San Francisco-based WaterField Designs sent us the Air Porter Backpack in black ballistic nylon with leather accents to test, and we ended up using it on our recent trip to Tokyo.
After multiple flights, train rides, and long days of walking, it’s clear this bag is built for real travel, not just looking good in an airport lounge.
At $419 USD ($575 CAD), this is very much a super premium backpack, but it feels like one the moment you pick it up. The materials are top notch, the stitching is solid (the bag is made in the USA), and it handled being shoved under airline seats, lifted into overhead bins, and carried around Tokyo without any complaints. It’s also right in the sweet spot for size, fitting under the seat in front of you on most airlines while still holding a surprising amount of gear.
What stood out most during the flight was how smart the pocket layout is. The two top front pockets are easy to reach even when the bag is fully stowed under the seat, so grabbing earbuds, a charger, a passport, or snacks doesn’t require dragging the whole backpack out. In the overhead bin, that same design makes it quick to open the bag and get what you need without unpacking everything.
As a backpack, it’s genuinely comfortable. The padding on the back and bottom helps distribute weight well, and even when fully loaded with tech and clothes, it never felt awkward or unbalanced. There’s plenty of storage for a few days of clothing, plus dedicated padded pockets for a laptop and tablet. We carried a MacBook Air and an iPad without any concern, and everything stayed protected.
The Air Porter also shines in small details. The leather top handle feels great when you’re carrying it by hand, the straps can be tucked away when you don’t need them, and the rear slot makes it easy to slide onto a rolling suitcase handle. The side pockets are deep enough to hold a water bottle or extra tech gear, which came in handy while exploring the city.
One of the best parts of the Air Porter is it has room to fit the WaterField Air Caddy, which is so handy for keeping all your stuff with you for your flight (charging cables, snacks, hand sanitizer, passport, wallet).
Overall, the Air Porter Backpack feels like it was designed by people who actually travel a lot. It kept our gear organized from takeoff to touchdown and never got in the way, whether it was under the seat, in the overhead bin, or on our backs walking through Tokyo. It’s pretty expensive, but if you want a durable, well-thought-out carry-on backpack that can handle frequent travel, this one absolutely delivers.
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