global travel bag 40l

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Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L Review

The Topo Designs Travel Bag offers some great organization in a classic heritage style, although we think the harness system is less than optimal.

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Our verdict.

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• Thoughtful organization
• Quality materials and construction
• Fluorescent liner makes it easy to spot your gear
• Subpar harness system
• Laptop compartment is too small
• Sternum strap doesn’t permanently attach

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 56/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (oz)

58.4 oz (1655.6 g)

22 in x 14 in x 7.5 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 19.1 cm)

Notable Materials

Nylon, Packcloth, Ballistic Nylon, YKK Zippers, Woojin Hardware, Duraflex Hardware

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Topo Designs Warranty & Repairs

Buying Options

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Full Review

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In this review, we’re taking a look at the Topo Designs travel bag. This is a 30 or 40-liter backpack—depending on which size you choose, we’ve got the 40-liter variant—and it’s got a lot of unique stuff going on. As a brand, Topo Designs has a pretty solid track record of creating backpacks and other gear that has a vintage, heritage-style look. The kicker is that, although their stuff has an old school look and feel, it’s all generally decked out with top-notch materials and awesome features.

We’re happy to say that the Topo Designs travel bag has all of this and more. So let’s check it out!

Material & Aesthetic

Much like their other gear, Topo has gone for a really strong heritage vibe with this pack. It kind of reminds you of bags that were made in the ‘70s, with all the bright colors and the boxy shape. It’s a bit different from the type of aesthetic we normally go for, but we’re certainly digging it.

At the time of this review, the travel bag comes in three different colors: Ballistic Black, Olive, and Navy. We’ve been rocking the navy, and although we typically opt to travel with a black bag, we really like the colors that are going on here. It just works, and it feels very “signature Topo.” You know what they say: “When in Rome, don’t wear a black backpack like you always do and, instead, wear a heritage-style navy backpack from Topo Designs.” (That’s what we do in Rome, at least…)

From a branding perspective, there’s a white logo on the front of the pack, which is pretty classic Topo Designs—they have this on virtually all of their products. There is also a small Topo tag on the interior and a logo on the messenger strap as well (more on that later).

From a materials perspective, the exterior fabric is 1000D nylon. It’s important to note that the 1000D nylon here is not CORDURA®—which you will see on a lot of their other bags—but just normal, no-frills nylon. Towards the bottom of the bag, there is a kind of ballistic weave that will add a bit of durability—this is a pretty common area to add some reinforcement, as it will constantly be hitting the ground and rubbing up against things. There is also 400D nylon pack cloth on some of the exterior as well.

The interior liner is a 210D pack cloth with a brilliant fluorescent color, which allows you to really see your gear and what’s going on inside the bag.

Side note: Some of the colorways offer 1680D ballistic nylon, which gives a slightly different look and feel—as well as some more substantial durability—than this ordinary 1000D nylon. Make sure to keep an eye out when you’re selecting your color!

All the zippers on the bag are YKK, and the main compartment offers a super beefy #10 zipper. You really can’t get much better in terms of durability and quality, as far as we’re concerned. If you manage to break that bad boy, drop us a line because we want to hear what in the world you were up to. There is also Woojin and Duraflex hardware used for the plastic bits across the bag—specifically, at the strap adjusters where the harness system attaches and where the sternum strap attaches.

Finally, we should note that while Topo produces a lot of their bags in the USA, this travel bag is produced in Vietnam. So, take from that what you will—we’ve seen plenty of high-quality bags made in Vietnam and plenty of low-quality bags made in the U.S., so we don’t think this is a huge factor.

External Components

In classic Pack Hacker fashion, we’ll kick off the external components with the harness system. To be honest, we think this harness system is kind of…so-so. We have a couple of nitpicks with it, and we’ll start with one of the biggest—the straps. These are decently comfortable—there’s some thick padding, for sure—but we have certainly seen better straps on the market. A lot of backpacks will use a higher-density foam that adds a bit more comfort and will also stay nicer for longer. These straps aren’t 100% ideal, although they’re not terrible.

There are some load lifters at the top which are great for pulling the load closer to your back, and we think they’re ideal on a pack of this size. Once you get to about 35 liters and up, we start to look for those load lifters—so this is a welcome addition in our eyes.

There are some D-rings at the bottom of the straps for additional attachment options, as well as two pieces of MOLLE-like material that can be used to attach additional accessories. So there’s a ton of room for modularity and customization on this pack, which we love. There is also an option to attach and remove a sternum strap here. We’re not 100% thrilled with this type of attachment because it’s easy to pull off. We typically prefer a more permanent attachment point, whether it be a buckle or something else, because we have lost a couple of sternum straps while testing bags other than this one. But being able to detach a sternum strap does have its merits, as you can keep the bag a bit “cleaner” and free of dangling straps if you don’t intend on using it.

This entire harness system can be hidden, which is convenient for air travel when you don’t want a ton of additional straps whacking around, and especially if you want to check the bag. The way you go about this is quite simple, all you need to do is unzip the top part of the back panel, detach the straps from the bottom of the bag, and stuff them in there. Boom.

On the lower part of the harness system there is a hip belt that isn’t detachable, although it can be hidden. We tend to think anything over 40 liters should at least have the option for a hip-belt, and we were pretty excited to see that Topo has included it here.

There are strap keepers on the hip belt to manage the excess dangling straps, however, you will not find strap keepers on the shoulder strap adjusters. Kind of a bummer, seems like it would have been an easy fix for Topo to add those in, but it’s not a huge deal.

One other gripe we have with this harness system is the frame sheet, or lack thereof. When you’re wearing a bag of this size you’re definitely going to want some structure, and a frame sheet can help with that. We really feel like this pack could have benefited from an internal frame sheet. It helps improve the carry and just gives the bag a lot more structure. Popping your laptop into the dedicated compartment can improve this a bit, but we still feel like it could have been handled better. It makes this pack feel more like “a bag that you can carry on your back,” as opposed to a true backpack.

But then again, that kind of comes with the territory when you have a bag that can be carried three different ways ! Yes, there are three different carry-options for this bag.

• Messenger/Duffel Mode. This uses the D-rings on the side of the pack and the removable shoulder strap. Just attach the strap to the D-rings and you’re good to go. Most of us at Pack Hacker are partial to backpacks, so we haven’t been using this option much, but it may be a viable solution for you. This could be especially nice if you’re carrying it with another backpack. But in general, we think this bag is a bit too large to work as a messenger/duffel.

Moving on, there are two strips of daisy-chains on the front of the pack that provide some additional attachment options as well as a nice pop of color. You can actually use these to attach other smaller Topo bags, which is pretty wild. The Topo Designs Daypack fits well here, but it does make the setup fairly large.

Although, we have to say that once you start bulking this thing up with a lot of added weight and accessories, the lack of frame sheet definitely starts to become even more of a problem. The carry isn’t quite ideal to start with, but it’s definitely worse if you have another fully packed additional bag on top of this thing. It also obstructs the opening of the travel bag, and you’ll quickly become a human wrecking ball when you turn around in a crowd of people.

Needless to say, we think attaching another entire backpack to this travel pack is a bit overkill. But we do like that Topo has given us the option, and we think smaller accessories could work well. Plus, if you don’t like it, don’t use it!

