best backpack brands for travel

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on May 21, 2024, adding the JanSport Journey Pack as our new best budget travel pack, as well as the feature-rich and burly Able Carry Max Backpack .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: JanSport Journey Pack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 L to 35 L.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

JanSport Journey Pack

• Capacity 28 liters
• Weight 1 lb., 13.6 oz.
• Dimensions 19.5" x 12.5" x 7"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material 100% 600D recycled polyester + 1680D ballistic boot
• Electronic storage 15" laptop sleeve

• Compact and clean profile
• Plush foam back panel and shoulder straps
• Compression straps on bottom of pack tote around a jacket
• Smooth-running zippers
• Good internal organization
• Laptop sleeve won't fit some large modern laptops
• Water bottle pockets sized for slimmer vessels

At $95, the JanSport Journey Pack does a lot for a little. As a campus commuter, airline personal item, or do-it-all backpack, this pack leverages its lack of specificity to make it amenable to being used on just about any day. Part of a trio of new travel packs from the legendary campus bookbag brand, the Journey surprised us with a more high-end build than expected, and for the money, it made an excellent travel companion.

While the Journey isn’t trimmed out in some of the more boutique fabrics, it is still solidly built and uses the good stuff where it counts, such as the 1680D ballistic boot material that’s reinforced with recycled car windshield liners (news to us). The 600D polyester used elsewhere has a rugged nailhead finish, and shoulders wear well.

The thick EVA foam used in the shoulder straps and back panel is cushy and applied liberally. On the inside, the laptop sleeve is lined with plush tricot material, along with an organizer pocket for stashing your readers or sunnies.

The organization of the pack is similarly uncompromising and is broken down into a spacious main compartment, front stash pocket, small bits and bobs organizer pocket, and a 15″ laptop sleeve — which easily toted our tester’s MacBook Pro safely.

When packed as a carry-on, we were able to stuff in an assortment of layers we might need along the way (rain jacket, warm puffy, hat), along with our headphones, book, travel pillow , and lunch for the flight, and still had space for an empty water bottle or two.

As a 28-liter pack, there’s no alternate sizing available and no hip belt to go along — though, in our opinion, loads this light doesn’t need one. Compression straps are limited, though you do get a set at the bottom of the pack that doubles as a dock for your beach towel, picnic blanket, or rolled-up jacket.

Like the TimBuk2 Never Check , the side water bottle pockets on this pack are really only ideal for thin bottles or flasks, and while we could shoehorn a Nalgene in there, it didn’t look happy.

Compromises aside, for less than $100, the JanSport Journey Pack doesn’t take the easy way out and phone it in with fewer materials or a more simple organizational layout. We had a pocket or sleeve for anything we needed to stash (besides a dedicated passport pocket), and the Journey made for an easy personal item on the handful of flights we took it on — easily stashing beneath the seat. If you’d rather ball out on your big-ticket luggage and just need a travel backpack that’ll plain work, this is the bag for you.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and complements the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack.

This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously.

“It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½-inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions. 

And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Dimensions 20.4" x 12.6" x 7.9"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material X-Pac and 1000D nylon face fabric, ripstop 420D nylon interior

• High-quality fit and finish with top-shelf materials
• Dedicated work compartment is well organized and padded
• Shoulder straps and back panel are cushy Zotefoam
• Fits 17" laptops
• No hipbelt can be nice for storing, but needed for heavy carries
• On the higher end for travel pack pricing

Sporting many of the same features and functionality as the leading travel packs in our review, the Able Carry Max Backpack ($278) leaves little on the cutting room floor, decked out with ultra-durable Cordura nylon and X-Pac materials to pull together a travel pack that you could kick, throw, or loft across the airport to no ill effect. This is one tough pack.

At 30 liters, the only thing not ‘Maxed’ out on the Max is the capacity, which lands at less than the maximum legal carry-on size for most domestic airlines, but will be ideal instead for those who are operating with a little more room in their checked baggage, freeing up the Max for the important stuff. We also find slightly smaller packs such as this fly much easier on worldwide flights, where carry-on sizes can be a bit more diminutive.

That space is wisely dispersed, organized, and split between the laptop and main compartments. The laptop sleeve won’t hold any remote worker back, as it will host up to the 17″ mondo laptops of the modern age. It is flanked by an accessories pocket lined with four stretchy pockets for swaddling your chargers, cords, memory cards, and wireless mouse.

The main compartment leaves the organization up to you and is accessed through a broad clamshell opening that gives you full access to the entire space. A couple of packing cubes won’t go to waste in this space, and while Able Carry doesn’t supply the straps themselves, a couple of daisy chain webbing loops run the length of either side of the interior, meaning you can wrangle unruly items if need be. The back panel tucks away a few more zippered pockets, and a water bottle pocket also collapses away when not needed.

On the exterior, the Max is crisscrossed by seatbelt webbing on almost every facet, which will appeal to those who are looking for a modular pack for attaching and switching kit around as it’s needed. The VX21 X-Pac material is a rough and tumble weave that might not have the slick finish of the canvas on the Peak Design Travel Backpack but is easily as weather and abrasion-proof. We also highly appreciated the 1000D Cordura nylon on the boot of the pack, which made shuffling it around a worry-free exercise.

There are a lot of high-quality travel backpacks in the 30-liter space, and while most all will get the job done, it’s the construction of the Able Carry Max Backpack that keeps drawing us back to it. The stitching on this pack is exact and plentiful and works to hold a number of high-quality materials together in a thoughtful design.

Fully loaded, we did sometimes wish for a removable hip belt to help shoulder the weight a bit, but only the most jammed-full load-outs elicited this desire. For anyone after a dialed-in travel pack, the Max lives up to the name.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the bag. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”), the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California, we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula, it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions.

In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones.

Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30L range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the JanSport Journey Pack will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 L, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snugly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150.

These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the JanSport Journey Pack ($95) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which, at 24 liters compressed, easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

May be out of stock

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

From short weekend getaways to far-off international adventures, our top travel packs make it easy and comfortable to organize and carry the essentials.

Switchback Travel ( Brian McCurdy )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel, enough capacity to stash your belongings, pack weight, and preferences on storage and organizational layouts. Below we break down the best travel backpacks of 2024, ranging from minimalist options for a couple nights away to larger bags with removable daypacks for extended trips. For more background information, see our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note: We updated our travel backpacks guide on March 29, 2024, to add The North Face Base Camp, which is a fully featured option at a competitive price, along with swapping the Patagonia Black Hole MLC from the 45-liter capacity to the 30-liter version due to its more manageable shape and size.  

Our Team's Top Travel Backpack Picks

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
• A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics): Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L
• Best for Staying Organized: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
• Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70

Best Overall Travel Backpack

1. cotopaxi allpa 35l ($200).

When compiling our list of the best travel packs, we prioritized functional organization, easy on-the-go access, durable materials, and carry-on compatibility. Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Travel Pack checks all those boxes emphatically, earning it our top spot for 2024. Along with the vibrant styling and multi-colored patterning that the brand is known for, the Allpa is exceptionally durable with a mix of 1,000-denier, TPU-coated polyester and panels of 840-denier ballistic nylon. In use, we found the Allpa to be remarkably tough and highly water-resistant, and the pack also comes with a stowable rain cover for truly inclement weather. We also love the dual access to the main compartment, including a full wraparound zipper and secondary side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move. And the electronics sleeve is big enough to handle both a laptop and tablet at the same time, which isn’t often the case. Overall, the Allpa is well made, stylish, and very nicely appointed for travel.

What’s not to like with the Cotopaxi Allpa? While the 35-liter variation here is nicely sized for long weekend trips or shorter getaways abroad, it’s smaller than competitors like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Sojourn Porter 46, and many other carry-on-friendly designs below (Cotopaxi does sell a larger 42L version for $220 that still meets most airline requirements). Further, while overall carrying comfort is good, there are no load-lifter straps to bring the pack closer to your body. Additionally, the interior pockets are a little awkwardly sized, and the lack of external compression straps makes it hard to secure bulkier loads. A final omission is water bottle storage, although it’s not a critical feature for most and does little to dampen our enthusiasm for an otherwise well-rounded and great-looking bag. And for those looking to check their luggage, the Allpa roller bags are equally tough and user-friendly. See the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics)

2. peak design travel backpack ($300).

Peak Design’s Travel Backpack may look relatively unassuming on the outside, but don’t be fooled: This bag is packed with thoughtful travel-ready features. First is the expandable design, which allows you to alternate between 35 and 45 liters by simply zipping or unzipping the frontmost zipper. Access is another highlight, including entry points at the top, side, front, and rear for easily retrieving items pretty much anywhere in the pack. Storage is also excellent with padded laptop and tablet sleeves, a divisible main compartment, large and stretchy dual side pockets (not common on travel packs), and multiple interior pockets. And it’s all wrapped up in a thick nylon canvas shell that’s durable, streamlined, and very modern.

What complaints do we have about the Peak Design Travel Backpack? Price is the most glaring downside: At $300, it’s one of the most expensive designs on our list. And while the bag is undeniably sleek, it’s pretty utilitarian-looking and less everyday-friendly than more vibrant options like the Cotopaxi Allpa above and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag below. It’s also on the heavy end at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which isn’t unreasonable but does add considerable heft compared to many competitors. Finally, the Travel Backpack is technically not carry-on compliant when expanded, measuring 22 x 13 x 11 inches (the standard U.S. domestic carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 in.). But it works at the compressed 35-liter size (or smaller 30L option) , and photographers in particular will love the shape, which nicely accommodates multiple camera cubes, lenses, and other accessories. If you fall into that group, another staff favorite is Wandrd's Prvke , which features a more modular design with specialized add-ons for camera gear. See the Peak Design Travel Backpack

Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips

3. osprey sojourn porter 46 l ($195).

Osprey is a leader in the backpacking pack market, and much of that technology and expertise has trickled down nicely into their travel pack collection. The Sojourn Porter 46 L is case in point, combining the impressive carrying comfort that the brand is known for with a practical, carry-on-friendly build and feature set for travel. Starting at the outside, you get a rigid foam backpanel with well-cushioned shoulder and hipbelt straps that feel reminiscent of Osprey’s backpacking designs, a handy compression system to effectively cinch things down, lockable zippers for the main compartment, and a beefy side handle for hauling the pack duffel-style. The inside is a similar story with ample pockets of varying sizes, compressions traps to keep clothes tidy, and padded sidewalls to help protect valuables during travel.

Despite offering 11 more liters of capacity than our top-ranked Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for $5 less), the Sojourn Porter 46 L is still carry-on compliant, making it the largest option here that still meets most domestic and international airline restrictions. It’s also impressively sturdy and durable and includes reinforced cord loops to attach to Osprey's Daylite or Farpoint/Fairview daypacks (sold separately). We do wish Osprey offered the design in a women’s version for those with smaller torso and waist measurements, but the unisex sizing is standard in the travel market (their Farpoint/Fairview below is one of the few models to come in a separate women’s version). In the end, if it fits you well, the Sojourn Porter offers a hard-to-beat mix of capacity, features, and comfort for the price, making it our favorite option for longer, gear-intensive adventures. See the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L

Best Travel Pack for Staying Organized

4. topo designs global travel bag 30l ($199).

Topo Designs flies a little under the radar compared to well-known brands like Cotopaxi and Osprey, but don’t let that deter you—this company makes exceptionally built and good-looking packs for everything from commuting and travel to more technical pursuits like biking and climbing. Their Global Travel Bag 30L here is a shining example and stands out in one major way: internal organization. Put simply, there’s no shortage of options for divvying up your belongings, from the vertical daisy chain webbing on the front to the expandable side water bottle pockets, ample zippered storage inside and out, a laptop sleeve along the backpanel, and several interior mesh pockets. Like the Cotopaxi Allpa above, the Global Travel Bag is also well equipped for rough use, including a mix of 1,000- and 1,680-denier ballistic nylon that gives the pack a noticeably burly, confidence-inspiring feel—at a very manageable 2 pounds 10 ounces to boot.

That said, the extensive feature set does add some complexity when it comes to organization. We like the big clamshell opening to the main compartment, but we had to reorganize to make everything fit into the various compartments (they're optimized for Topo Designs' Pack Bags , which are smaller than our standard packing cubes). The tall and slim shape is also best suited for clothing rather than bulky gear, which may be limiting for outdoor adventures that involve camping or backpacking. We also wished there were a little more padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt while walking through airports with the pack stuffed full, but it distributed the load pretty well (and the hipbelt can be tucked away when not in use). In the end, no pack is perfect, but the Global Travel Bag 30L is a well-built, durable, and stylish option for overnights, short weekend getaways, and even minimalist adventures abroad. It’s also sold in a larger 40-liter variation for longer trips, although we found the smaller pack to be much more manageable. See the Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L

Best Budget Travel Backpack

5. amazon basics carry-on travel backpack ($46).

Travel packs are an expensive bunch, but Amazon makes an affordable but still surprisingly capable option in their Carry-On Travel Backpack. We’ll start with the good news: As its name implies, the bag is carry-on compliant, and it comes with most of the standard features we look for in a practical travel pack. These include a zippered laptop sleeve, internal and external compression straps, easy-access pockets for travel documents, and good organization in the main compartment. Like the Peak Design Travel Backpack above, the Amazon Basics can also be expanded to boost packing space while still meeting carry-on restrictions. And at just around $50 at the time of publishing (colorways vary on Amazon), the 40-liter Carry-On Travel Backpack is a great value for what you get, undercutting most similarly sized models on this list by $100 or more.

Now for the bad news: This Amazon Basics pack is far less capable than many of the picks here for shuttling a full load. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, while the hipbelt is a thin and basic webbing design that won’t feel comfortable under the weight of a full pack. The rest of the design has a cheaper feel, too, including a shiny and dated-looking exterior, a lot of plastic (read: breakable) components, and standard, non-lockable zippers. You don’t get dedicated water bottle storage either, which isn’t a necessary feature but certainly is nice to have. But if you’re an occasional traveler and aren’t yet ready to make a more sizable investment, the Amazon Basics pack is a perfectly serviceable entry-level option at a great price. For another capable budget design that comes with packing cubes and lots of colorway options, we also like Asenlin’s 40L Travel Backpack . See the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips

6. osprey farpoint 70 ($230).

The packs above are great for vacationers and travelers headed out for a week or two, but those embarking on longer and/or gear-heavy trips abroad will almost certainly need more storage and capacity. Enter Osprey’s Farpoint 70, which comes with a 15-liter daypack that can be attached to the front to maximize capacity or used separately for around-town adventures once you reach your destination (Note: The travel pack itself is 55L). Importantly, both come well appointed: The daypack boasts a dedicated tablet/hydration sleeve and water bottle pockets, while the main pack has great cushioning along the straps and backpanel (it’s an Osprey, after all), a well-ventilated backpanel, easy access via the large front panel, and an adjustable torso system for dialing in a good fit. It's all wrapped up in a thoughtful and sustainable package, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, along with a dedicated women's version called the Fairview.

All that said, there’s one glaring downside to opting for a larger-capacity design like the Osprey Farpoint 70: It doesn’t meet most carry-on size requirements. For reference, the standard domestic carry-on limit within the U.S. is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the Farpoint measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6. Another complaint is that the daypack obscures the pack’s main compartment when attached, making it tedious to access your belongings. Even so, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile and comfortable system for less (the daypack is a $65 investment on its own), making the Farpoint 70 our favorite high-capacity pick of the year. It’s also available in a larger 80-liter version, as well as smaller 40- and 55-liter capacities, although only the Farpoint 55 and 70 include the detachable daypack.  See the Osprey Farpoint 70   See the Women's Osprey Fairview 70

Best of the Rest

7. eagle creek tour 40l ($159).

Eagle Creek first started making packs in the mid 1970s, and their Tour 40L travel pack reflects that longstanding history in the market. From the get-go, we were immediately impressed by its highly practical design. The bag has great exterior storage, including a stretchy side water bottle pocket and expansion zipper for 5 liters of additional capacity in the main compartment. Additionally, the book-style opening provides quick access to the contents of the bag, and interior and exterior compression straps make it easy to snug things down. We also appreciate that it comes in two torso sizes (S/M and M/L) for maximizing fit, which is uncommon in the travel pack market and a really nice plus at this price point. And the cherry on top: The Tour checks in at a very competitive 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is tied with Topo Designs’ 10-liter-smaller Global Travel Bag above as the lightest on our list.

Other notable features on the Eagle Creek Tour 40L include side and top grab handles for easy loading and carrying, an integrated rain cover that stows away at the bottom and doubles as a backpanel cover if you check the bag, puncture-resistant and lockable zippers that are easy to operate even with gloves, and good overall carrying comfort. It’s not the toughest design out there—the water bottle pocket started to fray on our pack after just one trip—but uses durable 600-denier polyester elsewhere and is reasonably hardwearing overall. Final nitpicks include no pass-through sleeve for securing to a suitcase and a fairly bland exterior, but those do little to detract from the Tour’s otherwise well-rounded build.  See the Eagle Creek Tour 40L

8. Gregory Border Carry-On 40 ($190)

Like Osprey, Gregory is a leader in the hiking and backpacking markets, and their Border Carry-On 40 retains many of their well-loved technical features in a travel-friendly design. The big news here is the pack’s split-case design, which creates two distinct areas within the main compartment accessed via one large, clamshell-style opening. On one side, a zippered mesh panel with added zippered storage and compression straps keeps your clothing and some accessories organized, while an odor-resistant “ActiveShield” compartment at the opposite side effectively separates dirty clothes. As expected from Gregory, carrying comfort is also great with good adjustability at the sternum, a well-cushioned backpanel, and thick straps. You don’t get load lifters for bringing the pack closer to your body, but we didn’t have any issues, even when running through the Montreal airport to a connecting flight en route to Patagonia.

That said, the Gregory Border Carry-On’s split-case design does have a noteworthy pitfall: With both compartments zipped, storage feels pretty limited. Unzipping the larger mesh panel does help maximize space (especially when stuffing the pack to the brim), but it also defeats the purpose of the dual compartments. Compared to the competition, the Border also uses thinner materials than Osprey’s Sojourn Porter and Farpoint offerings, although the rest of the feature set stacks up similarly. In the end, it’s another comfortable and well-built travel pack, and the split-case design has its merits for those who pack light. See the Gregory Border Carry-On 40

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L ($350)

Travel packs are a dime a dozen in 2024, but Tortuga’s Travel Backpack 40L—which replaced their Outbreaker 35L—stands out as one of the most well-appointed and thoughtfully built options on the market. Organization is a clear highlight, including a large front pocket with several sleeves for divvying up small valuables and documents, a convenient clamshell-style opening with zippered compartments for separating clothes and shoes, and padded laptop and tablet sleeves with zippered mesh pockets at the other side for storing cords and accessories. Rounding out the feature set are easy-to-access water bottle pockets that can fit most standard-mouth bottles (our wide-mouth Hydro Flask was too big), zippered hipbelt storage that can accommodate a smartphone and passport, and lockable, water-resistant zippers. Finally, the design is well padded with thick cushioning along the backpanel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, which is fairly uncommon among travel-specific brands. 

It's worth noting that the Tortuga Travel Backpack has a slightly more streamlined storage layout than its predecessor, although you do get an additional 5 liters of capacity and a bump in usable space. However, the Tortuga is no featherweight at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which is a notable downside for long treks through the airport and around town. It’s also tied with Matador’s GlobeRider below as the priciest on our list at a steep $350. On the bright side, Tortuga does offer a lifetime warranty against defects, and they will repair/replace the pack or refund your money if a replacement isn't available. All told, it’s a nice dose of added assurance and helps justify the steep price, but the hefty build and lack of value push the Tortuga slightly down in our rankings. For another well-executed design with all the requisite travel features, check out Aer’s Travel Pack 3 , which is cheaper at $249 but 5 liters smaller and doesn’t include a hipbelt with purchase. See the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

10. Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack ($250)

Yeti's coolers and insulated drinkware are their bread and butter, but the focus on premium craftsmanship doesn’t end there. On the travel side, their Crossroads 35L Backpack is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the brand: excellent durability and functionality in a modern package. The body of the pack is made with Yeti's tough and confidence-inspiring TuffSkin nylon (which was inspired by motorcycle gear), while the PU-coated base adds a nice dose of assurance when setting it down. All of the other components have an equally durable and supportive feel, from the foam-heavy shoulder straps to the thick, protective backpanel. It’s all wrapped up in a sleek and streamlined design that’s offered in a nice selection of colorways, from bright Harvest Red to subdued Alpine Brown (shown in the photo here).

Yeti clearly put a lot of thought into the outside of the Crossroads, but the interior is well executed, too. The clamshell opening folds back to reveal a pocket-equipped mesh panel and generous main compartment that still can be accessed when wearing the pack. You also get dedicated storage for a water bottle and laptop, as well as a pass-through sleeve for securing to a roller bag. Our biggest gripe is the lack of padding: The detachable hipbelt is made of thin webbing and doesn’t offer much support, and the shoulder straps and backpanel have a noticeably thick and rigid feel, which is great for durability but detracts from overall comfort. And as with most Yeti products, the pack isn’t particularly cheap or light at $250 and nearly 4 pounds. Finally, the 35-liter Crossroads is on the smaller side and will require precise packing to fit more than about three to five days’ worth of belongings. But again, build quality is top-notch, and minimalists used to packing light may not mind the small sacrifices in comfort and storage. See the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

11. Matador GlobeRider45 ($350)

Matador may lack the name recognition of brands like Osprey and Cotopaxi, but don’t let that fool you: This Boulder-based upstart is quickly growing thanks to their outside-the-box thinking. From their travel collection, the new GlobeRider45 stands out as a very intentionally built design that spares no expense in terms of features. In addition to being on the larger end, the carry-on-compliant GlobeRider offers solid comfort and support with good padding along the straps and backpanel, a light but sturdy aluminum frame stay, and a well-executed suspension system that’s reminiscent of a backpacking pack. Organization also abounds with a large external stash pocket, thoughtfully designed electronics pockets, vertical daisy chain webbing, and a practical interior layout that includes a packing cube-like space on one side and open clothing storage on the other. All told, it's an intriguing new pack that does a great job merging the utility of both backpacking and travel designs.

It's worth noting that we previously had Matador’s cheaper and lighter Seg45 ranked here, which boasts a unique segmented design that allows you to customize organization by day or activity. When unzipped, the five compartments at the front of the pack reveal independent (and stowable) storage cube-like areas for clothes and other soft items, while the main compartment below provides added space for dirty clothes, shoes, and other bulkier gear. While innovative, however, the Seg45 falls well short of the GlobeRider in carrying comfort, which is largely a result of the thin webbing hipbelt and lack of frame. The pocket-heavy exterior also made it hard for us to remember where we put certain items and detracts from the amount of usable space inside the main compartment. Both packs are arguably overbuilt for infrequent travelers, but the GlobeRider stands out as the more balanced option for those willing to splurge. See the Matador GlobeRider45

12. The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack ($169)

The North Face’s expedition-ready Base Camp duffels have long been popular among serious adventurers, and the Base Camp Travel Pack is a logical and carry-on-friendly addition to the collection. We found a lot to like about the pack during testing, including its burly and abrasion-resistant exterior and myriad storage options. We particularly enjoyed the Base Camp’s front pocket layout, which makes it easy to divvy up travel documents and electronics with a variety of mesh, zippered, and fleece-lined pockets. The smaller details are equally well sorted, from the well-padded shoulder straps and backpanel to the fleece-lined laptop sleeve and generous daisy chain system for attaching gear externally. Finally, despite being a little smaller than many of our top picks, the 35-liter Base Camp includes water bottle pockets that easily swallowed our 24-ounce Hydro Flask.

However, despite checking all the boxes for most travelers, the Base Camp starts to look a little less competitive when stacked up against options like the Eagle Creek Tour above. For $10 less, the Tour boasts an additional 5 liters of capacity and includes helpful additions like a hipbelt, load-lifter straps, and a rain cover—all for around a pound less. Another alternative worth considering is REI’s Ruckpack 40 , which costs the same as the Base Camp and is more capable of crossing over for hiking: The laptop sleeve can fit a 3-liter reservoir, there are attachment points for trekking poles, and the suspension system is more in line with standard daypacks. Depending on your needs, the Ruckpack might be the better option, but the Base Camp offers better organization for travel in a more modern-looking package than the Eagle Creek. A final note: Those with broader builds may experience discomfort where the shoulder straps meet the backpanel, but our narrow-framed female tester had no comfort-related issues. See the TNF Base Camp Travel Pack

13. Thule Aion Travel Pack ($200)

Swedish brand Thule is best known for their bike and roof racks, but they make sneaky-good packs, too. Our favorite in their collection this year is the 40-liter Aion, which combines the premium build quality that Thule is known for with a nice assortment of travel-ready features. One unique—but very functional—addition is the removable TPU rolltop bag for stashing dirty laundry, which prevents odors and dirt from making their way to the rest of your belongings. The rest of the design is nicely appointed, including dedicated water bottle storage, an easy-to-access clamshell opening, plenty of zippered spaces for electronics and valuables (including a padded laptop/tablet sleeve), internal compressions straps to keep items secure and tidy, lockable zippers, and carry-on-compliant dimensions. 

What pushes the Thule Aion down to a mid-pack finish? At this price point and capacity, we’re surprised to see that the bag doesn’t come with a hipbelt. You can purchase Thule’s compatible Aion sling bag separately, which can pull double-duty for around-town use, but it’s a fairly expensive addition at $50 (and a feature we consider critical for a pack of this size). To be fair, the rest of the build is very well executed, including a noticeably thick and robust 600-denier waxed canvas shell and PFC-free DWR coating for fending off moisture. If you don’t mind the added investment for the waist belt/sling bag, it’s a promising design with competitive specs to match. Of note, if you’re looking for something a little different for travel, the Aion collection also includes a roller bag and a 35-liter duffel . See the Thule Aion Travel Pack

14. Pacsafe EXP45 ($290)

Travel can be an exhausting endeavor, especially if you’re constantly worried about your luggage or valuables getting stolen. That’s why anti-theft designs like Pacsafe’s EXP45 are becoming increasingly common, particularly for international trips. Like most of Pacsafe’s offerings, the EXP45 is packed with protective features, from cut-resistant materials to lockable and puncture-resistant double zippers and built-in stainless steel cable locks. Importantly, these are nicely integrated and don’t detract too heavily from the Pacsafe's functionality as a travel pack—it’s still well organized with ample interior and exterior pockets and compression straps, offers multiple carry options, and is carry-on compliant.

That said, the Pacsafe EXP45 is a pretty niche design that prioritizes safety over carrying comfort and access. The pack is on the heavier end at over 4 pounds due to all the protective features, the padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt is firm (albeit decently thick), and there are no load-lifter straps to pull the pack closer to your body. Another downside is that the laptop sleeve is positioned at the front of the bag—we prefer when heavier items are situated close to the back for better weight distribution—and accessing items here can be difficult due to the half-length zipper design (we wish it had a clamshell opening like the main compartment). In other words, comfort- and convenience-focused travelers will likely want to look elsewhere, but the Pacsafe has its place for those who prioritize safety and security. For a cheaper and lighter option that doesn’t skimp on safety features, we also like Pacsafe’s Go 44L , although frequent travelers will likely prefer the more premium EXP45. See the Pacsafe EXP45

15. Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L ($199)

Patagonia’s Black Hole is legendary in the world of duffel bags, and the Mini MLC 30L travel pack variation shares that bag’s excellent durability and good looks in a more organized and carry-on-friendly design. Like the duffels, the Black Hole pack is made of strong (and recycled) polyester ripstop that’s highly tear-resistant with a TPU film on the exterior for fending off precipitation. It also boasts the signature daisy chain webbing along one side for securing extra gear. Importantly, however, the travel focus is clear: You get three carrying options (backpack, over-the-shoulder, or briefcase-style), compatibility with a roller bag, and a generously sized opening with two separate chambers for customizing organization.

Why do we rank the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L here? The most glaring downside is its 30-liter capacity, which is undersized for trips lasting longer than a few days (unless you’re a staunch minimalist). Patagonia does offer a larger 45-liter variation for $40 more, although we found it to be lacking in structure, which caused the pack to feel noticeably bulky and cumbersome when stuffed full. Thankfully, both options feature the same well-executed backpanel design that we love, which comprises sleeves at one side for a laptop and tablet with zippered and drop-in pockets at the other for divvying up cords and accessories. Again, the Mini version is underbuilt for extended trips abroad but remains an excellent pick for commutes, daily use, and as a secondary bag for travel. See the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

16. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L ($290)

Many of the picks above are built by reputable backpacking manufacturers, but Nomatic is a travel company first. Their Travel Bag 40L embodies that focus, combining thoughtful organization and storage with easy access in a sleek and minimalist package. Feature highlights include a customizable strap design that allows you to easily alternate between backpack and duffel carry, dedicated compartments for shoes and clothing at the top and bottom of the bag, and even a mesh laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate during travel. We also love the exterior pocket at the right side, which opens wide for easy access and features an array of mesh, fleece-lined, and zippered spots to organize electronics and cords, along with an RFID pocket for passports and other scannable documents. All told, it’s clear that Nomatic put a ton of thought into the design. 

It’s worth noting that Nomatic offers another intriguing option in their Navigator , although we consider the Travel Bag the more competitive all-around design. In parsing out the differences, the Travel Bag costs $110 less and is lighter by nearly 2 pounds, although it forgoes the Navigator’s expandable main compartment that allows you to alternate between 32 and 41 liters depending on your storage needs. The Navigator also includes load lifter straps and a sculpted foam backpanel for a boost in carrying comfort, but the Travel Bag is no slouch. And from a features perspective, we appreciate the Travel Bag’s dirty shoe compartment and included laundry bag. Those with smaller frames may have trouble dialing in a secure fit—our female tester (5’6” and 135 lb.) maxed out the Travel Bag’s hipbelt, for example—but the intentional organization layout and travel-ready feature set are undeniable selling points. See the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

17. Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 ($249)

Along with Osprey’s Sojourn Porter 46 above, Mystery Ranch’s Mission Rover 45 is a great option for those of us who aren’t particularly adept at packing light. Touted as a “workhorse gear hauler,” the Mission Rover offers three functional carry options (as a suitcase, shoulder bag, or standard backpack), has a well-organized main compartment with zippered dividers and a wraparound clamshell opening, and even includes separate areas for shoes and dirty laundry. As expected at this price point, you also get most of the standard travel-ready features that we look for, including a stowable hipbelt, lockable zippers, a sleeve to secure to a rolling suitcase, and a padded laptop space that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches wide. Finally, like many of Mystery Ranch's backpacking offerings, the Mission Rover has a premium feel with a thick nylon exterior and water-resistant YKK zippers.

However, as with the Pacsafe EXP45 above, the Mission Rover’s laptop sleeve is situated at the front of the pack, which detracts from carrying comfort and convenience. The Mystery Ranch is also on the heavier and pricier end of the spectrum at 4 pounds 4.8 ounces and $249, although the 45-liter capacity is undeniably generous (and the pack is still compliant with most carry-on size restrictions). Finally, the bag is relatively dated-looking and lacking in modern appeal compared to offerings from Topo Designs, Peak Design, Cotopaxi, and others above. In other words, the Mission Rover doesn’t stand out in any one area (hence our ranking), but it’s another durable travel pack with a nicely executed feature set. See the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45

Travel Backpack Comparison Table

Editor's note: "Carry-on" refers to whether or not each pack meets standard domestic and international air travel restrictions, which must be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H.

About Our Testing Process

True to our name, globetrotting is a big part of what we do at Switchback Travel. Managing editor Sarah Nelson put together our initial list of 16 picks in 2022 after a trip to El Chaltén in southern Argentina with fellow staff members and gear testers. From takeoff to our return flights home, we put our packs through their paces by stuffing them to the brim with two weeks’ worth of clothing and gear, schlepping them through domestic and international airports, shoving them into overhead compartments and below our seats, and getting intimately familiar with organizational layouts for divvying up our documents and electronics. Upon our return, we also evaluated each pack closely for signs of wear like tears and stains.

Our current list of 17 picks reflects our own experiences as well as feedback from our freelancers, travel-savvy friends, and the online travel community. We continue to test travel packs on adventures near and far, adding and removing designs as the market shifts and as we get firsthand experience with more options. For example, on a recent trip to Chilean Patagonia in February 2024, we brought along two new-to-us travel packs: The North Face Base Camp and the Nomatic Travel Pack, both of which are now featured in the guide above. We’ll be sure to add any other standouts and favorites to the list above with each update.   

Travel Backpack Buying Advice

Size and capacity.

• Carry-on Size Restrictions

Organization: Pockets and Main Compartment Access

Carrying comfort, grab handles and alternate carry methods.

• Other Features

Construction and Durability

Fit and sizing, women’s-specific travel backpacks, sustainability, packing cubes and other accessories, do you need a travel backpack.

The first question to answer when choosing a travel pack is how much capacity you anticipate needing. For reference, the options above range from 30 liters on the small end (the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ) all the way up to 70 liters for the Osprey Farpoint 70 (with the 15L daypack attached). Most travelers will land on something in the middle, with the sweet spot for many being in the 40- to 45-liter range—it’s no coincidence that well over half of the models above fall into this grouping, which is largely due to their carry-on-compliant dimensions.   

In general, we’ve found that packs of this size can easily accommodate a week or two of clothing, toiletries, and other travel accessories (and even more if you pack light). For reference, we had no issues fitting 14 days’ worth of belongings into the 40-liter version of Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag on a recent trip to Patagonia. If you stick to weekend adventures, you can keep things lighter and more compact (and save some cash in the process) by opting for the smaller, 30-liter variation. On the flip side, those embarking on longer expeditions abroad might need to step up to a larger design like the Osprey Farpoint 70 or 80 (at the sacrifice of carry-on compatibility).  

Travel Backpack Dimensions

Dimensions are a crucial consideration for most travelers, and especially those headed abroad. With that in mind, we’ve listed the length, width, and height measurements for each travel pack above both in the write-ups and in our comparison table . As you may notice, similarly sized travel packs don’t vary too considerably in terms of dimensions. This is mainly due to carry-on size restrictions, which we break down more in depth below. Carry-on Size Restrictions Right off the bat, we’ll note that there is technically no standardized size requirement for carry-on luggage domestically or abroad. That said, the universally accepted dimensions within the U.S. are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H. We’ve indicated whether each travel pack above meets these requirements in our comparison table, and REI Co-op does the same on each of their product pages. The only exception above is the Osprey Farpoint 70 , which measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6 inches.  

It’s also important to call out expandable models here like the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which is carry-on compliant when compressed to 35 liters (22 x 13 x 9.5 in.) but not when expanded to its maximum 45-liter capacity (22 x 13 x 11 in.). You may be able to get away with carrying these bags onboard, but don’t count on it, especially if you’re traveling during peak season to a popular destination. When in doubt, you can always check with your airline ahead of time.  

All of the packs above are purpose-built for travel with extensive organizational layouts and thoughtfully placed pockets for separating valuables, electronics, and other accessories. That said, some layouts are more functional than others, and a final decision will largely come down to your intended use and what works best for the items that you plan to bring along. For instance, sleek options like the Peak Design Travel Backpack and Nomatic Travel Bag are great for digital nomads and remote workers who need to organize a lot of electronics, while backpacking-inspired designs like Osprey’s Farpoint and Sojourn Porter offerings have fewer tech-focused features but work great for adventure travel. We break down some of the key organizational components below, from laptop and tablet sleeves to water bottle storage and pack opening styles.  

Laptop and Tablet Sleeves Laptop storage is a requisite feature in a travel pack, and all of the picks above come with a dedicated spot to stash larger electronics. In terms of dimensions, most sleeves can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, and many come with separate smaller compartments in the same space for a tablet, too. This area is typically well padded to protect electronics and positioned along the backpanel for the best access and weight distribution (keeping heavier items closest to your back will help maximize comfort and balance). A couple exceptions to this rule are the Pacsafe EXP45 and Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 , both of which have the laptop sleeve at the front of the pack and can feel a little less well balanced with heavier electronics situated farther away from your body.  

Water Bottle Pockets Unlike laptop sleeves, side water bottle pockets aren’t a standard feature on travel packs. Some models that include them are the Topo Designs Global Travel Pack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Farpoint 70 (on its removable daypack), Eagle Creek Tour , and Thule Aion, while the Cotopaxi Allpa and Amazon Basics Carry-On leave them out. And it’s worth noting that the Farpoint’s removable daypack is also compatible with a hydration reservoir, including a sleeve and access ports at either side for a tube (Note: This area on the daypack doubles as the laptop sleeve).   

Opening Styles and Access Easy access is a hallmark of a good travel backpack. The clamshell-style opening is far and away the most popular design and for good reason: With the pack laid flat, you can easily see and access the entirety of the main compartment. Some backpack-inspired designs, like Osprey's Sojourn Porter 46 and Farpoint 70, utilize generous U-zip designs instead, which are pretty functional but make it a little harder to reach contents at the very bottom of the bags. Finally, it's important to note that some bags come with multiple access points: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, for instance, includes both a full wraparound zipper and “shortcut” side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move.  

Comfort can be somewhat subjective, but a few features help certain travel packs stand out from the rest of the market. Typically, the most comfortable designs boast shoulder straps and hipbelts with thick padding and good adjustability for dialing in fit. Sternum and load-lifter straps can also be very helpful in effectively distributing a heavy load. One brand that stands out in this area is Osprey, which makes sense given their expertise in the backpacking pack market. One of our favorite options for shuttling heavy loads over long distances is Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 , which features thick cushioning and good adjustability at the shoulders and waist belt and comes with load lifters for bringing the weight closer to your back.  

On the flip side, models without hipbelts are generally the least comfortable, especially when wearing them for extended stretches. From the list above, only the Thule Aoin doesn’t come with one, although their Aion Sling Bag (sold separately for $50) can be attached to serve as a hipbelt. Thin webbing designs—like what you get with the Amazon Basics Carry-On and Yeti Crossroads —aren’t much better, providing very little support and structure for keeping the weight of the pack on your hips (rather than your back). If you plan to be walking long distances with your pack through airports or city streets, we consider a well-padded waist belt a critical feature and worth the added investment.   

The models above are designed to be worn on your back as backpacks, but many travelers appreciate the ability to carry their pack suitcase-style or over the shoulder. These options are especially helpful when standing in line to check in at the airport or retrieve travel documents. For instance, the Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts 360-degree grab handles that make it quick and easy to take the pack off and carry it one-handed through security checkpoints or narrow airplane aisles. Designs like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L also come with detachable straps for shoulder carry, which can be helpful when you need to access items inside but want to keep the pack off the ground and remain hands-free. Finally, many of the offerings here can be secured to a roller bag via pass-through sleeves, which we cover more below.  

Other Travel Pack Features

In addition to pockets and electronics sleeves, there are a few other features specific to travel packs that are worth having on your radar. Lockable zippers are fairly standard at the mid to upper end of the market (budget designs like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack forgo them), as are removable and/or stowable straps and compression straps or dividers to keep things tidy in the main compartment. As is common with backpacking models, some travel packs also come with built-in rain covers that stow away when not in use, including Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L and Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L. Finally, many will appreciate the ability to attach their travel pack directly to a rolling suitcase via a pass-through handle or sleeve (like what you get with Yeti Crossroads 35L and many others above).  

Given the inherently rough nature of travel, all of the packs above are well built and hardwearing enough to withstand frequent use. That said, some are certainly more durable than others, and looking at denier (a measurement of fabric thickness) can help differentiate between models. For instance, the Gregory Border Carry-On 40 is pretty average with a mix of 210- and 450-denier (D) materials, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is one of the thickest and most abrasion-resistant options on our list with a combination of 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon (Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag uses a similar combo but with 1,000D nylon and 1,680D ballistic nylon). Pacsafe’s EXP45 is another standout, with stainless steel wire mesh built into the 400D nylon body to guard against theft. At the thinner end, Matador’s GlobeRider45 uses a mix of mostly 100 and 420D fabrics, although the nylon body is coated with a PU laminate to boost weather and abrasion resistance, and Matador included reinforcements in high-wear areas.  

Other durability-related additions to keep an eye out for are thick padding along the interior to promote structure and protect your belongings, weather-resistant details like YKK zippers and DWR coatings on the outside to fend off precipitation, and thicker materials at the base to help protect the pack when you set it down. And we should note here that cost often correlates pretty closely with overall quality. In other words, a budget pack like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack feels noticeably cheaper than most other options above and will likely wear down far more quickly. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s almost certainly worth investing in a pricier and more premium option that will last.  

The weight spread isn’t huge among travel pack designs, but even a 1-pound difference may still be noticeable during long treks across town or the airport. For reference, the lightest options on our list are Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L and Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag 30L (both 2 lb. 10 oz.), while the Osprey Farpoint 70 is the heaviest at 5 pounds 6.6 ounces. Most models fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority of 40- to 45-liter designs hovering somewhere between 3 and 4.5 pounds. In the end, weight won’t be a primary consideration for many travelers, but those backpacking through Europe or expecting to cover serious ground will probably want to shop toward the lighter end.  

Unlike their backpacking pack counterparts, travel packs are most often only offered in a single unisex option. This can make it difficult to dial in fit, especially for those with particularly narrow or broad builds. One exception above is the Eagle Creek Tour 40L , which is offered in both S/M and M/L torso sizes, while a couple others (which we cover below) are sold in dedicated women’s models for better customizing fit. Regardless of which option you choose, we always recommend trying on multiple packs before buying to see which fits you best (or at least purchasing from a reputable manufacturer with a generous return policy). You’ll want to be sure that you can adjust the shoulder straps and waist belt to be snug around your torso and waist. Sternum straps and load lifters can also be helpful for bringing the load closer to your back to maximize comfort and weight distribution.

As we mentioned above, most travel packs are unisex by design. In fact, only one model on our list is offered in a dedicated women’s-specific version: the Osprey Fairview (the Farpoint’s counterpart). Key differences include varying colorways, minor weight variations, and slightly smaller torso and waist measurements. The Fairview also has more contoured shoulder straps and a curved hipbelt to better conform to narrower torsos/shoulders and larger hips, although the packs share an otherwise identical overall construction and feature set. Regardless of designation, we always recommend choosing the pack that fits you best.  

In 2024, it’s pretty common to see pack manufacturers incorporating eco-friendly practices into production, including measures like recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics and PFAS/PFC-free DWR coatings. A couple examples include Pacsafe’s Venturesafe EXP45, which uses polyester that's made from recycled water bottles and other plastics, and Patagonia’s Black Hole Mini MLC 30L, which uses recycled and bluesign-approved (i.e., environmentally safe) polyester and is certified to the Fair Trade standard. A final feature to look out for is a PFC-free DWR coating, which forgoes the use of per- or polyfluorinated chemicals—"forever chemicals" known to be harmful to the environment. With many states stepping up to ban the sale of items that include PFCs, the outdoor industry is seeking better solutions for water- and stain-resistant finishes (for more, you can read about Patagonia’s take on the issue ).  

Packing your travel pack can often feel like playing a hard game of Tetris, especially for those of us who aren’t great at traveling light (this author included). To help, many of the brands above offer compatible accessories for their packs, from packing cubes to protective hard cases for electronics and more. Importantly, these add-ons are often modular and fit neatly into the main compartment of a compatible backpack. Some of our favorites include Topo Designs’ Pack Bags , Peak Design’s Packing Cubes and Tech Pouches, and Eagle Creek’s Pack-It compression cubes. In the end, these accessories aren't a necessary purchase for many travelers (and you certainly don't need to buy them from the same manufacturer as your pack), but they can go a long way toward maximizing organization and space and streamlining your load.  

The packs above make it easy and comfortable to shuttle your belongings across the globe, but not everyone needs a specialized design for travel. Duffel bags are another popular way to fly with a lot of clothing and gear, and many modern designs come with deployable backpack straps for more easily hauling through airports and around urban areas. However, duffels lack the impressive assortment of dedicated storage compartments and pockets for items like keys, passports, and electronics, are generally less comfortable to carry over long distances, and often don’t meet carry-on size requirements.  

Alternatively, some travelers may opt to use a standard backpacking pack . This can make a lot of sense when you’re traveling to hike, backpack, or embark on other adventures and plan to use your pack both for travel and for outdoor use when you arrive. Again, however, the lack of travel-specific features and organization options can make it harder to effectively divvy up your belongings. In the end, if you plan to fly domestically or abroad with any regularity (more than a couple times a year), we think most will find the investment in a dedicated travel pack worth it. Back to Our Top Travel Backpack Picks   Back to Our Travel Pack Comparison Table

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16 BEST Travel Backpacks – Ultimate Buyers Guide [2024]

• Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Searching for the best travel backpacks for your next adventure can be challenging. But we’ve got our top recommendations laid out for you in this post so you can buy with confidence!

Living out of a backpack has never been more fun. Hell, we’ve been doing it for 15 years full-time and still love it more and more every day!

And boy have things changed since we first hit the road. Back then all we needed was a simple bag to throw some clothes in.

Now though us modern travellers have more pockets than ever to carry all our cameras, tech and everything else we can think of, which brings more ways to enjoy our time spent on the road.

But shoving your entire life inside a thin nylon canvas isn’t without its challenges.

There are so many great backpacks out there, perfect for everything from a day spent climbing mountains to a day spent walking around a new city snapping Instagrammable photographs on your selection of top cameras for travel (check out our guide to see what we personally recommend).

So where do you even begin? How do you cut through the millions of styles, brands and features to find the backpack that is perfect for you?

Never fear, fellow traveler. That’s why we’re here!

This buying guide helps navigate a crowded field and highlights the best of the best when it comes to backpacks.

The best travel backpacks make your worst days that much easier. Whether you’re late for a flight, dog-tired with a few miles left to hike or starving on the train home, tiny differences in load-bearing technologies, pocket access points, and extra space for snacks make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.

You won’t always notice it when things are going well. But there is nothing more frustrating than a bad day made worse by faulty equipment. 

Don’t let shoddy craftsmanship hamper your next adventure. Follow along and find the travel backpack best for your next grand day out.

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Ok our ‘Editor’s Choice’ has now officially changed after months of testing! Enter the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45l – Our new all-time favourite travel bag!

This backpack is packed full of thoughtful features and air travel optimisation, and is perfect if you carry a bit of camera gear and a laptop too.

With a huge main compartment, separate tech areas and 45 litres of space, this is the perfect travel companion .

Table of Contents

OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION – Osprey Talon 22

Patagonia black hole tote , fjällräven ulvö, pacsafe venture safe , arc’teryx granville 16, peak design everyday camera backpack, gregory paragon 58, matador travel pack, rei trailbreak 60 , kelty red wing, osprey aether plus 70, editor’s choice: peak design travel backpack, nomatic travel bag  , osprey farpoint 40, tortuga outbreaker, loading (front or top), padded straps, weather resistance, the best travel backpack – our expert guide.

With so many different lifestyles out there, it can be hard to nail down one perfect carry. That’s where we step in.

We’ve split up the industry leaders into their specific niches and let the best bags of all sizes rise to the occasion.

We’ve carried our lives on our backs over thousands of miles and dozens of countries and judged these packs on everything from security to scalability. 

The best travel backpacks in the business all provide a lightweight, affordable price, a few storage options and comfortable features at every corner.

Beyond that, the bags on our list excelled within their specific niches to earn their spot on our list. 

Best Day Backpacks

First we’ll kick things off with day backpacks. These are smaller than your full-size travel packs, but are essential if you’re planning on doing any exploring around the city.

Even if you travel with a suitcase, we recommend you get one of these day packs so that you can keep your personal belongings with you on the plane, then have something to carry water, cameras, a jacket, etc when out walking.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the options out there.

If the Swiss Army Knife was a backpack, it’d be the Talon 22 .

From the extra pocket in the shoulder straps to the hydration pack reservoir, every inch of this travel backpack serves a higher power.

For us, the hip belt and sternum straps set this bag apart. These straps aren’t just a few buckles. They’re legitimate, load-bearing protections that help the bag accompany you through extreme situations while skiing, biking and kayaking.

This pack lives to be on a bicycle, and no matter the sport you’ll have a tough time finding a more able companion.

It’s built to reach the summit, but you don’t have to be deep in the woods to reap the benefits of this pack. The Airscape breathability ensures that no matter where you’re going, you won’t show up too sweaty.

The Talon 22 takes the comfort and packability of larger backpacking bags and shrinks them down to a size perfect for the day.

• Hip belt and sternum straps
• Comfortable on the back of a bike
• Fits snugly underneath an aeroplane seat
• Slightly small for a laptop
• Expensive per litre

Patagonia pumped out a bag as light as air made from 100% recycled nylon. This flexible behemoth can bend, twist, and be carried in one hand or over your shoulders.

You can stuff it down inside your larger luggage and arrive ready to hit the town.

Once unfurled, this hefty tote can support a surprising 27 litres whichever way you feel like it.

On days you’re ready to tote, tuck away the shoulder straps and start swinging.

A bag trying to carry this much in an ultralight shell can be a risky proposition, but with the Patagonia brand behind the construction, you know you’re getting an environmentally conscious and incredibly durable product.

And of course, they took care of the details. We’d love to see a hip belt on this bag, but it’s ultralight first so don’t expect much of a suspension system.

A true difference maker is the zippered exterior pocket that comfortably holds everything you need to get through security. That pocket elevates this bag from a sack into a minimalist day pack suitable as a carry on bag.

• A stuffable bag that expands up to 27 litres
• Three different carrying options
• Comes with water bottle pockets and laptop storage
• No frame support
• The main compartment is a bit of a black hole

The Ulvö stands out thanks to its Bergshell material. Its 400D rating is one of the highest in the industry.

And the shell provides enough weather protection to get your electronics through a surprise shower intact.

You don’t need to take our word for it, just look around! The familiar fox is a famous look amongst high-budget travellers, becoming so popular it can be hard to believe the travel backpack provides real value.

We’re here today to quell those fears! Fjällräven is much more than good marketing.

They take sustainability seriously by cutting their carbon footprint wherever they can and building travel backpacks meant to last. Two separate layers of recycled nylon yarn provide the highest tear resistance in the industry.

Don’t decide between style and function, get you a bag that does both.

• Surprisingly water resistant
• Scratch-proof recycled materials
• Stable enough to run with
• You’ll have to pay a little more for the name brand
• Not many exterior pockets

Meandering through crowded marketplaces is a great way to discover hidden gems, but not everyone showed up to haggle.

Wearing a typical travel backpack on foreign streets is going to draw some unwanted attention. That’s where the PacSafe Venturesafe checks in.

Some call it the Fort Knox of the travel backpack industry. Others simply call it home.

Wearing a front-loading safe on your back and take your security into your own hands.

These reinforcements certify the Pac safe as one of the best anti-theft business travel backpack options, but the bag has a surprising amount of outdoor-ready features.

You’ll find space for a hydration pack or reservoir and a breathable mesh back that keeps the temperature down. All the locking mechanisms make the bag a touch heavy for the summit. But it’s certainly no slouch.

You don’t have to be loaded down with valuables to benefit from extra security. Pacsafe stays low-key while protecting every corner so your backpack won’t stand out in a crowd, and won’t unzip without a key.

• Cut-proof meshing
• Double-covered with lockable zippers
• Frequently voted best travel backpack for women with security concerns
• Only one way to carry
• Not many Pac Safe options larger than 30 litres

It can be hard enough to find a few partners willing to march through the muck, let alone find a laptop travel backpack that can handle all weather.

There are many daypacks out there that talk about their water-resistant nylon, but there are few bags that can say they are a truly waterproof backpack for travel.

The Granville 16 makes as good of a case as anyone.

This bag is storm-ready, and some users even call it bulletproof. Its weather resistance and ripstop technology mean it might survive a hailstorm in better shape than you could.

There’s no point in taking risks with the gear you could use every day. Arx’Teryx is one of the first names in weatherproofing and durability, so you can expect these backpacks to get the job done for a decade.

It’s just barely big enough to stow a laptop and brings a sternum strap to share the load. And every inch of this backpack has taped critical seams and water-tight pockets, so you can keep your phone, wallet, and keys close by in a storm.

Don’t waste precious seconds searching for your keys to get dry, and don’t stress about a surprise shower ruining your laptop, thanks to the handy laptop sleeve. Use this tough travel pack and go about your business with peace of mind.

• Best water-resistant pack out there
• Large enough for a laptop
• Outer shell protects against cuts and scrapes
• Only one large main compartment
• No water bottle pocket

Our final day pack is the best travel backpack for anyone who wants to keep their toys close by at all times.

There is no other travel camera backpack on the market that wants to serve the needs of modern digital nomads quite like Peak Design .

Perhaps that’s because this bag, and all of Peak Design’s’ products, were crowdfunded.

Over 13,000 people donated, suggested, and participated in the design process, and the result is magnificent.

You can totally transform your travel bag with three moveable dividers. Take them all out for a 20L laundry bag, set them up to comfortably organize camera gear, or keep your smelly shoes away from your work clothes.

This comfortable pack holds some serious weight. You can find a few different size options depending on your gear haul.

But even on the smallest size, there’s more than enough space for a DSLR camera, 3-4 lenses and a laptop.

And, most importantly of all, all of this performance comes from completely recycled materials. 400D nylon fabric will keep your bag’s interior dry through small storms.

This updated 2nd generation model implemented even more sustainable fabrics and improved straps based on user reviews.

Peak Design promise that these subtle changes will make the pack last for decades, allowing you plenty of time to maximise the insane potential of such a customizable day bag.

• Plenty of storage options
• Roll-top allows you to modify the size
• Water-resistant coating
• Unwieldy sternum strap
• MagLatch is not easy to trust

Best Backpack for Long-Term Travel

If you’re the kind of traveller that prefers to carry all their gear on their back rather than in a suitcase, then you’ll need something a bit larger than the ones we listed above.

That’s where these backpacks come in!

Keep your gear safe and your back strong with these high quality backpacks for long-term travel.

Bring forty pounds of your favourite necessities with you on your next journey, no matter how far you are from the nearest baggage check.

The top-loading wide-mouth Paragon bag provides several key zippered access points that allow you to dig out your sweatshirt at the bottom of your bag without completely unpacking.

Six external pockets and several different looping connectors allow you to clip on solar panels, dirty boots or your sleeping pad to the outside of your pack.

And a reinforced waist belt makes sure you don’t feel all that extra weight directly on your lower back. No matter what weight you’re carrying, Gregory’s Free Float Suspension system and alloy fibreglass perimeter frame will take the load off.

Any backpack you plan on living out of has to hold all your gear and handle the weather. This pack, with its included rain cover, is a shining example of a great middle-class travel backpack.

It’s technically advanced, affordable, and comfortable enough to suit almost any trip.

• Reinforced carrying straps
• Affordable price
• Comes with a daypack
• Not very water-resistant without the rain fly
• The day pack is just a drawstring

Matador made this lightweight travel backpack for minimalists who want to live out of one bag and one bag only.

The bag features built-in packing cubes and segmented interior sections so you can turn your 40L backpack into a portable closet.

It’s one of the largest bags on our list that is still carry-on compliant, and the exterior laptop compartment will stow everything you need to get through the flight within easy reach.

Trying to live out of one travel backpack can get chaotic, fast. Matador has triumphantly offered up an easy to pack solution.  

Anyone looking to really shed weight can use the five individual segments and a laptop sleeve to make the most out of 40L travel. And the quick access pockets at the top and bottom of the pack are a perfect size to stow everything you need to get through security.

Minimalist adventurers who already have a packable backpack may find this is the best backpack for travel carry on size.

• Five storage compartments
• Powerful D rating and waterproofing
• Several carrying options
• Not great for long walks
• Storage compartments have been known to run together

The REI Co-op has produced top-quality products that reach every corner of life outside. So it’s no surprise to find one of the best travel backpacks on their shelves for a low price.

Our favourite affordable hiking backpack is the REI Trailbreak , which has a versatile fit that helps hikers grow alongside their bag.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first trip or 50th, you’ll find great value in the roomy main compartment and plethora of stash pockets.

The main attraction amongst the stash pockets is the oversized top lid, which can store all your personal items and then some.

Anything you buy from REI comes with one of the best return policies in the business, so these packs become an even safer choice for a burgeoning explorer.

The low price point and lack of commitment mean you can try out the bag for a few weekends and see if it’s right for your adventures.

• Most affordable backpacking pack on our list
• Adjusts to fit most bodies
• Best return policy in the business
• Not many special features

We call this no-frills budget backpack the vagabond special. For good reason, the Kelty Red Wing is the bag of choice for hitchhikers, train hoppers, and rubber tramps of all ages.

The obvious reason for this bag’s popularity is the low price. But take a look beyond the surface, and you’ll be surprised about everything these hiking backpacks are capable of.

Just at the edge of ultra-lightweight rating, comfortable form-fitting straps and loads of zippered pockets allow you to fully customize your experience.

The ergonomic storage space inside these packs can have you packing for multiple week adventures all within an internal back panel frame.

This variety of features and affordable price has earned the bag a reputation as a jack of all trades. It’s not the most advanced option on the market, and Kelty doesn’t add on loads of comfort features.

But this pack has proven to last for years of wandering and will be beloved by anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of inconvenience to save a few bucks.

