This summer I had the chance to test out a new travel backpack by Numinous Packs.  When they approached me about reviewing their GlobePacs 55L anti-theft rucksack, I was a little unsure because it’s not the normal style of backpack that I’d look for.  Never wanting to lock myself into a specific type of backpack, I decided to give them a shot on a number of trips this year including my trip to Montebello with Land Rover.

Read more gear reviews

How to get the best deals in travel

numinous 55l backpack review


Finding the right backpack for that backpacking trip around Europe, Asia, South America or wherever is probably the most critical decision you’ll have to make in terms of gear.  Picking a backpack is important because it’s going to be carrying your livelihood on the road and it’ll be hanging on your back a majority of the time.  There’s a lot to think about because you really don’t want to be stuck with a backpack that doesn’t suit your travel style.

Here’s my honest review of the Numinous GlobePacs 55L Anti-Theft Travek Backpack with reasons why you should or shouldn’t get this.

Make sure you get to the bottom because there’s a giveaway inside where one lucky winner can win any bag from Numinous up to 55L.

The Lowdown

Wearing the Numinous 55L Anti-Theft Travel Backpack

Numinous Packs is a company hailing from the UK and was founded by a guy just as obsessed with travel as a lot of us are.  The genesis of it all started while sitting on a beach in Maya Bay, Thailand and now they make some of the most security focused backpacks I’ve ever seen.

The bottom line is that you never know what might happen on the road while travelling.  You need to prepare and equip yourself for a lot of those scary scenarios because you don’t want to be left stranded somewhere without your stuff.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
How To Use Google Maps Offline When You're Traveling

With the GlobePacs 55L Rucksack, it’s all about a backpack that’ll keep all of your things safe while giving you maximum amounts of comfort, space, and packing flexibility.  It may not be the prettiest of backpacks but for those that are looking for a fully opening lay flat backpack with tons of utility and is practically un-stealable, this is a backpack you want to consider for your trip.

Full Length Opening vs. Top Loading Backpack

Numinous 55L Backpack Lay Flat

One of the best things that travellers will definitely appreciate is the fact that this backpack fully folds open like a suitcase.  This is a game changer because traditionally most backpacks are top-loading.

Top-loading backpacks are tricky to work with because you really need to be organized and efficient in your packing.  You really have to be strategic about it all because things that you pack at the bottom of the bag are very difficult to access once you have a full pack.  Anytime you need to grab something near the bottom, you either need to stick your arm fully in, feel around for the thing you’re looking for and then fish it out or you’ll need to pull everything else out in order to get at what you need.  Stuff sacks can make this a lot more manageable but it does get annoying at times.

With the Numinous backpack, being able to fully unzip and lay the bag flat is a godsend because you instantly get access to everything inside the backpack.  Unlike my photo, you can still be very efficient about how you organize and pack your bag but it all feels a lot more logical when you cram everything in because you always have that birds eye view of everything.

Numinous 55L Backpack Interior Pockets

The other benefit here is that by nature of the backpack unfolding in this way, you can also leverage the interior for a lot more storage and compartments.  From the above, you can see several mesh pockets, pen slots and zippered pockets to organize and store even more things .

The Fort Knox of Backpacks

I have to say, I’ve never seen a backpack this focused on security.  Numinous Packs has really taken it to the next level with the amount of features they’ve packed into this one pack.  Let’s break down everything that it has.

TSA-Approved Zip Locks

Numinous 55L TSA Approved Zip Locks

There are two main zippered compartments for the 55L Backpack and they’ve got both of them covered with these built in combination locks.  This means you no longer need to buy separate locks for your backpack.  These built in ones I’d say are even more heavy duty than regular locks because there’s no real way to cut them open either unless you really have time to work at it.  I appreciate that these are TSA approved as well because if airport security ever needs to go in to take a peek, they can do it without destroying the lock.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
Best Offline Maps App For Travel That Isn't Google
Numinous Backpack Kevlar Anti-Slash Technology

For anyone that’s been to Europe, one of those horror stories you keep hearing about time and time again is the one where an thief approaches an unsuspecting traveller and will slash the bottom of their bag to steal their belongings from underneath them.  With this Numinous backpack, there’s a fat chance of that because the exterior is fully armored with the same kevlar that’s used in bulletproof vests.  5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, there’s simply no way of anyone pulling a quick slash-and-run on you.

Numinous Backpack Wire Lock

To round it out, they even went ahead and threw in a retractable combination wire lock.  That means that anytime the bag isn’t on your back, you can secure it to any fixed object including hostel beds.

They’ve definitely fully thought through security and you’d be hard-pressed to find any other bag that has as many features as the Numinous GlobePacs Rucksack.

Comfort

Numinous 55L Globepacs Rucksack Straps

Overall the backpack is quite well padded.  Between the shoulder straps and waist straps, it’s very comfortable and designed to provide a high degree of adjustability.  When you put the backpack on, everything feels very snug and secure despite the size.  The back is also ventilated so your back won’t get too sweaty.

Numinous 55L Backpack Waist Straps

The waist straps are nice and thick but you will notice that they do not have any pockets for additional quick-access storage.

Numinous 55L Backpack Adjustable Height

They’ve also designed for multiple heights in mind.   The shoulder straps can be raised up and down with the help of velcro and if you need to raise it even more, you can leverage the upper strap buckle depicted above to better load balance the height.  This means that you can truly adjust the backpack to your stature to maximize on comfort.

Suitable For All Types of Travel

Numinous Rucksack Concealed Back Panel

On top of being being a backpack, you can also close up the back panel to conceal the straps which makes this bag easy to use when travelling by air.

Numinous Large Side Handles

The bag is also equipped with nice juicy handles whether you want to carry the backpack from the side or from the top.

Numinous Back Panel Roll Up

After you land at your destination, all you have to do is unzip the cover, roll it up and stuff it into a special compartment at the bottom of the backpack.

Bonus Features

Front Compartment

Numinous 55L Backpack Front Laptop Compartment

The front compartment is perfect for additional small items, documents and since it is well padded, it is also perfect for a laptop.

Side Pockets

Numinous Mesh Side Pockets

The backpack is also equipped with mesh side pockets that are perfect for things like water bottles and other quick access items.

My Take

Overall, this is is an extremely well constructed backpack with careful attention to detail especially when it comes to security and backpacker friendly features.

What I Loved

  • Nobody’s going to be breaking into this bag.
  • Full length opening makes it a lot easier to pack.
  • Extremely roomy with a lot of usable space.
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
The PACK Gear Travel Organizer Review

What Could Be Improved

  • Aesthetically, I’ll be honest in that it’s not the prettiest bag.  It’s very boxy and will appear very large on your back.
  • While I love the security features, but what’s most annoying is the kevlar flap that covers over the zippers.  I’ve definitely found it a bit cumbersome when trying to open and close the backpack.
  • The branding is a bit overwhelming.  Not sure if it’s necessary to have the logo on there twice and and the 55 label.

So I’ll let you be the judge of whether this bag makes sense for your trip or not.  There’s really nothing else like this on the market so if it checks off everything on your list, make sure you buy your Numinous 55L!

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

Read More About Will

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Discussion

  1. When I was younger I backpacked all over the world. Now that my kids are grown I would love to start traveling again. I still have my old backpack which I have kept for sentimental reasons but it is too old and beat up to really get much use out of now . I sure would love a new pack to start some new adventures

  2. Sweet review. It would definitely come in handy for my upcoming Kenya trip – I’m in the market for a backpack! :)