Inside the Pack

Topo Designs Travel Bag 40L Laptop Compartment

Let’s kick things off with the dedicated laptop compartment. First things first, this area is seriously small. You can technically fit most 15-inch laptops in here, but it’s going to be tight. We’ve tested it with a 15-inch MacBook Pro and you have to put it in diagonally and then kind of shimmy it the rest of the way in. It’s a bit of a process, and not very ideal. Once it does get in, there is ample space inside the compartment—it’s really just the zippered opening that’s a little bit too small.

Moving on to the front of the pack, there is a vertical quick-grab organization pocket. There’s some really great stuff going on in here—there are two zippered pockets that fill out the bottom half, a keyring, and then the rest of the pouch, which has a lot of room in it. This is a good area for tossing a compressible jacket or anything else you want quick access to.

We particularly love the fact that Topo chose to include zippered pockets here, as we’ve noticed that other brands will just do a standard pocket sans zips. The problem with that is that as soon as you start moving the pack around (ie; wearing it), that stuff is going to fly all over the place.

Behind that front pocket there is a big horseshoe compartment with some additional organization inside. We should also mention that the paracord zipper pulls on this pack can be weaved through a loop along the bottom of the zipper track to make it a little bit harder for someone to open your bag and access your stuff quickly. Love it.

Inside this compartment, there is a zippered pocket towards the top which is great for flatter items like documents or larger notebooks. There is also a 1/3 and 2/3 partition pocket for additional organization.

Now let’s get into the main compartment of this bag. This area fully opens up in the horseshoe style, and you’re greeted with a couple of mesh partitions on the front. We’ve found these to be great for socks, underwear, or any other flatter, smaller items that you want to compartmentalize. And there’s one sneaky thing on the back—there is a zipper under these pockets that opens up this entire area, offering a separate compartment that is super handy. You can use this for added organization, but if you don’t want to use it—no worries. You won’t be sacrificing any space by not using it.

Behind the top flap, there is an additional divider partition with two 210D pack cloth pockets. On the interior, you’ll notice they still have the red zipper pulls, however, they are thinner paracord than the stuff on the outside. This keeps everything a little more minimal and compact, which we like. It’s a nice, small touch that clearly shows the folks over at Topo Designs really put some thought into every inch of this bag.

Moving on, if you open up the divider within this area you can finally reveal the actual “main” compartment of this pack. It’s basically a giant bucket.

We like the zipper partition here, as it kind of acts as a standalone compression system which protects the space on the other areas of the bag. If you want to jam your clothes in there and compress it down that totally works, but we’d recommend using packing cubes . We’ve been using them during our time testing this bag and it makes the whole packing experience a lot more pleasant and efficient.

You should also know that the partition is totally optional! So, if you don’t wanna use it you can just roll it up and stow it towards the bottom of the bag. This is very similar to the way the Peak Design Travel Backpack handles their partition, and we like both of these methods. The only difference is that with the Peak Design pack, there is a dedicated pocket that you can stow the rolled-up partition in. Overall, it’s a really slick system, but it could be improved a bit with an added pocket so you don’t have a ton of excess fabric flapping around.

As for packing cubes, any will do, although Topo does offer a couple of different sized packing cubes that will fit nicely in here.

And lastly, we just want to touch on the boxy shape of this bag. If you like that look on the outside, great. If you don’t like it—which is understandable—you should at least know that with the boxy shape comes a lot of great functionality. The overall shape of this bag, and the corners especially, make it easier to optimize every little piece of space inside versus other packs that have more curved corners. So, although it might look a bit odd, the boxy shape does serve a purpose.

Durability & Usage

At the time of this review, we’ve been testing the Topo Designs travel bag for two weeks, mostly as a daily driver on the way to and from coworking spaces and coffee shops. And of course, it’s always loaded up with a ton of gear.

Overall we’ve really enjoyed the organizational features on this pack, even if the frame sheet and harness system is a bit lacking. There are no durability issues to report as of yet, except for a small fraying piece of fabric on the Topo logo. We’ve actually seen this exact same logo fraying crop up with a couple other of their products, which is a bit odd, but obviously not a huge issue.

Other than that, we don’t really have any concerns around how long this thing is going to hold up.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

Loving the look of this pack and all the internal organization. Psyched to test it out!

The lack of frame sheet is disappointing, but loving just about everything else on this pack.

Still enjoying this pack on the whole. Still not enjoying the harness system as much as we’d like.

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Why We Like The Global Travel 40L Bag

Carrying along our items while exploring the world is made easy with the Global Travel 40L Bag. Its 3-way carry design has stowable straps to let us haul it the way we want. Plenty of pockets—including a 15-inch laptop sleeve—makes it easy to keep our things neatly stowed. We also like that the back panel has the most durable fabric with extra padding to ensure what's inside stays safe no matter how bad the turbulence may be.

• Your new travel companion that'll be there on every trip ahead
• Light and sturdy nylon fabric ensures a lasting lifetime
• Large u-shaped entry gives easy access to the main compartment
• Foam padded rear panel protects your essentials
• Assortment of pockets and laptop sleeve make organization easy
• Carry-on compliance allows for light and hassle-free travel
• Has backpack straps, shoulder straps, grab handles, and removable waist belt
• Item #TPOF08B

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Topo Designs 40 L Global Travel Bag

Product Information

• The primary materials that compose this product contain a minimum of 20 percent recycled content.
• A global travel accessory that performs perfectly as an agile, durable pack for weeklong trips, the Topo Designs 40 L Global Travel Bag comes with ample space to store your essentials.
• Nylon construction.
• Padded recycled ballistic nylon back panel.
• Zippered front closure.
• U-shape entry to the main compartment.
• Internal mesh organization pockets.
• Vertical exterior zippered pocket with dual security pockets.
• Easy access to the back panel laptop compartment.
• Stowable contoured padded spacer mesh shoulder straps.
• Meets most airline carry-on requirements.
• Lining: Nylon.

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Global Travel Bag 40L Black/Black

• BLACK/BLACK

Features & Specs

Recently viewed

• Topo Designs 40L Global Travel Bag

Your ideal one bag travel companion. Our carry-on compliant Global Travel Bag 40L (made with recycled materials) offers 3-way carry options, plenty of internal organization, expandable side water bottle pockets, and an external laptop sleeve for easy access. The size is perfect for a week of travel.

Built for breezing through the concourse, our Global Travel Bag 40L performs perfectly as an agile, durable pack for weeklong trips. Compact enough to pass as a carry-on, the Global Travel Bag is built to go wherever you do and keep you organized the whole time. For maximum flexibility, the Global Travel Bag works with many of our other packs and bags as a modular carry system, streamlining cumbersome travel.

Small Features, Big Difference

• Zipper loops keep all zippers secure so you don't have to worry about anything spilling out or getting lost.
• PackFast Attachment clips pair with Attachment Loops on many of your favorite Topo bags to secure them to your roller for easy travel.

Packfast Bag Attachment Clips: Fasten your pack to the front of the Travel Bag for a secure carry, and even more luggage space (all while keeping your hands free). Detach the pack for day trips and shorter excursions.

• Step 1: Attach the bottom loop of the backpack to the front bottom attachment point of the Global Travel Bag.
• Step 2: Attach the top loop of the backpack to the front top attachment point of the Global Travel Bag.
• Step 3: Cinch the top attachment point strap to snug the backpack to the front of the Global Travel Bag.
• Built with recycled nylons
• Carry-on compliant
• 3-way carry (backpack straps, shoulder strap and grab handles)
• Foam structure with padded recycled ballistic nylon back panel
• U-shape entry to large main compartment
• Internal mesh organization pockets
• U-shape entry to secondary organization compartment
• Larger zippered security pocket and dual slip pockets
• Vertical exterior zippered pocket with dual security pockets
• Easy access to back panel laptop compartment, fits most 15" laptops
• Stowable contoured padded spacer mesh shoulder straps
• Load-lifter straps and sternum strap
• Removable waist belt
• Removable adjustable padded shoulder strap
• Expandable side water bottle pockets
• Vertical daisy chain webbing
• Heavy-duty YKK zippers with security loop on main compartment
• PackFast Attachment Clips
• Signature high visibility recycled yellow pack cloth interior, recycled black pack cloth interior on black color only
• Meets most airline carry-on requirements
• Materials: 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14"w x 22.5"h x 7.5"d
• Volume: 2441 cu. in. / 40 L (can expand to 45 L when fully packed)
• Weight: 58.4oz
• Made in Vietnam

Sustainability

• Fair Wear certified production, meeting fair labor standards for the safety, health, and wellness of employees.
• 100% recycled nylon with high abrasion resistance, equating to a longer product lifespan.
• Fabrics from certified dye mills, ensuring the chemical composition of textile products consists of healthy and safe materials.
• YKK heavy-duty zippers for durability.
• MAP Guarantee Repairs Program.

At Topo Designs, we're rooted in mountain culture and outdoor living, but love exploring cities and world travel. We look to proven classics for inspiration, yet take advantage of innovative technologies to ensure a timeless look with modern functionality. We are uncomplicated and utilitarian, but with a sense of design and style through simplicity. Our goal is to not have to choose a single path - we want to live on both sides of the fence, where life is always greener.

Growing up in the west, Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen had always been interested in not only spending time outside, but also in the gear needed to get out. They found themselves wishing there was a company offering a lineup a bit more like the gear they grew up using - classic styling, functionality, durability and a clear connection with the brand behind the product. So in 2008, Jedd bought a sewing machine and began concepting, designing, and sewing packs in his Fort Collins basement, while Mark set out around Denver and the front range looking for resources and partners needed to build those designs. They were lucky enough to find local Colorado folks that were just getting started like them and were willing to build companies together, and worked with them to produce Topo Designs� initial offering of products, continuing to work with them to this day.

Today, we�re still in the mode of making things we want to use as individuals and connecting with our customers as a brand. We want to produce the most durable, versatile, beautiful products that can be used around town, out on the trail and traveling the globe. We know nothing is more frustrating than being let down by your own gear, so that motivates us to make things that last. Simple, classic, well-designed products that are inspired by who we are and where we live.

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Global travel bag 40l.

Your versatile carry-on for trips lasting 6 days or more. €239,90

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Your easy-rolling, multiple carry champion that does it all. €299,90

PACKED WITH COUNTLESS FEATURES. BUILT FOR ANYWHERE TRAVEL.

100% recycled nylon, built using durable, lightweight materials found in hardcore outdoor gear, ensuring flawless performance during the most rugged trips., water bottle pockets, the 30l and 40l bags now feature expandable side water bottle pockets. no more digging for your water bottle while rushing through tsa..

PackFast™ Travel System

Designed to work across a number of our packs, bags, apparel, and accessories, packfast™ offers ultimate, efficient packing for any occasion., designed to work across a number of our packs, bags, apparel, and accessories, packfast offers ultimate, efficient packing for any occasion., carry-on compliant, no need to check: our global travel bag line meets most domestic carry-on requirements..

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• Travel Gear Reviews
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The 5 Best Carry On Travel Backpacks of 2024

The Best Travel Backpacks for 2024

In search of the best travel backpack? Our experts have tested over 60 unique packs since 2017 and include the top 15 in this review. Our collective love for research and travel allowed us to experience each pack fully across a variety of travel conditions, durations, and demands. This lineup of carry on friendly packs passed through the rigors of long plane rides, weekend road trips, and commuting from hotel rooms to city-wide destinations. Whether you're in the market for a top-tier pack to protect and organize your belongings while you travel the world, an easy pack for long weekend trips to visit family, or a sleek carry on that will fit outfits and electronics for your next business trip, our review will help guide you through the myriad of options and find the right pack for your needs.

Whether you're driving, flying, or using some other mode of travel, we've tested key components and travel essentials to help you get to your next adventure with style and ease. We've found best duffel bags for stuff-it-style packers and the best full-size luggage for those who value more structure in their travels. If you want a more general-use pack, one of these top backpacks is sure to catch your eye. No matter your preferences, we are confident that our recommendations for the best travel bags of any kind will help you and your belongings make it safely to your destination in style.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 17, 2024, to offer more detailed information on our top travel backpacks and advice on which pack is best for you.

Top 15 Travel Backpacks - Test Results

Best overall travel backpack, osprey sojourn porter 46l.

• Storage & Protection 8.3
• Ease of Use 8.4
• Comfort & Fit 8.7
• Versatility 6.5

This backpack received above average across the board, which is why it earned a top spot in our lineup. It has a cavernous storage capacity, protects it's contents, and it is reasonably versatile, but one of our favorite things about the Sojourn Porter is how comfortable it is to carry. We can fully load this baby with 20+ pounds of gear and still walk around in relative comfort thanks to its well-crafted system of load-lifting straps and supportive padding. While not quite on par with the type of support you would get from a traditional backpacking pack, we think this is a good hybrid of weight distribution balanced with travel-friendly features such as stowable straps and extra grab handles.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter has features that make it more suitable for international adventure travel than some other travel backpacks. Its rugged design can easily withstand various outdoor conditions but is sleek enough to blend in at the airport. It is also one of the larger bags in our lineup, and the majority of the bag's storage space is in the main compartment, which is handy for times when you need to pack bulky gear. We think it does a great job of straddling the line between creature comforts and rugged practicality, and we would especially recommend it to those whose travels often take them off the beaten path.

Although there are many reasons to love this bag, the design has a few drawbacks. Given the rugged cavernous design and robust compression straps, it's quite easy to overload this bag and end up with a heavy and bulky monster on your back. The external compression straps that help attach daypacks or secure a sweatshirt also make it protrude quite far from your body. Once you've reached your destination, those same features also prohibit the bag from laying fully open and flat, though the bag does hold its shape nicely when empty, which is quite helpful for packing and accessing your items. On the whole, we found the Sojourn Porter to be a premium bag with premium features, and we highly recommend it for most trips and travels. If the Sojourn seems a bit too large, The North Face Base Camp Voyager is a smaller bag with premium features. Going further down in size, the Thule Subterra 34L is a super-compact option that is easy to carry and comfortable for extended wear.

Read more: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L review

Best Travel Backpack on a Tight Budget

Coowoz essentials.

• Storage & Protection 6.8
• Ease of Use 6.6
• Comfort & Fit 6.8

The storage features of the Coowoz Essentials are fairly average, but considering its far-below-average price, we aren't complaining. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised with how well the bag did compared to others in this price range. There are a variety of internal organization pockets on both the interior and exterior of the bag to help stow your travel items, as well as an integrated USB charging cord. A standout feature is the separate shoe and wet item pocket with exterior access so you can keep messy items away from your clean clothes. The waterproof fabric held up to its claim and kept the contents of the bag dry during our rain test.

