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Expandable Backpacks
Slim and tidy on a work day, and when the trip gets longer you open a zipper and gain a few more liters.
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Products
An expandable backpack grows when you need it to: open an expansion zipper, release a roll-top closure or open an extra compartment, and the bag gains a few liters. On an ordinary day it stays slim and comfortable, and for a one or two day trip it grows and replaces a second bag. Mantova, for example, goes from 25 to 30 liters, and Cremona from 28 to 39 liters. Most bags here have a padded sleeve for a 14 to 17 inch laptop.
Three ways a backpack expands
Expansion zipper: a zipper around the bag opens an extra gusset of fabric and the bag gets a few centimeters deeper. That is how Mantova goes from 25 to 30 liters and Ferrara grows by 7 cm (2.8 in), from 22 to 28 liters.
Roll-top: the top of the bag rolls down and closes with a buckle; unroll it when you need more height. Bergamo grows from 27 to 35 liters and Cremona from 28 to 39 liters.
Vacuum compression: on the vacuum backpacks, like Orion, Korvinor and Electron, the expansion works together with a compression compartment, so your clothes take up less space too.
Expandable backpacks and flying
Airlines measure the outside of the bag, so board with it in its standard size and expand it at your destination, when you buy something or repack for the trip home. If you plan to fly with it expanded, check that the expanded dimensions still meet your airline's carry-on limits. Each model's dimensions are on its page.
How to choose an expandable backpack
Start with daily use: the base volume should suit a normal day, since that is how the bag spends most of its time. Then check how many liters the expansion adds and your laptop size. For the office and short work trips, 20 to 30 liters works well; for longer trips there are larger models that reach 55 liters expanded.
Frequently asked questions
How does an expandable backpack work?
Open the expansion zipper or release the roll-top and the bag becomes deeper or taller, gaining a few liters. Close it and it returns to its usual size.
How much room does the expansion add?
It depends on the model: Mantova adds 5 liters (25 to 30), Ferrara 6 liters (22 to 28), Bergamo 8 liters (27 to 35) and Cremona 11 liters (28 to 39). Both volumes are listed on each model's page.
Is an expandable backpack good for flying?
Yes. In its standard size it is a regular carry-on backpack. Expanded, it gets bigger, so check that it still meets your airline's limits, or expand it only at your destination.
Does the bag look big when it is not expanded?
No. With the expansion zipper closed or the top rolled down, the bag is at its normal size and looks like an everyday backpack.
Is there an expandable leather backpack?
Yes: Cremona, in genuine cowhide, expands with a roll-top from 28 to 39 liters, and Ferrara, also cowhide, expands with a zipper from 22 to 28 liters.
Is there an expandable backpack with vacuum compression?
Yes, the vacuum backpacks Orion, Korvinor and Electron also expand, so you get extra liters and compressed clothes.
Guides
Guides to help you choose
What to know before you buy: tips and guides from the Camel Mountain team.
Branded Client Gifts: What Gets Used and What Ends Up in a Drawer
Most client gifts end up in a drawer. What clients actually keep using, where to put the logo so the gift doesn't look like an ad, and how to match the gift to each client.
A 15.6 Inch Laptop Bag for Women: Choosing Size, Carry and Style
How to know a 15.6 inch laptop will fit, when to choose a backpack, a work bag or a sleeve for your tote, which pockets really help on a workday, and a checklist before you order.
Vacuum Backpack: How Does It Work and How Much Space Does It Save?
A vacuum backpack compresses your clothes in a sealed compartment and frees up to about half their volume. What to know about the pump, the weight and carry-on sizes before you buy.
Leather Bags: How to Spot Real Leather and Choose a Bag That Lasts for Years
Genuine leather, full grain or synthetic? How to read the material line on a leather bag, choose between a backpack, briefcase and crossbody by use and laptop size, know how much it will weigh, and keep it looking good for years.