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Coowoz Essentials Review

A small budget friendly bag that is pleasant to use but doesn't compare to higher end models
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Coowoz Essentials Review (The Coowoz makes a decent standalone travel backpack, or partners well with a roll-aboard.)
The Coowoz makes a decent standalone travel backpack, or partners well with a roll-aboard.
Credit: Hale Milano
Price:  $37 List
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Manufacturer:   Coowoz
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 12, 2024
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 16
  • Storage & Protection - 30% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Comfort & Fit - 30% 6.5
  • Versatility - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

We know travel can be expensive. Between train or plane tickets, hotels, and activities, costs can add up pretty quickly, and sometimes the last thing you want to spend more on is your luggage. If you're in the market for a new carry on but don't want to blow your budget on a new suitcase, the Coowoz Essentials is an affordable model with many of the same features as high-end bags without the same sticker shock. When recommending a travel backpack to a budget-conscious friend, a traveler unsure about committing to more expensive options, or perhaps someone looking for a backpack for their kids to use on vacation, the Coowoz is our economical pick. If you're not sure that you want a travel bag specifically, there are many other types of backpacks that can fill your needs for your travel, work, and play.
REASONS TO BUY
Holds shape well
Shoe & wet item pocket
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't hold a lot of clothes
Noisy material
Exterior pockets are awkward to use

Compare to Similar Products

 
coowoz essentials
This Product
Coowoz Essentials
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Travel Backpack on a Tight Budget
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Travel Backpack
Best Buy Award
Best Travel Backpack on a Budget
  
Price $37 List
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Bottom Line A convenient, easy-to-use bag that won't break the bank but may not have the same top-tier functionality as other bags in our lineupThis top-notch pack comfortably holds and hauls all the clothes and gear you need for any type of trip and is ideal for life on the goThis budget-friendly bag is everything that you need and nothing that you don'tThis large bag is good enough for the non-discerning traveler, but we recommend looking at other options firstThis budget bag doesn't break the bank, but other less expensive options perform better
Rating Categories Coowoz Essentials Osprey Sojourn Port... Osprey Daylite Carr... Amazon Basics Carry... Asenlin 40L Travel
Storage & Protection (30%)
6.0
8.3
6.5
6.7
5.5
Ease of Use (30%)
6.0
8.4
7.0
6.8
5.2
Comfort & Fit (30%)
6.5
8.7
7.0
6.0
2.3
Versatility (10%)
6.0
6.5
6.5
4.5
6.5
Specs Coowoz Essentials Osprey Sojourn Port... Osprey Daylite Carr... Amazon Basics Carry... Asenlin 40L Travel
Sizes Available 22L, 27L, 31L, 46L 30L, 46L, 65L 26L, 35L, 44L 40L 40L
Measured Dimensions (When Full) 13" x 19" x 8" 24" x 14" x 11" 20" x 15" x 11" 22" x 15" x 9" 19" x 13" x 10"
Measured Weight 2.8 lb 3.4 lb 2.1 lb 3.6 lb 2.7 lb
Weight-to-Volume Ratio 1.14 oz/L 1.18 oz/L 0.06 oz/L 1.44 oz/L 1.08 oz/L
Pockets with Exterior Access 7 5 5 4 4
Materials Waterproof polyester MAIN: bluesign® approved, 100% recycled 460D high-tenacity nylon w/ ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS
BOTTOM: 100% recycled 1680D ballistic polyester, DWR treatment made without PFAS
Main: bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 300D polyester w/ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS; Bottom: bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 600D polyester, DWR treatment made without PFAS Polyester Polyester
Frame Type Foam padding with nylon backing Foam padding Foam padding Foam padding None
Features Separate shoe compartment, wet pouch, built-in USB port, anti-theft pocket, passthrough luggage strap, 14" laptop sleeve, external compression straps Internal compression & mesh organization pockets, vented back panel and tuck-away harness/hipbelt, TSID luggage registration, padded laptop sleeve, day-pack compatible attachments AirScape back panel, sternum strap, pass-through suitcase strap, stowaway backpack straps, padded laptop pocket, 2 water bottle pockets, top/side/bottom grab handles, key clip, internal compression straps, external side compression straps, lockable zippers Tuck-away backpack straps, passthrough luggage strap, zippered laptop sleeve, internal compression straps Custom packing cubes, 17" laptop sleeve, passthrough luggage strap, water-resistant, umbrella bag, stowable backpack straps, exterior compression straps
Size Tested 31 L 46 L 35 L 40L 40 L

Our Analysis and Test Results

There are certain features that you can't compromise on when looking for a piece of carry on luggage. The bag must fit all your items and protect them during transit, and you need to be able to use it without stress levels rising. The Coowoz is a budget-friendly travel backpack that outperforms many pricier models in our lineup of the top travel backpacks. It lacks the high-end materials of our top-scoring models, but it also manages to avoid the eye-popping sticker price that many of the best carry on suitcases and bags seem to have.