There's no getting around it; travel can be expensive. That last thing you want to do is shell out for a pricey bag on top of hotels, transportation, and other travel costs. Enter the Coowoz Essentials . While not the highest-performing option in our selection of tested backpacks, the Coowoz offers many features that are not found in bags at a similar price point. It is perfect if you need a functional travel backpack for the occasional weekend trip, but know that you may not use it very frequently. It is not too big, not too flashy, but is still featured enough to be travel-friendly and comfortable enough to carry through the airport. Overall, the Coowoz is a great compact choice for budget-savvy travelers or for kids looking to carry their own belongings.

We tested and used the 31-liter option of the Coowoz . We loved this size for its lighter weight and ease of use, but the downside is that it limits the amount of travel items and clothes you're able to pack in the bag. Due to the internal layout, we felt that we weren't able to fit as much gear inside as similarly sized competitors. Even with its internal compression straps, this small model doesn't fit much more than a weekend's worth of clothes, assuming you travel light. The interior fabric of the bag is also very slick and a little noisy. It is not a deal breaker, and you don't notice it when carrying, but when loading and accessing your items, the lining feels a bit like a plastic bag. Lastly, the exterior pockets on this carry on backpack are a little awkward to access due to the protective flap over each zipper. While it helps protect from moisture, rooting around the inside is challenging, especially when the bag is full. That said, no bag in our lineup performed better at a lower price point. If you need more space but are still working with a tight budget, you might consider the Amazon Basics Carry On Travel . It has decent compression straps and external pockets and won't run you much more than the Coowoz . If you're willing to shell out a bit more money, the eBags Mother Lode has plenty of pockets that keep your gear accessible and make it highly livable.

Read more: Coowoz Essentials review

Best Travel Backpack for Internal Organization and Livability

Cotopaxi allpa 35l.

• Storage & Protection 8.1
• Comfort & Fit 8.0
• Versatility 5.5

Even if you're not traveling for work, most people these days bring a laptop or tablet with them on trips. For how common this is, we wish the Cotopaxi 's laptop sleeve was a bit more functional. When the pack is full, the zipper can be a challenge, and though padded on the outside, there was no internal padding on the laptop sleeve. Another minor complaint we had with this bag is also a byproduct of its incredibly organized interior. The integrated mesh dividers limit the ability to treat this bag like a duffel and just shove clothes and gear inside. Depending on your preferred packing style, this could be a blessing or a curse. Despite this, we found the Cotopaxi Allpa to be one of the easiest bags to travel with and live out of for a few days at a time, and we highly recommend it. If organization is your jam, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag has more pockets than we knew what to do with, though there is certainly a space and home for every item on your travel packing list . A sleek, feature-rich alternative is the Peak Design Travel 45 . It has a large main compartment, and its internal mesh pocket is accessible from both sides of the pack.

Read more: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review

Best Travel Backpack for Comfort Under Heavy Load

Osprey farpoint 40.

• Storage & Protection 8.0
• Ease of Use 6.9
• Comfort & Fit 10.0

The biggest downside to the Farpoint is the lack of any small external pockets for accessing items on the go. We dislike the need to reach into the main compartment and disturb our carefully packed clothes to grab headphones, snacks, and other frequently used travel accessories. Still, if you're a habitual over-packer and constantly worry about being able to carry your entire packing list comfortably, the Osprey Farpoint is just the backpack you need for your trip. The only bag that performs quite as well as the Farpoint in this metric is the other Osprey bag in our lineup, the Sojourn Porter . The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is also comfortable enough to lug around through a large airport, and it has pockets on the hip belt for quick access to items on the go.

Read more: Osprey Farpoint 40 review

Honorable Mention for Packing and Livability

The north face base camp voyager.

• Storage & Protection 6.7
• Ease of Use 8.9
• Comfort & Fit 7.0
• Versatility 6.0

While the small size of the Voyager makes it easy to slip under a seat or in an overhead bin, it also limits the amount of items you're able to pack. On top of this, we were disappointed by the absence of internal or external compression straps. A second missing design element in the Voyager is a stowable harness system. Carriers take a lot of wear and tear during travel between conveyor belts, gate checks, and cramped overhead compartments. The ability to stow and protect hanging straps, buckles, and webbing can significantly increase the lifespan of these critical components. Despite this, we loved the Voyager for short weekend trips and are confident that this bag will be a great addition to your carry on collection. One of our other recommended backpacks for top-tier livability is the Cotopaxi Allpa ; it features built-in packing compartments to store all your gear neatly, no matter how bumpy the travel gets. The Voyager is great for weekday business trips, but if you're going a little more off-road durability, we recommend a travel backpack like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . It features a thick and 100% recycled exterior and an extra durable scuff pad on the back of the bag.

Read more: The North Face Base Camp Voyager review

Compare Products

How We Test Travel Backpacks

We've taken these packs on all sorts of adventures over the years and have a knack for picking out the features that matter the most when it comes to living on the road. We use them everywhere we go, whether that be far-off lands or neighboring states, our day-to-day lives at home, using them around town and on work commutes. We pack and unpack each bag numerous times, taking note of how easy it is to store and organize our belongings in various configurations. We also evaluate the padding and weather protection that each bag provides.

For weeks at a time, we live out of these bags, both at home and while traveling, which allows us to accurately gauge how easy it is to grab the clothes and items we are looking for without destroying the organization within the pack. Lastly, we test the comfort, fit, and versatility of each bag by loading them up and carrying each bag around. Strap adjustability, available sizes, and its ability to be useful in a variety of scenarios all play into a bag's overall score. Learn more about how we test travel backpacks .

• Storage & Protection (30% of overall score weighting)
• Ease of Use (30% weighting)
• Comfort & Fit (30% weighting)
• Versatility (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

This review is brought to you by Hale Milano , Liz Chamberlain , and Hayley Thomas . Hale is a travel expert, having explored over 35 countries by foot, plane, boat, and car. He spent a period of his life traveling for work, hopping on planes with a few days worth of clothes and a computer week after week, and so knows the value of an efficient and functional travel bag. His passion for gear includes the bags he uses to pack it all in, and he brings a fresh perspective to our travel backpack testing team. Liz is no stranger to travel and has worked in the retail gear industry for years. She understands the importance of both form and function and brings a critical eye to this review. Hayley lived in a van for several years, so it's no secret that travel is a big part of her life. You can frequently find Hayley traveling to new climbing, biking, and skiing destinations — almost always with a backpack in tow.

How to Pick the Best Travel Backpack for You

Here are four key considerations to help narrow down your next travel backpack selection. See much more detail in our full How to Choose A Travel Backpack article.

What Size Works Best?

With the array of size options for backpacks, it can feel overwhelming to hone in on an appropriate size. Identifying your travel needs, such as the usual trip duration and the activities you partake in, are key considerations to help narrow down your choice. A bag under 30 liters is typically suitable for day trips and carrying essentials. A 30-liter to 50-liter pack is more applicable for weekend trips and multi-day adventures capable of packing extra clothes, toiletries, and electronics. 60 Liters plus is great for extended travels when you need a lot of storage. Finding the sweet spot between size and weight will help you avoid running out of room or having too much room on your next trip.

