MARK RYDEN MR9299 Review: 26-37L Expandable Backpack and How It Compares to the Mark Ryden Range

The MARK RYDEN MR9299 is the value pick in Mark Ryden's expandable line-up. For £74.99 you get a pack that grows from 26 to 37 litres, a padded compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inches, a built-in USB port and a hidden anti-theft pocket, at a light 1.0kg. It's cheaper than every other Mark Ryden model we stock that fits a 17.3-inch laptop, which makes it an easy bag to recommend to business travellers and commuters with a big screen.

Here's what it offers, who it suits, and how it stacks up against the rest of our Mark Ryden range.

MARK RYDEN MR9299 at a Glance

What Makes a Mark Ryden Backpack?

Mark Ryden is one of the brands we stock at Nomad Street, and its bags are aimed at professionals, commuters and frequent travellers who want a clean, business-ready look with serious tech protection. Looking across the five expandable models in our range, a clear identity emerges:

• Big-laptop support. Three of the five take laptops up to 17.3 inches, and the others cover 15.6 to 16 inches.
• Expandable capacity. Every model grows beyond its everyday size, either with a perimeter zip or a roll-top, so one bag can cover the commute and the weekend.
• Water-resistant fabrics. Oxford, nylon and coated finishes that shrug off typical UK rain.
• Built-in USB charging on most models. An external port connects to an internal pocket, so you can charge a phone from your own power bank without opening the bag.
• Security details. Hidden anti-theft pockets, hasp closures or RFID-blocking slots, depending on the model.
• Quality hardware. YKK zips on several models and padded, breathable back panels throughout.
• A wide price ladder. From £49.99 to £99.99, so there's an entry point for most budgets.

Our wider expandable backpacks collection shows how these compare with other brands.

MARK RYDEN MR9299 Key Features

Expandable 26L to 37L Capacity

The MR9299 starts as a slim 14cm-deep daily commuter and unzips to a 37-litre travel bag, enough for several days of clothing alongside your tech. That flexibility is the heart of any expandable travel backpack: slim on busy trains, roomy when you travel.

Padded Compartment for Laptops up to 17.3 Inches

A dedicated, cushioned rear interlayer isolates large laptops from the rest of your packing. Most backpacks in this price bracket stop at 15.6 inches, so support for 17.3-inch laptops is a genuine advantage for creatives, engineers and gamers. If a big laptop is your priority, browse our collection of laptop backpacks.

Built-In USB Charging Port

The external USB pass-through lets you connect an internal power bank and charge your phone on the move. The backpack doesn't contain a battery, so you'll need to supply your own. Not sure what to buy? Our guide to choosing a power bank for travel covers capacity, wattage and airline rules.

Hidden Anti-Theft Rear Pocket

A discreet zipped pocket sits flat against your lower back, a good home for a passport, cash or phone on crowded transport. It's out of sight and out of easy reach.

Water-Resistant Oxford with a PU Coating

The heavy-duty Oxford shell has a waterproof PU coating that sheds rain and wipes clean with a damp cloth. The product photos also show a pull-out raincoat-style cover, so check the gallery for details. As with any water-resistant bag, it's built for rain rather than submersion.

Comfort and Organisation

A breathable resin mesh back panel and arcuate shoulder straps (adjustable from 40 to 85cm) help spread the load, and a soft top handle makes it easy to grab. Inside, slot pockets, zippered mesh sections and a phone holder keep small items from sinking to the bottom, and the smooth polyester lining protects delicate gear.

Who Is the MR9299 For?

• Business travellers who want a professional look and big-laptop protection
• Commuters who need a slim pack on weekdays and extra space at weekends
• Digital nomads and freelancers carrying a large laptop, charger and clothing
• Students and creatives with 17-inch machines that don't fit standard bags

Why Buy the MR9299?

1. The cheapest 17.3-inch option in the Mark Ryden range. The other 17.3-inch models cost £89.99 and £99.99.
2. Light for its capacity. At 1.0kg, it's far lighter than the 1.8kg MR8859.
3. Tech ready. USB charging and a hidden anti-theft pocket come as standard.
4. Slim to roomy. A 14cm base depth that grows to a 37L travel bag.
5. Low-risk purchase. Nomad Street offers free returns, a 1-year guarantee, and free UK delivery on orders over £75.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Expands from 26L to 37L
• Fits laptops up to 17.3 inches
• USB port and hidden anti-theft pocket
• Light at 1.0kg
• Three colours and a clean business look

Cons

• No lay-flat 180° opening listed, unlike the MR2832 and MR8057Y
• Smaller maximum capacity than the MR8859
• Water resistant rather than fully waterproof
• Needs your own power bank for the USB port

Mark Ryden Expandable Backpacks Compared

Here's how the MR9299 sits alongside the other four Mark Ryden expandable backpacks we stock, listed from lowest to highest price.

