KOVERED Eden Backpack Review: The Best Travel Carry-On?

A good carry-on backpack is a travel essential. But with so many backpacks out there, how do you know which one is best? This KOVERED Eden backpack review can help. 

After going through a fair few backpacks in my time, the Eden backpack has become my go-to bag for every day and on the road. 

It’s sturdy, sustainable, lightweight, and passes airline luggage restrictions. Pus it fits a lot in its space-maximising compartments. So is it the best carry-on bag for travel? Here’s what you need to know. 

What is KOVERED? 

KOVERED is a British bag designer from Bath which specialises in timeless, handcrafted, and sustainable bags. 

Its whole philosophy centres around ‘buy once, wear for a lifetime.’ It’s a concept which saves you money and helps you be more eco-friendly because the bag lasts a lifetime.   

KOVERED’s range covers backpacks, messenger bags, and holdalls mostly made out of canvas and reclaimed leather. Except for the Eden backpack which is made from 100% vegan vinyl. 

KOVERED Eden Backpack review 

For this KOVERED backpack review, I’m going to be talking about the Eden Vinyl Backpack because I find it’s the brand’s most practical (and affordable!) carry-on. It’s also 100% vegan. 

Eden is sleek, stylish, and quite possibly the best-value carry-on bag out there. For the price point, I think this bag is an absolute steal and it’s no wonder it’s constantly sold out. 

Don’t just take my word for it. The Independent rated it as one of the best laptop bags for women! Read on to find out why. 

KOVERED Eden Backpack at a glance 

Features: Four interior compartments, including a 17-inch laptop sleeve, adjustable backstraps, three exterior zippered compartments including one discreet back pocket

Materials: Hardwearing vinyl, reinforced base, trim, and zips 

Size: 14L capacity

Dimensions: H47cm x W31cm x D14cm

Weight: 0.6kg

Suitable for: City breaks, weekends away, work commutes, carry-on luggage 

Carry-on: The Eden backpack can be used as a cabin bag on budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, TUI, Jet2, and more without any extra costs

Colours: Navy, grey, moss green, yellow, black

Price: £55 (at time of writing)

Bonus: 100% vegan, free worldwide shipping, free tote bag!

KOVERED Eden Backpack: my experience 

Specs and features aside, what’s the backpack like to use and is it really value for money? 

I’ve had my KOVERED Eden Vinyl backpack for over a year now and it’s become my go-to carry-on and work bag. Overall, I’m very happy with this bag. 

I take it with me every time I fly with a budget airline and don’t want to pay for extra luggage. I’ve used it on EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air without a single problem. It easily slides under the seat in front of me so there’s no need to put anything in the overhead lockers. 

I use it on day trips, weekend breaks, and even a six-day trip to the Czech Republic, which included packing heels!! My secret weapon? Packing cubes! (more on that in a bit). 

I’m obsessed with the number of pockets you get with this bag as they really maximise the available space while still being compact.

The front two exterior pockets are super roomy which I love. 

I can shove both my worldwide travel adapter and portable charger in them and still have space. I tend to squeeze in my ziplock bag of liquids to make them easily accessible when going through security at the airport. 

The large interior pocket on the inside of the backpack sleeve is perfect for storing dry cosmetics like makeup brushes eyeshadow or other bits and bobs. 

The bag has exterior sleeves on either side where you can stash an umbrella or water bottle in. I really like that it’s mimicked on the inside with two interior sleeves. I tend to store my hairbrush in there or my water bottle if I have space. 

The laptop sleeve sits flush with the back of the backpack. If I’m commuting, I store my laptop in its case there. If I’m travelling without my laptop, I use the storage for most of my clothes which leaves the main compartment free for other items on my packing list.

To be honest, I’ve never used the discreet back pocket but it’s nice to have. 

The reinforced zips are a big plus for me. I’ve been burned by flimsy zips on backpacks popping open in the past but these ones feel secure no matter how much I cram in – and it’s a lot! 

They also have a metal loop so you do have the option to lock your bag with a slim padlock if you wish.   

My one criticism is that the material is not as waterproof as I’d like. It’s water resistant to a certain extent but eventually, persistent rain will seep through. 

For a more outdoorsy bag, Osprey is a better bet unless you pack a waterproof back cover.

How I pack my Eden backpack 

1. If I’m taking my laptop, I’ll slip it into the laptop sleeve. If not, I squeeze my packing cube of clothes in there instead. This frees up loads of space in the main compartment for food, a jumper, sandals, a book and even a travel hairdryer!
2. I stash my liquids and creams in a clear pouch in the front pocket to make it easier to pull out at airport security. Dry toiletries go in the inside pocket.
3. I stick my hairbrush and umbrella in the inside sleeve. I’ve even managed to squeeze in a large heated hairbrush once!
4. I put my book and headphones at the top rather than at the side to again make them easier to access when I’m on the go. 

I can comfortably fit in enough clothes and items for a long weekend away using those tips above. 

Editor’s tip: My absolute secret weapon for fitting more in my backpack is a packing cube. Specifically, a compression packing cube as it saves space. I love this packing cube set by Travel Dude because it keeps all my essentials organised. It’s also made out of recycled plastic bottles!