Performance Comparison


coowoz essentials - we took the coowoz and other travel backpacks on trips through the...
We took the Coowoz and other travel backpacks on trips through the airport to assess their real-world performance.
Credit: Hale Milano

Storage & Protection


The Coowoz backpack is relatively average in both the storage capabilities and the level of protection that it offers its contents. Despite this, we still found some of the features to be quite useful. It fits a slightly less-than-average amount of gear and clothing, given the size of the bag, but we like the external compression straps and appreciate the extra shoe/wet-item pocket that it has. We were pleased to see that the claim of waterproof fabric really did keep contents dry and that several other interesting protection features worked well.

We tested the Coowoz in the 31-liter size option and found that we lacked the same packing space as other bags in our lineup with similar overall sizes and dimensions. The Coowoz is also available in 22-lier, 27-liter, and 46-liter options, and depending on the length of your trips, you may prefer a smaller or larger size.


The main compartment of this travel backpack was only able to fit one of the three packing cubes that we used in our standardized capacity tests, which was just about enough room for a set of spare clothes and toiletries. The bottom panel of the backpack provides access to a “hidden pouch” that we like for storing shoes or wet items separate from your clean clothes. That said, this pouch takes up space from the main compartment, reducing the capacity of the main pocket and limiting its usefulness for extra gear.

coowoz essentials - a roomy shoe or wet item pocket on the bottom of the bag is handy...
A roomy shoe or wet item pocket on the bottom of the bag is handy for storing dirty items, though it does take up space in the main compartment.
Credit: Hale Milano

The waterproof polyester fabric on the Coowoz kept contents dry during our rain simulation, and we were pleased to note that protective flaps over the exterior pockets were effective in keeping water from seeping through the zipper. The Coowoz provides ample electronic and theft protection features as well. The dedicated laptop sleeve has rigid foam paneling against the back and soft foam on the interior side of the compartment. There is an anti-theft pocket located on the back panel of the bag as well, large enough to fit important documents, money, or slim electronics. When wearing the bag, this pocket is placed directly against the small of your back, protecting contents from pickpocketing.

coowoz essentials - a pocket hidden against the back panel is designed to protect...
A pocket hidden against the back panel is designed to protect against theft, though don't expect to fit much in this slim zippered pouch.
Credit: Hale Milano

Ease of Use


The Coowoz backpack is relatively user-friendly, though it might lack some of the more refined features found on more expensive models. There are a handful of organization pockets, and it's easy enough to pack and unpack for life on the go.


There are three external pockets on the Coowoz: one full-size pocket that runs the length of the bag and two smaller pouches set on the front flap of the larger pocket. While there are no true small item pockets, like a cellphone or wallet pouch, the three pockets do provide some basic organization and a place to stow and access travel essentials. There is also a bottle pocket, though its size may limit the type of water bottle that you can place inside.

coowoz essentials - the dual external pockets on the coowoz aren't the most usable due...
The dual external pockets on the Coowoz aren't the most usable due to a slim design and zipper flap that gets in the way.
Credit: Hale Milano

We assessed the livability of this backpack to be perfectly adequate for the non-discerning traveler or for someone who only travels occasionally. The Coowoz holds its shape well, unzips, and unfolds relatively flat for easy access to the main compartment. There are plenty of internal pouches and zippered pockets for organizing smaller items as well. The inner material of the bag is quite slippery, so clothes are prone to slide around a bit inside, and there are no internal compression straps to keep items snug and in place if the bag ever gets tossed around. However, this can be somewhat mitigated by tightening the external compression straps. We found the lower shoe pocket, especially when full of shoes, gets in the way and detracts from the livability of this bag.

