BAGSMART Expandable Anti-Theft Backpack Review: 28-38L Travel Backpack with Hidden Zips
Oct 16, 2026
The BAGSMART Expandable Large Capacity Waterproof Travel Backpack is a smart, understated pack for people who want security without a bulky, tactical look. Its zips are positioned out of easy reach of pickpockets, it expands from 28 to 38 litres, and a padded sleeve protects laptops up to 15.6 inches. At £99.99, it's a premium pick for commuters, students and weekend travellers who value discreet protection and comfort.
Here's what it offers, who it suits, and where it falls short.
BAGSMART Expandable Backpack at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £99.99 |
| Capacity | Expandable 28L to 38L |
| Laptop fit | Padded internal interlayer, up to 15.6 inches |
| Material | Water-resistant premium nylon, nylon lining, embroidered finish |
| Security | Hidden anti-theft zip alignment |
| Back support | Curved, body-hugging back panel and padded shoulder straps |
| Organisation | Six-part internal organiser, phone pocket, key holder, zipped slots |
| Weight | 1.55kg |
| Colours | Black, Blue, Beige |
| Fit | Unisex |
Key Features
Hidden Anti-Theft Zip Design
Many anti-theft backpacks look the part but advertise it loudly. The BAGSMART Expandable Large Capacity Waterproof Travel Backpack takes a quieter approach: the main zip tracks are positioned so that anyone brushing past you in a crowded station or busy street can't easily reach them. It's a sensible layer of protection for your phone, purse and passport, and it keeps the bag looking like a stylish everyday pack rather than a security product. If security is your priority, our business backpacks range has more options to compare.
Expandable 28L to 38L Capacity
Kept slim, it works as a tidy daily office or lecture bag. Unzip the expansion and it grows to 38 litres, enough for clothes, documents and essentials on a business trip or weekend away. That flexibility is the whole appeal of an expandable backpack: one bag that adapts to your day instead of two bags you have to choose between.
Padded 15.6-Inch Laptop Compartment
A dedicated, cushioned interlayer isolates your laptop from the rest of your packing and from everyday knocks. It's designed for laptops up to 15.6 inches, so if you carry a larger 17-inch machine, you'll want to look at our laptop backpacks for a bigger sleeve.
Curved Back Panel and Soft Handles
Comfort is where many travel bags fall down. The curved, body-hugging back panel is designed to spread weight evenly and ease strain on your back, while padded shoulder straps and soft-touch handles keep the bag comfortable over a full day of commuting or airport walking.
Water-Resistant Nylon
The exterior is premium nylon that naturally repels rain and splashes, so it copes with a damp walk to the station. Like most bags in this category, it's water resistant rather than designed for submersion, so use a rain cover in heavy, sustained downpours.
Six-Part Internal Organiser
The interior includes a key keeper, mobile phone pocket and zipped slots, so small items stay in their place instead of sinking to the bottom of the bag. The smooth nylon lining also adds a scratch-resistant surface for delicate items.
Polished Look
A subtle embroidered finish gives the bag a refined, slightly fashion-forward feel that suits lectures, boardrooms and cafés alike. The product photos also show a ventilated shoe compartment, compression straps and a rear luggage pass-through strap, so check the image gallery for the full layout before you buy.
Who Is the BAGSMART Expandable Backpack For?
- Commuters on busy trains, tubes and buses who want discreet security
- Students who need a laptop-ready bag that can grow for trips home
- Business travellers packing for one or two nights away
- Style-conscious shoppers who want a clean look in Black, Blue or Beige
Why Buy the BAGSMART Expandable Backpack?
- Discreet security. Hidden zips give you protection without a bulky, tactical appearance.
- Flexible capacity. Slim for the week, roomy at the weekend.
- Comfortable to carry. The curved back panel and padded straps are built for long days.
- Looks the part. Three colours and a polished finish suit work and weekends.
- Low-risk purchase. Nomad Street offers free returns, a 1-year guarantee, and free UK delivery on orders over £75.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hidden anti-theft zip alignment for crowded spaces
- Expands from 28L to 38L
- Padded 15.6-inch laptop compartment
- Comfortable curved back panel
- Polished look in three colours
Cons
- No built-in USB charging port
- Laptop compartment tops out at 15.6 inches
- At 1.55kg, it's heavier than slim commuter bags
- Water resistant rather than fully waterproof
- Priced above comparable expandable packs like the BANGE BA-8109 and ARCTIC HUNTER B00410
BAGSMART Expandable Backpack FAQs
What size laptop fits in this backpack? The padded internal interlayer is designed for laptops up to 15.6 inches. Measure the body of your laptop rather than relying on screen size alone, and smaller laptops will sit comfortably inside.
Is it waterproof? It's made from water-resistant premium nylon, which repels rain and splashes. It handles typical British weather but isn't designed for full submersion, so a rain cover is sensible for heavy downpours.
How much does it hold when expanded? Capacity grows from 28 litres to 38 litres, enough for clothes, documents and everyday essentials on a short business trip or weekend away.
Does it have a USB charging port? No. If built-in charging matters to you, consider the BANGE BA-8109 or MARK RYDEN MR9299, both of which have one. You can still carry a power bank inside any bag.
Can I take it as cabin luggage? Airline allowances vary, so check your carrier's size limits before you fly. Keeping the bag unexpanded gives you the best chance of meeting personal item or cabin bag limits.
How do the anti-theft zips work? The main zip tracks sit in positions that are hard to reach when the bag is on your back, so someone in a crowd can't easily open them unnoticed.
Is it unisex? Yes, it suits both men and women, and comes in Black, Blue or Beige.
How Does It Compare?
If the BAGSMART isn't quite right, consider these alternatives from our range:
- BANGE BA-8109 (£47.99): a roll-top expandable pack with a built-in USB port
- MARK RYDEN MR9299 (£74.99): 26-38L with a 17.3-inch laptop sleeve and USB port
- MARK RYDEN MR8859: our biggest expandable pack, covered in a full review
- Browse the full Bagsmart range, or see our guide to five expandable travel backpacks
Final Verdict
The BAGSMART Expandable Anti-Theft Backpack is a refined, comfortable and secure option for people who want discreet protection in a flexible 28-38L pack. It lacks USB charging and costs more than some rivals, but if you value hidden zips, a polished look and all-day comfort, it's a strong choice.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Shop the BAGSMART Expandable Backpack at Nomad Street, with free UK delivery on orders over £75.
