BAGSMART Wheeled Backpack Review: Is a 40L Rolling Travel Backpack Worth It?
Oct 27, 2026
The BAGSMART Large Capacity Waterproof Wheeled Travel Backpack is a 2-in-1 pack that rolls like a suitcase and carries like a backpack. It offers a huge 40 litres of space, a flat-opening main compartment, a padded sleeve for laptops up to 17.3 inches, a built-in USB port and an included rain cover, all for £99.99. It's a smart pick for airport days, business trips and long station walks, as long as you're comfortable with a heavier bag than a standard backpack.
Here's what it offers, who it suits, and where it falls short.
BAGSMART Wheeled Backpack at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £99.99 |
| Capacity | 40L |
| Style | 2-in-1 wheeled backpack with telescopic handle |
| Laptop fit | Padded sleeve for 13", 13.3", 15.6", 17" and 17.3" laptops |
| Opening | 180° flat-opening main compartment |
| Wheels | Smooth-rolling 4-wheel system |
| Material | Water-resistant PVC (jacquard finish), rain cover included |
| Charging | External USB port (power bank not included) |
| Security | Interlocking double zips |
| Dimensions | Approx. 53.8 x 32.5 x 21.3cm |
| Colours | Black, Grey |
Why Choose a Wheeled Backpack?
A wheeled backpack sits between two familiar options, and it's worth understanding where it fits.
| Standard backpack | Wheeled backpack | Suitcase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry on your back | Yes | Yes | No |
| Roll through the airport | No | Yes | Yes |
| Handles stairs and cobbles | Yes | Yes | Struggles |
| Weight when empty | Lightest | Heavier | Varies |
| Best for | Daily carry | Mixed terrain trips | Long, smooth routes |
The appeal is flexibility. You can wheel your bag through a terminal to save your shoulders, then switch to the shoulder straps for stairs, crowded platforms or uneven pavements. If you've ever dragged a suitcase over cobblestones, you'll definitely see the point.
Key Features
2-in-1 Wheels and Telescopic Handle
The headline feature is the smooth-rolling four-wheel system paired with an adjustable aluminium telescopic handle. Pull the handle up and it glides across airport floors, then tuck it away and the padded air-cushion shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel turn it into a conventional backpack. It's a genuine travel backpack with wheels rather than a suitcase with straps bolted on.
40L, 180° Flat-Opening Main Compartment
Packing a backpack from the top can mean digging to find what you need. The BAGSMART unzips a full 180 degrees to lie flat, just like a suitcase, so you can see everything at once. The 40-litre interior is roomy enough for a weekend's clothes, shoes, packing cubes or heavy textbooks, with elastic side bays and organiser straps to keep things in place. The flat-opening design is also handy at security, although checkpoint procedures vary by airport, so always follow the instructions on the day.
Padded Laptop Sleeve for Up to 17.3 Inches
A dedicated, heavily cushioned rear compartment protects laptops from 13 to 17.3 inches, along with tablets and charging cords, keeping them separate from the rest of your packing. If you carry a large work laptop or gaming machine, that's a real advantage. Explore our wider range of laptop backpacks if you want to compare options.
Water-Resistant PVC and an Included Rain Cover
The exterior is water-resistant PVC with a jacquard finish, and an external rain cover is included to seal everything away in a downpour. That combination makes it a sensible choice for British weather, where a wet walk from the station to the terminal is almost guaranteed. As with any water-resistant bag, it's built for rain rather than submersion.
Built-In USB Charging Port
An external USB port connects to an internal power bank pocket, so you can charge your phone on the move without opening the bag. The backpack doesn't contain a battery itself, so you'll need your own power bank. Not sure which to buy? Our guide to choosing a power bank for travel explains capacity, fast charging and airline rules.
Anti-Theft Double Zips and Everyday Details
Interlocking double-zipper tracks on the main compartment add a layer of security against casual access, which is useful in crowded terminals. The front section includes a zip pocket, slot pockets and a key hook, and there's a dedicated phone pocket for quick access. The jacquard trim gives it a smart look that suits boardrooms and campuses as well as airports.
Who Is the BAGSMART Wheeled Backpack For?