How Important is Comfort?

While comfort is often a high priority when shopping for a new backpack, people will have different preferences and needs to accommodate them. Considerations to look for include shoulder straps, back panels, and waist belts. Choosing a comfortable backpack is partially subjective but also comes down to key aspects such as the amount of padding, adjustability capabilities, and proper ventilation. Identifying your needs and looking at backpacks with these desirable features will help avoid discomfort and pain.

What Features Do You Need?

A trusty travel backpack will provide key features to make your trip that much easier. Organization systems, hydration pockets, and waterproof zippers are some examples of nice-to-have accessories. If you travel in wet climates, a water-resistant bag and zippers become critical to protecting your belongings. For those who travel frequently while working, having access to electronic compartments and protective features is a high priority. Consider your personal needs and what features make the most sense to you.

What Material Should You Choose?

Travel backpacks come in various materials, each with pros and cons. If you plan to travel in a hot climate area, a backpack made of mesh and nylon will provide better breathability than a bag built with a fabric such as canvas or leather. It's also important to note what type of activities you will partake in and whether a more durable fabric, such as Cordura or ripstop nylon, would be appropriate.

Analysis and Test Results

Since we can't possibly test every product ever made (although we would love to), we begin by researching the industry's top-rated options. After countless hours, we narrowed our search and settled on the best selection of the 15 most promising carry on backpacks. Once we received our test suite, the real fun began. We put each pack through rigorous testing under a very critical eye. We packed, unpacked, and repacked each bag countless times and hauled them to the car, taxi, and airport terminals to test their various features and functionality. We used a thoughtfully curated packing list to compare performance across models objectively and help you find your perfect travel pack fit . Over the years, these bags have accompanied us on adventures to destinations near and far, for overnight trips and multi-week jaunts around the globe.

While we strive to stay objective and honestly recommend the best gear here at GearLab, we also understand that considering a product's price to value ratio is an important part of the purchasing process. So even when recommending expensive products, we take into account the value a product brings to your life vs the actual cost. We always like to give options for various budget levels, and from our selection of top travel packs, you will surely find one that falls within your price range without needing to sacrifice the most important features. In the travel bag category, the largest differentiator is typically the material and crafstmanship. Durable, lightweight, and recycled materials with reinforced seams and straps tend to cost slightly more than less advanced, less protective, and heavy-weight materials. That said, we liked some of the less expensive bags as much as the very costly ones, and we recommend paying close attention to the specific functionality you seek rather than the stand-alone price.

Our travel backpack lineup has a few standouts regarding value: the top three scoring models all hover right around the average price point for a travel bag. The Osprey Sojourn Porter , Osprey Farpoint , and Cotopaxi Allpa all provide excellent features and performance for the money. A lower-budget standout is the Coowoz Essentials . This affordable bag outperformed others that cost five times its price.

One of our favorite bags, the Osprey Sojourn Porter , performed well across all of our testing metrics. It is durable, comfortable, and easy to use, and we were pleased to note that this didn't send its price tag skyrocketing upwards. Thankfully, if you prefer some of the features or design styles of our other top bags like the Osprey Farpoint or Cotopaxi Allpa , they all fall within the same price band.

The Coowoz carry on backpack takes the word bargain to another level and provides surprisingly good performance given its price. While the materials are noticeably lighter weight than the top-scoring bags, not everyone needs bulletproof luggage to survive day-in and day-out abuse from travel. The Coowoz is a good option for the occasional traveler looking to save a few bucks while still reaping the benefits that a travel backpack can provide over a traditional suitcase.

Storage and Protection

First and foremost, the primary purpose of a great piece of luggage is to store and protect your travel items while moving from one place to another. After all, if you can't fit the essentials or your items arrive damaged, then the rest is a moot point. To assess our lineup of bags in this metric, we evaluate the storage volume, stability, weather protection, and electronic protection features in our bags. We use a standard three-day packing list to test each bag's ability to stow clothing and other common travel supplies such as toiletries, electronics, and souvenirs. We also evaluate maximum storage capacity by loading each bag up to capacity with packing cubes and recording the amount that we are able to cram in. We evaluate how stable each bag feels on our backs, sitting on the ground, and propped on the seat next to us. We drench them with water from a high-pressure hose and examine the bag for leakage, paying special attention to areas near designated electronic pockets.

Related: How to Pack Luggage Like a Pro

A standout in this metric is the Peak Design Travel 45 . This massive gear hauler fits all of our supplies with room to spare — even without needing to open the expanding features of this bag. When packed full, we are still able to access small pouches on the outside or reach inside for items. It has both an expanding zipper and space-collapsing magnets to help tailor the size of the bag to your packing list. The bag is also quite stable, so there's no need to worry about it accidentally falling over when packed with sensitive electronics. Speaking of which, the large padded laptop sleeve set against the back panel is ideal for protecting laptops and tablets while still providing easy access. To cap it off, the 100% recycled 400 denier nylon shell is fully waterproof, and the watertight zippers and seams protect the contents from any water intrusion.

The next few bags that impressed us with their storage and protection capabilities all land in the same scoring zone. The Osprey Sojourn , Nomatic Travel Bag 40L , Cotopaxi Allpa , and Osprey Farpoint can all stow and protect gear with ease, no matter what you have inside. Thanks to its dual compression straps, the Sojourn is a beast when it comes to packing a high volume of clothing, and the padded shell of the bag helps protect fragile items from bumps in transit. While it won't protect your bag from getting lost, we love that the Sojourn comes with a TSID Luggage Registration tag. Once you complete the free registration, the tag links to the owner's information and can be more easily identified across a network of over 2,800 airports worldwide, helping you find your bag if it ever does get lost in transit (knock on wood).

The Nomatic is another great option for protecting your travel essentials. On top of comfortably accommodating all your gear, the Nomatic's water-resistant fabric and zippers kept all contents perfectly dry during our rain tests. But protection from water isn't the only thing the Nomatic excels at. This bag boasts an RFID protective pocket to keep your payment cards and IDs safe as well.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Osprey Farpoint are also impressive bags, both in their ability to fit your entire packing list and protect your items from damage. The Cotopaxi takes a unique approach to storage, using integrated mesh packing pockets, and the Farpoint has a more traditional single large compartment with internal compression straps to secure contents. Both options allow you to fit plenty of clothes and supplies, but which you like depends on your packing style preferences. One of our testers prefers the small pockets of the Cotopaxi, which keep everything organized each time you open the bag to grab a fresh pair of socks or a new shirt. Another tester prefers the open cavity style of the Osprey bags that allow you to dig down into the single pocket to locate what you need without having to remember which pocket you stashed your charger in this time.

Two final honorable mentions in our storage and protection metric are the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L and the Patagonia Black Hole . Both of these bags handle our standard packing list with ease and protect contents from the elements. However, neither is very stable under a full load. The Black Hole has a unique design where the bag is designed to be laid on its back, more akin to a duffel, not upright. There's even a grab handle right in the center of the back panel in case you want to carry it lengthwise instead of on your back. The Black Hole is also one of the more durable bags we tested; the 100% recycled TPU laminate material easily sheds water during rain showers and resists abrasions during transit in the trunk of a car or the cargo hold of a plane.

