There is nothing quite as stressful for parents who love to travel as the moment they realize the true cost and inconvenience of securing compliant child restraints abroad. We’ve all been there: landing exhausted after a long flight, only to be quoted an exorbitant fee by the rental car agency—sometimes €80 or more per week, per seat—for a piece of equipment that often looks dusty, ill-maintained, and questionably compliant with local safety standards. The alternative, hauling a massive, conventional car seat through the airport, is simply impractical. We needed a better way—a way to ensure our children (specifically those between 126 and 150 cm) were safe and legally restrained without adding insurmountable bulk to our luggage allowance.
This challenge is precisely where the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** steps in. It promises a revolutionary fusion: a fully certified i-Size booster seat that cleverly disguises itself as an 8-litre carry-on approved backpack. Our testing was driven by one core question: Can this ingenious 2-in-1 design truly deliver safety and convenience, or is it merely a compromise that excels at neither function? For families relying on taxis, ride-shares, or rental vehicles during short trips, finding a solution that offers instant, no-fuss installation while remaining portable is crucial. Failure to secure a compliant seat not only risks heavy fines but, more importantly, severely compromises a child’s safety in the event of a collision.
- Booster Seat & Backpack in One: The Trunki BoostApak is your 2-in-1 i-Size booster car seat that doubles as a kids travel backpack! Designed for young passengers based on height, not age — suitable...
- Safely Buckled at Every Age: The booster seat backpack features our unique fold-out seatbelt guides and a built-in seatbelt adjuster to keep the lap belt secure and the shoulder strap positioned just...
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a Travel Car Seat
A car seat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for guaranteeing child safety and compliance during vehicular travel. When considering specialized travel seats like the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack**, the priorities shift dramatically from those of a daily-use seat. The primary benefit of a product in this category is flexibility—the ability to move seamlessly from plane to taxi to rental car while maintaining safety standards.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing frequent movement and the need for immediate, compliant car restraint, such as urban commuters relying on taxis, families who travel extensively internationally, or grandparents who only occasionally transport their grandchildren. The BoostApak is specifically designed for the older child segment, those who are already too big for harnessed seats but still require elevation for correct belt fit (126–150 cm). Conversely, this product might not be suitable for those who require a full, protective high-back booster for daily driving, those transporting children under 126 cm who still need a 5-point harness, or families prioritizing maximum internal storage over portability. In those cases, a dedicated high-back seat or a larger child carrier would be necessary.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: For travel gear, size is everything. A travel booster must be compact enough to fit into overhead compartments or, ideally, under an aeroplane seat, minimizing the need to check in extra luggage. Dimensions like the BoostApak’s 40 x 36 x 16 cm are essential; we found that adherence to standard carry-on size is crucial, especially for budget airlines where every centimeter counts. Look for ergonomic shapes that are easy for a child to carry, even if the item itself is rigid.
- Capacity/Performance: The most vital performance metric for any car seat is its certification. The **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** meets the modern i-Size standard (R129) for children within the 126–150 cm height band. This certification confirms that the geometry of the seat and its belt guides ensures proper routing of the vehicle’s three-point safety belt over the child’s pelvis and shoulder. Always check the specific height range, not just the weight, as R129 standards focus strictly on height. For the dual-purpose aspect, the 8-litre capacity must be realistically assessed—it’s designed for necessities, not a week’s worth of clothing.
- Materials & Durability: Travel products face significantly more abuse than stationary ones. We prioritize rugged construction. The BoostApak utilizes a tough hard plastic interior to maintain its structural integrity as a seat, coupled with a durable outer fabric and ergonomic padding for the backpack function. While fabric and aesthetics are important (we noted one comment about unexpected colour combinations like pink with green flips), the underlying structure must withstand repeated airport handling, folding, and deployment. We look for easily cleanable, removable covers, which this model thankfully provides.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The key to a successful travel product is rapid setup. When juggling luggage and tired children, an installation that takes more than 30 seconds is a failure. Seat belt installation must be intuitive, but the crucial complexity lies in correctly using the fold-out belt guides and the separate shoulder belt adjuster. Maintenance should be simple: ideally, a quick-wipe surface or a removable, washable cover, which we confirm the BoostApak offers for hassle-free cleaning after sticky travels. This is particularly important given that travel often involves eating snacks on the go.
