I’ve always been a backpack traveller. I love being able to throw my bag on my back and head off without worrying about dragging a suitcase over cobblestones, up stairs or along uneven footpaths.
For years, my trusty Osprey Fairview 55L has travelled the world with me.
But I’m always interested in finding ways to make packing and travelling a little easier, particularly for shorter trips when I don’t need quite so much luggage.
That’s where the BAGSMART Blast range comes in.
I’d already bought the Blast 28L backpack for Simon, and he loved it. So when BAGSMART offered me the chance to try some more products from the range, I was keen to see how they compared with what I was already using.
I started with the Blast 40L backpack and a set of packing cubes on a trip to Sydney.
Since then, I’ve also tried the Blast 43L Roller Backpack and the 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag, taking them on trips to Singapore and outback South Australia.
And yes, I may now have more backpacks than I really need!
In this review, I’ll share what I like about each of these products, how I’ve used them on my travels and which ones I think are worth considering.
Because while I love a good travel bag, I’m not interested in buying something just because it has lots of clever pockets. It needs to actually make travelling easier.
Short on time?
You can see the all the Blast items I talk about here, and get 10% off eligible Blast products with the code JOSIEBLAST10.
👉 Blast 40L Backpack
👉 Blast Packing Cubes
👉 Blast 43L Roller Backpack
👉 Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag
Disclosure: BAGSMART supplied the 40L backpack, 43L Roller Backpack, packing cubes and toiletry bag for this review. I purchased Simon’s 28L backpack myself. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
BAGSMART Blast 40L Backpack Review
The first bag I tried was the Blast Pro 40L Backpack, and I took it along on a short trip to Sydney.
I didn’t need anywhere near 40 litres of luggage for this trip, but I wanted to see how much I could fit inside and, more importantly, how comfortable it was to carry.
I’ve used backpacks for years, so I have a pretty good idea of what I like and what drives me nuts. And there were a few things about this one that impressed me straight away.
It opens like a suitcase
This is probably my favourite feature of the Blast 40L.
Instead of rummaging around inside a backpack looking for something that’s inevitably right at the bottom, the whole bag opens flat, just like a suitcase.
I could lay everything out, pack my clothes into packing cubes and see exactly where everything was.
I know this isn’t unique to BAGSMART, but once you’ve travelled with a backpack that opens this way, it’s hard to imagine going back to one where you have to dig around from the top.
There’s also a separate, ventilated compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, which I really like. I always seem to have a pair of shoes that I don’t particularly want touching my clean clothes!
Another handy feature is the waterproof pocket, which would be useful for wet swimmers or anything that might leak.
So many pockets!
If you love having a place for everything, you’ll probably love this backpack.
There are pockets everywhere.
There’s a padded laptop compartment that fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches, a hidden pocket at the back for your passport, an RFID-blocking pocket, and a front organiser with smaller sections for all those bits and pieces that tend to disappear inside your bag.
There’s even a soft-lined pocket that would be handy for sunglasses.
And the water bottle pocket can fit a one-litre bottle, which is a bonus when you’re out exploring all day.
My only problem?
Sometimes I can’t remember which pocket I’ve put something in!
I’m also still getting used to all the zips. There are so many that occasionally I find myself opening the wrong one.
Perhaps that’s more of a reflection on me than the backpack.
Is the Blast 40L comfortable to carry?
This was one of the things I was most interested in finding out.
A backpack can have all the clever compartments in the world, but if it’s uncomfortable after walking through an airport, it’s not going to be much use to me.
The Blast 40L has padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, an adjustable hip belt and load lifters to help distribute the weight.
I carried it through airports, on public transport and while walking around Sydney, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was.
Of course, I wasn’t carrying the sort of weight I might have on a longer trip, so that’s worth keeping in mind. But for the way I used it, I had no complaints.
One thing I particularly appreciated was being able to put it on my back and have both hands free.
That’s the whole reason I like backpack travel in the first place.
A few other things I liked
There are three grab handles on the bag, so it’s easy to pick up whether it’s lying flat, standing upright or tucked into an overhead locker.
That sounds like a small thing, but it’s surprisingly useful.
There’s also a strap on the back that allows you to slide it over the handle of a wheeled suitcase.
The ripstop nylon feels sturdy without being too rigid, and the YKK zips worked smoothly throughout my trip.
Is the Blast 40L suitable for carry-on luggage?
One of the big attractions of this backpack is that it’s designed with carry-on travel in mind.
The Blast Pro 40L measures 32 × 21.5 × 45 cm and weighs approximately 1.5 kg when empty.
There’s enough space for a decent amount of clothing, particularly if you’re using packing cubes. I could easily see myself using it for a week away, depending on the destination and weather.
On my Sydney trip, I packed more than enough clothes and two pairs of shoes, with room to spare.
But there’s one thing to remember.
Just because a backpack is sold as carry-on luggage doesn’t mean every airline will accept it.
Airlines have different size and weight allowances, and these can change depending on the fare you’ve booked.
For example, Jetstar is introducing new carry-on rules for flights from 2 February 2027, with a smaller underseat bag included in standard fares and larger overhead bags requiring an appropriate baggage entitlement.
Always check your airline’s current rules before flying.
If you’re trying to travel with less luggage, I’ve also shared my packing tips for international travel to help make the most of your available space.
My verdict on the Blast 40L Backpack
I really enjoyed using this bag.
The suitcase-style opening is a big winner for me, I like having separate compartments for shoes and other bits and pieces, and it was comfortable to carry on my Sydney trip.
Is it going to replace my Osprey for every trip? Probably not. Different trips call for different luggage, and I’m not quite ready to retire my trusty Osprey yet.
But for a shorter trip where I want to travel with just one bag, it’s certainly an option I’d be happy to use again.
See the BAGSMART Blast Pro 40L Backpack here.
BAGSMART Blast Packing Cubes Review
I’ve been using packing cubes for years, and I’m a big fan. I honestly can’t imagine travelling without them now.
They make it much easier to keep everything organised, particularly when you’re moving between hotels and don’t want to unpack your entire bag every time.
So I was keen to try the BAGSMART Blast Packing Cubes alongside the 40L backpack on my trip to Sydney.
What’s included in the Blast Packing Cubes set?
The six-piece set I tested includes:
- 1 large compression cube (38 × 26 × 4.5–15 cm)
- 2 medium compression cubes (33 × 23 × 4.5–13 cm)
- 2 small compression cubes (33 × 13 × 4.5–13 cm)
- 1 shoe bag (50 × 37 cm)
The cubes have mesh panels so you can see what’s inside, and an extra zip that compresses them once they’re packed.
I particularly like compression cubes because they help reduce the space my clothes take up.
Of course, that doesn’t make the contents weigh any less, so you still need to watch your luggage allowance!
How did they work with the Blast 40L Backpack?
Really well!
The cubes fitted neatly into the main compartment of the backpack, and because the bag opens like a suitcase, it was easy to arrange everything and see what I had packed.
For my short Sydney trip, I didn’t need to use all the cubes. In fact, I didn’t use the largest one at all.
The big cube has additional inserts designed to help compress bulkier clothing, such as jumpers and jeans. I haven’t tested that particular feature yet, but I can see it being useful when packing for colder destinations.
I also like the mesh panels. When you’re looking for a particular top or pair of socks, being able to see what’s inside saves opening every single cube.
One thing I’d do differently
BAGSMART offers the packing cubes in sets with different colours, but I chose a set where they were all the same colour.
In hindsight, I think the mixed-colour set would have been a better choice.
I could have used one colour for tops, another for underwear and another for everything else.
Instead, I still have to remember which cube contains what.
It’s not a huge problem, but it’s one of those little things I thought of afterwards and wondered why I hadn’t considered it before!
A few packing cube tips
Over the years, I’ve worked out a few ways to make packing cubes even more useful.
I tend to pack similar items together, so I know exactly where to look when I need something.
For shorter trips, you could also pack complete outfits into individual cubes, although I generally prefer organising by clothing type.
Another handy trick is to keep the things you’ll need on your first night together. That way, if you arrive late and tired, you don’t have to pull everything out of your bag.
And when packing a backpack, try to keep the heavier items close to your back. It can make a difference to how comfortable the bag feels when you’re carrying it.
Are the Blast Packing Cubes worth it?
If you already use packing cubes, you’ll know how useful they can be, and I think these are a good option.
They’re lightweight, the compression zips help save space, and they fit neatly inside the Blast backpack.
But I wouldn’t suggest throwing out a perfectly good set of packing cubes just to buy these.
If you’re buying your first set, though, or your existing ones are looking a bit worse for wear, they’re certainly worth considering.
And if I were choosing again, I’d go for the mixed colours!
See the BAGSMART Blast Packing Cubes here.
Watch My Blast 40L Backpack and Packing Cubes in Action
Before my Sydney trip, I filmed a walk-through of the Blast 40L backpack so you can see how it opens, how the compartments work and what fits inside.
After the trip, I also shared how it performed in real life and took a closer look at the packing cubes.
If you prefer seeing things in action rather than just reading about them, take a look at my video.
Watch my Blast 40L Backpack review on YouTube.
BAGSMART Blast 43L Roller Backpack Review
After trying the Blast 40L Backpack, I was keen to give the 43L Roller Backpack a go too.
I’ve always preferred backpacks over suitcases, but I can certainly see the appeal of wheels, particularly when you’re spending a lot of time walking through airports.
The Blast 43L Roller Backpack gives you both options. You can pull it along like a regular suitcase, but if you come across stairs, gravel or somewhere else that’s difficult to navigate with wheels, you can pull out the backpack straps and carry it on your back.
I liked the idea of having that flexibility, so I took it along on a trip to Singapore to see how it worked in practice.
A suitcase and backpack in one
The first thing I noticed was that the 43L Roller Backpack is much more structured than the 40L backpack.
That’s hardly surprising, since it needs a frame, wheels and a telescopic handle, but it does make the two bags feel quite different.
The roller measures 35 × 23 × 55 cm and weighs approximately 3 kg when empty, so it’s considerably heavier than the 40L backpack.
It has a large main compartment, a separate padded laptop sleeve that fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches, and additional pockets for organising smaller items.
It doesn’t have quite the same number of compartments as the 40L backpack, but there’s still plenty of room to organise everything.
And, of course, the big difference is that you don’t have to carry it all the time.
Taking the Blast Roller Backpack to Singapore
The first time I used the Blast 43L Roller Backpack was on a trip to Singapore, where I took it along with the 40L backpack.
Yes, both of them!
As it turned out, I had oodles of space. Probably a little too much, if I’m being sensible.
I checked the roller backpack in for the flight, not because I necessarily had to, but because it meant I didn’t have to worry about restrictions on liquids in my carry-on luggage.
At that stage, I was mostly using it as a regular wheeled suitcase.
But I was yet to discover just how useful the backpack straps could be.
Using the Roller Backpack in outback South Australia
I’ve since taken the Blast 43L Roller Backpack on two tours through outback South Australia, where I was working as the tour host.
And that’s where I really appreciated having the backpack option.
Much of our accommodation involved walking over rough gravel ground between the bus and our rooms.
If you’ve ever tried dragging a suitcase over gravel, you’ll know it’s not much fun. Sometimes it’s almost impossible.
Instead of struggling with the wheels or carrying the whole bag by its handle, I could simply pull out the backpack straps and put it on my back.
I was only carrying it for short distances, but it made getting to my accommodation so much easier.
And the best bit was that when I was back in the city, I could tuck the straps away and roll it along the footpath on my walk to the train station, then again on my way home.
No need to carry it when I didn’t have to, but I had the option when I needed it.
For me, that’s probably the biggest selling point of this bag.
Would I travel with both bags again?
Probably not in the same combination!
Taking the 40L backpack and 43L roller to Singapore gave me far more luggage space than I needed.
I think a better combination for me would be the roller backpack paired with the smaller Blast 28L backpack.
That would give me plenty of room for my main luggage, plus a smaller backpack for things I want to keep handy during the flight.
There’s just one problem.
Simon has the 28L backpack, and when I suggested borrowing it, he wasn’t particularly keen to hand it over!
Clearly, I’m going to have to negotiate that one.
My verdict on the Blast 43L Roller Backpack
After using this bag on several trips, I can see why having both wheels and backpack straps is so useful.
If I’m walking through an airport, along city footpaths or to a train station, I’d much rather roll my luggage than carry it.
But when I hit gravel, stairs or other uneven ground, being able to put it on my back is a huge bonus.
I wouldn’t choose it for a trip where I expected to carry my luggage for hours at a time. It’s heavier and more structured than a regular backpack.
But for the way I travel, where I might need to wheel my luggage one minute and carry it the next, it’s a really practical option.
And after those outback trips, I know the backpack straps aren’t just a feature that looks good on paper. I’ve actually needed them!
See the BAGSMART Blast 43L Roller Backpack here.
Watch My Blast 43L Roller Backpack Video
If you’d like a closer look at the Blast 43L Roller Backpack, I’ve filmed a video showing how it works, including the different compartments and backpack straps.
Watch my Blast 43L Roller Backpack review on YouTube.
BAGSMART Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag Review
The last item I’ve added to my BAGSMART collection is the Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag.
Now, I know a toiletry bag isn’t the most exciting piece of travel equipment, but this one has turned out to be surprisingly useful.
For years, I’ve travelled with two separate toiletry bags because I couldn’t fit everything into one.
Not any more!
The Blast 4.5L is big enough to hold everything I previously carried in those two bags, which makes packing and unpacking much easier.
What I like about the Blast Toiletry Bag
The first thing I noticed was just how much room there is inside.
At 4.5 litres, it’s a decent-sized toiletry bag, with a large main compartment and additional pockets to help keep everything organised.
I particularly like the hook that allows you to hang it up.
We’ve all stayed in hotel bathrooms where there’s barely enough bench space for a toothbrush, let alone all your toiletries.
Being able to hang the bag on a towel rail or hook means everything is easy to reach without spreading it across the bathroom.
There’s also a waterproof pocket at the front, which is handy for anything wet or something you’re worried might leak.
And because everything now fits into one bag, I don’t have to remember which toiletry bag contains what!
Does it fit inside the Blast backpacks?
Yes, and that’s another reason I like it.
The toiletry bag fits inside both the Blast 40L Backpack and the 43L Roller Backpack, so I can use it regardless of which bag I’m taking.
Of course, because it’s quite large, it does take up a reasonable amount of packing space.
If you’re someone who travels with only a toothbrush, a small bottle of shampoo and a few other essentials, you probably don’t need a toiletry bag this big.
But for me, it’s been a good replacement for the two smaller bags I was previously using.
One toiletry bag instead of two? I’ll take that!
See the BAGSMART Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag here.
BAGSMART Blast 28L vs 40L vs 43L: Which Should You Choose?
After using several bags from the BAGSMART Blast range, I think the best one really depends on how you like to travel.
They’re all quite different, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the same bag to everyone.
| Bag | Best for |
|---|---|
| Blast 28L Backpack | Short trips, light packers or a smaller companion bag |
| Blast Pro 40L Backpack | Travellers who prefer carrying their luggage and want plenty of organisation |
| Blast 43L Roller Backpack | Travellers who prefer wheels but occasionally need backpack straps |
Choose the Blast 28L Backpack if you travel light
This is the one I originally bought for Simon, and he loves it.
It’s a good option if you don’t need a huge amount of luggage, perhaps for a weekend away or as a smaller bag to go with checked luggage.
I’ve been eyeing it off as a possible companion for my 43L roller backpack, but so far Simon hasn’t been particularly cooperative about lending it to me!
I haven’t personally used the 28L on a trip, so I can’t give you the same detailed review as the other two bags. But based on Simon’s experience, it’s worth considering if you prefer something smaller.
See the BAGSMART Blast 28L Backpack here.
Choose the Blast 40L Backpack if you prefer carrying your luggage
If you’re like me and have always enjoyed travelling with a backpack, the 40L is a good option.
I love that it opens like a suitcase, and all the pockets make it easy to keep everything organised.
I’d lean towards this one if I was planning a trip with lots of public transport, stairs or uneven footpaths where dragging a suitcase might be a nuisance.
Choose the Blast 43L Roller Backpack if you want the best of both
This is the one that’s probably surprised me the most.
I’ve always been firmly in the backpack camp, but I’ve discovered that having wheels is rather nice!
The real test came on my outback South Australia tours, where rolling a suitcase over gravel was almost impossible.
Being able to put the bag on my back for those short walks made a huge difference.
For me, it’s a good option when I want to roll my luggage most of the time but know there might be occasions when I need to carry it.
My Overall Verdict on the BAGSMART Blast Range
So, after trying all these BAGSMART products, would I recommend them?
Yes, I would, although I think some will suit certain travellers better than others.
The Blast 40L Backpack is a good choice for anyone who prefers carrying their luggage. The packing cubes help keep everything organised, and the hanging toiletry bag has been particularly useful because I’ve managed to replace two toiletry bags with one.
But I think the biggest surprise has been the Blast 43L Roller Backpack.
I never thought I’d be someone who voluntarily chose wheels over a backpack, but I’ve really enjoyed having the option.
Being able to roll it along city footpaths and then put it on my back when I come across gravel or other awkward surfaces has been genuinely useful.
Does that mean I’m getting rid of my trusty Osprey? Not just yet!
I’ve travelled with that backpack for years, and I still think there’s a place for a traditional backpack, particularly for trips where I expect to carry my luggage a lot.
But I can see myself reaching for the Blast roller backpack more often, especially for shorter trips and tours where I’m not constantly moving between destinations.
And I suspect Simon will continue guarding his 28L backpack rather carefully!
Where to Buy BAGSMART Blast Bags
If you’re thinking about buying something from the BAGSMART Blast range, here are the products I’ve mentioned in this review.
- BAGSMART Blast 28L Backpack
- BAGSMART Blast Pro 40L Backpack
- BAGSMART Blast 43L Roller Backpack
- BAGSMART Blast Packing Cubes
- BAGSMART Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag
You can use my discount code JOSIEBLAST10 for 10% off eligible Blast products.
Purchasing through these links helps support Josie Wanders at no extra cost to you.
A Final Thought
I don’t think there’s one perfect travel bag for everyone.
What works for someone heading off on a two-week holiday with one hotel booking might be completely different from what works for someone travelling around Europe by train or hopping between destinations every few days.
And sometimes what works for us changes over time.
I’ve always loved travelling with a backpack, and I still do. But I’m also happy to admit that I’ve discovered the appeal of wheels.
Particularly when I can have both!
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Flights – Book direct with the airline, always.
Book accommodation – My go to is Booking.com
Hire a rental car – DiscoverCars.com is where I search many car rental companies in one place
Get travel insurance – I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – My eSIM of choice is Airalo
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook are my first options.
Stay safe with a VPN – I use NordVPN to keep me safe online
Manage your money – I use Wise and ING (Australia) for my travel accounts.