Given the Tortuga's size, we can happily pack all of our clothes with ease but wish it had compression straps to keep everything cinched in tightly for those instances where we don't need to pack it to the brim with clothes. The Tortuga earns a perfect score in our rain protection test thanks to its proprietary SHELL200 three-layered sailcloth fabric and waterproof zippers. The Tortuga also has lockable zippers, so if you're looking for a little extra protection on your travels, this may be a good choice.

Ease of Use

When you're living life on the go, your time should be spent focusing on taking in the views, checking off bucket list items, and grabbing your camera to snap the perfect shot. Having a travel backpack versus a suitcase aids in moving faster on foot, but it should also be easy to use during your downtime so that you can spend more of your vacation doing what you want rather than digging through clothes to find what you need. We assess how easy the pockets on each backpack are to access on the go, as well as how convenient each bag is to live out of. We give higher scores to the bags that we can pack to the brim while still providing quick access to all your essential items and useable external pockets. For each backpack, we also record the ease of switching the strap and harness system around to different carry methods. Lastly, if we find a unique feature that just makes life easy , we take note of it and bump the ease of use score accordingly.

One of our favorite bags to use is The North Face Voyager . Though its design is not as feature-heavy as other models, it is the thoughtful simplicity that makes it pleasant to pack and live out of. A perfectly proportioned main pouch holds its shape well when empty, making packing items a breeze. We are big fans of the removable internal divider that segments the compartment into two folded-shirt-sized areas. There is an internal mesh pocket for organizing your small items as well. Outside the bag, pockets for accessing items are heavily-featured and well-organized. There are two small item pouches for stashing your travel and tech essentials, and they're lined with a soft protective material so screens don't get scratched.

The Cotopaxi Allpa is another tester favorite, but in terms of design, it is almost the polar opposite of the Voyager . The Cotopaxi features four internal and integrated mesh pockets, like built-in packing cubes. The ability to open your bag and not have contents scattered everywhere can be great when your travels have you hopping destinations frequently, and you don't have time to constantly reorganize. Access on the go is less impressive, though still adequate for storing travel essentials like headphones, wallet, charging cords, and, of course, your favorite travel snacks. Beyond packing the bag, we found the harness system to be quite easy to use. Though the shoulder straps are permanently attached and don't stow away, the entire waist belt is removable. We love this feature over bags with hide-away waist belts. Although waist belts are great for supporting heavier loads, they can get caught during travel or when squeezing through airplane aisles. If you prefer not to use a belt, it can be nice to have the option to take it off completely rather than attempting to stuff or slide it into a tight slot.

Next up in our ease of use metric is the Osprey Sojourn Porter backpack. It boasts a large main compartment with an open cavity design, and the sturdy sidewalls and material hold the shape of the bag open for easy access and packing. Compression straps and two small mesh zipper pockets help to round out the internal organization. A large external pocket is well-suited for storing travel essentials that you may want easy access to en route to your destination. The backpack and waist straps can all be tucked away for protection during travel with relative ease.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is another favorite for its livability and easy accessibility. The main compartment of the Tortuga folds completely open, providing unfettered access to the very large packing area and a mesh storage pocket on the inside flap. While the bag has plenty of room to store all your essentials and then some, we wish it had compression straps to hold gear secure inside. Externally, there is a large pocket that runs the length of the bag and has some small pouches and a padded tablet sleeve for organizing your frequently used items. The removable hip belt also has two pockets; however, we prefer not to use the removable belt during our testing as it tends to get in the way more than it helps.

Another bag that performs well in ease of use is the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag . With more pockets than most people can keep track of — 15 to be precise — this bag has a space for everything; the only way you can improve the organization of this bag is to buy a label maker and stick on the labels yourself. This bag has a dedicated place for each and every item you like to travel with, and the bright interior and numerous pockets of this bag look like a Marie Kondo dreamscape. However, if you are as forgetful as we are, the excessive number of pockets may be overwhelming. We often spend more time zipping and unzipping pockets to search for a single item than if we were to just rummage through one big pocket. Still, we can't deny that for the organized traveler, the Global Travel Bag is well-suited to life on the road.

Rounding out the group of high scorers in our ease of use category is the eBags Mother Lode . We are big fans of the pocket configuration on the eBag; they are good for shoving items in while on the go. We did notice that the zippers tend to catch because they are on the smaller side for such a large bag, but we think the overall design lends itself to decent livability. It unzips to lay completely flat like a suitcase. The internal mesh pockets, compression straps, and internal divider all help keep our items safe and organized while moving from point A to point B. At the end of the day, what more can you ask?

Comfort and Fit

A seasoned globetrotter knows that active travel days can be the most exhausting of the trip. A travel-specific backpack that carries comfortably when weighed down with all your belongings is a guaranteed way to improve happiness and lessen frustration.

Maybe you're on a shoestring budget, and your travel day requires schlepping your belongings from hostel to boat dock to bus station to airport, or maybe you rented a charming Parisian flat on the seventh floor of the building, only to find that the elevator is either broken or doesn't exist. In either case, you'll be grateful to have a pack that doesn't add unnecessary strain to your back and shoulders during long travel days. We thoroughly test the comfort of each bag under a heavier-than-average load and evaluate the padding and effectiveness of the backpack straps. In addition to loading up each bag with our belongings, we measure the weight of the bag alone and compare it to its capacity to get a weight-to-volume ratio. While not as important as in some other backpack categories, it can help you make the right choice for your travels.

Key features of a comfortable travel backpack include ample yet breathable padding, thoughtful weight distribution, and adjustability. When it comes to these metrics, no backpack in our lineup matches the performance of the Osprey Farpoint . This backpack boasts a harness system that rivals top-tier hiking backpacks. A LiteWire frame suspension helps bring weight from your back to the hip belt, and a mesh foam AirScape back panel provides breathability while keeping the weight close to your back. The waist, shoulder, chest, and load lifter straps are all incredibly comfortable. The entire torso length of the harness system is adjustable as well. If all that isn't enough, a convenient flap zips up to protect the entire harness and suspension system during travel. The Farpoint earned fully deserved perfect marks in our comfort evaluations.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter is another incredibly comfortable bag that can handle a heavy packing list and long wear times. Its firm and supportive waist belt, cushy shoulder straps, and load lifter straps help to distribute weight across your body. The entire harness system can also be stowed for transit should you need to check your bag for any reason.

A close third in this metric, the Tortuga checks off all of the comfort must-haves. The firm foam padding on the back panel, waist belt, and shoulder straps is about a quarter to a half-inch thick, and the weight distribution is well thought out. The harness system consists of shoulder straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a fully removable waist belt. When buckled, the waist belt is quite comfortable and effective; however, the quick attachment clips allow it to swing, dangle, and get tangled easily when not in use, so we prefer to either buckle the straps around the waist or remove them altogether to avoid the hassle. The pack sits closely to your back, and every part of the harness system is highly adjustable, down to the placement of the shoulder straps.

The Thule Subterra 34L is another standout in this metric. This compact bag features comfortable shoulder straps that are ergonomically shaped and fit well around the shoulders and chest. The real proponent of the Thule's comfort is the tapered shape of this bag. Whereas most travel backpacks in our lineup feature a boxy shape, the Thule tapers inward at the bottom of the bag, creating a slim feeling pack and a well-distributed load.

We found the Cotopaxi Allpa to be quite comfortable, though not as supportive or firm as others. The Allpa is essentially a large, soft rectangle on your back. It features complete suspension and decent padding. It is comfortable to wear, though it doesn't handle extremely heavy loads as gracefully as some of our other options.