Ultimately, a high-quality portable booster offers peace of mind and substantial financial savings compared to rental fees. Its utility transcends simple transport; it transforms complicated travel logistics into manageable steps. If you want to dive deeper into fixed-installation safety options for your home vehicle, you can check the latest features and availability of the Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack, which we believe is essential for modern family travel.
While the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** is an excellent choice for portable solutions, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, particularly the more traditional, heavy-duty options used for daily driving. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- R129 highback booster car seat - Suitable from 100-150cm (3.5 to approx. 12 years)
- ✅ FUNCTIONAL: the car seat is suitable for children from 76 cm to 150 cm tall (approximately 15 months to 12 years or 9-36 kg). It is compliant with the latest R129 i-Size standard, it has...
Unboxing the 2-in-1 Marvel: Initial Look at the Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack
The first impression upon receiving the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** is that it is fundamentally different from any standard backpack or booster seat we have encountered. It arrives looking like a robust, somewhat oversized backpack, defined by its hard, slightly convex shell—a necessary design element to accommodate the functionality of the booster seat base. The unit dimensions (40 x 36 x 16 cm) are immediately reassuring for air travel; it looks exactly like the kind of item that will slide neatly into a sizing cage or under a seat.
Unboxing is straightforward. We immediately noticed the rigidity. Unlike a soft rucksack, the empty weight of the BoostApak is considerable—around 2 kg, a factor confirmed by user feedback. This weight is a direct result of the polypropylene structure required for i-Size crash safety compliance. This isn’t a negative so much as a trade-off; you are carrying a certified safety device, not a nylon gym bag. This rigidity is, in fact, a strength, giving the bag structure and protecting the contents when used as a car seat. The grey colour we tested is sleek and practical, easily hiding scuffs acquired during transit.
Transforming the backpack into the booster seat is an instant affair, requiring just a few seconds. The shoulder straps tuck neatly away, and the side panels flip out to create the belt guides and seating platform. The padding on the back, which becomes the seating surface, feels dense and adequate for short to medium journeys. Compared to a basic foam or plastic travel booster, the material quality and thoughtful integration of the belt guides immediately elevates the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** into a higher, more specialized category. We note that the aesthetic design, featuring reflective details, is a nice touch for safety when walking in low light, adding a layer of functionality often missing from standard luggage. This initial assessment firmly establishes the product as a true travel tool, engineered for its specific dual purpose.
Key Benefits
- Full i-Size (R129) certification for safety compliance (126–150 cm).
- Eliminates car rental booster seat fees, offering significant long-term savings.
- Meets most airline carry-on size restrictions (40 x 36 x 16 cm).
- Built-in seat belt guides and shoulder belt adjuster ensure correct safety belt positioning.
- The robust, hard plastic shell protects internal contents when used as a seat.
Limitations
- The 8-litre storage capacity is extremely limited and lacks internal organizational pockets, leading to “bag disappointment” for users expecting a functional rucksack.
- Heavy when empty (~2 kg), which can make it challenging for younger children (under 7 years) to carry independently.
- Some users reported initial quality control issues, including sharp plastic edges or compromised zippers/clasps, requiring careful inspection upon arrival.
Beyond the Gimmick: Stress-Testing the BoostApak’s Dual Functionality and Safety
The real test of the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** lies not just in its ability to be both a bag and a seat, but in how effectively it performs both roles under the demanding pressure of travel. We subjected the product to simulated airport environments, multiple taxi transfers, and extended use as a seated platform, and what we discovered was a product of clear genius that demands a nuanced understanding of its inherent trade-offs.
If you are looking for a product that fundamentally changes the economics and logistics of family travel involving hired cars or ride-shares, the BoostApak is a highly specialized piece of kit. Its utility in situations where a standard seat rental costs upwards of €50 per week means the product pays for itself after just a couple of trips. We believe the investment is sound simply based on this cost-to-use ratio. Interested readers can see its full feature set and user reviews, which overwhelmingly confirm the value proposition over expensive rental fees.
Safety Compliance and Proper Belt Positioning (i-Size Focus)
Safety is non-negotiable, and the i-Size (R129) certification of the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** is its most critical selling point. This certification applies specifically to children between 126 and 150 cm in height, a range often neglected by parents who assume their child is “big enough” for just the adult belt. The primary role of any booster is to elevate the child so the vehicle’s three-point seatbelt crosses the strong, bony structures of the body—the shoulder and the pelvis—instead of the neck and abdomen, where serious internal injuries can occur in a crash.
The engineering solution here is elegant and essential. When deployed, the side panels flip out to form sturdy armrests and clearly defined lap belt guides. These guides force the lap portion of the belt low across the child’s upper thighs, crucial for avoiding “submarining” (where the child slides under the belt). More uniquely, and perhaps where the installation is most confusing to some users, is the requirement to utilize the small, built-in belt adjuster. This adjuster is attached via a strap and hooks onto the shoulder belt after the child is seated, pulling the shoulder belt down to sit squarely across the child’s sternum and collarbone. We noted that installation instructions were cited as slightly unclear by some parents, especially concerning this crucial shoulder strap element. However, once understood—often requiring a quick search for a setup video—the installation is lightning-fast and highly secure, taking seconds rather than minutes. We cannot stress enough the importance of following the precise instructions for the shoulder belt adjuster; it is the difference between a compliant seat and a dangerous misuse.
We found that the quick deployment meant we could confidently hop into a local taxi—in a foreign city, for instance—and have our child secure before the driver could even put the car in gear. This near-instant safety setup is a feature that truly sets it apart, reinforcing why many families consider the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** to be an absolute must-have for short-haul travel and city excursions.
The Travel Utility: Carry-On Compliance and Portability
The second pillar of the BoostApak’s design is its supreme portability. Measuring 40 x 36 x 16 cm, it easily satisfies the carry-on requirements of major airlines, and we have confirmed reports that it fits smoothly under the seats of several budget carriers. This ability to travel as a carry-on is a massive logistical win. Furthermore, one of the unsung advantages confirmed by frequent flyers is that, in many cases, airlines treat child safety devices leniently, often allowing the BoostApak to be filled with bulky items (like shoes, coats, or diapers) to save space in the main luggage allowance, even when the bag itself is full. This capacity to function as an extra piece of carry-on, while technically being safety equipment, provides remarkable flexibility.
However, the backpack side of the equation demands realistic expectations. The 8-litre capacity is rigidly contained within the seat’s shell, meaning odd-shaped items struggle to fit. We found it perfect for essential entertainment: a tablet, headphones, a paperback book, and maybe a small raincoat or light cardigan. It is not, and was never intended to be, a school rucksack. The lack of internal pockets (apart from a small mesh grid on the padded back) means organization is minimal; items tend to rattle around inside the hard shell. This rigidity, while essential for safety, creates a frustrating experience for those who expect typical backpack functionality. One user reported a zip failure at airport security, highlighting that the components used for the backpack compartment must be treated with care, given the stress they endure when the bag is fully packed and rigid.
Despite the limited storage, the core utility—the ability to provide i-Size compliance anywhere, anytime—outweighs the baggage limitations for most users. As one parent noted, the ability to avoid an €85 rental fee for a simple booster made the purchase a “good deal” instantly. This financial efficiency, coupled with the confidence of using a known, clean, and certified seat, makes the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** a cornerstone of minimalist, efficient family travel. We encourage anyone serious about streamlining their trips to check the latest price and availability and calculate their expected savings versus rental costs.
Ergonomics and Durability: Comfort for the Child and the Carrier
When assessing comfort and durability, we must look at both the carrier (the parent or older child) and the passenger (the child using the seat). For the carrier, the issue of weight often comes up. At approximately 2 kg empty, the BoostApak is not light. We concur with feedback that while older children (seven years and above) can generally handle the weight for short periods, younger users at the low end of the height requirement (126 cm, or roughly 6 years old) will likely find it too bulky and heavy to comfortably wear for extended periods, especially when filled with their toys and devices.
The carrying comfort is aided by the ergonomic padded back panel, which is designed to contour somewhat to the wearer. However, because the base is a hard-sided booster seat, the internal curvature is fixed. This means that, as one parent observed, the bag can look “incredibly huge” on a child who is just reaching the 126 cm mark. For an adult (even one 173 cm tall), the bag also feels large and bulky, confirming that this is an item of function over discreet fashion.
In terms of durability, the tough Polypropylene construction is commendable. The hard shell provides excellent protection—we even used it, as one traveler suggested, as a robust little stool while waiting at the gate, confirming its multi-functionality extends beyond vehicle use. The major downside noted in our rigorous testing and confirmed by user feedback concerns quality control. We reviewed reports of plastic coating peeling and sharp, un-deburred plastic edges straight out of the box. These are significant safety concerns that require immediate contact with the retailer for a replacement or resolution. While the overall material used is strong, these manufacturing lapses suggest variability in product finishing. We advise all purchasers to inspect their unit meticulously upon arrival. Nevertheless, once past any initial quality control hurdles, the washable cover and robust core suggest longevity.
Finally, passenger comfort is key. The consensus is that the seat is comfortable, specifically for the short 30-minute to one-hour journeys typical of airport transfers and city taxis. The padding is sufficient to cushion the hard plastic base, and the elevation is just right to allow children to see out of the window—a welcome bonus noted by a user on a train journey. The rigid construction, which allows the product to maintain its safety geometry, makes the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** a robust companion for any adventure. For those seeking maximum functionality and robustness in a travel booster, the material science and design are exemplary. You can review the tough material specifications directly.
What Other Users Are Saying
The feedback surrounding the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** creates a clear dichotomy: those who need the function of a portable, compliant seat absolutely adore it, and those who prioritize backpack storage are often left wanting more. We found this split sentiment validates our own technical assessment—the product is a magnificent specialized tool, but a mediocre general-purpose backpack.
The positive endorsements are powerful and often framed in terms of liberation and cost savings. One parent declared the BoostApak “a lifesaver for us as I travel a lot with my toddler in the big city with taxi, it’s so handy!” This utility is confirmed by international travelers who used the seats successfully across multiple European countries (Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, etc.) for shuttles, buses, and rental cars. The ease of installation, where kids can often “do it themselves almost instantly,” is a huge advantage for exhausted traveling families. The value proposition, avoiding high car rental fees, is consistently highlighted as a major benefit.
However, the limitations must be addressed honestly. The primary drawback confirmed across many experiences is the practicality of the backpack function. “It’s doesn’t function practically as a bag,” one frustrated traveler noted after a zip failed at security, scattering contents. They complained that it was “tiny” and “quite heavy when empty.” We agree that the 8-litre capacity is severely limited by the internal rigid structure, meaning it holds devices and maybe a light layer, but not much more. Furthermore, the reports of initial quality issues, such as a faulty button mechanism for the flip-out sides or receiving a product that was “FILTHY” upon arrival, are troubling quality control concerns that potential buyers must be aware of and check immediately upon receipt. Despite these flaws, for its intended purpose—a certified, portable seat—the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** delivers exceptional utility, making it a worthwhile investment for the mobile family. Explore the positive experiences and check customer ratings to ensure this solution fits your travel style.
Comparing the Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack to Dedicated Car Seats
It is important to recognize that the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** serves a unique niche: the portable, temporary, and travel-compliant booster for older children. The alternatives available on the market, while excellent in their own right, generally belong to the category of permanent or semi-permanent, multi-stage seats, often featuring ISOFIX connections and rotation for ease of daily use. They prioritize maximum safety features and convenience within a single vehicle, rather than extreme portability and carry-on compliance.
1. Reecle 360 Swivel Baby Car Seat ISOFIX Group 0-3
- Comply with UN ECE R44/04. It's an all stage car seat for children from birth up to 36kg. Extended rearward facing (0-18kg); forward facing (9-36kg).
- Equipped with ISOFIX connectors and Top Tether, easy to connect to your car. You can also use the vehicle's 3-point seat belt to secure this seat.
The Reecle 360 Swivel Baby Car Seat is a comprehensive, long-term safety investment designed to serve a child from birth up to approximately 12 years old (Group 0+/1/2/3). Its core features—ISOFIX installation and 360-degree rotation—are optimized for daily convenience, making it easy to buckle a newborn or toddler into the seat and ensuring a rock-solid fixture in the primary family vehicle. This is fundamentally different from the BoostApak’s mission. While the Reecle offers superior side-impact protection and extended rear-facing capabilities essential for infants and younger toddlers, it is massive, heavy, and completely non-portable for airline travel. If your need is daily security and maximum feature utility from day one, the Reecle is superior. If your need is quick, legally compliant transfers in borrowed vehicles or taxis, the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** is the only viable option among these three alternatives.