What I love about the Eden backpack 

Here are my top reasons why I love this backpack: 

Ethical company 

A company’s values are as important as the product itself, particularly if you want to shop more ethically. It’s great to see that KOVERED is committed to its social and environmental impact. 

KOVERED works exclusively with a small number of key manufacturing partners in the UK, China and Vietnam where highly skilled teams are paid fairly for their craftsmanship.

The brand works closely with the workshops to ensure a long-term partnership and follow the ETI code of ethics. 

KOVERED follows the less is more principle of production. It doesn’t over-produce which means there’s less waste and there’s a stronger focus on quality. 

While the brand does make bags out of leather, all leather used is reclaimed, meaning it would have otherwise been wasted.

Plus, it doesn’t use any toxic dyes or chemicals. In fact, bags are coloured with natural vegetable dyes. 

Sustainable travel backpack 

The Eden Vinyl backpack is sustainable because it’s designed to last. Though, arguably vinyl is made from a type of plastic which famously isn’t sustainable… 

However, KOVERED uses recycled polyester where possible and incorporates industrial-grade stitching. Plus, this thick material makes it water-resistant and it hasn’t been sprayed with toxic chemicals. 

If you’re keen to avoid animal-derived materials, you’ll be pleased to know that the Eden backpack is 100% vegan. 

Affordable price 

The biggest draw for me was that this bag was sustainable, high quality AND affordable. 

Most high-quality backpacks out there are upwards of £100 or more. For example, Fjallraven’s Kanken Laptop backpacks are about £120. 

Another popular brand is Nordace which is about £88-£139. KOVERED’s Eden backpack will set you back about £55!

I think it’s an absolute steal if you’re looking for a budget-friendly carry-on backpack. 

One-year Guarantee

All KOVERED’s bags come with a one-year guarantee to help make them last. This doesn’t include natural wear and tear or accidental damage. 

However, if a zip breaks or the handle clasp snaps within the year of purchase, you can send it back to be repaired. 

After using it regularly for over a year, my backpack is still going strong. 

A fantastic size 

At 14 litres this bag is a great size for all my needs. It’s compact to pass airline luggage allowances but spacious enough to fit in everything I need – and I do overdo it sometimes! 

I like that the bag is tall and wide enough to squeeze in a book at the top. Complete with a compact packing cube, it’s a match made in heaven. 

Free tote bag!

You get a free tote bag with your purchase which is always handy! Store it in the bag and whip it out if you’re going shopping. It’s a great way to cut down on single-use plastic!

What I don’t love about this backpack

Nothing is 100% perfect… Here are some things I don’t like about it: 

Material is prone to scuffing 

It could be that it’s because I opted for the navy bag, but white marks seem to show up very easily on the material. Luckily, I can get rid of them pretty easily with a damp cloth. 

Some stitching is coming undone 

I’ve had my backpack for about 14 months now and it’s still living up to its hardwearing promise. 

However, I’ve noticed that some of the stitching in the inner lining has come undone as well as the stitching at the top of the shoulder straps. 

This could be because I tend to over-pack and the weight might be starting to damage it a bit. I’ll be keeping an eye on it over the next couple of months!

It’s not waterproof 

Sadly, it’s not waterproof. Water-resistant, yes. But it has a limit. Heavy rain will seep through the lining eventually. I found that out on a particularly wet weekend in Yorkshire!

Non-recyclable materials

Since the material is a form of plastic, it makes it tricky to recycle once the bag reaches the end of its life. 

I would love to see KOVERED launch a take-back scheme where you could return your old bags and receive a discount on your next one. Sustainable travel bag brand, SALKAN does just that. 

KOVERED does have a recycled bag range so I don’t think a take-back scheme is too far off. Watch this space!

KOVERED Eden backpack review: My verdict 

So, is Eden the best carry-on backpack for travel? It won’t satisfy everyone and every adventure but I think it comes close. 

It’s a nifty little 14-litre backpack that’s lightweight, comfortable, and carries a lot. It passes budget airline luggage restrictions and can take you seamlessly from commuting to travelling. 

I love the range of colours which fit with any style and allow you to go as bold or understated as you like. 

The backpack is ideal for long weekends away but I’ve managed up to six days with it abroad (tight, but doable!!). 

The lack of waterproofing lets it down a bit, and for that reason, I don’t recommend it for long outdoor adventures like hikes and treks.

I would also like KOVERED to offer a more circular solution for when the bag reaches the end of its life to help make it even more of an eco-friendly backpack.

Overall, it’s a high-quality bag made by an ethical brand for an absolute steal of a price point. I’m very impressed with by Eden backpack and it’s become my go-to carry-on whenever I travel light. 

---

Looking for more sustainable travel products? Check out these posts

• Water-To-Go Review: The Best Water Filter Bottle For Travel?
• 11 Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bags for a Sustainable Trip
• Sustainable Travel Packing List 101: Your Complete List for an Eco-Friendly Trip
• Your Complete Guide to Sustainable Travel
• 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List
• WVSport Waterproof Hiking Boots Review: The Best Vegan Hiking Boots?
• The Best Zero Waste Sunscreen: 12 Reef-Safe Brands Reviewed in 2024