Traveling has never been too tiresome for me since I usually carry a small daypack and don’t use my large backpack unless I need it.
However, there are times when you need more room than what a daypack can carry, and you cannot avoid taking a backpack. The question then is what backpack to choose?
If you’re like me and you don’t want to spend over $50 for a good quality backpack, then the Gonex 35L Backpack might just be the right pack for you!
It’s perfect if you just want something small and functional for traveling or hiking.
But does the low price mean lower quality?
Well, in this Gonex 35L backpack review, we will give you a comprehensive idea about this amazing backpack to make your decision making process much easier.
First Impression Of The Gonex 35L
When you first receive the backpack, most probably the first impression would be that it is bigger and roomier than you expected. It’s a bit wider and deeper than other regular backpacks, and the straps are a little more padded.
Plus, it has a larger capacity of 35L. The quality seemed pretty good too. The material is water-resistant polyester, which I feel will hold up pretty well to wear and tear.
The inside of the bag has four different pockets, two on each side. One side has two mesh pockets ideal for easy access to smaller items like hand sanitizer or small snacks.
On the other side, one pocket is made of mesh with a hole in the bottom to hold a water bottle, and the additional pocket is made of polyester.
It can fit an iPad or other tablet or laptop up to 15.6 inches (the dimensions of this pocket are 11 x 17 inches).
There’s also a zippered pocket on the outside of the bag for quick access.
It can fit your phone, wallet, and keys when you are just going out for a short walk with the dog, but you could also use it to hold your passport or travel documents as well if you’re traveling light.
What Makes This Backpack Special?
Quite a few features make Gonex 35L a unique choice. However, its Motion Flex Suspension System is what really sets it apart from other backpacks.
The Gonex 35L Backpack uses a unique Motion Flex Suspension System which keeps your back comfortable even when the bag is full of all your belongings.
This suspension system consists of a padded shoulder strap, a hip belt, and an adjustable sternum strap, all of which make it breathable and comfortable.
Its hip belt is the most comfortable thing you will ever expect from a backpack, and when tightened, it doesn’t slip off your hips as other packs do. The shoulder straps and hip belts are padded with ultra-breathable foam that dries quickly.
This is great if you sweat a lot while walking around or working up a sweat hiking to your campsite. The foam also helps to disperse the pack’s weight more evenly between your shoulders, hips, and back.
You can adjust the sternum strap vertically and horizontally for maximum comfort. It does not restrict your breathing even when tightened all the way.
As for the pack’s back, it’s made from lightweight aluminum stays with a back foam panel.
The stays keep the bag from sagging when it’s loaded down but also make it collapsible enough to fold up and store in your suitcase or another bag when not in use.
This means it’s easy to take on trips where you might want both a big backpack for day hikes and outdoor activities as well as something smaller for exploring cities or going out at night.
Review Of The Gonex 35L Backpack
The Gonex 35L’s Motion Flex Suspension System certainly gives it an advantage over its competitors. Yet, it isn’t the only aspect of this backpack I found appealing.
Below is a breakdown of all its features and functionality I liked, and those I wish could be improved.
What I Liked
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Work-Heavy Construction
The Gonex 35L is a compact, lightweight pack with a clean design and high-quality construction suitable for various uses.
It’s made of 420D high-density water-resistant nylon and polyester, similarly durable to Cordura, a trendy fabric among backpack manufacturers. The shoulder straps and back panel feature foam padding, adjusting to any specific body shape.
The material is soft to the touch but feels very sturdy, and the stitching feels pretty much like a military-grade standard.
The YKK zippers themselves feel solid, and you can rest assured that the small zipper pulls won’t snap off easily under the stresses of hiking on the trail.
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Comfort On The Go
The most important thing I want to note is how comfortable this backpack is. I’ve been using it over the past week, and it really is a joy to use.
I love how wide the straps are. They’re made with a mesh material, so they feel soft and don’t dig into my shoulders when I’m wearing them.
Also, the backside of the backpack comes with a cushion for your back, which provides quite a bit of comfort when you’re carrying it around.
I also love how the front strap adjusts to fit your body type. It has some velcro on it so that it can be adjusted easily.
When you combine this with the other straps on the bag, you have a lot of control over how it fits and feels on your body.
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Convenient Luggage Pass-Through
The Gonex backpack doubles as a carry-on bag, and it comes with a pass-through strap on the back.
This strap has the design to slip over the extended handle of your rolling suitcase so that you can carry both bags at once.
It’s a handy feature for travelers who want to cut down on bag switching during layovers or quick trips through the airport.
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Tons Of Interior And Exterior Organization
One of the best things about the Gonex Ultralight 35L Backpack is that it’s so well organized.
Its interior has a massive compartment with a lot of pockets and pouches to keep my gear sorted.