• Cheapest bag on our list
• Straps built to last
• Seven different pockets
• The smallest size that is too large for carry-on
• Only one way to access the main compartment

The granddaddy of them all, and the backpack of choice for the owners of NOMADasaurus for the last few years, the Aether series is Osprey’s largest line of travel backpacks.

At its largest size, the Aether is 100 Liters, but hopefully, you’ll never be needed a travel bag that big. 70 litres is good enough for most people, especially when each litre was this well thought out.

A bag this large requires quite the suspension system.

It starts and ends with Osprey’s signature Airscape series that keeps some space between your body and the back panel and plenty of form-fitting options. Designers didn’t just think good thoughts about the Aether model, they sprung into action, creating a top pocket that works as a removable daypack.

This day pack isn’t just a glorified piece of plastic. It’s a bonafide carry on size travel backpack, day trip extraordinaire and hiking companion.

Each water bottle pocket can fit an average bottle of water and a small can of bear spray at the same time, so be careful what you grab when you stop for a drink.

With 70L’s of efficiency, versatility, and load-bearing support systems, these are the best travel backpacks for getting lost deep in the woods.

• Comes with a removable daypack
• Tons of torso adjustment options
• Can hold loads up to 60 lbs
• Too big for a carry-on
• Most expensive bag on our list

Best Carry-on Backpack for Travel

Take it from a couple who have been travelling the world for 13 years full-time – Carry-on luggage is the best.

Unless we’re going on a serious hiking expedition, or travelling to a winter destination where we need to pack specialist clothes, we always go with carry-on.

Saves time (and cost) at the airport, easier to navigate around towns and just much more manageable in every way, these are our personal recommendations for the best carry on backpacks for travel.

Our last backpack built to conquer air travel can stretch out over 15 litres to provide anywhere from 30-45 Litres of storage, so don’t stuff it full if you’re flying budget!

No matter where you’re travelling, lockable zippers and plenty of easy access points make the Peak Design travel backpack worth the investment.

A muted grey exterior cap off this carry on travel backpack that is best suited for use as your only travel bag on quick trips.

The front-loading compartment can be accessed without taking off your shoulder straps if you just need to get out some paperwork and lock it shut once you’re through digging around inside.

Peak design travel gear started off to create modern camera equipment, but they just couldn’t help themselves from taking a deep dive into the backpack industry. Now, they have top products for everyday, travel, and professional use.

As their best backpack for air travel, this bag plays a pivotal role in the company. It’s one of the largest backpacks Peak Design produces and the clever use of space has earned the travel backpack several awards over the years.

This backpack knows better than anyone how important versatility is in your travel gear.

Read our full Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

• Up to 15L of removable storage space
• Everything from Peak Design Travel is made to handle modern equipment
• Enough space for a weekend trip
• Too heavy for long walks
• At its largest size it could be rejected as carry-on

There are a lot of travel backpacks out there you can carry onto a plane, but, until recently, there were few that were up to the job.

Nomatic took one look at that gap in the travel industry and filled it beautifully with this versatile travel companion.

Nomatic combed the guidelines and regulations of TSA and built a backpack that gets around those rules to give you more on our travel days.

The bag stays functional long after going through security. Take advantage of the padded laptop sleeve and anti-theft tablet storage spaces with quick access points, and use the cord pass through’s to give them a spot of juice without unpacking.

Once you’ve made it to paradise, this travel bag really starts showing off. An included laundry bag and shoe compartment help keep everything fresh and organized even if you’re checking in to a new place every night.

And like any good bag should, Nomatic has your back if you get caught in the rain. The weather-resistant tarp will give you enough time to get to cover while keeping your electronics dry.

That’s not even half of the impressive features that make this the best backpack for business travel.

• Weather-resistant
• Secret access back panel
• Built to bend carry-on backpack rules to your will
• Won’t work on challenging terrain

We needed a modern solution for modern camera gear, and Wandrd finally found an easy to pack and carry answer.

To build a backpack ready for tomorrow, Wandrd put pockets anywhere they could find space . Even the back panel has a secret opening that brings a great cover to your passport or sensitive documents.

Stealthy and customizable, this carry-on travel backpack can bend and stretch with your needs and is capable of storing anywhere from 21 to 31 litres.

Your water bottle pocket is large enough to carry a tripod, and three main compartments sort your gear for travelling around the world. An optional camera cube fits snugly into the bottom of the pack and will have every piece of your set-up ready for action.

Because of its slim max capacity, PRVKE doesn’t provide much shoulder padding or waist straps. Instead, this bag hopes to be the best camera backpack for travel and to make your life so easy you’ll spend less time standing in line and more time relaxing at your destination.

• Built to handle camera equipment
• Your bag can be as small or large as you need it to be
• Your gear will survive a rainstorm
• The magnetic clasp is not the strongest
• Not the most comfortable shoulder strap

Osprey backpacks are always a safe choice. You don’t have to be heading out on an outdoor adventure to take advantage of this company’s commitment to sustainability, durability, and detail.

And you don’t have to buy a technical hiking pack to get the product guarantee.

Tackle the urban jungle with the same ease as Osprey brings to outdoor adventures with the Osprey Farpoint travel backpack.

Why choose a carry on backpack from an adventure sports company? Comfort.

Osprey’s compression straps and Airscape system are built to carry the load off your back while you put in serious miles, and they make their travel backpacks with those same protections. You won’t find many comfier backpacks this carry on friendly.

Ergonomic and compact, the Osprey Farpoint wants to be the perfect companion for one-bag travel. A large zippered compartment opens up like a suitcase and makes everything in your bag easy to access, and a front-facing laptop compartment never gets buried by sweaters.

If 40L travel isn’t quite enough, the Farpoint 40’s big brother, Farpoint 65, is the best backpack with wheels for travel, coming with carrying handles and increased portability at the cost of carry-on compliance.

• You can tuck away any unnecessary straps
• Blends hiking backpack comfort with carry-on travel bag convenience
• Opens up like a suitcase
• The main compartment can squish the front compartment
• Not comfortable on long hikes

It’s a favourite laptop backpack for travel that can pack a ton of stuff inside a nonchalant frame that fits every adventure .

A padded laptop compartment just wasn’t good enough for Tortuga, so they added on an extra layer of foam that absorbs contact and helps keep everything in place.

To help further, the travel backpack’s interior spits into six smaller compartments.

Four work together to hold your clothes, cords, toiletries and accessories, and two are specifically designed for electronics.

In every pocket and the laptop sleeve, you’ll find that same luxurious foam that will bring a splash to your carry on travel. Some of these pockets simply serve as a replacement for packing cubes or plastic bags, while others help the Tortuga Outbreaker become even more carry-on friendly.

The best carry on backpack makes sure everything is easy to access. So Tortuga found a perfect place for everything.

You can even find some free space for camera gear and keep a pack of gum in your waist belt pockets. Built by a digital nomad for digital nomads, this travel pack works with its luxurious laptop compartment to bring carry on travel into the 21st century.

• Built for laptop travel
• Choose between 35 and 45-litre models
• Main compartment splits into 6 separate storage spaces
• Not enough versatility to use as an everyday pack
• No padding on shoulder straps

Choosing the Best Travel Backpack

So how exactly did we come up with this list of the best travel backpacks for carry-on and long-term travel?

Well, besides over a decade of experience, we put them all to the test and broke down our ultimate criteria of designs, features and must-haves to ensure they all suit our needs.

Some of our bags may cater to the same crowds, but no two are serving up the same specs across the board.

Modern travellers have more options than ever, and that fact rings especially true when deciding how to store your camping essentials.

Ideally, you’ll have different storage options that fill different niches. But none of us has the closet space or budget for everything on the road.

The best bag for a business trip won’t be the same as the best travel pack, so we’ve got to build out a range of options that suits our agendas.

READ MORE: Before you hit the road, study our guide of the best travel tips so you don’t make any mistakes out there!

Your pack will be going everywhere you do, and their role is to make sure your belongings get there in good shape rain or shine.

Any bag made for a digital nomad or nomadic traveller should last a decade.

Most key durability features don’t jump off the page at first glance but keep the travel backpack squarely across your shoulders year after year.

Synthetic materials like nylon, canvas or polyesters are great indicators that your backpack is built to last.

Shoppers interested in a durable backpack first should look at a travel backpack for the great outdoors.

This category of backpacks utilises the lightest and strongest materials on the market to qualify for more rugged adventures.

Your bag will employ some combination of nylon, polyester and canvas. Canvas is the heaviest of the three, but also the most durable.

Nylon coated in polyurethane is a great synthetic material to aim for when shopping. Polyester’s main claim to fame is holding strong against the sun.

Front-loading backpacks are easier to access and pack. But a front-loading bag will also be harder to carry at a heavy load.

Top loading backpacks can sometimes end up as black holes with all your gear stuffed in one large compartment.

But with enough packing cubes and taking advantage of the laptop compartment, you can still find somewhat easy access.

Front loading is better on a smaller bag while top-loading is better for larger suspension system needs.

Top loaders are also the go-to for hiking and mountaineering adventures.

It’s always important to think about comfort when shopping for travel. Any bag worthy long walks will include a hip belt, sternum straps and superior comfort across all straps.

Padded straps provide lumbar support for heavy-duty suspension systems. Thick cushions on the hip belt and easy-to-adjust torso length systems will make sure the pack fits just right.

Well-thought-out external pockets, water bottle holders and easy-access top pockets to keep your bus pass or tickets handy is practically a requirement for many carry-on backpacks, everyday carry options, and hiking expeditions.

Bags ready to take on outdoor activities should have a few water bottle pockets at the bare minimum.

The best carry-on backpacks should take things a few steps further, with plenty of efficient external pockets. That allows you to keep your travel documents within quick reach.

The larger your bag gets, the more important each pocket becomes. If you’re shopping for one bag that can work as the best travel backpack for Europe, you should equip pockets that work in your favour.

One-bag backpackers know that the key to getting the most out of your bag is organising well, and the best way to do that is through tons of different pockets.

There is one true king of the zipper industry: YKK . The Japanese manufacturers didn’t invent the technology but the entire industry believes they have perfected it.

Any best travel backpack for men should include YKK zippers.

Not only will your backpack protect your gear, but also your lower back. You’ll feel every single sock at the end of a long day.

So a good pack that takes the pressure off your muscles and meets you halfway can prove to be a lifesaver.

Any two shoulder straps will get you to a quick rendevous. But a backpack best built for serious walking needs a snug fit.

This is largely achieved through compression straps that are highly adjustable, a hip belt and padding in all the right places.

The best men’s travel backpack and the best women’s travel backpack will have varying litres of capacity and subtle differences that finish off a snug fit.

You may not think a few minute differences in the wearability of a pack really matters. And it might not, until mile 20.

Packs that allow you to adjust your shoulder, hip, and torso lengths will help your backpack grow with you throughout the decades.

If you spend enough time wandering, you’re bound to hit some foul weather. A carry on backpack may not need to worry too much about rain delays. But any pack heading outside for long periods of time should probably include a rain cover.

A deployable rain cover will come with most backpacking backpacks in its own built-in pocket.

If your travel backpack comes without coverage, it’s easy enough to find an aftermarket poncho protector.

Some bags take weather resistance a step further by building taped seams over YKK zippers or utilizing synthetic water-resistant materials.

There are very few situations where weather resistance shouldn’t come into consideration when choosing your travel backpack.

Even the best rolling backpack for travel should have some waterproofing capability. If a bag is big enough to have wheels it’s big enough to check from time to time.

We’ve picked up too many soaked bags to risk travel without a weather resistant or waterproof backpack

Any great travel pack holds enough to get you through a day at the beach, on the slopes, in the woods or downtown.

A bag built for security will take things a step further by adding lockable zippers, knife-proof wire mesh and RFID blocking pockets that further protects your backpack.

Whether you’re hoping to head off into the woods, unknown countries, or unmatched heights, your perfect travel backpack is somewhere on this list.

Our editor’s choice for its versatility and eye-popping features, the Nomatic Travel Bag just might be that bag.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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How To Choose The

Best Travel Backpack

The minimalist's guide to selecting a carry-on backpack for one bag travel.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Our Picks
• 04. Function
• 05. Aesthetic
• 06. Conclusion

Fitting your life into one bag is no small task. We’re here to help.

We’ve teamed up with Peak Design to give away a selection of top travel gear! Check it out →

Best Travel Backpacks

Click to learn more about why we love these top picks.

• 9.2/10: Aer Travel Pack 3 (Best for one bag travel)
• 9.1/10: GORUCK GR2 (40L) (Best for rugged adventures)
• 8.9/10: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L (Best for travel photographers)
• 8.8/10: TOM BIHN Synik 30 (Best for built-in organization)
• 8.6/10: Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L (Best for suitcase-like organization)
• 8.5/10: TOM BIHN Techonaut 30 (Best for multiple carry modes)
• 8.3/10: ULA Equipment Dragonfly (Best for lightweight carry)
• 8.3/10: Able Carry Max Backpack (Best for daypack-like feel)
• 8.2/10: Osprey Farpoint 40 (Best for budget travelers)
• 8.2/10: Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag (Best for business travelers)
• 8.0/10: EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) (Best for carry comfort)
• 7.6/10: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L (Best built-in packing cubes)
• 7.5/10: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack (Best for showing a little personality)

See all reviews: Travel Backpacks

How to Select The Best Backpack for One Bag Travel

There’s something so freeing about traveling with only one bag. All of your important stuff is within arm’s reach, and it forces you to cut down on many of life’s seemingly necessary consumer goods that you can probably live without. With one bag, you easily glide from location to location, always having just enough but never too much.

Choosing the perfect travel backpack for one bag travel can be a challenging endeavor. There are so many brands and models to choose from with varying degrees of durability, price, and try-on-ability (we made this word up for trying something out before buying it online). Add varying views and opinions into the mix from folks with different values, needs, and body types—and you’ve got a veritable clusterf*ck of options to wade through. Whether you’re a new traveler gearing up for your first trip, a digital nomad going through a “sell-all-my-stuff-and-put-it-in-a-backpack” phase, or somewhere in between, it’s essential to have the best travel backpack that works for you.

Here’s the bottom line: There is no “best” backpack that is perfect for every traveler in every scenario. However, we believe everyone can find a pack that’s perfect for their unique needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors we think are most important when choosing the ideal one-bag travel backpack for you.

This guide is written and informed by Pack Hacker staff, many of whom are frequent travelers and digital nomads. That means we’re using and testing these products every day to better understand what’s available out there and how each bag may appeal to different types of travelers.

If you’d rather skip all this info and get straight to the backpacks we’ve reviewed, you can take a look at our highest-rated travel backpack list in the next section, or all of our Travel Backpack Reviews . We’re constantly updating this list as we review and rate new bags frequently.

Is It Better To Travel With a Backpack or Suitcase?

We’ve found that backpacks give you much greater mobility. You can breeze through airports. You’ll never stand around a baggage carousel after a long haul again. And as long as your pack is carry-on size compliant, you’ll never lose your luggage, ever. Depending on your travel style and what you’re hauling, it comes down to your personal preference—both roller luggage and backpacks can be good options. In this guide, we’ll focus on travel backpacks for a couple of reasons:

They Feel Freeing

You’ve got both of your hands-free, and you’re not constantly dragging something behind you. No matter what terrain you’re walking on, you’ll never have the annoyance of loud or unsteady wheels behind you from standard travel luggage. Sure, roller bags work like a charm on smooth airport and hotel floors, but how about the winding cobblestone roads of Paris or a sandy beach in Ko Pha Ngan? You can traverse almost any terrain when you’re wearing a backpack.

Best Travel Backpack | Traveling with the Osprey Farpoint 40 in India.

Travel Backpacks are Versatile & Usually Lightweight

If you pack light enough, you can comfortably have all of your belongings with you at once . Did you arrive earlier than your hotel or Airbnb check in? No problem, just take your pack around with you for the day—no need to stop by and drop your luggage off. Versatility at its finest.

We can’t necessarily guarantee the pack will be lightweight if you fill it up with a bunch of heavy stuff (like camera gear), so we made a Travel Camera Guide too 🙂.

They Provide Flexibility

You’ll take up less room on the airplane or in public transit. You’ll generally feel more agile vs needing to drag around rolly luggage, with the added benefit of not looking like an out-of-place tourist. It caters to a more adventurous lifestyle by always being ready to go. And, you can easily catch that train that’s about to depart without awkwardly side-running with a roller bag or two.

Utilizing a Backpack in Travel Contexts

In this guide, we’re going for travel versatility. We want you to look good carrying these bags around in an urban environment and have the flexibility to head out on a hike for a couple of days of camping without having your backpack ruined by the elements. If you’ve got a piece of roller luggage, it’s going to be hard to do that spontaneous half-day trek on the trail to the neighboring city you’ve been wanting to check out. Likewise, if you’re going to post up at a coffee shop for a day of office work, you’re going to look out of place with a bulky, multi-colored hiking bag. The packs mentioned in this article will blend into most city environments and are durable enough to withstand the abuse of longer excursions.

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Some of our top-rated bags for your travel backpack consideration.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 takes some of our favorite travel backpack features and puts them into one bag: helpful load lifters, easy-to-engage compression straps, and easy access to different compartments. It has Aer’s sleek signature style and is made with quality materials like CORDURA® ballistic nylon and YKK zippers, which add a ton of durability and make this a reliable bag that can withstand extended travel. In fact, this is one of our highest-rated bags and a Pack Hacker Pick because of how it’s held up on trips across the U.S., Thailand, South Korea, and more.

The organization is streamlined for easy packing, and it even includes a hidden pocket where you can tuck a smart tracker—a great feature for keeping track of your bag if it’s stolen or gets lost in transit. The harness system is super comfortable even when the bag is fully loaded and includes wide, cushioned shoulder straps with keepers to cut down on dangling. We also like that there’s an option to add a hip belt because it helps take a ton of weight off your shoulders when the bag is loaded. If you don’t need as much liter space, we recommend the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small because it takes key features from its bigger sibling and puts them in a smaller package built for shorter trips and smaller frames.

Why We Like It

• It has just-right organization and open space
• Compression straps don’t impede access to the compartments, so it’s easy to grab gear quickly

What You Should Know

• Magnetic compression buckles sometimes come undone on their own
• There isn’t a huge false bottom to the laptop compartment, which impacts tech protection—more of a nitpick, as we’ve found it’s still reliable

If you’re looking for a durable pack that can handle any adventure you throw at it, look no further than the GORUCK GR2. It’s a little on the heavier side (courtesy of the CORDURA® Nylon and beefy YKK zippers), though we think the durability is worth the weight sacrifice. We’ve fit its boxy shape under the seat in front of us on some budget airlines, which is great if you’re trying to avoid fees while you travel the world (who isn’t?). In fact, this is the bag that Pack Hacker’s founder Tom used to travel the world for over 2 years.

Though the organization inside is simple, there’s still plenty of room for packing cubes and pouches. It’s covered in PALS webbing, which we use to attach MOLLE accessories like pouches that we fill with items we want quick access to on the plane or while exploring. The customization options mean you can make the pack fit your specific needs, whether it’s Digital Nomad travel or a weekend fishing trip with your family. Plus, GORUCK has one of the best lifetime warranties in the business and a killer repair program, so if you have any issues, contact their customer service.

