Xiaomi's new 23L business backpack looks practical at $88 — but good luck buying one
Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Large Capacity Business Backpack 2 on its Youpin crowdfunding platform in China, priced at 449 yuan (~$66) during the campaign and 599 yuan (~$88) at retail. The bag targets the carry-on-only crowd: 23 liters of space, a dual-zone layout, and a suspended laptop sleeve that fits 16-inch machines. The catch — like most Youpin products, there's no confirmed route to US or UK shelves.
The bag itself
The main material is high-density nylon with microfiber trim. Xiaomi claims the fabric survived 50,000 abrasion cycles in lab testing — though that's a manufacturer figure with no independent verification attached. The outer surface has a water-repellent coating rated to handle rain, oil, and spilled coffee.
Inside, the pack splits into two distinct zones. The work side holds the laptop sleeve, which is suspended off the base so the machine doesn't slam into the floor if you drop the bag suddenly. A soft velvet lining covers the interior walls. The personal side takes clothing and toiletries, keeping charger cables separate from everything else. Dedicated pockets handle accessories, and a magnetic phone pocket on the front closes automatically.
Travel-specific touches include a suitcase pass-through strap on the back panel, ventilated padding along the spine, 500ml-compatible side bottle pockets (one with a waterproof lining for a wet umbrella), and a top-access pocket for documents or wireless earbuds.
Availability — the real problem
Right now, the Mijia Business Backpack 2 is a China-only crowdfunding product, per Gizmochina. Xiaomi has not announced EU, UK, or US distribution. Older Xiaomi backpack models — the 18L and 26L variants — do turn up on Amazon UK through third-party sellers, typically at £25–£40, but those are legacy SKUs with different specs.
If this one follows the same unofficial-import pattern, grey-market listings on AliExpress or third-party Amazon sellers may eventually appear — but there's no timeline and no warranty coverage outside China.
For context, comparable 23–25L business backpacks with established UK retail presence run significantly more: Bellroy Transit (23L, ~£220), Peak Design Everyday (30L, £165), Tom Bihn Synapse (25L, ~£180). At $88 the Xiaomi would be competitive — if it ever shipped here.
