BAGSMART produces backpacks, luggage and accessories designed to make packing and everyday organisation simpler, with versatile designs suited to work, commuting and travel.
We tested two models from its Blast range in the hands of two busy professionals who spend plenty of time on the move. Our Chief of Staff Julian Nuske has been using the compact Blast Elite Backpack 22L for work and his regular commute, while CEO Tom Kenyon has put the larger Blast Travel Backpack to use during frequent interstate travel.
The two bags share clean styling, dedicated laptop storage, accessible compartments and water-resistant construction but serve different purposes. The Elite is a lightweight everyday backpack with enough flexibility for an overnight stay, while the Travel Backpack expands from 28L to 38L for larger loads and longer trips.
JULIAN GETS TO WORK WITH THE BLAST ELITE BACKPACK 22L – $130
The backpack market has become fiercely competitive in recent years, with affordable alternatives now offering many of the features once only associated with premium brands.
Enter the Blast Elite Backpack 22L. Designed for commuting, everyday use and short trips, it combines a compact footprint with a surprisingly useful amount of storage.
I regularly carry a laptop, documents, chargers and other work essentials to and from the office. After putting the Blast Elite into regular rotation, I have found it particularly well suited to that daily routine.
First impressions
The Blast Elite has a clean, understated appearance, avoiding the tactical styling of many backpacks while still looking purposeful.
Its rectangular shape makes efficient use of the available space without appearing excessively bulky. Measuring approximately 31×40×18cm and weighing about 880g, it is also noticeably lighter than many competing packs.
That low weight is immediately appreciated on the move, particularly when the bag already contains a laptop and a full day’s work gear.
The Green Smoke finish is distinctive without being overly bright, while several other colour options are available.
Storage and organisation
With a capacity of 22L, the Blast Elite sits neatly between an everyday backpack and a dedicated travel pack.
It is large enough for my laptop, documents, electronic accessories and daily essentials without feeling oversized. Careful packers should also find enough room for an overnight stay or short weekend away.
The main compartment has a broad, upright opening, making it easier to pack and search than a traditional top-loading backpack. Rather than digging through the entire bag for one item, most of the contents can be viewed and reached without fuss.
Its relatively open interior suits documents, clothing, camera equipment, range gear or packing cubes, while internal mesh pockets separate smaller items.
External pockets provide quick access to notebooks, chargers and other essentials. A soft-lined top pocket protects a phone, earphones or glasses, while the external bottle holder keeps drinks away from electronics.
An RFID-blocking pocket and concealed rear compartment provide secure storage for cards and valuables. A luggage-trolley strap is also included for occasional travel.
A dedicated rear compartment accommodates laptops up to 15.6″. Its wide opening makes my computer easy to retrieve without disturbing the rest of the load, whether arriving at the office, in meetings or passing through airport security. The compartment can also be secured with a lock.
Comfort and build
Padded shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap and a breathable rear panel make the Blast Elite comfortable with everyday loads.
The straps distribute the weight of my laptop and other work equipment well, while the sternum strap adds stability when walking. The rear padding also prevents items from pressing directly against my back.
Multiple reinforced grab handles also make the bag easy to lift from a vehicle, luggage rack or aircraft storage area.
The exterior is made from durable, water-resistant ripstop nylon, while premium YKK zippers add to a backpack designed for regular use.
After repeated trips to and from work, the stitching, fabric and hardware continue to feel reassuringly solid. The water-resistant exterior is also easy to wipe down after routine marks or spills.
The backpack has relatively little rigid internal structure, so thoughtful packing helps it retain its shape when full. This has not been an issue with my usual workload, although particularly heavy or awkward loads may warrant a little more consideration.
Everyday and short-trip performance
My most common use remains the daily work routine, and that is where the Blast Elite has impressed most. It carries everything I need without the bulk of a larger travel pack, keeps my laptop separate and accessible, and remains comfortable between home, the office and meetings.
Its 22L capacity can also handle an overnight stay or carefully packed weekend. It is not intended as a one-bag solution for several days away, but that limitation helps keep it compact and practical for everyday use.
The verdict
The BAGSMART Blast Elite Backpack 22L succeeds by concentrating on useful everyday features.
Its compact dimensions, efficient organisation and dedicated electronics section have made it particularly effective as a work and commuter bag. Its low weight is another significant advantage when it is being carried every day.
The ripstop exterior and YKK zippers also give it a more substantial feel than its lightweight construction might suggest.