The Peak Design backpack has ergonomic shoulder straps, a thickly padded adjustable hip belt that can be tucked away when not needed, and excellent overall structure. The Patagonia Black Hole is designed a bit differently than your standard travel backpack. Because of this, it lacks the support and structure of other top backpacks in our lineup, but its straps and padding are still quite comfortable to wear when loaded up with gear, and we don't have any major complaints.

Two final bags worth mentioning for their carry comfort are The North Face Voyager and Topo Designs . Both of these bags provide above-average features that make them more comfortable than most. The Voyager's back panel padding is on the firmer side and is quite supportive when stuffed with 3+ days of clothing and toiletries. The Topo bag's straps are very pleasant; however, the lack of structure in the back panel means it can rub your body just a little too much when fully packed.

Versatility

The ideal travel backpack can facilitate seamless transitions from one leg of your trip to the next, encouraging a fun travel experience and helping transportation go smoothly. It should function well on any of the various trips that fit into your lifestyle, whether it is filled with bathing suits for the beach vacation of a lifetime or formal clothes for a business trip. We looked at the versatility of each bag by examining its usefulness and practicality for different types of travel and uses — can it double as a daypack or hiking pack — as well as available color options, size options, and style. Be sure to read between the lines of the numerical ratings and award winners to find your perfect pack.

For the most part, our backpack lineup features bags that are designed to excel as your primary travel bag and still fit within the size restraints of a carry on. They are feature-rich in areas that support livability, access on the go, and comfort. What helps some of the top contenders stand out over others are the style and color options for the bag, as well as its useability as an everyday carryall when you're not off galavanting around the globe.

One of the travel backpacks with the most potential for versatility is the Thule Subterra . Unlike other bags that are larger and have a full suitcase-style zipper opening, the Subterra features a compact design with a top-load design, and it's relatively compact. The Subterra has a packing cube included that is designed to be slid in and out of the pack. This increases versatility because you can remove the packing cube, leaving you with a compact bag that could be used as a day pack for touring the city or trails. Its sleek and stylish design also makes it appropriate for any kind of travel.

The Osprey Farpoint is another versatile bag that has the potential to do double duty, especially if you are bound and determined to bring only one bag. The fully equipped harness, suspension, and compression systems make it an ideal pack if you want to leverage the Farpoint for heavier loads, such as hiking trips, if needed. Visually, it has a more rugged design, but we think that style can appeal to a variety of individuals, whether you are a dirtbag climber or just dipping your toes into gorpcore fashion.

Several other bags in our testing have proven to be reasonably versatile, and at the very least, they are all significantly more versatile luggage options than what you would get with a traditional suitcase or duffle bag. The North Face Voyager is small enough that it can be used for a daily commute into the office, packing it with a laptop and binders. The Osprey Sojourn 's muted color palette and day-pack compatible design help boost the appeal for both business and pleasure trips. The impressive 21 color options of the Coowoz combined with its compact design mean you can transition from the airport to the office with ease without looking like you're dragging a suitcase around behind you. The Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On and Asenlin 40L Travel backpacks, with their small size and plethora of color options, respectively, are quite versatile bag choices for travelers looking to maximize the use they can get out of their bag.

Finding the right travel backpack can be almost as tricky as finding your ideal travel companion. Everyone has a different reason to travel, and there is a huge variety of travel backpacks available today. The common theme is their ability to help you move fast and light on your travels while carrying all the gear you need comfortably on your back. Some of these carry on packs highlight storage and organization, some function like a deluxe duffel, and some specialize in carrying heavy gear comfortably. We hope that with the help of this review, you are able to match the best travel backpack to your specific uses and preferences.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best duffels, backpacks and weekenders

At NBC Select, we spend hours researching and testing products so you can be more selective with your purchases. For our first-ever NBC Select Travel Awards, we spent months thoroughly testing numerous products covering a variety of travel categories.

We flew across the globe to Japan and Paris with suitcases , took train rides around New York City with weekenders and duffels in tow and packed bags full of packing cubes , toiletry bags and noise-canceling headphones to road trip across the East Coast. After all that testing, our editors sat down to choose products deserving of NBC Select’s stamp of approval.

Below are our award-winning duffels, weekenders and backpacks , plus information about how we evaluated each product.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best bags | Best duffel bags | Best backpacks | Best weekender bags

select We tested over 50 travel accessories for our first ever Travel Awards — these are our favorites

How we picked the best travel bags .

The backpack, the weekender and the duffel are all bags that need to serve multiple functions while on a trip. We fill them with whatever we can’t fit in our suitcases, throw our essentials inside them for overnight getaways and use them to carry our laptops and water bottles on planes, trains, and automobiles. They are versatile and multipurpose, making it useful to keep at least one at home when traveling. Here’s how we evaluated travel bags to find NBC Select’s 2024 Travel Award winners.

• Zippers, handles and straps : To ensure zippers glide smoothly and don’t get stuck at any point, we opened and closed each bag numerous times when it was empty and full. We also considered how strong the bags’ handles and straps were, including how they felt when we held or wore them on our bodies.
• Structure and organization : We assessed how each bag’s structure impacted our ability to pack it easily — for example, whether it stayed open while we added clothing or flopped over and whether it was too stiff to overstuff or just flexible enough. We counted how many outfits (and, if applicable, how many pairs of shoes) fit inside the bags, plus what type of organizational features they offer, including built-in dividers, pockets, and pouches.
• Comfortability : After filling our bags to the brim, we ensured they felt comfortable carrying for long and short periods. We carried them as the brand intended: on our backs or over our shoulders.
• Durability : We noted the material each bag is made from and how well it withstands being tossed around during travel. We also considered water resistance.

The best duffel bags

Best overall: calpak luka duffel.

Calpak Luka Duffel

With its spacious main compartment, exterior and interior pockets, exterior shoe compartment and trolley sleeve, this bag makes for the perfect travel and daily duffel. “I love that I can use this bag for trips as well as in my everyday life as a gym bag. I didn’t find that with the other duffels I tested, so I appreciated this,” says Zoe Malin , NBC Select associate updates editor. “The size of this bag and how lightweight it is makes it a perfect workout bag for me. I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work.”

The soft and puffy polyester bag is also durable, easy to clean and water-resistant. “I had to walk to the train in the rain with this bag and everything inside was totally dry,” says Malin. “I just wiped water off the bag in the bathroom of the train station with paper towels.”

Best large capacity: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel comes in four sizes — 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L — so you can choose the capacity that’s best for your travels. The duffel is made from 100% recycled fabrics, plus it has a durable and weather-resistant exterior.

On the inside, this spacious bag has interior pockets that are similar to a carry-on suitcase. It also closes and opens easily since the zippers glide easily, says Mili Godio , NBC Select updates editor. “The only thing I wish is that it had more pockets, especially for smaller items like my wallet and keys, but the ones it does have are super spacious.”

The best backpacks

Best overall: calpak laptop backpack.

Calpak Laptop Backpack

This Calpak backpack is great for frequent travelers looking for a large, durable bag to hold essentials of all sizes, as well as a laptop. The backpack has exterior and interior pockets, a water bottle holder and a trolley sleeve so you can slide it onto your luggage. “Calpak’s backpack has completely changed how I travel,” says Bianca Alvarez , an NBC Select associate reporter who’s a super commuter . She travels from Virginia to New York City every week for work. “I tossed my old backpacks after using this one because it makes my travel days easier,” she says.