• The external fabrics are some of the most durable we’ve seen—it even held up when we dragged it behind a car
• Plenty of PALS webbing, so it’s easy to add modular MOLLE attachments to customize your organization
• The rugged materials and hardware add a lot of weight to the pack
• It has a tactical look and feel that’s hard to disguise if that’s not your style

Since this is a bag from Peak Design, it has some great camera features. There are plenty of attachment points inside and out for your photography gear. However, it’s an excellent travel backpack even if you don’t take a DSLR on every trip, thanks to its clean lines and clever design.

The main compartment has well-structured sides and opens clamshell to make it easy to pack, although we’ve noticed that anything we store on the bottom blocks built-in mesh pockets, so you’ll have to choose between gear storage or smooth access. They’re useful for gear you won’t need until you reach your destination, and side pockets help you get to things that you need as you travel, like your passport. There’s a well-padded sleeve for your laptop, and the front pocket has organizational features for tiny gear, which is great for getting to your essentials while sitting in your airplane seat or waiting at the gate. For times when you’re not packing as much, the compression system does an excellent job at holding gear in place.

If you find that 30L isn’t enough space or you want bring more of your photo kit, we recommend the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which has the same great features and added room for your gear. It expands to 45 liters if needed and has compression snaps to lock it down if you want to use it as a daypack.

• It has a comfortable harness system, with a sternum strap that won’t slip out of place
• Structured sides and clamshell opening create a bucket shape that’s easy to load with gear
• ID pocket on the back panel is easy to overlook, so a stranger may not see it if they find your misplaced bag
• Some main compartment pockets aren’t as accessible as we’d like, which slows you down when searching for gear

Going with a lower-capacity pack reduces size and weight, meaning you can even use it as a daypack once you arrive at your destination. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be short on features. Enter the TOM BIHN Synik 30. It’s a smaller version of the Synapse and features the same top-notch and customizable organization we’re used to seeing from TOM BIHN. That means it has multiple exterior pockets for storing gear and numerous attachment points on the interior for attaching modular pouches. While we like the ballistic nylon options because they’re sleek and durable, you can opt for a different material if you want (TOM BIHN has a ton to choose from).

The style won’t be for everyone, and its round shape can make it more challenging to pack some packing cubes and pouches, causing you to lose out on some storage space in the corners (or lack thereof). However, once you’re used to the internal organization, this is one of the smartest-designed internal layouts we’ve seen in a travel backpack.

• The internal organization is great for both travel and daily carry
• Plenty of options to add modular pouches to customize gear organization
• Has a heritage look that may not be everyone’s taste
• Rounded edges can make it harder to pack with some organizers and pouches

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L has a thickly padded harness system, from the shoulder straps to the hip belt and the back panel, along with vertical height adjustment and load lifters for extra support. All of these features together make for a comfortable carry even when the backpack is completely full. There are plenty of places to pack your gear, including water bottle pockets on each side, a top pocket for small items like keys, a front pocket for wide but flat items, and smaller pockets on the hip belt. You can stash your tech accessories in a well-organized admin panel, and there’s a dedicated laptop compartment as well. It includes a zippered pocket for accessories, which we love for the trips where we don’t need to bring a separate tech pouch.

The large bucket space of the main compartment is simple, with no dividers to get in the way. This means you can pack however you please, whether you load up on packing cubes or fold your clothing into neat piles—though we recommend packing cubes so that things don’t get too jostled. If you’re vehemently against cubes (an interesting hill to die on, but we get it), a mesh compartment hinges along the main compartment opening for some built-in segmentation and is deep enough to hold a single layer of thick clothing or a couple layers of thinner items.

• Structured material holds its shape regardless of how much gear is inside
• Simple organization in other pockets while the main compartment is open to organize as you see fit
• Can be slow to access the large mesh pocket in the main compartment because it opens toward the inside of the pack, not the outside
• The harness system can feel a bit overkill for a bag of this size if it’s not full

The Techonaut 30 is a classic example of what makes a TOM BIHN bag great. There are a ton of durable fabric and colorway options—we like the 525D ballistic nylon because of its strength-to-weight ratio, though there are stronger and lighter-weight options available depending on your preferences. Plus, it has clever, functional organization that’s easy to load with all your gear. When we need to keep even more small items in check, we add TOM BIHN pouches to the included O-rings around the bag (we’re partial to the Ghost Whale pouches because of their size, but almost any will work).

You can carry the Techonaut 30 like a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, although you’ll have to get a separate strap to carry it as a messenger. We prefer backpack mode because the back panel is supportive even when all 30 liters are fully packed.

Inside, it has a variety of pockets, including an integrated water bottle pocket and two quick-grab pockets, which work in either horizontal or vertical orientation, meaning you can store gear based on the way you’re carrying the bag. Briefcase mode? Use the top pockets. Backpack? Go for the sides. However, if you need to carry some hydration, we find that the integrated water bottle pocket can cut into the main compartment, so you’ll have to trade some storage space. Though the main and bottom compartments are separated, you can expand the former via a collapsible floor, which is handy if you need a bit of flexibility with the available space. This is great if you like traveling with shoes but don’t want to buy a separate shoe pouch.

• Bottom pocket unzips to merge with the main compartment for even more storage space
• It can be carried three ways, and all of them are comfortable
• It’s tricky to see inside the top pocket because of its sideways opening
• The dedicated shoe pocket struggles to fit large shoes, which isn’t ideal for those with large feet

At less than 2 pounds, the Dragonfly is one of the lightest travel backpacks we’ve tested (and we’ve tested hundreds), yet it’s not lacking in features. The reason it’s so light is the Ultra 800™ Fabric. It’s 15 times stronger than steel by weight, twice as abrasion-resistant as nylons of the same denier, and waterproof to 200 psi, so you don’t have to worry about a rainstorm ruining your gear. The bag also has quality YKK AquaGuard zippers and Duraflex hardware. While it’s missing a ULA logo on the front, we appreciate the minimalist aesthetic.

As for gear storage, there’s a built-in carabiner and leash for your keys in the top quick-access pocket, and there are both internal and external UltraStretch™ mesh pockets to organize your gear, including large water bottle pockets. In fact, they’re so large that we’re even able to hold things like a travel tripod. Inside is a sleeve that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop or a hydration bladder, depending on what you plan to do that day. Once you’re all loaded up, internal compression straps help to hold your clothing or packing cubes in place.

However, you sacrifice a little in the harness system in the name of weight. A sturdy back panel has thin padding with aeration, and the shoulder straps have similar aeration but not as much padding. The sternum strap is also thin but helps take a little weight off when the pack is full. Plus, there are a lot of attachment loops all over the pack, which is great for modularity.

• The oversized bottle pockets fit a variety of bulky gear and up to 64-ounce bottles
• It has a quite spacious main compartment
• It can be hard to zip when fully packed
• The shoulder straps aren’t overly padded, which may not be suited for all body types

The VX21 X-Pac material on the Able Carry Max Backpack gives it a sporty look that we like, and there’s also 1000D CORDURA® nylon on the underside for durability. You won’t have to worry about the sturdiness of this bag, as it’s well-constructed, with reinforced stitching in key areas. There is plenty of room in the laptop compartment for up to a 17-inch computer and organization for your tech gear. Loops and strips of webbing around the bag give you the flexibility to pack it however you wish, and there are two quick-grab pockets for gear you want to get at as you travel. You can even get a third quick-access spot if you use the internal bottle pocket instead of the one outside the bag for hydration.

The Max Backpack is really comfortable to carry and easy to adjust. The shoulder straps have dense padding and breathable mesh undersides, with X-Pac on top for durability and style. While the tablet pocket is a bit shallow, we don’t have too many problems during regular use.

• It’s easy to customize organization thanks to webbing and loop attachment points
• The durable fabrics are held together with equally-sturdy stitching
• The X-Pac material may not suit everyone, though you can always opt for CORDURA® nylon
• A rear pocket is a bit narrow and tricky to access

This durable bag is made with recycled and bluesign® approved polyester and a PFAS-free DWR coating, which is great if you’re an eco-friendly traveler. It has a bit of an outdoorsy look, which is to be expected from Osprey. However, the external storage is hard to beat if you’re the adventurous type. A large front stash pocket holds a water bottle or damp gear like a rain jacket or towel, and there’s also a decent-sized top pocket for smaller accessories. We like that it’s big enough to tuck your 3-1-1 bag inside to keep it within reach through the security line at the airport. The main compartment opens fully clamshell, and is easy to pack since you can see all the space at once. A couple of mesh pockets inside help organize your gear, and compression straps hold clothing or packing cubes in place as you travel. The large laptop compartment is accessible from the outside of the bag, so you can get some work done as you wait for the plane to board.

What’s really great, though, is how comfortable you’ll be while carrying this bag. The breathable mesh back panel keeps things airy, and the harness shifts higher or lower so you can adjust it to your height and torso length. If you have a more petite frame but want to carry the same amount of gear, try the Osprey Fairview 40. As opposed to coming straight over your shoulders, these curve in and around, making it easier to carry for more petite users of any gender.

• The harness system is comfy even when the pack is fully loaded
• An ample-sized main compartment makes this a great pick for one bag travel
• You can’t remove the bulky hip belt even if you don’t need it
• There aren’t any dedicated bottle pockets, and the front pocket can be tight for larger bottles

The 35L Minaal Carry-On 3.0 for one bag travel is aesthetically sleek and has smart features to improve quality of life on your trip. If you carry a lot of tech, you may appreciate that the laptop compartment lays completely flat, making it easy to load and access on the go. It has a suspended laptop sleeve that you can adjust to different sizes, so your 13-inch MacBook Air isn’t drowning in a pocket designed for a big gaming computer. Plus, the shoulder straps hide away behind a zipping panel, which we find makes it easy to slide this backpack into an overhead bin.

The main compartment opens clamshell for easy packing and includes some built-in organization. However, unlike most other backpacks, you load the bag into the “scoop” section (the front of the bag) instead of the back. This takes a little getting used to, though it’s easy to use once you do. While we recommend taking advantage of packing cubes for most of your gear, there is a large mesh pocket at the top, along with a nylon pouch below it where you can pack shoes. Two external pockets give you quick access to your wallet, phone, and small accessories, and there’s also a security pocket behind the back panel for your passport. Just be careful when using the water bottle pocket, as they can slip out even when the bungee is tight.

• It’s great to be able to securely carry devices of different sizes in the adjustable sleeve
• Excellent accessibility since both compartments open fully clamshell
• You have to pack it “scoop side down,” which can get unwieldy without packing cubes
• The bungee designed to hold a bottle in place doesn’t always work as intended, and some bottles slip out

Some packs are designed with a specific use in mind, and others are designed to be as versatile as possible. Every once in a while, you’ll come across a bag that does both (and does it well). The features on EVERGOODS’ Civic Travel Bag 35L, or CTB35, make it one of the most versatile travel backpacks we’ve seen on the market.

There’s plenty of organization to choose from without going over the top, meaning there’s a spot for large and small gear alike. The main compartment has ample space, so we’re able to fit everything from a camera cube to bulky shoes inside, and it even has a few zippered pockets for small items like tech. As for external storage, there’s a built-in yoke pocket on the top and a vertical zippered pocket on the front that we like to use as a dump pocket for our phone, wallet, keys, and more while going through airport security. Plus, there’s an easily accessible laptop compartment if you work on the go. The harness system is contoured nicely, which makes this backpack incredibly comfortable to wear even when fully packed, so we have no problem carrying it all day long.

We like the 35-liter option because it’s big enough to work for long trips. However, if you’re into the organization but want something smaller, it also comes in a 26-liter size (which we like equally as much).

• The harness is well-padded and comfortable even when the pack is completely full of gear
• It strikes a balance between built-in organization and empty space, so you’re not pigeonholed into packing your gear a specific way
• Since the organization is so minimal, you’ll need to find a way to manage things like clothing—we recommend utilizing packing cubes
• We find it difficult to stow the hip belt without it twisting a bit, so it takes a bit of finesse to get right

We like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag so much that we chose it for the first iteration of our Vacation Packing List . The large size makes sense because you can fit more gear; however, there’s a smaller 30-liter size that we find is better for smaller-framed folks and people who want to save space. Why do we like it so much? We’re happy you asked!

These packs have built-in organization options inside the main compartment, including a divider with zippered pockets that we use to stow smaller items like socks and underwear, but it’s also great for tech or miscellaneous gear. There’s also a large second compartment, a dedicated laptop compartment, and a quick-grab pocket on the front that’s handy for gear you’ll need throughout the day. While all of this organization is great, it’s worth mentioning that all of these zippered pockets are pretty shallow, so you’ll have to pack strategically to ensure your bag will zip up when everything is loaded in. On the plus side, the liner is brightly colored, which makes finding your stuff that much easier!

If all of that space isn’t enough for you, there are attachment points on the front of the bag where you can attach an additional daypack. The harness system isn’t our favorite because there’s no frame sheet to add structure and it can feel pretty heavy when it’s all packed out, but the hip belt does a good job taking some weight off your shoulders.

• There’s ample organization to segment your gear, making it easier to find
• The bright liner material adds a ton of visibility when we’re looking for our stuff in the multiple zippered pockets
• Can be difficult to slide a laptop into the dedicated compartment when the bag is fully packed because of how it starts to bulge
• It’s not the most comfortable bag we’ve worn for extended periods because the back panel lacks significant structure

While some travel backpacks fit best in an urban setting, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack works as a hiking or work bag as well as a travel pack. However, just because it can serve other purposes doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the travel department. It has a refined design and ample space that make it easy to pack for vacation, with mesh dividers and organizers inside to help you keep your gear sorted. While the exterior materials aren’t very structured, you’re unlikely to reach for this large of a bag unless you plan to pack it out, so it’s not always noticeable. The polyester is coated with TPU for water resistance, so your gear is safe as you walk in nearly any weather.

If you’re getting started on your journey into one bag travel, you can get the Allpa with an accessory bundle that includes mesh laundry bags, a nylon shoe bag, and a snap-on mesh water bottle sleeve. You also have the option to add-on Cotopaxi’s Batac Daypack, so you can have a complete travel system ready with just one click. And in case you needed another reason to consider Cotopaxi, you should know that their bags are made in the Philippines in a factory committed to fair labor and environmentally-sound practices, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.

• It’s a ruggedly durable backpack if you’re a more adventurous traveler
• The bag feels roomy and conveniently-placed pockets for small gear storage
• Hip belt isn’t removable if it doesn’t fit, and the pockets often feel too snug when wearing the bag
• It’s on the heavy side for its size

Decisions, decisions… Navigating the not-so-clear world of travel packs.

Video Guide Part 2: Form

Feel free to watch this guide section in video format. We’ll keep the written content on this page up to date.

Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube and never miss a video. We also have these videos in a series playlist format on YouTube so you can watch them easier.

Best Backpack Size & Weight for Carry-On Air Travel

We favor smaller bags that fit in the overhead bin. Yes, it can be a challenge to fit your entire life into a 40L bag, but wow, is it worth it!. Trust us—you can fit your entire life into an 18L backpack if you’re disciplined, and we highly recommend staying under 50L for one bag travel. Life is just easier with a smaller & lighter backpack. If you want to cheat a bit and get some extra space, you can also go the sling bag on the front, backpack on the back route.

Airlines can get pretty stingy around the amount of weight you can bring on board. It’s essential to make sure your backpack itself isn’t too heavy, or you won’t be able to fit in as much clothing and other travel gear. We’re all for less clothing and gear, but we are not for getting hit with extra fees if your carry-on is overweight. Starting out with a bag that’s already too heavy before you’ve packed it is just setting yourself up for failure! We calculate a carry-on compliance score for every travel backpack reviewed on our site using its dimensions and data we collect from most airlines worldwide.

True Volume

It’s easy to get caught up in all this talk around liters of a backpack. There’s really no “industry standard” around this, and the liter size of a pack can vary from brand to brand. What’s more important is the “True Volume” of a backpack and how usable the space is. Some weird, trapezoid-shaped backpack will certainly be more of a challenge than something with a larger, rectangular compartment. The thickness and flexibility of the material matter as well. A thin, strong material will leave you with more space inside of a backpack than something with thick padding in the liner. However, a rigid material—Dyneema, for instance—doesn’t have much additional flex and isn’t very forgiving when you’re trying to pack your bag to the brim. The efficiency of space can make or break the usefulness of a pack.

Pack’s Exterior Profile

The slimness of a pack can help out quite a bit. Not only does it seem less heavy because the weight is close to your back, but it has the added benefit of giving you a smaller, slimmer form factor. With this, you won’t be taking up too much room on public transit or smacking people in the face when you’re boarding the airplane—it’ll be a better experience for you and everyone around you.

Max Legal Carry-On

Otherwise known as “MLC,” Max Legal Carry-On size covers the largest acceptable backpack size for carrying on most airlines. Make sure to check with your airline before arriving at the airport, though—size limits can vary based on the airline you’re flying with.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a well-executed travel bag from a company with an excellent track-record of bringing innovative and unique designs to the backpack world. This maximum legal carry-on can easily handle one bag travel, photography, or digital nomading with ease—and it will be a joy to use for any of those activities.

Top-loading vs Panel-loading (Clamshell) Backpacks

There’s a big debate around clamshell and top-loading packs. We’re personally a fan of clamshell for one-bag travel, as it gives you more open space to work with. Clamshell functions more like a suitcase and opens literally like a clam. You can easily open it up flat and see everything inside, so it tends to be easier to organize all your travel gear.

The Able Carry Max Backpack is a clamshell-style backpack that opens to give you easy access to a spacious main compartment—this works great for packing cubes or rolled up clothing—whichever you prefer! Also, it’s got a large but low-profile water bottle pocket.

Top-loading packs are great if you’re on a long, multi-day trek or participating in other outdoor-focused activities as there’s no main zipper that can fail you (which could be catastrophic if you’re halfway up Mt. Everest).

The Thule Subterra 34L is a top-loading backpack with a roll top opening. A top loader’s usual pitfalls are fixed by an easy to access side zip that allows entry to the main compartment. This zip comes in handy when you don’t have time to mess around with the roll top, or you want to grab something located at the bottom of the bag.

Weather Resistance

Best Travel Backpack | The GORUCK GR2 features “weather resistance” but it’s not “waterproof.”

Weather resistance is another key component to consider for one bag travel. With all your tech gear and expensive possessions in your pack, you don’t want it to get wet. We look for packs with some great weather resistance that’ll easily get you through light rain and ideally through 20 minutes of a monsoon in Southeast Asia. There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant bags. We’re mainly focused on the latter, as this will be plenty in most situations. Sure, waterproof is more secure, but unless you’re leaving your pack outside in a torrential downpour for hours on end or plan to go snorkeling with your laptop on your back, there’s no need for that extra tech.

The Mission Workshop Fitzroy VX utilizes weatherproof materials and weather-resistant zippers. We’ve found it to hold up decently in a downpour. Even if you’re caught in a pretty torrential rainstorm, you should be okay with the PET waterproof membrane.

Got something that needs some additional weatherproofing? Consider picking up a DAKA Pouch . It’ll give your valuables that extra layer of protection without requiring you to purchase an entirely waterproof bag—plus, these pouches double as organizers, separating your precious gear from the rest of your loadout with some additional protection to boot. It’s a win-win.