For commuters and anyone seeking a capable daily backpack with enough flexibility for occasional short trips, the Blast Elite is easy to recommend.
Highlights
Points to consider
TOM TAKES THE BLAST TRAVEL BACKPACK ON THE ROAD – $98.56 ON SALE, NORMALLY $112
Regular travel is an unavoidable part of my work life. Airports, interstate meetings and nights away mean I am constantly packing and unpacking, often while carrying a laptop, documents and everything else required for several days on the road.
The Blast Travel Backpack is a larger, travel-focused alternative to the Elite. It offers considerably more room, starting at 28L and expanding to 38L when additional space is required.
Its expandable storage, suitcase-style opening and dedicated compartments make it particularly useful for frequent work travel.
First impressions
Despite its greater capacity, the Blast Travel Backpack feels relatively light when empty.
Its styling is practical and contemporary, allowing it to move comfortably between airports, offices and hotels without looking overly technical or casual.
The water-resistant fabric feels sturdy, while the stitching, reinforced handles and YKK zippers are made for regular use. The zippers feel strong and move smoothly, which is reassuring on a bag intended for frequent travel.
The backpack comes in a wide range of colours, from understated shades such as my Navy Blue, which is well suited to work travel, to brighter options that are easier to identify on the move.
Expandable storage and organisation
The main compartment opens suitcase-style, providing a clear view of the contents and making clothing easier to arrange than in a conventional top-loading backpack.
In its standard configuration, the bag offers approximately 28L of storage and measures about 31×42×20.5cm. An expansion zipper increases the capacity to approximately 38L when more room is needed.
External compression straps help keep it streamlined with smaller loads and stabilise the contents when fully expanded.
A separate shoe compartment extends into the lower portion of the main storage area. It reduces the room available for clothing when occupied but keeps footwear away from cleaner items, documents and electronics.
That is particularly useful when travelling for meetings and needing a separate pair of shoes, or when work commitments are combined with more casual activities.
A dedicated electronics section comfortably carries a laptop up to 15.6″, along with a tablet or similar device. Its wide, flat-opening design allows me to access my computer without unpacking the rest of the bag, which is particularly valuable at airport security.
Six external pockets provide quick access to smaller essentials. An RFID-blocking pocket protects cards or travel documents, while a concealed rear pocket keeps valuables close to the wearer. A deep external bottle holder completes the layout.
Comfort and carry
The shoulder straps are wide and provide an appropriate amount of padding for everyday travel.
Although the padding appears relatively slim, the width distributes weight effectively and prevents the straps from digging into the shoulders. A breathable rear panel and adjustable sternum strap improve comfort and stability when walking between terminals or through city centres.
Handles on the top and side make the bag easier to manoeuvre in vehicles, overhead lockers and other confined spaces.
A rear luggage strap allows it to slide over the extended handle of a wheeled suitcase. This has genuine value when moving through airports with several bags while also managing tickets and identification.
The greater capacity naturally means the backpack can become considerably heavier than the Elite when fully expanded, so sensible packing remains important.
Travel and practical use
In its standard 28L form, the backpack is well suited to overnight stays and short work trips. Expanding it to 38L adds useful flexibility for longer stays, bulkier clothing or additional equipment.
The suitcase-style opening and separate storage areas make packing and unpacking straightforward when moving regularly between locations.
Although travel is its primary role, the Blast can also serve as a practical sports, gym or weekend bag. The separate shoe compartment is particularly useful for keeping dirty or wet footwear away from other belongings.
It can handle occasional commuting, although anyone carrying little more than a laptop and daily essentials will probably find the smaller Elite easier to manage.
The verdict
The BAGSMART Blast Travel Backpack is a capable and versatile all-rounder.
Its expandable 28L-to-38L capacity, suitcase-style main compartment, separate shoe storage and dedicated electronics section suit regular work travel particularly well.
The wide shoulder straps distribute weight effectively, while the luggage-trolley strap, compression straps and multiple grab handles all prove useful when moving through locations.
It shares the Elite’s practical organisation and clean appearance but offers greater capacity and more specialised storage. The trade-off is a larger bag that can become noticeably heavier when fully expanded.
For frequent travel, weekends away, sport or any situation requiring clothing, electronics and footwear to be carried together, the Blast Travel Backpack offers impressive flexibility and value.
Highlights
Points to consider
Both backpacks are priced above BAGSMART’s AU$60 free-shipping threshold, with orders dispatched from its Sydney warehouse.
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