Samsonite Andante 2 Travel Backpack Review
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Quick Verdict
The Samsonite Andante 2 Travel Backpack is a straightforward travel-daypack hybrid: a roomy main compartment, a flat “suitcase-style” opening, and a laptop sleeve sized for larger devices (up to 17.6”). If you want a simple pack for weekend trips, commuting, or airport days—without a lot of fussy organization—it’s a solid pick.
Just don’t assume it’s weatherproof (water resistance isn’t specified), and note that some listing details (like Amazon ratings and “date first available”) may not be visible without signing in.
Product Snapshot (Verified Specs)
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsonite |
| Model / Part number | Item model number: 153339-5455 (Amazon listing) |
| ASIN | B0DK47SW55 |
| Quantity / Pack size | Not specified on the listing |
| Material | Polyester |
| Size / Dimensions | 8 x 12.5 x 19 inches (listed as product dimensions). Also shown as 19″ x 12.5″ x 8″ on official specs (same measurements, different order). |
| Corrosion resistance / water type (fresh/salt) | Not specified on the listing |
| Best for | Travel days (airport + city), weekend/overnight packing, commuting with a larger laptop, and general day-to-day carry (based on listed design and features) |
| Warranty (if stated) | Limited 3 Year Global Warranty (official specs). Amazon listing notes manufacturer warranty can be requested from customer service (term not shown on the Amazon page view). |
| Package dimensions + package weight (if stated) | Not specified on the Amazon listing. One retailer listing shows carton/shipping dimensions: 13.583″ (L) x 10.630″ (W) x 10.236″ (H) and carton weight: 3.527 (unit not specified). |
| Date first available (if stated) | Not specified on the Amazon listing (not visible in the listing view) |
| Notes (variations/fit warnings) | Dedicated laptop sleeve fits most laptops up to 17.6″. Dual water bottle pockets. Flat opening style and compression straps are listed features. Official specs also list a SmartSleeve (luggage pass-through). Colors/IDs can vary by retailer (e.g., “Black,” “Navy/Black,” “Riverrock/Black”). Amazon also lists capacity as 1900 cubic inches. |
Ratings & review highlights: Amazon star rating/total ratings were not visible in the listing view. The official brand page displays “5 out of 5 Customer Rating,” but the number of reviews was not visible. Verified recurring review themes and Q&A highlights are not specified from sources we could view.
Overview
The Samsonite Andante 2 Travel Backpack is built around a simple idea: pack like a suitcase, carry like a backpack. The flat opening design makes it easier to lay the bag open, load bulky items, and find what you need without digging from the top.
It’s made from polyester and focuses on travel basics: a spacious main compartment, dual water bottle pockets, and a dedicated laptop sleeve designed to fit most laptops up to 17.6 inches. Comfort features include padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel for longer carry days.
Key Features & Why They Matter
- Flat opening style (suitcase-like access): Lets you pack and organize from a wide opening—handy for travel cubes, folded clothes, and quick access at the hotel.
- Spacious main compartment with organization: Built for flexible packing (clothes, layers, toiletry kit). Good if you prefer “one big space” over lots of tiny pockets.
- Dedicated laptop sleeve (up to 17.6”): Useful if you carry a larger laptop for work or school. (As always, thicker laptops and bulky cases may change the fit.)
- Exterior & interior compression straps: Helps tighten down a partial load so the bag feels less sloppy and shifts less while walking.
- Dual water bottle pockets: Practical for airport and day-trip use—carry water on one side and an umbrella or bottle on the other.
- Padded shoulder straps + breathable back panel: A comfort upgrade for longer walks through terminals or city streets.
Best Uses (Who It’s For)
- Weekend trips / 1–3 day travel: The flat opening makes it easy to pack outfits and a toiletry bag without a ton of internal dividers.
- Airport + city travel: Comfortable straps and quick-access packing style work well for travel days.