- Business travellers who carry a laptop and want to save their shoulders in airports
- Frequent flyers packing for a long weekend or short trip
- Students moving between halls, home and campus with heavy books
-
Commuters on long walks between stations, offices and terminals
Why Buy the BAGSMART Wheeled Backpack?
- Two ways to carry. Roll it when the ground is smooth, wear it when it isn't.
- Room for a real trip. 40 litres with a suitcase-style lay-flat opening.
- Tech-friendly. A padded sleeve for up to a 17.3-inch laptop and a USB port.
- Weather ready. Water-resistant PVC plus an included rain cover.
- Low-risk purchase. Nomad Street offers free returns, a 1-year guarantee, and free UK delivery on orders over £75.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rolls like a suitcase and carries like a backpack
- 40L capacity with a flat-opening main compartment
- Padded sleeve for laptops up to 17.3 inches
- Rain cover included
- Built-in USB port and anti-theft double zips
Cons
- Heavier than a standard backpack because of the wheels and handle
- At around 21.3cm deep, it may be tighter against some airlines' cabin limits, so check your carrier
- You'll need your own power bank for the USB port
- Water resistant rather than fully waterproof
What Are People Saying?
This bag has six reviews on our product page: four five-star, one four-star and one two-star. Most of the five-star feedback is brief, with buyers calling it a very good bag and saying they're satisfied with the quality. The critical review is worth knowing about: one buyer felt it held less than they expected, found it heavy, and said it didn't roll well once packed with clothes. That's a useful reminder that wheeled packs are heavier than standard backpacks, so it's best to pack sensibly and treat the rolling mode as a way to save your shoulders rather than a replacement for a full-size suitcase.
Tips for Using a Wheeled Backpack
- Pack heavy items at the base, close to the wheels, so the bag rolls steadily.
- Use packing cubes to keep the 40L space organised when the bag opens flat.
- Tuck the straps away before rolling, so they don't snag on the wheels or handle.
- Switch to carrying on stairs and uneven ground, as the wheels are best on smooth surfaces.
- Check your airline's size limits before packing to the brim.
BAGSMART Wheeled Backpack FAQs
What size laptop fits in the BAGSMART wheeled backpack? The padded rear compartment is listed for 13, 13.3, 15.6, 17 and 17.3-inch laptops. Measure the body of your laptop rather than relying on screen size alone.
Is it waterproof? It's made from water-resistant PVC and includes a rain cover. That handles typical UK rain well, but it isn't designed for full submersion.
Does it have a USB charging port? Yes, but there's no battery inside the bag. The port connects to an internal pocket where you place your own power bank. Remember to carry power banks in your cabin bag, not checked luggage.
Can I use it as cabin luggage? The dimensions are approximately 53.8 x 32.5 x 21.3cm. Airline limits vary, and some are tighter than 21cm for depth, so check your carrier's rules before you fly.
How do I switch between rolling and carrying? Extend the telescopic handle to roll it. To carry it, retract the handle and use the padded shoulder straps and back panel.
Is it good for students? Yes, if you carry heavy books and a laptop between halls and campus. For a lighter daily bag, a standard laptop backpack may suit better.
Is it unisex? Yes, the design suits both men and women, and it comes in Black or Grey.
How Does It Compare?
If a wheeled pack isn't quite right, consider these alternatives from our range:
- BANGE BG-2517 (£49.99): a lighter 35L backpack with a flat-opening laptop compartment, covered in a full review
- MARK RYDEN MR8859 (£99.99): an expandable 37-49.5L pack with a rear trolley strap
- BAGSMART Expandable Backpack (£99.99): hidden anti-theft zips in a slimmer, non-wheeled design
- Browse the full Bagsmart range or our travel backpacks and business backpacks
Final Verdict
The BAGSMART Large Capacity Waterproof Wheeled Travel Backpack is a practical hybrid bag for people who want the ease of a rolling bag without giving up the flexibility of a backpack. The lay-flat 40L interior, 17.3-inch laptop sleeve, rain cover and USB port make it well equipped for business trips and busy travel days. It's heavier than a standard backpack, and the weight and depth are worth checking against your airline's rules, but for mixed-terrain travel it's a strong option.
Ready to travel lighter on your shoulders? Shop the BAGSMART Wheeled Travel Backpack at Nomad Street, with free UK delivery on orders over £75.