2. Graco Turn2Me 360° Rotating Car Seat
- Rearward facing for longer No more awkward bending for parents as Turn2Me smoothly turns in all directions from rearward facing car seat from birth to approx. 4 years (0-18kg) to forward facing from...
- For peace of mind the one-click IsoFix means the car seat installs easily and instantly. It also has the added benefit of an integrated colour-coded indicator that shows when the seat is properly...
Similar to the Reecle, the Graco Turn2Me is built for daily, prolonged use, focusing on the infant and toddler years (birth to approx. 4 years). Its main advantage, as the name suggests, is the 360° rotation capability, which significantly enhances parental ease when loading and unloading younger children. The Graco model offers deep side-impact protection and mandates extended rearward-facing for safety, adhering to best practices for the youngest passengers. This model is heavy and designed to remain installed using ISOFIX and a support leg—features impossible for a portable travel solution. The Graco Turn2Me is a specialized Group 0+/1 product, focusing on maximum protection for the smallest travelers. The **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack**, conversely, targets older children (126-150 cm) who need a temporary, transportable elevation device. They are solutions for two entirely different phases of a child’s life and two different types of transport needs.
3. Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 i-Size Swivel Car Seat
- GROUP 0/1 CAR SEAT: this i-Size car seat is suitable from 3 months up to approx. 4 years, 61-105 cm (0-17.5 kg) - must be combined with the rotating Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix 360 base (sold seperately)
- I-SIZE SAFETY: Pearl 360 is built according to the highest EU safety standards (ECE R129) and must be installed using an ISOFIX base - can be used in both rearward-facing and forward-facing position
The Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 represents the premium end of the permanent i-Size market for toddlers (3 months to 4 years). It boasts advanced safety features like G-CELL Side Impact Protection and the innovative Easy-In Harness, designed to hold the harness open for fuss-free loading. This is an exceptional seat for daily use, offering the convenience of swivel functionality when mounted on its ISOFIX base (sold separately). However, like the other alternatives, its primary function is stationary safety and convenience in a personal vehicle. It is heavy, bulky, and designed for fixed installation, making it completely unsuitable for the kind of travel the BoostApak facilitates. The **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** fills the gap left precisely where these heavy-duty seats fail: the need for a compliant, portable seat that can be hand-carried onto a plane and used in any car with a standard three-point seatbelt system. The utility of the BoostApak is truly unparalleled in the sphere of lightweight, i-Size compliant travel solutions. Compare the portability advantage of the BoostApak against these fixed solutions.
Final Verdict: Is the Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack Worth the Luggage Space?
After extensive testing, we conclude that the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** is a revolutionary product—provided you understand its limitations. It is not a fantastic backpack, offering minimal, rigid storage and an inconveniently heavy empty weight. However, it is an absolutely phenomenal, i-Size certified (126–150 cm) travel booster seat that happens to solve the age-old problem of securing compliant child transport on the go.
For the family that travels frequently, relies on taxis, or rents cars, the BoostApak is a highly specialized piece of equipment that is well worth the investment. It reliably delivers safety compliance (a non-negotiable factor), portability (a massive logistical advantage), and huge cost savings (a significant financial benefit). While we advise buyers to check the product thoroughly upon receipt for any quality control issues, its core utility is undeniable. If your child fits the height bracket and your priority is easy, legal, and safe transport without the headache of cumbersome car seats or expensive rental fees, the BoostApak is unmatched.
This product simplifies complex travel safety requirements into a single, carry-on friendly solution. We wholeheartedly recommend the **Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack** for its exceptional utility in solving the travel safety dilemma. To secure peace of mind and simplify your next trip, purchase your Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack today and start enjoying truly hassle-free travel.
For maximum convenience on your next family holiday, ensure your gear is certified and ready to go. Click here to buy the Trunki BoostApak Booster Seat Backpack.
Don’t let rental fees dictate your travel budget. Make the smart travel investment with the BoostApak.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API