Alvarez says storage and space are a guarantee with this bag due to its plethora of organizational features. She especially loves its interior pockets. They’re located near the top of the bag rather than the bottom, which prevents her from having to rummage through everything packed inside to find what she’s looking for.  Alvarez says the bag’s main compartment can easily fit clothes, shoes and cosmetics bags, and there’s a separate compartment for her laptop and notebooks.

Best for commuting: Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover’s Dakota Backpack is ideal for commuters, like NBC Select staff who brought it back and forth to the office. “I’ve been using this backpack for two months as my work bag and it’s been a major upgrade from my last situation,” says Rebecca Rodriguez , NBC Select editorial projects manager. The backpack has padded straps, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and it has compartments and pockets to store whatever you’re traveling with.

Whether you’re commuting in the rain or accidentally spilled your morning coffee , no worries — this backpack will keep your items protected. “The backpack got dirty a couple of times while I used it, but the neoprene material was super easy to clean with soap and warm water,” says Rodriguez.

Best outdoors: Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

While the Orvis Trekkage backpack is specifically designed for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, it has features that allow you to use it in everyday life, including a laptop pocket and a hidden security pocket for valuables. The bag is made from heavy-duty recycled, water-repellent fabric, and its main pocket is lockable making it easier to protect your items while outdoors camping or just traveling. There are also expandable side pockets and a built-in hydration reservoir.

“This bag is big without looking like it belongs on the 'Amazing Race,'” says Rosalie Sparaco, NBC senior social media editor. “It has a ton of space, although it could potentially use more internal pockets since it was easy to lose stuff.” She also says the backpack is comfortable to carry thanks to its padded back panel and curved ergonomic shoulder straps. If you need extra support, you can use the bag’s adjustable sternum strap and adjustable, removable waist strap. The backpack also fits under the seat of a plane.

The best weekenders

Best overall: dagne dover landon carryall.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

The magic behind Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall lies in its structure, says Malin: “It has shape, so it stays open while I’m packing and never flops over, yet it’s flexible and soft, so I can overstuff it without any issues.”  The bag is also expandable. “You can unsnap the sides of the bag to make it bigger, which is such a great option,” says Malin. “I expand it for longer trips, but leave it snapped for overnight trips when I don’t need a ton of space.”

The organizational features this bag offers vary by size. It’s available in extra small, small, medium, large and extra large options — the bigger the bag, the more extensive its organization features are. Because of this, we recommend the medium, large and extra large options for traveling (the extra small and small Carryalls function more as everyday handbags, based on our testers’ experiences). They’re designed with a laptop carrier, an exterior phone pocket, interior side pockets, a key leash and an attached zip-top pouch. The larger bags also come with a shoe bag and a detachable adjustable crossbody strap.

Best for a long weekend: July Carry All Weekender Plus

July Carry All Weekender Plus

If you need a weekender bag that fits enough clothes and toiletries to last you a few days, this one from July is exactly what you’re looking for. “I’m very impressed by how incredibly spacious this bag is,” says Ari Night, NBC Select editorial assistant. “Not only does it fit multiple outfits, but it also has segmented pockets that keep everything organized inside.” The bag’s clamshell opening allows it to lie flat making it  easier for packing, and there’s a padded pocket in the center to put delicate items like a laptop or tablet . This weekender also has a hidden internal pocket with a magnetic opening for valuables like jewelry, an exterior zip pocket and a luggage sleeve. It also  comes with a detachable adjustable shoulder strap.

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. We looked at spaciousness, durability, comfort, zippers and much more. You can read more about our process here .

What our badge means

When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

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The Carry-On Bag That Saved My Trip and My Spine

There’s no baggage when it comes to my relationship with this trip-saving bag

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Dan Bova is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Updated June 21, 2024, 8:47 PM EDT

Featured in this article

PATAGONIA Black Hole Duffel, 40L

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, 55L

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, 70L

I’ve never really cared about luggage. I grab my bags out of the attic a day (OK, an hour) before the car service shows up and then throw them back up there when I get home from a trip without so much as a thank you for their service.

This cycle of luggage neglect ended when I received the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag in the 40-liter size for Christmas. On a recent family vacation, the duffel bag saved my trip and my spine. We arrived very late to LAX for our return flight to JFK. I assured the check-in agent that I understood there was no earthly way we’d make our flight and that it was “all good” for us to kill a few hours and take the next available one.

The check-in agent clacked on the loudest keyboard in human history and his eyes bugged out as he exclaimed, “You must get to your gate!” Apparently there wasn’t an available later flight. He tossed our big bags on the belt and left us with a pile of carry-ons. I tried to protest, clinging to the dream of a leisurely lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, but he wasn’t having it. “Run!” he commanded.

$159 at Patagonia

$159 at REI

Now this wouldn’t have been the biggest problem as my family is typically fit and rarin’ to go. But on this day everyone except me was plagued with health issues. My younger teenage son had a painful bone spur in his shoulder and my wife and older son both had vertigo-inducing inner ear infections. They might be able to run (or at least wobble) to the gate, but lug a bunch of luggage at the same time? That was a big nope. So the math worked out thusly: I had twice as many bags as I had hands.

As I desperately tried to transform myself into a human luggage cart, I realized that my Patagonia bag was more than just a duffel bag—it transforms into a backpack! What I thought was an extra set of handles were actually shoulder straps. And not like the ones on those drawstring backpacks designed with the explicit purpose of giving you armpit rope burns—these straps are adjustable and padded. So with the Patagonia secured on my back, another bag slung around my neck and my two now-free hands pulling the roller bags, we were off!

Long story not that short, I was a sweaty mess, but we made the flight, in large part thanks to the Black Hole Duffel. Not only did it free up my hands, but it sat obediently and comfortably on my back the whole time. It didn’t sway side to side like a Medieval torture device meant to induce sciatica in heretics—it was perfect.

Now that I’m paying more attention to my previously neglected bag, I’ve discovered more brilliant features. It lives up to its Black Hole name: This thing swallows everything I cram inside it. I packed a week’s worth of summer vacation clothes in the main compartment and had room to spare. And although it is a soft bag, the walls have some rigidity, so it was easy to find whatever I needed over the course of the week. (Unlike most unstructured duffel bags that necessitate dumping the entire thing to find that last pair of clean socks.) It also has a clever zippered side pocket that you can access from inside and outside the bag, and a mesh pocket under the lid—just enough compartments to keep things organized.

When it comes to looks, this bag screams adventure. Sure you might be going to Disneyland, but when you’re packing this cool outdoorsy bag you feel like Alex Honnold preparing to free climb El Capitan. Its smooth, shiny exterior fabric is made from weather-resistant recycled polyester. And while the 40-liter size meets most airline carry-on size requirements, it also comes in 55- , 70- and 100-liter sizes, all of which also have backpack straps.

$169 at Patagonia

$169 at REI

$199 at Patagonia

$199 at REI

So that’s my meet-cute with the sweetest carry-on on Earth. I never did figure out what was so screwed up in the flight schedules at LAX that made the check-in guy command us to “run!” Whatever it was, I’m glad my Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag was up to the challenge.

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