coowoz essentials - there's a decent amount of internal organization pockets in the...
There's a decent amount of internal organization pockets in the Coowoz, but the slippery fabric makes it challenging to keep things in the non-zippered pockets.
Credit: Hale Milano

Unlike many other bags in our lineup, the straps on the Coowoz are permanently affixed to the exterior. If you're not using the backpack straps, they can be cinched tight but not stowed away in a discreet pocket. There is a decent grab handle, but it is located on the top of the bag only. A convenient ease-of-use feature that the backpack has is an integrated USB charging cord leading from the main pouch to the exterior of the bag so you don't have to worry about locating the ever-elusive airport outlet or USB port.

coowoz essentials - the coowoz includes a built-in charging port; allowing external usb...
The Coowoz includes a built-in charging port; allowing external USB access to an internal cord that connects to the power source of your choice.
Credit: Hale Milano

Comfort & Fit


The Coowoz Bag, given its plush padding and small size, is comfortable to wear. It is almost impossible to overload it to the point where it is too heavy, but just to give your shoulders a break, there is a suitcase handle sleeve to attach the backpack to a suitcase vertically.


The padding on the back panel of the Coowoz is one of the more plush models that we tested. For moderate loads, we found it to be very comfortable. It features a large supportive lower section, plus split padding on the shoulders. This allows for a pleasant amount of ventilation without sacrificing support.

coowoz essentials - the back panel of the coowoz is very three-dimensional thanks to...
The back panel of the Coowoz is very three-dimensional thanks to half-inch thick padding.
Credit: Hale Milano


The backpack straps are reasonable but not as comfortable under heavy loads due to the lighter padding. This is where you may begin to appreciate the luggage strap more. Although a travel backpack might be used in place of a rolling suitcase, there's no reason why they can't be combined, and having the ability to secure the backpack to your bag can make airport transitions much more comfortable.

coowoz essentials - if you're brining a rolling suitcase in addition to the coowoz...
If you're brining a rolling suitcase in addition to the Coowoz, there's a luggage passthrough strap to attach your bag.
Credit: Hale Milano

Versatility


Between the different size options and an impressive 21 available color options, the Coowoz is versatile enough to meet a variety of needs, whether it be a travel backpack, a work/school bag, or a carry-all for use around town.


Provided that your adventures keep you within sight of the beaten path, so to speak, we think the Coowoz is fairly versatile. Its smaller size and dimensions mean you can leverage the bag as a day pack in a pinch, although it does not have a belt strap that you may want on more extended day trips. A sleek exterior and multiple colors to choose from help it appeal to a broad range of users.

coowoz essentials - the coowoz (pink, second from right) is slightly smaller than most...
The Coowoz (pink, second from right) is slightly smaller than most bags in our lineup.
Credit: Hale Milano

Should You Buy the Coowoz Essentials?


The Coowoz travel backpack is a cost-conscious carry on for travelers who are looking to ditch their wheeled suitcase in favor of the mobility that a backpack offers. There aren't many other travel backpacks in this price band that perform quite as well, and in fact, there are several that cost quite a bit more and fail to live up to the Coowoz, in our opinion. Depending on the travel you intend to do, you can find a size and color that will work best for your needs. If you need the ability to travel light, want some basic organization features in your bag, and don't want to spend a fortune on your luggage, we recommend this model.

coowoz essentials - the coowoz has above-average performance for its price, making it a...
The Coowoz has above-average performance for its price, making it a compelling choice.
Credit: Hale Milano

What Other Travel Backpacks Should You Consider?


If you're willing to shell out a few extra dollars for added durability, features, or comfort, then several bags in our lineup of the best travel backpacks might catch your eye. The eBags Mother Lode is the next step up in both performance and price and while it is easier to use and live out of, it isn't quite as comfortable. One of our top recommendations for livability is The North Face Base Camp Voyager. It's slightly larger at 35 liters; however, it holds significantly more items and organizes them much better than most other duffels. It also has a plethora of external pockets and laptop or tablet-safe pouches. Skyrocketing up in terms of both cost and capabilities, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is a modern and convenient travel backpack that boasts waterproof fabric and zippers with a supportive suspension and strap system for extra heavy loads.

coowoz essentials - while the coowoz is a great budget pick it lacks the quality design...
While the Coowoz is a great budget pick it lacks the quality design and construction of other backpacks.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano