Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite 40L - Hands-on Comparison
As more travelers seek lighter and more budget-friendly gear without sacrificing quality, Tortuga has answered the call by launching the Travel Backpack Lite. At 1lb lighter and a whopping $100 cheaper than its predecessor, the Travel backpack Pro, it made us wonder: Why? What’s missing? And are these missing features going to be dealbreakers for travelers?
To uncover the truth, we tested each Tortuga Travel Backpack side by side to reveal 7 key differences that will help you decide which backpack is the right choice for you.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 40L | 40L |
| Materials | SHELL200 waterproof material, water resistant YKK zippers |
630D Cordura Ballistic nylon YKK fabric zippers |
| Dimensions | 21.7” (H) x 13.8” (W) x 7.9” (D) | 21.7” (H) x 13.8” (W) x 7.9” (D) |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
| Laptop Storage | 16" Laptop Compartment with tablet sleeve |
16" Laptop Compartment |
| Adjustable Back Panel | Yes | No |
| Chest Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | Yes | Yes |
| Price |
Difference #1: The Lite Has Less Adjustments
Key Takeaways:
Both backpacks are the same dimensions and have a 40-liter capacity
The Lite is missing the adjustable height back panel
Model height 5’6” - Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Pro vs Lite
Despite the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite being 1 pound lighter, both the Pro and Lite still manage to be the exact same exterior dimensions with an internal carrying capacity of 40 liters. When worn, you can expect both the Pro and Lite to have the same profile on the back.
The big differences are found with the fit of each backpack.
The Pro offers a 4-point adjustment system for the perfect fit:
adjustable height back panel
shoulder straps (bottom straps and top lift loaders)
chest strap
hip belt
The adjustable back panel stands out as the star of the show as it allows you to customize the back panel height to match your torso length, ensuring a perfectly dialed-in fit. This feature is very useful if you are shorter or taller than average and often struggle to find a travel backpack that fits well. You’ll notice the Pro does sit higher on the back when worn on the 5’6” model pictured above. This is a subtle detail of the adjustable height back panel in action.
The Lite instead has a 3-point adjustment system:
shoulder straps (bottom straps and top lift loaders)
chest strap
hip belt
Shoulder straps and hip belt fit - Tortuga Pro vs Lite
As a result we would describe the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite as a “one size fits most” travel pack since the back panel is static.
Difference #2: The Lite has Less Padding
Key Takeaways:
Comfort is mixed: the Lite has a more comfortable back panel, the Pro has a more comfortable waist belt
To reduce weight on the Lite, Tortuga has decided to remove some padding on the back panel and waist belt and you can feel the difference when wearing each backpack fully loaded.
Believe it or not, we preferred the thinner back panel on the Lite since the reduced cushion gave it a bit more flex for a more contoured fit. However, the extra padding on the Pro's waist belt made it extremely comfortable, feeling like two pillows against your hip bones, while the Lite's waist belt was nothing special. As for the shoulder straps, both backpacks felt the same.
Difference #3: The Lite has Tuckable Straps
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite has stowable straps
A huge upgrade on the Lite is the ability to tuck away the shoulder straps and hip belt for a neater experience when carrying the bag by its top or side handles. This is a huge feature, and in our opinion, may be a big reason for sticking with the more affordable Travel Backpack Lite.
Difference #4: The Pro is More Water Resistant
Key Takeaways:
The Pro offers amazing water resistance thanks to its waterproof SHELL200 exterior and water resistant zippers.
The Lite uses Cordura Ballistic Nylon paired with regular fabric zippers. Quality is on par with most other travel packs at the $200+ price range.
Tortuga Pro SHELL200 vs Lite Cordura Nylon water resistance
The differences in materials used in each Tortuga Travel Backpack might be the most important for travelers concerned with water resistance.
The Pro is constructed using Tortuga’s best materials with an exterior made with the brands own waterproof SHELL200 fabric paired with water-resistant YKK zippers. This combination offers amazing protection against rain and makes the Pro a beast in bad weather. Along with being waterproof, SHELL200 is also known for it’s toughness and rip-resistance.