You can easily find anything in this pack in seconds, not minutes. There are also a couple of pockets on the outside for quick access to items you need frequently.
The internal hydration sleeve is another excellent feature with its own top access zipper. It’s made from waterproof fabric and holds up to a 3-liter bladder.
This is perfect for hiking or other outdoor activities where you want easy access to water without having to stop and dig through your pack.
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The Outside, Not Just Large but Smart
The pack’s outside has a lot of compression straps that can help you secure your belongings very easily and make the bag smaller to fit in the airplanes compartment.
The top pocket is conveniently sized for your passport, wallet, or phone. You can access it from the front of the bag (that is great if you are wearing your bag in your back) or from the side (great for quick access).
Also, the pack has a water bottle pocket on each side that comes in very handy.
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Lots And Lots Of Space
This bag fits my DSLR, two lenses, my laptop and accessories, a sweatshirt, and some snacks comfortably.
This backpack is ridiculously huge, which is impressive! It’s super lightweight and has straps to make it smaller if you don’t have as much stuff as I do.
It feels like I’m carrying a pillow on my back instead of a heavy bag full of gear.
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Pockets Everywhere
This bag has pockets on top, inside, front, and sides. It even has a secret pocket in the back that is great for keeping your passport safe while traveling.
The main reason I bought this backpack was to keep my camera gear from being stolen while traveling, so having all these pockets to keep things separately is excellent.
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There’s A Rain Cover Too
The bag’s waterproof rain cover comes in its own dedicated pouch, located at the bottom of the backpack.
If you’re looking for something from the bottom of your backpack during a downpour, you’ll need to stop, remove all items above, and then retrieve the rain cover.
This isn’t ideal, but it’s still better than not having a rain cover at all.
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Removable Sternum Strap
An adjustable sternum strap will help keep your backpack from bouncing around too much.
However, if you’re carrying a lighter load, it can be one more strap to worry about. The Gonex 35L has a removable sternum strap, so you can take it off when you don’t need it.
Besides, there are several positions it can be attached to. This allows for more adjustability than the average pack.
The downside to this is that removing the sternum strap leaves a gaping hole in the front of the pack that could potentially snag on things.
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Great Value for the Price
At around fifty bucks, you’re not going to find a better pack for the price.
It’s an all-around bag that you can use for day hikes, overnights, international travel, even as a carry-on piece of luggage (it just depends on how you pack it).
You could also use it to take your laptop and books to work.
What Could Be Improved
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Physical Support For Shorter People
One thing I would say about this backpack is that it may not be the perfect match for shorter people because due to the narrow design of the shoulder straps, it can fit quite high up on your back.
This might not be an issue if you have broader shoulders, but for those with a more petite build, you may need to consider going for a smaller, more compact backpack.
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Full-Gear Camping Assistance
I will also caution you to avoid this backpack if you have problems with your back because the Motion Flex Suspension System can feel somewhat compressed when it’s fully loaded.
This might not be an issue if you’re looking for a lightweight backpack for backpacking but if you’re planning on packing heavy, say, you’re packing for a week-long or so camping trip with all your belongings, this might not be the backpack for you.
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Waist Strap Fitting For Larger People
The waist strap may not adjust enough to fit larger waists securely. Its compression straps should seem a bit too short if you have a larger waistline.
And you may also feel the hip belt pockets are hard to access due to that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Gonex 35L Backpack Best For?
This backpack is great for various activities, including day hikes, overnights, international travel, and as a carry-on piece of luggage.
It can also be used to take your laptop and books to work.
What Are The Dimensions Of The Gonex 35L Backpack?
The backpack is approximately 21 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.
What Are The Weight Restrictions For The Gonex 35L Backpack?
The backpack itself weighs a bit over 2.5 pounds and can hold a maximum weight of 35 pounds.
Is The Gonex 35L Backpack Waterproof?
Yes, the backpack comes with a waterproof rain cover.
What Is The Gonex 35L Backpack Made From?
The backpack is made from water-resistant and tear-resistant Nylon with Polyester.
How Many Compartments Does The Gonex 35L Backpack Have?
The backpack has one large compartment and two smaller compartments. It also features a front zip pocket and two side mesh pockets.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Gonex 35L backpack is an excellent value for the price. It’s versatile, lightweight, and has a ton of storage space.
It’s perfect for day hikes, overnights, international travel, and even as a carry-on piece of luggage. And it comes with a waterproof rain cover.
The only complaints I could find were that the shoulder straps might be too narrow for people with broader shoulders and that the Motion Flex Suspension System can feel a bit compressed when it’s fully loaded.
But these are minor issues when compared to all the pros this backpack has to offer at its price point.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable backpack that can do it all, the Gonex 35L is a great option.