MARK RYDEN MR8859 Review: Expandable Business Backpack with Dual USB & Type-C Ports
Oct 13, 2026
The MARK RYDEN MR8859 is the biggest expandable backpack in our range, growing from 37 litres to 49.5 litres. It fits laptops up to 17.3 inches, uses showerproof 900D technical nylon with YKK zips, and has dual USB and Type-C charging ports, all for £99.99. It's built for people who need real capacity for long trips without giving up a polished business look.
If you've outgrown the typical weekend backpack, here's what the MR8859 offers, who it suits, and where it falls short.
MARK RYDEN MR8859 at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £99.99 |
| Capacity | Expandable 37L to 49.5L |
| Laptop fit | Independent padded compartment, up to 17.3 inches |
| Material | 900D WR-Tech nylon (level-5 showerproof, level-4 stain resistant) |
| Zips | Custom YKK |
| Charging | Dual external USB and Type-C ports (power bank not included) |
| Weight | 1.8kg |
| Extras | Detachable mini shoulder pouch, RFID slot, hidden passport pocket, rear trolley strap |
| Colour | Black |
Key Features
Expandable 37L to 49.5L Capacity
Most eexpandable backpacks add a modest amount of extra space. The MR8859 starts generously at 37 litres and unzips to 49.5 litres, enough for several days of clothes alongside heavy tech. That makes it a strong choice for week-long business trips, extended holidays, and anyone who prefers to avoid checking a bag. Browse our full range of expandable backpacks to compare it with smaller options.
17.3-Inch Laptop Compartment
Large work laptops and gaming machines often don't fit standard backpacks. The MR8859 has an independent, heavily padded compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inches, keeping your device isolated from the rest of your packing. Smaller 15.6-inch and 16-inch laptops simply sit lower in the sleeve. If tech protection is your priority, our laptop backpacks collection has more to explore.
Showerproof 900D Technical Nylon
The 900D WR-Tech fabric is rated level-5 showerproof and level-4 stain resistant, so it shrugs off rain on the commute and wipes clean with a damp cloth. A word of honesty: "showerproof" means it's built to handle typical British rain and splashes, rather than being fully submersible. For heavy, sustained downpours, a rain cover is sensible insurance.
Dual USB and Type-C Charging Ports
Two external ports let you charge multiple devices from an internal power bank without opening the bag. The backpack doesn't contain a battery itself, and charging speed depends on your power bank and cable. If you're unsure what to buy, our power bank travel guide explains mAh, wattage and airline rules.
Custom YKK Zips
Zips are usually the first thing to fail on a heavily packed bag. The MR8859 uses custom YKK zips designed for smooth operation under tension, which matters most when you've expanded the bag to its limit.
Travel-Smart Security and Organisation
The thoughtful extras are where this bag stands out:
- RFID-blocking slot to protect cards from unauthorised scans.
- Hidden passport compartment for your most important documents.
- Detachable mini shoulder pouch that you can wear separately as a crossbody bag for your phone, passport and documents.
- Rear trolley strap that slides over rolling luggage handles.
- Side water bottle pocket and a high-density foam top handle.
Comfort Under Load
At 1.8kg empty, it's a substantial bag, but the arcuate shoulder straps and load-bearing adjustments are designed to spread weight evenly across your shoulders and back, which is important when you're carrying a fully expanded pack through an airport.
Who Is the MARK RYDEN MR8859 For?
- Business travellers who need laptop protection and a professional look for multi-day trips.
- Digital nomads carrying a large laptop, chargers and clothing in one bag.
- Frequent flyers who want to pack once and avoid checked baggage.
- Gamers and creatives with 17-inch machines that don't fit standard backpacks.
Why Buy the MARK RYDEN MR8859?
- Class-leading capacity. At up to 49.5L, it's the most spacious expandable pack we stock.
- Big-laptop ready. The 17.3-inch compartment suits larger workstations.
- Two ways to charge. Dual USB and Type-C ports cover most phones, tablets and accessories.
- Security built in. RFID slot, hidden passport pocket and a detachable crossbody pouch.
- Low-risk purchase. Free returns, a 1-year guarantee, and free UK delivery on orders over £75.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Huge 37-49.5L expandable capacity
- Fits laptops up to 17.3 inches
- Showerproof, stain-resistant 900D nylon
- Custom YKK zips
- Detachable pouch and RFID protection add real versatility
Cons
- At 1.8kg, it's the heaviest bag in our expandable range
- Showerproof rather than fully waterproof
- Fully expanded, it will likely exceed many airline cabin limits
- Only available in black
- Needs your own power bank for charging
What Are People Saying?
The MR8859 is a newer addition to our range and doesn't have customer reviews yet, so we'd rather be upfront than invent feedback. What we can say is that Mark Ryden backpacks in general are often praised by travellers for comfortable straps, sturdy YKK zips and good value compared with pricier brands. One long-term traveller reported that a Mark Ryden bag lasted through years of flights and airport transfers. Reviewers also tend to mention that packs in this category are on the heavier side, which matches the MR8859's 1.8kg weight. If you buy one, we'd love to hear how you get on.
MARK RYDEN MR8859 FAQs
What size laptop fits in the MR8859? The independent padded compartment fits laptops up to 17.3 inches. Measure the body of your laptop rather than relying on screen size alone, and smaller laptops will sit lower in the sleeve.
Is the MR8859 waterproof? It's made from 900D WR-Tech nylon with level-5 showerproof protection, so it handles typical UK rain and splashes. It isn't designed for full submersion, so use a rain cover in heavy, sustained downpours.
How much does it hold when expanded? The capacity grows from 37 litres to 49.5 litres, enough for several days of clothing alongside heavy tech gear.
Can I take it on a plane as hand luggage? Airline allowances vary and the expanded size is larger than many cabin limits, so check your carrier's rules before you fly. Keeping the bag unexpanded gives you the best chance of meeting personal item or cabin bag limits, and you can unzip for extra room after boarding if allowed.
How do the USB and Type-C ports work? Both ports are external pass-throughs connected to an internal pocket. Place your own power bank inside, connect it to the internal cable, and charge your devices from the outside without opening the bag. Remember to carry the power bank in your cabin bag, not checked luggage.
Does it attach to a suitcase? Yes, the rear trolley strap slides over the telescopic handle of a rolling suitcase for easier airport transfers.
Is the mini pouch removable? Yes, the detachable mini shoulder pouch can be worn separately as a crossbody bag for your phone, passport and documents.
How Does It Compare?
If the MR8859 isn't quite right, consider these alternatives from our range:
- MARK RYDEN MR9299 (£74.99): a lighter 1.0kg expandable pack from 26L to 38L, with a 17.3-inch laptop sleeve and anti-theft pocket
- ARCTIC HUNTER B00410 (£69.99): 20-35L with a built-in combination lock and rain cover
- Browse all Mark Ryden backpacks, our business backpacks, or the full travel backpacks range
Final Verdict
The MARK RYDEN MR8859 is a feature-packed, high-capacity expandable backpack for travellers who genuinely need the space. It isn't the lightest or cheapest option, but if you carry a large laptop and pack for multi-day trips, its capacity, charging ports and travel-smart security details are hard to beat.
Ready to upgrade your travel kit? Shop the MARK RYDEN MR8859 at Nomad Street, with free UK delivery on orders over £75.