In an effort to reduce costs, the Lite version uses a water repellent 630D Cordura ballistic nylon, a fabric that has great tear and puncture resistance and is commonly used among many premium backpacks. However, the Lite uses standard reverse-coil YKK zippers instead of the coated water-resistant ones on the Pro. As a result, the water resistance of the Lite is nothing special and on par to what you'd find in most travel backpacks on the market.
Despite the more cost-effective materials used on the Lite's exterior, it's important to note that this backpack maintains a high quality comparable to other high-end travel packs in the $200+ range. Both models feature the same interior ripstop lining and use the same durable buckles, ensuring a level of quality and durability that Tortuga is known for.
Difference #5: The Lite Has Fewer Pockets
Key Takeaways:
The Pro offers more pockets and compartments for smaller items
The Lite is missing the large front organizer compartment
The side mesh pocket on the Lite can fit larger water bottles
In order to make the Lite both cheaper and lighter, Tortuga has made a lot of big changes to its pockets and compartments. While both backpacks offer the same top pocket with a key leash for quick access to smaller items, that’s where their similarities end.
Tortuga 40L Pro vs Lite: Same top pocket with key leash.
The Pro features a massive front compartment that is completely missing on the Lite. This front compartment is packed with smaller pockets with organization for everything from pens, tech chargers to business cards. There is even a soft-lined slip pocket for a small tablet like a Kindle e-reader or iPad Mini.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is missing the front organizer compartment
On each side of the Pro, you’ll also find a side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, while the Lite only offers one mesh side pocket. The important detail here is that the side pocket on the Lite can actually fit larger bottles, accommodating sizes up to 32oz or 40oz. The side pockets on the Pro aren’t as stretchy, limiting you to thinner bottles 24oz and under.
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite: the Lite can fit a larger water bottle
Finally, both packs feature a vertical front panel pocket, but to cut down on weight, the Lite's front pocket is much smaller. For perspective, the Pro's front pocket can hold a light jacket, while the Lite's can only fit a hat. Huge difference!
DIfference #6: The Pro Has More Tech Storage
Key Takeaways:
Both backpacks can fit up to a 16-inch laptop
The Pro has an entire tech compartment with a laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve and mesh pocket
The Lite has no tablet sleeves while the Pro has two (standard tablet + smaller e-reader)
Laptop compartments on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite
Each Tortuga Travel Backpack features rear laptop storage. The Pro can be best thought of as a tech compartment with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, seperate tablet sleeve and an extra pocket for tech accessories. While the Lite simply has a 16-inch laptop sleeve with no other extra pockets.
If you are wondering about laptop protection, you’ll be pleased to know that both laptop sleeves are well-padded and feature a generous false bottom to protect your laptop from drops.
Difference #7: Different Pockets in Packing Compartment
Key Takeaways:
Pro and Lite offer the same 40 liters of packing space
The Lite has two smaller mesh pockets while the Pro has one large mesh pocket
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L has one large mesh pocket
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L has two smaller mesh pockets
Tortuga has decided to make some interesting changes in the main packing compartments. Both backpacks do have the same 40 liters of packing space and our testing found that both can hold the same amount of clothing.
The main difference is that the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro offers one large mesh compartment that is very similar to what you would find in a standard suitcase. The Lite, on the other hand, splits this space into two smaller mesh pockets.
Which one is better really comes down to personal packing preference. The larger mesh pocket on the Pro is better for larger items like shirts and jackets. While the smaller mesh pockets on the Lite does a better job at packing smaller items like socks and underwear. If you plan on using packing cubes, you’ll appreciate the larger mesh pocket on the Pro.
Which Tortuga Travel Backpack Should You Buy?
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
Choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro if you value organization and water-resistance. The exterior pockets and compartments offers amazing access to stuff like tablets, jackets, headphones and smaller travel essentials. Those who carry a lot of tech will also appreciate the large tech compartment with both a laptop and tablet sleeve. Furthermore, the SHELL200 construction offers best-in-class water-resistance for those braving the rain.
Choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite if you don’t carry a lot of tech, value being able to tuck away the shoulder straps and want to save some cash. At the end of the day, the Lite is still a tough travel pack that holds up to the quality Tortuga is known for. The ability to tuck away the shoulder straps and hip belt is a huge upgrade that will save you some heartache when stowing away the bag in overhead compartments.