Durability and Quality

Whether you’re traveling for a week, a month, or a year plus, your backpack is pretty much your home, so you don’t want it to break. Take it from us—the last thing you want is to find out that you lost your phone charger because your zipper broke during the journey to your next accommodation. Investing in a good backpack will prevent loss and damage to your gear, and higher quality products will last for several years. It can be a challenge to tell if a backpack is durable right out of the box, which is why we test bags as much as possible to notice any faults. Higher durability usually means higher weight, but not always. Here are a couple of key considerations we’ve found when it comes to durability.

When it comes to durability, the Topo Designs Travel Bag 40L doesn’t mess around. The 1000D nylon, beefy YKK #10 zippers, and simplistic design all come together to create a bag that won’t let you down.

YKK zippers are some of the best around, so naturally, the best travel backpack brands tend to use them. They’re super strong and have different weights depending on the area of the pack they’re used. A YKK #10 will keep a main compartment secure, whereas a YKK #5 may be suited for smaller side pockets that don’t receive as much use or tension.

YKK is obsessed with quality, and they do everything in-house. They smelt their own brass, forge their own zipper teeth, and even make the machines that make their zippers and the cardboard boxes they ship in! Needless to say, you probably won’t end up with any broken zippers with YKK on your side. YKK zippers also account for about half of all zippers in the world, so that says something. Although less popular, RiRi zippers are pretty great too. Both RiRi and YKK are superior to any other zipper made in-house by a bag manufacturer, and Zoom Zippers are climbing up on that list as well, though we still find intermittent issues with them.

Backpack Fabric and Material

There are a ton of fabrics and materials out there, too. When looking at fabrics, you’ll often see a number followed by a D—250D, 950D, 1500D, etc. The D stands for denier, a term used to measure the fabric’s thickness and weight—specifically the yarn. The formal definition is the mass (in grams) per 9,000 meters of thread, so lightweight fabrics (like silk) have a very low denier, while heavier fabrics have a higher denier. When it comes to backpacks, a higher denier is not necessarily better. In general, a higher denier will be more durable (depending on the fabric & weave) but also heavier. While the denier can tell you the weight and thickness of a material, the type of material, weave, and manufacturing involved will ultimately tell you more about its strength and durability. Here are some materials you’ll come across when selecting your pack, along with the pros and cons of each one.

Ripstop Nylon

Pretty close in property to standard nylon, “ripstop” nylon has a unique square weave that prevents further tearing from happening after a puncture. It has an incredibly high strength-to-weight ratio, and, as the name implies, it is highly resistant to rips and tears. The reason why it’s so strong is that additional fibers are sewn into the weave. Ripstop Nylon was developed in World War II as a more robust alternative to silk parachutes and is currently used in ejector seat parachutes for fighter pilots!

Ballistic Nylon

Ballistic Nylon refers to any nylon fabric with a “ballistic weave,” a variation on the simple basketweave. This gives it excellent tensile and tear strength—especially when layered—and makes it heavier than a lot of other materials. Keep in mind that ballistic nylon almost exclusively comes in black. Why is it called ballistic? It was initially used on flak jackets for World War II airmen to protect them from artillery-shell and bullet fragmentations. PSA: We do not recommend the use of backpacks for protection in war zones.

CORDURA® Nylon

CORDURA® is not a fabric in and of itself—it is a brand covering a whole host of different materials, from cotton to nylon to polyester. What they do is take fabric from various mills, inspect it to make sure it’s up to their standards, and then slap that CORDURA® tag on it. Yes, it’s a bit deceiving, but they do put out some high-quality stuff. You’ll mostly always see a “®” next to “CORDURA” (in all caps) because #branding and #lawyers.

Kodra Nylon

Kodra is virtually synonymous with CORDURA® but made in Korea. Peak Design opted for this in V1 of their Everyday Backpack.

Polyester is one of the most common fabrics on the planet. It’s made from plastic fibers, and you can find it pretty much everywhere—in clothing, pillows, seat belts, upholstery, rope, the list goes on… Oh, and backpacks. Polyester is not the most durable fabric, so you’ll usually find it on lower-end packs (think of those classic Jansport backpacks everyone had in high school). It’s really not the most suitable choice for a travel pack—as it just won’t hold up through the years. Besides lacking in durability, polyester is also fairly heavy compared to other fabrics like nylon. If you’re looking for a low-budget day pack, polyester is fine. If you’re looking for something more serious, stay away from it.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a polymer that is used to make fabrics. This stuff is seriously everywhere—it is the world’s second most widely produced synthetic plastic! It’s used to make ropes, carpets, labels, plastic lids on tic-tac containers, plastic chairs, long underwear…basically, if you see something made of plastic, there’s a solid chance there’s some polypropylene in it. You’ll find it mostly in minor backpack components, but it’s also used to make drawstring bags and totes like the ones that are handed out for free at a college fair or festival. Polypropylene fabric has a few things going for it. It’s cheap, it’s a good insulator because it doesn’t transfer heat very well, and it won’t absorb water since it’s hydrophobic. The major problem with polypropylene is that it is not very UV resistant. If it’s repeatedly exposed to sunlight, the fabric will fade and break down over time. This is not great for backpacks. You may, however, see polypropylene used as a liner on the inside of some packs as it won’t be affected by UV light and adds some additional protection.

You could say that canvas is the OG backpack material. Back in the day, canvas was just about the only thing you would use for a “backpack,” outside of maybe a burlap sack thrown over your shoulder. In World War II, GI’s carried all their equipment around in canvas packs and slept in canvas tents. Canvas very thick and sturdy and was historically made from cotton, linen, or hemp coated in wax for waterproofing. Today, canvas tends to be made from things like nylon and polyester. Most modern backpack companies shy away from canvas because it’s usually heavy, not overly water-resistant, and easily damaged by abrasion. If you’re looking for a canvas one-bag travel pack, you’re not going to find much out there. However, if you want the nostalgia factor, you can still find a bespoke canvas bag to satisfy that.

We may need to scrap our statement on canvas because leather is arguably as OG as it gets. Its use has been traced back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome! Like canvas, you’re not going to see many travel packs made of leather. While a leather bag can make for an excellent, stylish daypack, it’s not ideal for a long-term travel pack, mainly because of its weight. There is also a lot of potential care involved. Between protective oils and various cleaning techniques, it can be a hassle to deal with if you’re on the move. There are three grades of leather—genuine, top-grain, and full-grain.

Contrary to popular belief, genuine is the lowest grade of leather while full-grain is the highest. Full-grain is used for heavy-duty use-cases like weapon holsters and work belts, so if you’re dead set on a leather pack, we’d recommend looking for full-grain leather. Ideally, you’ll want to find something thin enough to not be overly heavy while still thick enough to ensure durability.

The actual material is called ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene… but most know it as sailcloth (yep, the same material used on a sailboat). A relatively rare material for backpacks, brands like Tortuga have taken advantage of sailcloth due to its lightweight and water-resistant properties. It is by far the most lightweight and waterproof material on our list (no need for DWR or liners), but it does have some drawbacks. It’s stiff and crinkly with zero stretch, which can cause problems if you’re trying to utilize every nook and cranny of your pack. It isn’t quite as indestructible as some other materials listed, but it’s reasonably durable and can be patched. It also tends to be one of the most expensive backpack materials out there.

Dyneema® Composite Fabric

In May 2015, Dyneema purchased Cubic Tech, the creator and manufacturer of Cuben Fiber, and rebranded it as Dyneema® Composite Fabrics. So, Dyneema® Composite Fabrics = Cuben Fiber. This stuff was initially designed for high-tech sails on racing yachts because it is ridiculously light and robust. As such, it has been adopted wholeheartedly by the ultralight backpacking community. It’s sort of like the carbon fiber of the backpack world—high-tech, super strong, super light, and…super expensive. While Dyneema® Composite Fabric is popular within the ultralight backpacking community, it has yet to become commonplace in the one-bag travel scene. That being said, if you do see Dyneema® Composite Fabric, you should know that you’re getting some of the best stuff around.

Thermoplastic polyurethane —TPU for short—is a polymer used to add strength to a material, either through a manufacturing process or coating. You’ll recognize it on products like inflatable rafts, phone cases, wire cables, and footwear. Think stuff that needs to be as durable as possible to avoid things going south for the user. It easily sheds water and oil, resists abrasions, and won’t crack in high or low temps, making it ideal for frequent outdoor use. Unlike polypropylene, TPU is UV-resistant and won’t be subjected to the same amount of fading over time. If you’re the type of traveler who wants extra peace of mind on the go, you’ll want to keep an eye out for TPU because of the extra strength it adds to a pack, but we wouldn’t consider a lack of TPU a deal-breaker.

X-Pac is not so much a fabric as it is a bunch of fabrics smooshed together. With the help of lamination technology, it combines complementary materials to make an overall higher-performing product. Though there are variations in denier and waterproofing, it’s most commonly made up of a nylon face for durability, polyester mesh for strength, and waterproof film that won’t disappear over time. Like Dyneema® Composite Fabrics, it was inspired by the efficiency of sailcloth but is a less costly option that provides a similar level of ultralight performance. It holds its shape over time, won’t fade with UV exposure, and easily sheds moisture, making it great for outdoor enthusiasts who hike and bike with their pack on the regular. However, it may be a bit overkill for casual travelers unless you’re looking for a backpack for epic mountain climbing adventures.

Ultimately, the production process and design will dictate whether your gear will stay together. If a bag is made with 1000D CORDURA®, but it doesn’t have good zippers to match, it doesn’t matter how good the fabric is. Look for brands that proudly back their product with generous warranties, like GORUCK and their “SCARS warranty” or Patagonia and their “Ironclad Guarantee.” These brands know they make quality products, so they’re happy to back it up. If a brand offers no warranty or a short warranty, there’s probably a financial reason for that, and the quality may not be as high. We’re all about buying quality pieces that last versus something that’s going to need repair or replacement year after year.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane or navigating city streets, you need a backpack that can hold up.

Video Guide Part 3: Function

Best Backpack for Comfortable Wear and Extended Travel

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to one-bag travel—especially if you plan to carry the bag around with you for hours on end. You’ll want a high-quality harness that works with the shape of your body. When selecting a bag, it’s crucial to take your height and body type into consideration. Although this matters more for hiking backpacks where you’re carrying a ton of gear, it’s less important for smaller, one-bag travel packs. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about it before you make a purchase. A backpack suited for someone that’s 6’5″ and 250 pounds probably isn’t the best travel backpack for someone that’s 5’3″ and 140 pounds. Buying something that doesn’t fit your frame correctly will make for some seriously uncomfortable travel.

Men’s Focused Fit Vs Women’s Focused Fit

Some backpacks are only available with a “one size fits all” harness system, but there is an ever-increasing number of women’s focused fit and men’s focused fit travel backpacks on the market. For example, the Thule Landmark 40L , REI Ruckpack 40 , and Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 are all available in two different fits. The differences are subtle but have a big impact on how comfortable the harness system is on your frame. Compared to a men’s focused fit, a women’s focused fit backpack will typically feature:

• Smaller hip belt with a more pronounced curve

Backpack Straps

You’ll want to look for bags with high-quality straps that work for your body type. A mismatch here could lead to an uncomfortable carry, even with only a little weight inside.

Even though the GlobeRider45 has the functionality and looks of a travel backpack, it carries more like a daypack. Its shoulder straps feature dense padding that curves and falls naturally to the body. A relatively high top area does give it a very slight hiking backpack feel, but it’s an overall tameable bag to travel with, considering its 45-liter storage capacity.

The thickness of straps doesn’t necessarily matter. Thinner straps that use high-quality foam may be more comfortable than thicker, bulkier straps.

If you’re concerned with weight, look for bags that include load lifters – these are the adjusters that appear at the top of the straps. This concept is borrowed from larger hiking backpacks and does wonders for fitting the bag well to your back with different loads.

Some straps swivel and pivot to cater to different shoulder widths and make it easier to quickly flip the pack around to access the goods you’ve got inside.

We’re middle-of-the-road on hip belts for one-bag travel backpacks. They can help a ton if you’ve got a heavier load or plan to carry your pack for long stretches but aren’t necessary if you pack minimally in a smaller pack.

A good hip belt should be comfortable and secure without becoming too cumbersome. There are few things worse than hitting people with your bulky hip belt while walking down the aisle of an airplane. We’d recommend taking a look at travel backpacks that feature a detachable or hideable hip belt, so you don’t have to use it when you don’t need to.

Sternum Straps

Nearly all travel backpacks include a sternum strap. They’re designed to distribute some weight away from your shoulders and secure the shoulder straps across your chest.

While sternum straps are all pretty similar across the board, there are a couple of things we’d recommend looking out for. First, some will feature an elasticated portion that allows the strap to flex with your body as you walk. We’re big fans of these. Second, some sternum straps can be detached, leaving them vulnerable to falling off when not in use. We’re not kidding; this has happened to us on multiple occasions. Not good, especially when you’re traveling halfway around the world in remote locations! A detachable sternum strap is great when you don’t always need to use one, and it makes adjusting the height easy. Just make sure it’s secure and adequately anchored to the shoulder straps.

A well-designed back panel can make things much more comfortable. Although it’s hard to avoid the old sweaty back with more extended periods of wear in hotter climates, well-ventilated mesh and foam can help with this. A curved frame can help with ergonomics and ventilation, but we don’t see this on many travel-focused backpacks. Sometimes, it seems like overkill.

How Do you Pack the Thing?

With all these fancy features, it’s essential to consider how you should use them and how you pack your bag. Generally speaking, you want to load the heaviest items closest to your back. This’ll ensure the heaviest bits of your bag are the closest to your center of gravity, pulling you down less from the back of the bag.

Best Travel Backpack | Configuring a backpack.

If you’ve got all the features mentioned above, you want to strap and tighten your hip belt first, then adjust the shoulder straps, then tighten the load lifter straps (the straps on top) to a 45° angle, and finally, adjust and tighten the sternum strap.

The Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L (V2) has a horseshoe zipper at the top front of the pack, which opens up to allow you to reach into the main compartment and grab essential items rather than opening up the full clamshell. It also features liter independent compartments and pockets, which are great for packing to the absolute limits. Check out the smaller 28L version, too.

Modular Backpack System

If you want more options for customization, check out modular gear. To put it simply, this is gear that brands design to work with their bags. They allow you to make a bag suit your preferences, adding and swapping parts as needed instead of trying to fit your gear into the organization already installed in your pack. Anyone who uses a bag with PALS webbing, for example, will tell you how convenient it is to have loops ready where they can stick MOLLE accessories. Whereas PALS webbing and MOLLE attachments are one of the better-known standards out there, brand-specific modularity and attachment systems also exist.

In fact, some brands, like ALPAKA , TOM BIHN , Boundary Supply , and Roark , are known for it. We like to count how many O-rings we can find on each TOM BIHN bag we buy because that’s where we can clip the brand’s key leashes, admin pouches, packing cubes, and more.

These great for carrying tiny travel accessories wherever we go. Sizes range from Super Mini, which can hold AirPods, chapstick, and similarly sized items, to A5, which is big enough for an A5-size notebook and pens. They’re made from scrap fabric, so you can feel good about saving them from the cutting room floor. They clip to the O-rings in a TOM BIHN bag or a loop on another backpack to save you from digging for small gear.

ALPAKA’s HUB Ecosystem lets you swap your keys, sanitizer, card holder, and more between your bags. Pull the Hypalon tab to release the magnetic fastener to swap your gear, then attach it to different points throughout their bags or the HUB ModPanel hanging in your house. Then you’ll always be able to find your keys.

The Prima System includes a 30L travel backpack, the Fieldspace admin panel, and Verge Camera Case. The Fieldspace holds a tablet or small laptop, plus small accessories, docking to the laptop compartment with a magnet, so it’s removable if you don’t need it. The camera case is also fully customizable and can sit inside the pack, connect to its exterior, or be carried separately.

Organization: Multiple Travel-Focused Features or One Big Compartment?

Some backpacks take the approach of having a massive inner compartment with no organization. This is great if you’re planning on using some packing cubes or compression sacks, but not so great if you want a little more internal organization out of the box. More things to consider: is there a dedicated place to put a pen or two for those pesky customs forms? Is it easy to grab? How about a dedicated laptop compartment (or, for that matter, a dedicated laptop bag )?

This iteration of Tortuga’s travel backpack design gives more control to the user. It has fewer organization options than its predecessors, but the extra space and weight savings can be better used for packing cubes and organizers. Those already invested in such accessories will find the wide and spacious main compartment easy to fill and navigate.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can be a great addition to your luggage regardless of whether the bag is one massive compartment or has a couple of smaller pockets inside. Packing cubes allow you to organize clothing between type, outfits, clean or dirty, and much more.

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On’s size and shape make it easy to pack with cubes. Plus, the light gray interior makes it easy to find your gear.

Compression and Expandability

If you’re going with one bag, versatility is essential. Ideally, your pack will cater to different amounts of items that are packed in the bag.

Some packs even offer detachable daypacks, but they tend to be slightly larger in liters to justify the additional use of materials (extra zippers and extra straps.) If you’re looking for a small travel daypack , consider some highly compressible bags from Matador . There won’t be any padding on these, but you could also pair these with a padded field pocket from GORUCK or a padded laptop compartment if you want to cafe-hop and work for the day.

If you are looking for a more padded daypack, a Mystery Ranch In and Out Packable Daypack , or something like a Fjallraven Kanken 13″ Laptop Backpack could work. At the end of the day, you’re packing another set of straps, padding, and zippers—all space and weight that’s being subtracted from your main pack.

We like sticking to one bag whenever possible, and there are some bags out there with the right size and look that can be used as a daypack and for one bag travel.

The Thule Aion 28L Backpack expands to 32L when you need more space for a trip. Use the extra room when you’re traveling, then empty it and compress it back down when you arrive at your destination to have a slimmer bag that can be used as a daypack while walking around.

Another great option is the Osprey Farpoint 40 , mentioned above. One of our team members has utilized the compression straps to carry his tripod while traveling to numerous countries.

Security Backpacks

Be on the lookout for packs with great security features. Are the zippers lockable with TSA approved locks? Are there separate secret security compartments to place your passport and other valuables in hard-to-reach places? Is it made of a solid material to prevent the quick slash-and-grab? Are the outer pockets minimized to make it hard for a thief to unzip and grab what they want quickly?

A lot of safety when traveling comes down to common sense and your own self-awareness, but there are a couple of pack features that can make your trips a little bit safer.

Lockable Zippers & Anti-Theft Backpacks

Some packs offer lockable zippers, or special looped zipper pulls that can be configured to deter thieves. Locking the zippers on your pack won’t turn it into an anti-theft backpack—someone can still take it or cut through the fabric—but it can help stop wrongdoers from quickly unzipping your bag for a quick-grab, or make them move to the next easily accessible bag on a train or bus. No backpack is impenetrable, though, and some of these features on backpacks can be gimmicky—included just so the purchaser has some peace of mind—even if the benefit isn’t that great. Peak Design’s security features (example below) and PacSafe’s Tough Zip put a lot of emphasis on that extra layer of security.

The zippers on the Peak Design Travel Backpack come with multiple locking features. This won’t necessarily deter all theft, but it’ll stop anyone from the old unzip & grab trick, and it won’t be against TSA Guidelines.

