This Travel Backpack Goes with Me Everywhere (It’s My “Mary Poppins” Bag!)

As a travel writer, I’ve learned how to level up my packing routine with smart suitcases and packing cubes that have made me a savvier traveler. But when it comes to personal items, things aren’t always so clear. Large tote bags irritate my shoulder, so I made the switch to backpacks, but many don’t fit everything I want, are too heavy and clunky, or have me resembling my children carrying their book bags to school. Then I found Portland Gear’s Cascade Backpack, which I call the “Mary Poppins” bag of backpacks, and it is the exact game-changer I needed.

The Portland Gear’s Cascade Backpack is a designed-for-anything backpack. It’s made from 100% polyester with a thermoplastic polyurethane matte coating that’s weatherproof — though there’s also a faux-leather option. It comes in two sizes and a variety of colors including tan, cream, olive, lavender, and pink. I went with classic black in the standard size, which is 16 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and holds up to 21 liters in volume.

There are multiple grab handles, including dual handles on top, one on the front pocket, and a luggage sleeve across the back. The straps are adjustable and padded with an optional chest strap for extra support.

I’ve tried a lot of backpacks over the years ranging from simple bags to designer options that cost several hundred dollars. This is the best one yet. I’ve brought it everywhere, including around my home state of California and as far as Hawaii. Here’s why it stands out.

On the exterior, there are open slots for water bottles on each side, in addition to a wide front pocket. Inside are even more pockets, including a padded tech sleeve that fits a full-size laptop, a zippered pouch, two open pockets for small items like pens, ChapStick, or earbuds. It also sports a hidden security pocket in the back for stashing a wallet, phone, or passport and keeping them close to the body.

When packing for myself on a work trip, it easily fits my laptop, toiletry bags, some clothes, water bottles, and travel essentials,  while still having room left over to bring back souvenirs for my kids or anything else. When using it as my personal item with my children, it fits all of the above, plus toys and snacks. And in neither scenario have I ever struggled to fit what I needed — or to close it.

The top is constructed with a wireframe closure inside a heavy-duty zipper. When I zip it closed, the wireframe snaps shut without hesitation. Even when overly full, I’ve never had to force it or battle with the zipper in any way. I also really like that the bottom is well structured and stays upright when set down.

The inside of the backpack is purposely lined in light gray, which makes it much easier to find belongings as opposed to other black backpacks that become one big dark hole. The water bottle pockets are also perforated to ensure water won’t collect inside in the event of a spill or rain. I have a herniated disc in my neck that irritates easily; the thickly padded straps make it comfortable to carry even when full. Plus, I appreciate the ability to slip it over a suitcase handle and get a break.

While I do wish the side bottle pockets had more stretch (it can be tough to squeeze a bottle in if the bag is very full), the Portland Gear’s Cascade Backpack delivers on everything it promises. It does indeed fit underneath the seat in front of me on an airplane without issue or any squeezed contents. Although it doesn’t magically hold items like Miss Poppins’ bag, the unique closure is so effective that perhaps a little bit of wonder managed to work its way inside after all.