Backpack review

tropicfeel cruiser backpack

The Cruiser is a smaller, 20L bag that Tropicfeel offers in addition to their larger packs! It’s incredibly lightweight, and folds down super small if you need it to. 

This is a great backpack to take hiking, on a short overnight trip, or to the beach! 

If you’re going on a longer backpacking trip, I recommend combining it with a larger pack like the Nest or Shell.

That way, if you want to leave your big backpack back at the hotel or hostel, you’ll have a smaller bag you can bring along. 

Tropicfeel Hive Backpack

Tropicfeel Hive backpacks

The Hive is the next backpack set to come out from Tropicfeel and we've reviewed it here (spoiler, we love it!)

Essentially, the Tropicfeel Hive Backpack is going to be a mash-up of some of the best features from the Shell and the Nest. 

The Hive also expands, from 16L to 46.5L! I’m really excited to see how this works, as that is a pretty big size difference. 

The bag has an awesome design, and is bound to be another incredible travel backpack. 

Other Tropicfeel products

tropicfeel shoes

While Tropicfeel makes incredible backpacks, they’re primarily well known for their travel shoes! 

Over the years, they’ve gained TONS of traction through how incredible their travel shoes are, and as we’ve been fortunate enough to try several of them out, we can attest that they’re amazing.

Their travel shoes include:

  • Sunset - An incredibly stylish travel sneaker. These are our go-to travel sneakers, as they’re stylish, offer great support, and they compress flat in your travel bag! 
  • Monsoon - A quick drying, all-terrain sneaker that you can wear all day long.
  • Canyon - Comfortable, stylish, and lightweight travel trainers.
  • Jungle - A waterproof, trainer hybrid that’s designed to be worn for all types of travel.
  • Dune - A travel sneaker with a more urban look, that folds flat yet provides plenty of support.
  • Lava - A more heavy duty trainer that’s still lightweight enough to fit in your bag, yet with added support for more hiking and exploration (read my Lava shoes review for more info).
  • Geyser - The Geyser is a sneaker that’s fully waterproof, and we've actually written an in-depth review of them here...

Is the Tropicfeel Nest right for you?

Now over to you ...

Are you interested in giving the Nest backpack a try?

Maybe you think we missed something out?

Just drop a comment below. I'd be more than happy to answer any more of your questions and help decide whether the Nest is right for you.

In the meantime, here are some other recent gear reviews you might like ...

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