- Commuters with larger laptops: The listed 17.6” laptop sleeve capacity is a big win for people carrying larger screens.
- Gym + work combo carry: Main compartment space makes it easier to toss in shoes, a change of clothes, and daily essentials.
Who should skip this: If you need a highly weather-resistant bag (water resistance isn’t specified), a true hiking pack with technical support, or a travel backpack with lots of dedicated small-item compartments, you may want a more specialized option.
How to Use / Setup
- Adjust the straps first: Set the shoulder strap length so the bag sits high on your back (more comfortable for walking).
- Pack with the flat opening: Lay the bag open, place heavier items (shoes, tech pouch) closer to the back panel, and lighter items on top.
- Use the compression straps: Tighten them after packing to reduce shifting and keep the load stable.
- Load your laptop last: Slide your laptop into the dedicated sleeve; if you use a thick case, test fit before travel day.
- Balance side pockets: Put water on one side and a lighter item (umbrella/second bottle) on the other to keep weight even.
- Optional (if your version includes it): Use the luggage pass-through (SmartSleeve) to slide the backpack onto a rolling suitcase handle.
- Clean as needed: Wipe clean with a damp cloth (machine washing isn’t listed as a care method).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flat opening style makes packing and access easier
- Spacious main compartment designed for travel flexibility
- Laptop sleeve sized for larger laptops (up to 17.6”)
- Compression straps help stabilize the load
- Dual water bottle pockets are genuinely useful on travel days
- Padded straps and breathable back panel for comfort
- Capacity is listed (1900 cubic inches), which helps set expectations
Cons
- Water resistance isn’t specified—treat it as not waterproof
- Amazon listing view did not show a visible star rating/review count or “date first available”
- Warranty term isn’t shown in the Amazon listing view (official specs list a 3-year global warranty)
- Weight differs slightly by source (Amazon lists 2.2 lb; official specs list about 2.4 lb)
- Color availability varies by retailer and may be limited depending on where you buy
FAQ
Is the Samsonite Andante 2 suitable for airline carry-on requirements?
It’s sized like a travel backpack (listed at 19″ x 12.5″ x 8″). That typically works well as a carry-on item for overhead bins, but “personal item” limits vary by airline—compare those measurements to your airline’s specific rules before flying.
Will it fit a 17-inch laptop?
The listing states the dedicated laptop sleeve fits most laptops up to 17.6”. Fit can vary depending on your laptop’s thickness and whether you use a bulky protective case.
Is it waterproof or water-resistant?
Water resistance is not specified on the listing. Assume it can handle light splashes at best, but don’t rely on it for heavy rain without a rain cover.
How much can it hold?
Amazon lists a total capacity of 1900 cubic inches (about 31 liters if converted). Real-world packing depends on item shapes and how tightly you pack.
Does it have a luggage pass-through sleeve?
Official specs list a SmartSleeve (luggage pass-through). The Amazon bullet points don’t call this out in the visible section, so features may vary by retailer or version.
Can the backpack be machine washed?
Machine washing is not listed as a care method. A retailer care note suggests wiping clean with a damp cloth, which is the safest approach for most travel backpacks.
What is the warranty policy?
The official brand specs list a Limited 3 Year Global Warranty. On Amazon, the visible warranty section says the manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service, but it doesn’t show a specific term in the listing view.
Are there other colors or styles?
The Amazon listing title shows Black. Other retailers list additional colorways (such as Navy/Black and Riverrock/Black), so availability depends on the seller and current stock.
Conclusion
If you want a practical travel backpack with a flat opening for easy packing, a roomy main compartment, and a laptop sleeve sized for bigger devices, the Samsonite Andante 2 is a strong, no-nonsense choice. It’s especially well-suited to weekend trips, airport days, and commuting.
Skip it if you need confirmed weather protection, highly detailed organization, or you want to choose from a wide range of colors on Amazon—those details aren’t consistently shown across listings.