Anti-Theft Backpack Materials

Some bags offer more robust fabric that naturally enforces the bag. As we mentioned before, materials like Ballistic Nylon, CORDURA®, and others are super helpful with this. Some companies even include special mesh wiring, like Pacsafe’s eXomesh®, that almost theft-proof your backpack, allowing you to lock it to a fixed object for added security. EXomesh® is either lined inside the fabric and can also be purchased externally with other backpacks. For the type of traveling we do, we think this is a little paranoid and adds some weight plus another thing to carry. But depending on your situation, it could be helpful. Strolling through Tokyo? Probably not necessary. Heading to Barcelona for the first time? Yeah, we’ll take that extra layer of security.

RFID Blockers (Identity Theft-Proof Backpacks)

We feel that having a bunch of RFID-blocking tech covering an entire backpack is overkill. Sure, it’ll stop folks from electronically scanning your passport, but If you’re concerned with this, you could get a special wallet or wrap your passport & cards in aluminum foil. Let’s face it—it’s much less effort for a thief to physically grab what they want from you than dicking around with RFID technology. But again, whatever helps you sleep at night. If it’s a 100% secure backpack you seek, we’re not going to stop you.

If you’re looking for a secure travel pack, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 offers some great features for exactly that. From the eXomesh® slash-proof material to the secure zippers and RFID secure pockets, there is some great thinking that went into this pack along with some solid materials.

You know what they say—“It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look.” Or something like that...

Video Guide Part 4: Aesthetic

Finding the Best Travel Backpack Style For You

At the end of the day, the look and feel of a travel backpack should be right for you and your tastes. There are many things to consider as far as aesthetics go we’ll pull in here for consideration. Stylish “urban travel” backpacks became a lot more popular within the last couple of years, and that’s the look we prefer. Gone are the days of international travel with a big blaze-orange hiking backpack. Those certainly have a utility, but that utility is in the wilderness. Here are a couple of overall style points for your consideration:

Minimalist Travel Backpacks

When you’re in a new country, think a bit about how you want to be perceived. If you’re heading to a more crowded or dicey area, nothing screams tourist like having a large, colorful backpack while looking up at tall buildings or a landmark in awe. It’s easier to keep a low profile and blend in a little if you’re not carrying around a monstrosity of a bag that acts as an advertisement for thieves and wrongdoers looking to target travelers for their own gain. It’s an added bonus if you can roll into a meeting wearing one of these things. As one-bag travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, we’re seeing many solid urban packs coming out that are built specifically with one-bag travel in mind.

• Minaal Carry-On 3.0

Tacticool Backpacks

There are a ton of great, high-quality bags out there that are made to military spec. There’s some really great utility to things like MOLLE for customizing your pack and including other accessories on your bag, and the stronger materials make for highly durable bags. Keep in mind that some folks may perceive you as being in the military if your bag has too much digi camo going on. It’s one thing if the pack is all black & subdued, but another if it’s camo and filled with patches. If this is your look, go for it, but this type of pack might also bring about some “unwanted attention” in certain parts of the world.

• Mission Workshop Radian

Outdoor & Hiking Backpacks

Think sportier packs with lots of pockets, brighter colors, and louder material. For a long time, outdoor backpacks were the only option for long-term one-bag travelers. They tend to be bulky and are built to carry big, heavy loads over long distances. This typically means lots of straps and a tall pack that will peek up over your head. Great for an extended camping excursion, not so great for a trip through the airport or a newly-discovered city square. They also tend to scream “TOURIST.” No one casually walks around with a giant hiking backpack.

• Gregory Zulu 40

Backpacker Backpacks

If it’s not already obvious, the “Backpacker Backpack” is designed specifically for backpacking around the world. Typically from manufacturers that also make outdoor and hiking backpacks, this is the go-to style for anyone on a gap year looking to tick off as many countries in Southeast Asia as possible. And because of that, they’re some of the most popular bags on the market today. Sure, you’ll still look like a tourist—albeit not as much as you would wearing a hiking backpack—but that’s fine because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

• Gregory Detour 40

Heritage Backpacks

These bags are engineered with a classic look in mind. Most will be some variation of the one-compartment style with leather straps, subdued colors, and some type of canvas-y material. These packs look great but can sometimes lack functionality and comfort. Although there are a few bespoke style travel bags (we like Vinta and Rivendell Mountain Works), most will fall into the daypack category.

• Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Having said all of this, aesthetic is subjective, and beauty remains in the eye of the beholder. This is why we conduct weekly polls over on our Instagram to get our communities’ take on the look of bags. Follow us on Instagram to cast your votes! You can find all the results of the polls on our individual review pages too, so you can see how well a bag you’re looking for has performed.

The humble backpack: It’ll get you through anything and everything...

There Really is No “Best Travel Backpack”

Although, there is a best travel backpack for you. All this boils down to your preferences.

When we first started creating this guide, we admittedly thought there would be one best bag for travel, but the deeper we dug, the more we realized it depends on your needs as an individual traveler. Sure, there are generally guiding principles to follow, and a bag made out of cardboard objectively won’t last, but there are too many quality backpacks out there to pick just one. If you’re on a short trip, a lighter, less durable pack will suit you well. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia during the monsoon season, you may want some heavy-duty weatherproofing.

We wish you the best of luck moving forward with your selection. Still want more? Be sure to check out our other guides and travel gear reviews too!

Our team at Pack Hacker developed the “best travel backpack” guide in partnership with our friends (and bag experts) at Carryology . We’re constantly updating this guide as new backpacks are released, and the travel landscape changes.

Author: Tom Wahlin

Tom has lived out of a 40L backpack for 2 years of travel, helping him learn what to pack and what to leave behind. His top achievements include designing for Apple and eating large quantities of ramen (ongoing).

13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Featuring brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Nanuk, and more.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

One smart way to create stress-free travel is by using a travel backpack . It's what the travel experts recommend, and it's also what your Aunt who travels for work recommends (she has more airline miles than anyone in the family combined, you know). Traveling light often means going carry-on only, but traveling the leanest way possible usually involves just a travel backpack, also known as a carry-on backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Matador seg45 travel pack.

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Patagonia black hole pack 32l.

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35 l travel pack.

Travel backpacks are a versatile, easy-to-carry luggage pick if you're trying to pack as smart and fast as possible. A travel backpack is also a great choice if you want to bring a bag with you on the plane (instead of a formal carry-on suitcase) to go with a checked piece of luggage. Unlike a regular backpack, a good travel backpack is going to offer a little more size and space (usually between 30 to 40 liters). Most travel backpacks are made to hold at least a few outfits, plus all your electronics and travel gadgets . The generous space helps carry an entire weekend's (or week's) worth of clothes. It can also hold all your flight essentials: your hoodie , plane shoes (great for long flights), travel pillow , headphones , and more.

If you believe you can only carry a significant amount of belongings via a roller bag or duffel bag , think again. All of our travel backpack picks below offer optimized storage with comfortable straps and friendly designs that make navigating your environments that much easier. Ready to see what's out there? Let's dive into the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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Matador already makes some of the world's coolest, most clever travel gear. Its SEG45 Travel Backpack is no exception. The clamshell-style zipper opens to provide full access to the pocket-free interior. So you can stash everything inside the open-layout interior like a duffel bag (the included carry strap allows for carrying like a traditional duffel, too) if you're a free-wheelin, "I don't need no pockets" kind of guy.

The other option is to pack this bag using the five front zippered pockets, each with a slightly different capacity (together, they total 45 liters). So, for example, you can stash smaller items like your passport, headphones, and snacks in the small top pocket. Larger electronics can go toward the bottom. You get the gist.

There's also a zippered, padded laptop sleeve at the rear, so it sits directly against your back when worn like a traditional backpack. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable all-day carry, and they can be tucked away when not in use. An external water bottle pouch and a reinforced water-resistant bottom round out the great features.

Read more: Best Packable Down Jackets

The Black Hole Pack is a tried-and-true favorite among Patagonia fans due to its long-term durability and smart compartment design. The pack holds up to 32L, which is sizable enough for traveling but also small enough for everyday use (if you want even smaller, you can elect to get the bag in a 26L size).

Patagonia designed an external zip-down laptop sleeve that sits on the inside (meaning your laptop would be resting directly against your back) and helps create more open space. Front and top stash pockets are added for storing small goods in streamlined ways that do not impede on the interior storage either.

Now, you do sacrifice a bit of space by opting for the Black Hole Pack instead of a 40L travel backpack pack, but the way Patagonia designs this bag creates an optimized way of fitting clothes, shoes, and more without being too much of a burden to carry. If you're looking for a bag you can use to pair with a checked bag, or if you're looking for a bag that can pull double duty for everyday and outdoor use, then you won't find anything more suitable.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

Cotopaxi's Allpa is a frequent traveler favorite due to its strong, lightweight material blend of TPU-coated 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. Travelers also love this travel backpack due to its booklet opening (like many popular suitcases) and secret laptop compartment on the inside back of the backpack (the laptop sits on your back when carrying). In terms of carrying, the bag has four grab handles so you can move it off your shoulders when you get tired. And to add durability and other cargo add-on options, it comes fitted with YKK zippers, carabiner lash loops, and tuck-away straps.

The Allpa is a do-it-all pack for those who truly want to use their travel backpack as their only bag on the road. The cool part is the Allpa comes in fun colors that are easy to spot on the baggage carousel (assuming you check it ... but you won't because you're better than that).

Read more: Waterproof Hiking Gear

Nanuk N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Traveling with serious electronics like digital cameras, lenses, action cameras, tablets, and drones can be nerve-wracking. You want luggage or a backpack that can protect everything for those long-haul journeys. Nanuk's N-PVD line of travel backpacks is purpose-built for just that.

Every bag in the line-up features a well-padded interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate whatever you're hauling. Every removable velcro pad can be flipped, turned, and moved around inside the interior so you can Tetris all your most valuable electronics to fit and protect everything exactly how you want. There's also a padded laptop sleeve and a bonus top pocket that's perfect for smaller essentials you want to keep within easy reach.

"I used the 18L model as my only camera bag on a recent trip to Antarctica," said MH gear writer Mike Richard. "I was able to pack my digital camera, a couple of lenses, a 15" laptop, my GoPro equipment, and a bunch of other must-haves, like snacks and my passport, with room to spare. Plus, the recycled polyester shell held up to daily Zodiac rides, pounding rain, and penguin encounters like a champ!"

Read more: Cool Tech Gadgets

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

We admit to fanboy'ing over Peak Design, as it seems every product the company reinvents turns to gold. We love the incognito look and simplicity of Peak Design's Travel Backpack. Aside from a top stash pocket, the bag relies on a single zipper that opens out the entire bag. From there, you can add in your clothes and shoes without packing cubes , or you can grab any of Peak Design's matching packing cubes and load in your clothes, electronics and gear.

The inner compartment also holds a padded laptop sleeve that keeps your device tightly secured. Our favorite feature of this travel backpack is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pick-pocket thieves from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds.

As far as construction materials, Peak Design went with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas thanks to its supreme water and abrasion resistance. In terms of comfort, padded shoulder pads, a generous adjustable strap length, and an optional hip belt accessory help limit fatigue, so you can power through long travel days.

COR Surf Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

The most active travelers demand a lot of their luggage. In most cases, they want their bags and backpacks to pull double duty: They need them to transport everything from A to B on the plane, then haul all their gear essentials around on the beach, the trail, or the slopes. That's where COR Surf's Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle comes in. The 40L model (it's available in 28L and 40L flavors as well) is roughly the size of a carry-on but way more durable and versatile.

The design opens wide like a traditional suitcase for easy access to everything. This bundle includes a water-resistant toiletry bag and a set of compression cubes to wrangle your clothes, shoes, electronics, and souvenirs on the way home.

The outside is built for all-day wear with wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap to help distribute heavier loads. It's built with double stitching all around, so it's ready to go the distance wherever you travel.

We especially like that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can color coordinate with your personal traveler's vibe (if that's your thing). Plus, it's crazy affordable at around $125 on sale.

Nomatic 40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

In the "new era" of next-gen travel backpacks we're currently living in, Nomatic was one of the OG brands to seriously reinvent the game. Its convertible travel bags are still some of our go-to favorites. The 40L option is sized like a traditional carry-on but carries like a duffel or travel backpack. With clever built-in straps, it transitions seamlessly between either carry method, so it's comfy to tote around even on your longest travel days.

It boasts 20 clever features, all targeting the needs of modern nomads. There are plenty of compartments to organize your clothes, shoes, tech, and other gear. A water bottle pocket helps you stay hydrated, and the included laundry bag helps keep your funky clothes quarantined away from your clean threads. It's all wrapped in a rugged, water-resistant tarpaulin material that's vegan-friendly and 100% synthetic.

If you're looking for something a little more streamlined, Nomatic's 30L model has all of the same features in a more compact footprint.

CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack

If you're an ultra-minimalist traveler or are just looking for a compact, rugged bag to supplement your carry-on, CamelBak's A.T.P. is just the trick. The 26-liter model is perfectly sized for hauling everything you need and nothing you don't. (It's also available as a smaller, cheaper 20-liter model )

In stark black or pure, undyed white, the exterior aesthetic is about as clean and streamlined as it gets. There are no extraneous pockets or design flourishes—this bag is all business. The interior is accessible either via the top flap (like a traditional top-loading hiking backpack) or through a long zipper topped with a snapped "collar" closure of sorts that almost resembles a zip-up hoodie. It makes accessing the inside way easier than most travel backpacks. The open-concept interior includes a laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and several small drop pockets for smaller travel essentials. Outside, compression straps allow you to cinch it all down to the exact size you need, so there's never any wasted space.

One of our favorite features of this travel backpack is the ultra-green manufacturing process. CamelBak touts this as its "first pack to ever earn the highest rating on our sustainability scale. The A.T.P. is made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor and creates half the greenhouse gas emissions produced in traditional manufacturing processes." Nice!

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Made with water-resistant nylon, this best-selling 40L travel pack promises organization through multiple zippered compartments. Starting from the front of the bag, there are four small zippered pouches, followed by a large zippered compartment for clothes and shoes , and then finished with a laptop sleeve compartment.

At under $60 retail (often less than $40 on sale!), you'd be hard-pressed to find a travel backpack this functional and durable for less. It's true the bag might not have the longest lifespan as others on this list (the zippered compartment design worries us about pockets potentially getting damaged), but in terms of getting solid bang for your buck, it's a great pick.

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

Yeti brings the design chops from working on the best, most rugged coolers to the world of travel backpacks. The Crossroads 35L is one of the toughest travel backpacks around.

For starters, the outer material of the Crossroads 35L is something you won't see on other travel backpacks. Why? Because Yeti opted for a textured Tuffskin nylon and a strong 700D nylon that's both water and abrasion-resistant. Yeti says it feels more like motorcycle gear, and we agree.

Second, the bag's clamshell opening allows for easy access to the laptop sleeve and for the ability to roll your clothes up and bag them down into the bag tightly. Last is the strength of the zippers, which are waterproof and tough as nails from the outer stash pockets all the way the main compartment zippers.

The only downside some might have is the shoulder pads could be more cushioned, but we found them to provide just enough comfort while stepping through the airport. But, if you're looking for a rugged backpack that's down for whatever, you can't go wrong with this pick.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

One of our favorite duffel bags, the North Face Base Camp, also works great as a convertible travel backpack. The straps on the Base Camp might have some of the best paddings you can get, making it that much more comfortable in terms of all-day carry. And as far as materials, the strong 1000D recycled PVC with water-resistant zippers is damn-near-bulletproof, ready to repel any and everything.

Our only gripe about this bag is the interior storage configuration. It doesn't have any special laptop compartments or unique pocket designs: It's a simple, straightforward duffel at the end of the day. But remember, if you ever get tired of carrying this on your back, you can carry it by the hand straps or sling it over your shoulder. So you've got options here.

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Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Talk about a behemoth! Away's F.A.R. Convertible Backpack is equal parts duffel bag and ackpack. It holds a whopping 45L, which makes all the difference if you want to add another pair of shoes or bring home souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

While you don't have a ton of compartments on the inside of this bag, it does have built-in compression straps, which allow you to clamp down your clothes and keep everything condensed. This travel backpack is made from water- and abrasion-resistant polyester that's strong enough to handle pretty much anywhere unless you're planning on getting far off the path (like a hiking or camping trip, or a trip to somewhere less developed).

While the bag can feel a little heavy on your back if packed to the gills, the good news is you can always convert it to duffel carry. You get the best of both worlds here.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

The Porter 46 reminds us a lot of a hiking backpack in looks and in its durable design. It holds a whopping 46 liters, which can be deceiving thanks to the outer clamp-down straps. On the front of the bag is an easy-access laptop sleeve, and on the side are grab handles for briefcase-like carry if your shoulders get tired. If you want to know our favorite features of the backpack, though, it's the U-zip opening design, which allows the user to pack in and access their goods with ease—it's especially easy to get items on the bottom of the bag when the back is laid down and opened.

A couple of qualms include the straps being a bit too narrow, which can cause some discomfort for long travel days. The other is there aren't a lot of stash pockets. So if you like to use those to wrangle your favorite travel essentials, you might want to look for a different backpack design. But if you're looking for a big-time hauler that fits a rugged, traditional hiking backpack design, then this is a solid choice.

Read more: Best Hiking Boots

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing all of the latest packing tools and accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within the travel space.

When it comes to travel backpacks, our gear enthusiasts in the office tested a total of 30 different travel backpacks over the past two years. We inspected the bags in office first before taking them out on assignments and vacations. Then, after wear and tear, we accessed the condition of the bag and added in our testing notes. Lastly, we considered what each travel backpack does best by applying them to all the different types of traveler needs—like size, versatility, weight, and more.

Read more: How We Test Products

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

There are a couple of features you want to keep an eye on when shopping for a travel-worthy backpack. Overall, your travel backpack should be lightweight, organized, and suitable for the types of travel you typically take. These are the most important considerations.

As mentioned earlier, a good sweet spot for travel backpack capacity is between 30L and 40L. This amount of space usually allows you to pack a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes or allows you to pack all your airplane essentials. Some of the travel backpacks above go up to 45L. We love the generous capacity, but if you go above this sizing, you might be veering away from carry-on size requirements or you might find a bag packed that fully becomes a little heavy on the shoulders.

TSA Carry-On Approved

Pretty much all travel backpacks are TSA-approved for carry-on use. If you're someone who likes to keep a bag under the seat, you'll want to pay closer attention to the exact dimensions and how your bag looks when it's fully packed. Some airlines—especially ultra-budget carriers—are getting mighty strict on baggage size requirements these days.

Outer Materia ls

The good news about our travel backpack picks above is they're all made with some sort of water-resistant material. Most have abrasion resistance too. Aside from looking for these two qualities, most travel backpacks use nylon or polyester blends. A truly tough bag might don an outer material of 500-denier nylon or higher, which is a material grade that ensures the nylon is strong, water-resistant, and tear-resistant—all great features in a travel backpack.

Packing Organization

Last to consider is your personal packing style. The vast amount of travel backpacks on the market has led us to have all sorts of bag openings and packing configurations. Some have lots of compartments (interior and exterior), while some have a single main compartment and only one stash pocket. Most travel backpacks have openings that help you pack clothes down tightly and allow for easy access if you need to get something at the bottom of the bag. A few common bag opening designs include U-shaped zipper openings, suitcase openings, and clamshell openings. There's no one best design; it's all about what's right for you .

