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Review of the Super Secure Numinous 55L Backpack

Last Updated May 11, 2020 William Tang

You are here: Home » Gear Reviews » Review of the Super Secure Numinous 55L Backpack

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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.

More to read

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  • Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L vs 30L
  • Unboxing Peak Design Everyday Backpack in 20L

Where did se shoot these photos?

  • We had the opportunity to stay at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello between Ottawa and Montreal in Canada.

Here's what we're covering:

  • The Lowdown
  • Full Length Opening vs. Top Loading Backpack
  • The Fort Knox of Backpacks
    • TSA-Approved Zip Locks
  • Comfort
  • Suitable For All Types of Travel
  • Bonus Features
    • Front Compartment
    • Side Pockets
  • My Take
    • What I Loved
    • What Could Be Improved

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.

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.

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.

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!

Review of the Super Secure Numinous 55L Backpack
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Filed Under: Gear Reviews, Packing Guides 33 Comments

About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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  1. CL Chin says

    September 1, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    now that is a backpackers’ backpack. very sturdy and secure especially with the kevlar!

    Reply
  2. Bo Simms says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    This Numinous Pack 55L Backpack is amazing, it has so many features and safety measures. I really like the TSA-Approved Zip Locks.

    Reply
  3. Jacob says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:53 PM

    I am really happy to read this webpage posts which includes plenty of useful information, thanks for providing such information.

    Reply
  4. WanderlustCoder says

    August 26, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    Love this review and am actually looking for a new back pack. Timing is perfect. Thank you so much

    Reply
  5. Meg says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:43 AM

    Great review – I’d love to get this pack for my husband. He’s a huge guy and the size would be a benefit to him. Perfect for travel.

    Reply
  6. Danielle says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    Thanks for the timely post! I am in the market for a good travel pack and this review was extremely helpful.

    Reply
  7. Wil C says

    August 23, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    I use a backpack as my carry on now. I do like the full zip and the cover to use as a carry on.

    Reply
  8. Josh K says

    August 22, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Way to go on your adventures!

    Reply
  9. Vicki Ho says

    August 22, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    great blog. I came for the contest, which is amazing, but got lost reading articles for 45 minutes.

    Reply
    • Will Tang says

      August 22, 2015 at 10:15 AM

      Haha I love it Vicki Ho! Any travel plans coming up?

      Reply
      • Vicki Ho says

        August 22, 2015 at 10:19 AM

        no, paying for two kids university . have to wait a little while.have travelled a bit with both, and gave them the travel bug early. now one wants to backpack the world. me too.

        Reply
  10. Darren Scrubb says

    August 22, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    Great looking backpack that I hope to own one day.

    Reply
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author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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