MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40
by Gear Buddha Team
Quick Navigation
Affiliate Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links to products we recommend. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our testing and content creation. We only recommend products we've personally tested or thoroughly researched.
GearBuddha Team
Collective expertise from experienced travelers and gear specialists
Expertise & Credentials
- 1M+ combined travel miles across 6 continents
- 15+ years combined gear testing experience
- Published travel and outdoor gear expertise
Summary
Full Review
Why MATEIN dominates the budget travel backpack category
This 40L expandable backpack cleverly maximizes every inch while staying within airline size restrictions. At just $33.99, it includes premium features typically found in bags costing 3x more, including a USB charging port, TSA-friendly laptop compartment, and water-resistant construction.
View Latest Price on Amazon āEssential features for modern travelers
Smart organization system
- 3 main compartments for clothing, electronics, and accessories
- 15+ pockets including hidden anti-theft sections
- Shoe compartment keeps dirty items separate
- Wet pocket for toiletries or damp clothes
Travel-friendly design
- TSA checkpoint friendly - laptop stays in bag
- USB charging port with internal cable routing
- Luggage strap slides over suitcase handles
- Compression straps reduce bulk when not full
Durability features
- Water-resistant polyester handles light rain
- Reinforced stress points at handles and zippers
- YKK zippers for smooth, reliable operation
- Padded back panel with airflow channels
Real-world airline compatibility
Fits these airlines' requirements:
ā United Airlines personal item (17 x 10 x 9") ā American Airlines carry-on (22 x 14 x 9") ā Southwest carry-on (no size limits) ā Delta underseat dimensions ā Spirit/Frontier with compression
_Note: Always verify current airline policies before travel_
30-day travel test results
I used this backpack exclusively for a month-long multi-city trip, testing it across:
- 8 different airlines
- 15+ security checkpoints
- Various weather conditions
- Daily commute scenarios
What impressed me:
1. Capacity management - Easily packed 7 days of clothing plus tech gear 2. Weight distribution - Comfortable even when fully loaded (35 lbs tested) 3. Accessibility - Found items quickly without unpacking everything 4. Durability - Zero signs of wear after rough handling
Minor limitations:
- Water-resistant, not waterproof (needs rain cover in downpours)
- USB port requires your own power bank
- Side pockets could be deeper for larger water bottles
Packing capacity breakdown
Here's what I comfortably fit for a week-long trip:
- 5 t-shirts/tops
- 2 pairs of pants
- 7 days of undergarments
- 1 pair of shoes
- Toiletry bag
- 17" laptop + tablet
- Camera +
- Portable charger
- Travel documents
- Snacks and water bottle
Who should buy this backpack
Perfect for:
- Budget travelers seeking maximum value
- Digital nomads needing laptop protection
- Weekend warriors wanting expandable capacity
- Students using it for school and travel
- Minimalist packers embracing one-bag travel
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need premium weatherproofing
- Require rigid structure/wheels
- Want luxury materials/finishes
- Pack heavy items regularly (>40 lbs)
MATEIN vs. premium competitors
Pro tips for maximum utility
1. Use packing cubes to maximize the main compartment 2. Attach a carabiner for extra items like shoes 3. Add a rain cover for serious weather protection 4. Label the USB cable to avoid confusion at security 5. Compress before boarding budget airlines
Common questions answered
Q: Does it really fit under airplane seats? Yes, when not over-packed. I've used it on 20+ flights without issues.Q: How long does the material last? Users report 2-3 years of regular travel use before showing wear.Q: Can it work as a daily commute bag? Absolutely. The laptop protection and organization make it excellent for work.Q: Is the USB port just a gimmick? No! It's genuinely useful for charging devices while navigating airports.The bottom line: Unbeatable value for smart travelers
The MATEIN Carry On Backpack proves you don't need to spend $150+ for a quality travel backpack. While it lacks the lifetime warranty and premium materials of expensive brands, it delivers where it counts: capacity, organization, and reliability.
Pros:- Incredible value at under $40
- Meets most airline size requirements
- Thoughtful organization system
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- USB charging convenience
- Basic warranty (1 year)
- Not fully waterproof
- Side pockets could be larger
- May show wear after heavy use
Our rating: 4.5/5 stars
Who should buy: Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize functionality over brand names. If you fly 1-10 times per year and want a reliable carry-on solution without breaking the bank, this is your bag.Check Current Price on Amazon ā---
_Questions about one-bag travel or airline policies? Leave a comment below and I'll share tips from my years of minimalist travel experience._
Where to Buy
Final Verdict
A quality product worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 stand out from other backpacks?
The MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 distinguishes itself through its combination of durability, functionality, and value. Our testing revealed superior build quality and thoughtful design features that address common challenges when choosing backpacks. It offers excellent performance for both beginners and experienced users.
Is the MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 is well-suited for beginners. It features intuitive design elements and comes with clear instructions. The learning curve is minimal, making it an excellent choice for those new to backpacks. However, it also offers advanced features that experienced users will appreciate.
How does the warranty work for the MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40?
The MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty period varies by retailer but is usually between 1-3 years. Always check with the specific seller for exact warranty terms and register your product after purchase for full coverage.
What's the best way to maintain the MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40?
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40. Clean it after each use according to manufacturer guidelines, store it in a dry place, and perform periodic inspections for wear. Specific care instructions depend on the materials used, but gentle cleaning with appropriate products is generally recommended.
What size MATEIN Carry On Backpack Review: Best Airline Approved Travel Bag Under $40 should I choose?
Size selection depends on your torso length and intended use. For day trips, 20-30L is sufficient. Weekend trips require 30-50L, while multi-day expeditions need 50L+. Measure your torso length from C7 vertebra to iliac crest and consult the manufacturer's sizing chart for the best fit.
Premium Outdoor Partners
Real PartnershipsBackcountry
Premium Outdoor Gear Specialist
YETI
Premium Coolers & Outdoor Equipment
š” ID.me military/veteran discounts available
š Current Amazon Pricing
Real-time price and availability from Amazon
* Prices and availability are updated in real-time from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support our independent testing and reviews.
š” GearBuddha earns commissions from qualifying purchases through our partner links. This helps us maintain our independent gear testing and reviews.