The Timberland Alton 30-Liter Backpack measures in at 20 by 11.5 by 7.5 inches, weighs less than 2 pounds, and the shell/lining are made from a polyester that is water resistant (more on that in a moment). This compact, lightweight, and durable pack employs a large bucket opening for the main part of the bag. I was initially turned off by this design but after using the Alton in a number of situations I found it to be its most useful feature.
Timberland Alton 30: This simple looking bag has a TON of great features.
The Features of the Alton: Big bucket/A Lot of Options
As you can see, the large bucket opening allows for the user to maximize their packing space within the backpack. Within the main compartment features a suspended, padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. This is an essential feature for any travel backpack, and Timberland added a side zipper to access this area of the pack in a very convenient manner.
Shot of the Main Compartment w/ my Eagle Creek Packing Folder in it
The Alton also has two side water bottle pockets, a standard feature of these type of backpacks and a mesh front pocket for smaller items that you may need on the fly. Finally there is a compartment on the bottom of the pack that is ideal for small items like underwear, socks, and t-shirts.
Laptop Sleeve
Using the Timberland Alton: Great for a Carryon
While the pack could be used for recreational hikes, I used mine to pack my camera equipment around the wilderness of Idaho, I do not see the pack being used for much beyond that in terms of backpacking. However, while the Alton may not be what serious backpackers are looking for, it would be a fantastic carryon bag for travel.
Side Zipper for Easy Access
The 20 by 11.5 by 7.5 size of the Timberland Alton easily fits within the standard 22 by 14 by 9 that most airlines allow and its accessible design allows for the user to access items, like tablets or laptops, in tight quarters with ease. The pocket and compartment design can easily fit a weeks worth of clothing for light-packing adventures.
Bottom Zippered Pouch
Will the Alton last?
Timberland makes some pretty durable gear; their hiking and work boots last forever and I am pretty confident that the Alton will just as long if not longer. The shell and lining are made from 100% water resistant polyester and the robust zipper construction is double stitched and ready for years of heavy use. While I have only had my Timberland Alton for a few days, I was able to put it through the ringer to get an idea of its durability. I can confidently say that the Alton could take years of heavy travel and never skip a beat.
Final thoughts on the Timberland Alton:
The Timberland Alton retails for $88.00… that’s right… $88.00. For as useful and durable as the Alton is I was pleasantly surprised that it retailed for less than $100.00. Similar, yet not nearly as high quality, backpacks retail for $150.00 to $300.00. No matter if you are in the market for a day pack, a work/school bag, a carryon, or a bit of all three Timberland offers the durability and versatility of a bag twice its cost. I know I am going to hang on to my Alton, and I’ll be doing a fair bit of traveling with it in the near future. The Timberland Alton is available at timberland.com, and amazon.com.