MR9299 vs MR9366: Budget Roll-Top or Business Pack?

The MR9366 (£49.99) is the entry point. It's a roll-top with a magnetic buckle and hasp closure, a 15.6-inch laptop sleeve, a USB port and a weight of just 0.90kg. Choose it if you want the lowest price and a sporty, roll-top feel. Choose the MR9299 for £25 more if you need a 17.3-inch laptop compartment and a more structured business look with a hidden anti-theft pocket.

MR9299 vs MR2832: Lay-Flat Opening or Larger Laptop?

The MR2832 "MorphCore" (£89.99) combines a roll-top expansion from 27L to 36L with a 180° flat-opening main compartment, a 16-inch laptop sleeve and an 11-inch tablet bay. It doesn't list a USB port. Choose it if you want to pack like a suitcase and don't need charging. The MR9299 is £15 cheaper, fits a larger laptop and adds USB charging.

MR9299 vs MR8057Y: The Closest Rival

The MR8057Y "Pathrato" (£89.99) is the nearest match: it also takes a 17.3-inch laptop and has a USB port. It adds a 180° lay-flat opening, genuine YKK zips and a wider 20-36L expansion range, but weighs 1.2kg and costs £15 more. If you value suitcase-style packing, the MR8057Y is worth the extra. If you'd rather save the money and keep the bag lighter, the MR9299 is the smarter buy.

MR9299 vs MR8859: Everyday Expandable or Long-Haul Capacity?

The MR8859 (£99.99) is the biggest in the range at 37-49.5L, with dual USB and Type-C ports, an RFID slot, a hidden passport pocket and a detachable mini shoulder pouch. At 1.8kg, it's heavy, so it's aimed at long trips. Read our full MR8859 review for more. For commuting and short breaks, the MR9299 is lighter, cheaper and easier to carry daily.

Which Mark Ryden Expandable Backpack Is Right for You?

• Tightest budget: MR9366 at £49.99
• Best value for a 17.3-inch laptop: MR9299 at £74.99
• Suitcase-style packing with a 16-inch laptop: MR2832
• Lay-flat opening plus a 17.3-inch laptop and USB: MR8057Y
• Maximum capacity and charging ports: MR8859
• Lightest bag: MR9366 (0.90kg), then MR9299 (1.0kg)

Tips for Getting the Most from an Expandable Backpack

1. Pack the heaviest items closest to your back to keep the load stable.
2. Keep it unexpanded for daily use, so it stays slim on crowded trains.
3. Use packing cubes when expanded, to keep clothes organised.
4. Check airline size limits before flying with the bag fully expanded.
5. Keep your power bank in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage.

MARK RYDEN MR9299 FAQs

What size laptop fits in the MR9299? The padded rear interlayer fits laptops from 15.6 inches up to 17.3 inches. Measure the body of your laptop rather than relying on screen size alone.

How much does it hold? It expands from 26 litres to 37 litres, enough for several days of clothing alongside tech gear.

Is it waterproof? It's made from water-resistant Oxford with a waterproof PU coating, so it handles typical UK rain and splashes. It isn't designed for full submersion.

Does it have a USB charging port? Yes, an external USB port connects to an internal pocket. There's no battery inside the bag, so you add your own power bank.

Can I take it as cabin luggage? Unexpanded, it measures 46 x 30 x 14cm, which is compact. Airline allowances vary and the expanded size is larger, so check your carrier's limits before you fly.

What's the difference between the MR9299 and the MR8057Y? Both take a 17.3-inch laptop and have a USB port. The MR8057Y adds a 180° lay-flat opening and YKK zips, expands from 20L to 36L, weighs 1.2kg and costs £89.99. The MR9299 is lighter at 1.0kg and costs £74.99.

Which Mark Ryden backpack is best for travel? The MR8859 offers the most capacity for long trips, the MR8057Y suits suitcase-style packing, and the MR9299 is a lighter all-rounder for business trips and commuting.

Is the MR9299 unisex? Yes, the design suits both men and women, and it comes in Black, Green or Grey.

Final Verdict

The MARK RYDEN MR9299 is the sweet spot in Mark Ryden's expandable range. It gives you a 17.3-inch laptop compartment, USB charging, a hidden anti-theft pocket and a 26-37L expandable body at £74.99, and it's lighter than the pricier models. If you need a lay-flat opening or maximum capacity, step up to the MR8057Y or MR8859. If you only need a 15.6-inch laptop and the lowest price, the MR9366 is the budget route. For most commuters and business travellers with a big laptop, the MR9299 is the one to beat.

Ready to choose? Shop the MARK RYDEN MR9299 at Nomad Street, explore the full Mark Ryden collection, or compare more business backpacks and travel backpacks. You can also see how Mark Ryden's rivals stack up in our Heroic Knight comparison. Free UK delivery applies on orders over £75.