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks for 2024. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard, reviewed dozens of packs to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some travel backpacks promise a better overall value than others. In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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10 Best Backpacks of 2024 for Travel, Work and Everything Else

We tested over 50 backpacks to find the best buys for every occasion.

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Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

Best for School

The north face borealis commuter laptop backpack.

Your backpack must hold everything you need, whether you're jetting off on a trip or heading into the office. With laptop sleeves, water bottle holders and all sorts of zippered compartments, a backpack needs to fit your necessities without feeling too heavy or bulky.

To find the best bags to take you from work to play, we tested over 50 different backpacks , including travel backpacks, daypacks for hiking, laptop backpacks, carry-on backpacks and more to find the top-performing styles. Pair these packs with packing cubes and a carry-on suitcase for your most well-organized vacation yet.

Fitting more than some carry-on suitcases in our tests, this Cotopaxi travel backpack had a spacious interior that holds everything from our standard packing test and more. The clamshell opening (similar to how a hard-side suitcase opens) makes for easy packing. The mesh compartments separate your clothes while it's still easy to see everything you have packed.

It includes thoughtful comfort features like padding in the shoulder straps, chest and hip straps and a breathable mesh back. The shoulder straps tuck away, so you can check this carry-on backpack in a pinch. Our testers appreciated the included raincover if you ever got caught in bad weather, but the bag itself also has a water-resistant coating for extra protection.

This pack is also available in 28L (which makes a great personal item!) and 42L. We think the 35L pack is ideal for most travelers as it fits the same as some carry-on suitcases without getting too heavy or bulky, which can be uncomfortable to carry. When evaluating this bag, we appreciated that the laptop sleeve could easily accommodate a 15-inch laptop. Note that this pack lacks a luggage trolley sleeve, so it doesn't stack easily on rolling luggage.

RELATED: 13 Best Travel Backpacks, Tested by Experts

At just $22, no other pack can beat the value of this MATEIN backpack. It's affordable without sacrificing features like two mesh water bottle holders, padded straps, ample zippered compartments, a padded laptop sleeve and a USB charging port to charge your phone on the go (power bank not included). This bag has over 97,000 reviews on Amazon with 23 different color options. It's sold in two sizes to accommodate either a 15.6-inch or 17-inch laptop.

When evaluating this bag, we were especially impressed with the amount of storage compartments. This pack has a hidden zippered compartment in the back to hold valuables like a passport when traveling. It has two front pockets to hold keys, wallet, phone, pens and more. Plus, it has a luggage trolley on the back to sit conveniently on top of rolling luggage. This pick makes a great personal item when traveling or as an everyday commuter bag!

RELATED: 20 Best Backpacks You Can Shop on Amazon

Head back to campus with a backpack that'll go with you from classes, to the gym, to extracurriculars and back to your dorm. Enter the Borealis backpack from The North Face. We have been recommending this backpack for years because it has a great design for students. Whether you're in high school or college, this pack can hold a laptop (in a separate padded compartment), textbooks, water bottles, notebooks, a sweatshirt and more while still feeling comfortable to carry.

In our Lab evaluation, the exterior fabric held up to abrasion and water-resistance tests. Our testers reported that this pack is comfortable to carry (even when packed to the brim), thanks to the padded straps and the waist and chest straps. We especially liked the thoughtful features, like a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system to hold a jacket. Shop this pick in 18 colors.

RELATED : Best Backpacks for High School and College Students in 2024

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a damaged laptop. Keep your technology safe with this laptop backpack from Timbuk2. It features a separate padded laptop compartment that can even fit larger computers up to 17 inches. There are internal sleeves to hold e-readers and iPads as well. There's generous padding on the back, padded shoulder straps and an optional chest strap to better distribute the pack's weight.

One GH analyst uses this backpack regularly when bringing his laptop to and from work. He even brought this backpack on a recent trip to China and appreciated the built-in luggage trolley sleeve. He said, "It's comfortable to wear and the pockets keep everything I need well organized."

RELATED: Best Laptop Backpacks, Tested & Reviewed

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Ditch your suitcase for a quick weekend trip away with this Calpak weekender backpack. It's designed to hold everything you need for a few days away: clothes, footwear, toiletries, a water bottle, books, a laptop and more. The backpack straps can be tucked away and the pack includes a crossbody strap, so you can wear it like a traditional weekender bag — two bags in one!

The pack unzips around the side like a suitcase for easy packing. It includes compression straps that help keep everything in place. There are two spacious front pockets to hold must-have items and a separate padded laptop sleeve for easy access. The sleek exterior is water-resistant and available in 11 shades including classic neutrals and bold hues.

"I regularly use this pack on trips because it can fit an impressive amount without becoming uncomfortable to carry," reported one tester. "I use it as a personal item with no carry-on, so I can save a few bucks by avoiding bag fees." One tester did note that the water bottle holder was too small to fit her bottle.

RELATED: 11 Best Weekender Bags, Tested by Travel Experts

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40 L

This Patagonia bag's rugged, water-resistant exterior helps protect your items, even in inclement weather. It's made with recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate to prevent water from seeping in.

The backpack straps tuck away, so you can wear it either as a backpack or as a traditional duffel bag with an included crossbody strap. When not in use, this backpack stuffs into the small side pocket for convenient, built-in storage . It can be tough to get the duffel in and out of the pocket as it is a tight fit. The Black Hole duffel is avaialble in 40L, 55L , 70L and 100L sizes. We recommend the 40L size as it's spacious enough to fit a week's worth of clothes without feeling too heavy to carry for most people.

If you're looking for a smaller backpack, we recommend the Patagonia Refugio pack ; it's great for everyday wear when traveling as it's made with water-resistant materials and includes a well-organized interior.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Designed for both longer and shorter trips, this innovative Peak Design bag has a 35L capacity but you have the option to compress it to create a 30L day bag or expand it to 45L.

This bag also converts to a duffel bag by conveniently tucking the backpack straps away, which is helpful if you ever want to check the bag when flying. You can access the bag's contents from the front, side and back, so it's easy to grab everything you need when on the go. Online reviewers especially liked this feature for easy access to camera equipment when traveling.

The main compartment only has one divider (which can roll down, but isn't removable), so we found it helpful to use packing cubes to keep everything organized. There are small zippered pockets in the front to stash must-have items like a phone, keys, wallet and lip balm.

Osprey Daylite Plus

Because you can't go hiking empty handed, bring a lightweight daypack like this top-tested Osprey backpack. This backpack features two stretchy water bottle holders on the side that fit larger bottles. It has padded straps with a chest strap and a removable hip belt for ergonomic support, important on longer hikes. The chest strap includes a built-in whistle to alert other hikers on the trail.

The front compression straps can hold wet or dirty clothes to keep them separate from the main storage compartment. Many online reviewers liked to put a rain jacket there in case they encountered bad weather. It has a separate back compartment that can either hold a hydration pouch or a 14-inch laptop — it's the perfect bag to bring from the trails to the street. Note that this backpack is hand wash only.

RELATED: Best Daypacks for Hiking, According to Pros

TUMI Alpha Bravo Search Backpack

TUMI is known as a status symbol for its luxurious travel products; they offer long-lasting, high-quality products and exemplary customer service. This nylon backpack with leather detailing is a staple among frequent business travelers. It has a sleek, professional look while still being comfortable to carry with padded straps . You have the option to add a customized monogram to the front of the backpack.

Grace Wu , Good Housekeeping Institute textiles product analyst, has tested dozens of backpacks, but she continues to use her 10-year-old TUMI backpack. She reports that it is "surprisingly spacious" and feels "high quality." The brand offers a limited warranty on many of its products with low-cost repairs.

Beis The Backpack

If you want a backpack that'll maximize your packing space without sacrificing style, The Backpack from Beis is ideal.

We were immediately impressed with the spacious interior that can fit multiple packing cubes. The top unzips all the way around for easy packing. It features two water bottle holders on the side — testers liked to use one for a water bottle and the other for an umbrella. Some testers wish the holders were stretchy or adjustable to accommodate larger bottles.

The separate padded laptop sleeve makes it easy to grab your computer without unpacking your whole bag. Featuring a luggage trolley sleeve, this bag pairs perfectly with the brand's matching carry-on suitcases . Plus, it's available in eight stylish shades with over 3,000 online reviews (an average 4.8 rating!). This bag is the ultimate travel companion.

RELATED: Beis Luggage Review: Does it Live up to the Hype?

Other backpacks to consider

While these packs didn't make the shortlist, they're high quality backpacks that performed well in our testing that you should consider:

JanSport Right Pack Backpack

A favorite for students from elementary school to college, this popular backpack from JanSport is made with durable, long-lasting materials, including a reinforced suede bottom. It has a simple design with two front pockets and a large interior with a laptop sleeve. It lacks organizational features that can be helpful when traveling, but is a great option for students.

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Another great professional option, this faux leather backpack from Calpak has a sleek look that's great for commuters with a separate laptop sleeve and a surprisingly roomy interior. It's also available in 25 colors — multiple GH editors have this bag in bold hues, including pink and purple! While it has an attractive look, this backpack couldn't accommodate bulkier items like shoes or a sweatshirt because of its shape.

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

Away offers a variety of smart travel products to make your trip easier, including this extra-large 45L convertible backpack. The backpack straps tuck away, so you can use it as a duffel bag. Testers liked the comfortable straps and well-organized interior. Our main concern with this bag is that the zippers sometimes came loose in our testing.

RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

How we test backpacks

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel experts who have tested over 50 backpacks in recent tests. Testing styles designed for travel, school, hiking and more, both GH pros and our consumer testers used the backpacks before giving feedback on comfort when wearing a full pack, ease of use, convenience of pockets, appearance and more.

✔️ Backpack strap comfort and fit: We look at each backpack's straps to ensure they have padding and other comfort features like mesh for airflow. We also look for chest and hip straps, especially for hiking backpacks.

✔️ Material durability: Using a specialized abrasion tester, we evaluate the fabric's durability to ensure it will hold up against wear and tear.

✔️ Compartments including a laptop sleeve: We rate each pack's compartments and pockets to ensure there is ample storage space that's easily accessible. We put a laptop in the laptop sleeve to rate how well it fits and is protected.

✔️ How the backpack opens: Backpacks usually have one of two opening types: top opening or front opening.

• Top-loading backpacks have a zipper around the top of the bag, so it opens to one large compartment that you can fill. These are great to hold must-have items as everything is easily accessible, but they aren't designed to fit clothes and shoes.
• Front-loading backpacks (also known as clamshell-style packs) unzip around the side so they open up like a book for easy packing. These bags are better suited for packing clothes and toiletries as they will fit more, but items aren't as easily accessible when on the go.

✔️ Packing space: We pack each backpack with a standard load to rate how much each backpack can fit. We also rate the ease of opening and closing the pack when full.

How to choose the best backpack

Consider where you'll use the backpack before purchasing.

• Travel: Some travel backpacks are designed to hold what you'll need each day on vacation while larger ones are designed to hold a few days worth of clothes. Clamshell-style packs are best suited for carrying outfits — they can even be used as a personal item if your airline charges for carry-on bags.
• Hiking: A lightweight pack is a must when heading on a hike. Look for styles with chest and hip straps to better distribute the weight for a more comfortable feel mile after mile. Some hiking backpacks also include a pouch for a hydration pack.
• Business: Backpacks for business travel must include a padded laptop sleeve and ample space to hold what you need when attending meetings or conferences. Look for sleek materials like leather in neutral shades for a professional look.

Check the pack's total volume and packing space. If you plan to bring your backpack on a plane, compare the bag's dimensions to your airline's allowed personal item or carry-on dimensions to ensure you can bring it onboard.

Look at the backpack's weight. Avoid heavy styles that will weigh you down. Leather tends to be heavy compared to nylon and other synthetics, which are lighter in weight.

Ensure the backpack has the compartments you need. If you plan to bring your laptop with you when traveling, make sure the laptop sleeve can accommodate your laptop's size. In our tests, testers appreciated backpacks with water bottle holders — especially adjustable or stretchy holders to fit larger bottles. Other helpful compartments to look for include sleeves for iPads or e-readers, key holders, hidden zippered compartments for valuables and easily accessible front pockets.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour has been testing backpacks and other travel products for the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab since 2018. She has tested over 100 backpacks, bags, suitcases and packing cubes! She has a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University. She loves to travel and regularly brings her Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack along on her travels, including trips to Japan, Copenhagen, Mexico, Utah and more.

More on our top-tested backpacks:

• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Laptop Backpacks
• Best Backpacks for High School and College
• Best Backpacks on Amazon
• Best Daypacks for Hiking
• Best Kids Backpacks
• Best Toddler Backpacks

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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Home » Gear » best travel backpack

The BEST Travel Backpacks: (2024)

Did you know that the average human makes upwards of 35,000 decisions every single day? That’s a whole lotta deciding right? But in truth, some of life’s (many) decisions are more important than others. BIG decisions include what career to  pursue, who to marry and of course whether you should take the red pill, the blue pill (or both…_

So, in the grand scheme of things, choosing which travel backpack to buy may not seem all that important and yet take it from us (the experts), having the right backpack can sometimes make or break a trip. Seriously peeps, choosing which backpack to bring on a given trip is almost as important as choosing where to go.

Your travel backpack will carry every single one of your possessions on the road and will become your home. You need your chosen backpack to be strong, durable, comfortable, and compact enough to save you some space! Over the years, I have personally tried countless different backpacks and pushed them far past their limits.

So in this post I am going to channel all of that experience and knowledge in order to help you deuce what is the best travel backpack for your trip? Let’s go find out.

Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

So why choose to travel with a backpack, travel backpack: the best overall for 2024, the best carry on travel backpacks, best travel backpacks for hiking, best backpacks for digital nomads, the best backpacks for travel photographers, other special travel backpacks worth considering, what makes a good travel backpack, the great backpacker debate (must read), faq about the best travel backpack, conclusion of the best travel backpacks mega-list.

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• #1 Nomatic 40L Travel Bag – The Best Overall Backpack
• #2 Tropicfeel Shell  – Best Organised Travel Backpack
• #3 Osprey Aether Plus 70L  – Best Long Term Travel Backpack for Men (Large)
• #4 Osprey Farpoint 40L   – Best Travel Backpack (Carry on)
• #5 Osprey Aura 50L  – Best Large Long Term Travel Backpack (Womens )
• #6 Osprey Airscape UNLTD – Best Travel & Hiking Backpack
• #7 Tortuga Travel Pack  –Best Full-Size Carry On (Unisex)
• #8 Osprey Ozone  – Best Travel Bag with Wheels
• #9 WANDRD PRVKE 31  – Best Camera Backpack for Travel
• #10 Tortuga Laptop Backpack  – Best Travel Bag for Laptops

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

• Price > $289.99
• Liters > 30L and 40L
• Material > Tarpaulin/Ballistic Weave
• Best Use > Travel, digital nomad lifestyle, weekend trips

Osprey Men’s Aether Plus 70

• Price > $410
• Liters > 70L
• Material > 210D high-tenacity nylon
• Best Use > Backpacking

Osprey Farpoint 40

• Price > $185
• Liters > 40L
• Material > 450D recycled twist dobby polyester
• Best Use > Travel, international backpacking, urban lifestyle

Osprey Aura 50

• Price > $315
• Liters > 50L
• Material > 210D honeycomb recycled nylon
• Best Use > Trekking, backpacking, hiking, international travel

Osprey Airscape UNLTD

• Price > $700
• Liters > 68L
• Material > 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
• Best Use > Hiking, international backpacking,

Tropicfeel Shell

• Price > $249
• Liters > 22-40
• Material > Polyester – 60% recycled material, 100% recycled nylon

Tortuga Travel Pack

• Price > $350
• Material > SHELL200D Recycled Polyester

Osprey Ozone

• Price > $320
• Liters > 38L
• Material > 100-denier recycled high-tenacity NanoFly nylon
• Best Use > Travel, international wheelpacking

WANDRD PRVKE 31

• Price > $239
• Liters > 31-36L
• Material > Combination of tarpaulin and robic nylon
• Best Use > Travel photography

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• Price > $149
• Liters > 25L
• Material > 900D heathered polyester
• Best Use > Travel, digital nomad lifestyle, carry on, day pack

Ok so why should you travel with a backpack rather than suitcase? Well, ultimately it depends on where you are going and your travel style.

For example, the cobbled streets of Europe, dirt roads of Nepal, and busy bus stations around the world are quite simply not suitcase friendly. In these environments your suitcase is likely to get damaged, get in the way and, in general, piss you off. Trust me, carrying your suitcase because the wheels have fallen off while you search for the hostel, is not a great start to a trip.

And, if you are planning to visit multiple destinations and using public transport, a suitcase is simply not practical and you will hate yourself for bringing one!

Backpacks also look kind of cool whereas suitcases just make you look like a tourist.

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Crucially, when traveling with a backpack your hands are free to use Google Maps to find your hostel, tackling stairs is not a problem, and you can officially join the backpacker hordes! No one likes a suitcase.

Still not convinced? What if I told you that once you invest in the best travel bag you shouldn’t ever need to buy another one! A good quality travel backpack lasts years and does not get damaged as easily as suitcases. I’ve been dragging my pack around the globe for nearly ten years and it’s still going strong.

The best backpacks for travel will be flexible in size and shape so when they are not full, there is more chance that you can take them on board planes. Some traveling backpacks even come with detachable day packs to make things even easier.

Why Should You Trust Us?

The Broke Backpacker team have been travelling and living out of their own backpacks for years now. Collectively, we must have 200+ years of travel experience and, by now, know what it takes to be successful on the road. We are experts in our field and take great pleasure in presenting the best possible gear to you.

Let’s kick this off with what I feel are the absolute TOP backpacks to travel with.

#1 Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

• Price: $289.99
• Dimemsions: 22.86 x 53.34 x 35.56 cm
• Weight: 1.55 kg
• Looks sexy!
• Modern and efficient
• Tons of room
• Lots of awesome features
• Carry on size

Nomatic bags are designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. This is accomplished by great design: tons of features, and more pockets and sleeves than you’ll know what to do with.

The Nomatic Travel Pack 40L is widely acclaimed as the perfect travel pack for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its meticulously designed organization system sets it apart. The pack features an array of compartments and pockets that are intelligently laid out, ensuring that every item has its specific place. This includes a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment, a secure RFID safe pocket, and a versatile main compartment that can expand or contract based on your packing needs.

The bag can seamlessly transition from a 40L check-in bag to a slimmer, day pack by simply adjusting the expansion zipper, making it incredibly versatile for different types of trips. The thoughtful design extends to the inclusion of a cord management system and a magnetic water bottle pocket, making it incredibly convenient to stay organized and access essentials on the go. Whether you need a backpack for a business trip  or are a digital nomad traveling the world, this will keep your laptop and valuables well secured all while looking stylish.

Read our full review of the Nomatic Travel Bag!

#2 Aer Travel Pack 3 – Our Favorite Backpack to Travel With Runner Up

• Price: $249
• Volume: 35 liters
• Dimemsions: 55 x 33 x 22
• Weight: 1.87 kg
• Multiple compartments for organization
• Lots of potential customization

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are big fans of Aer – and the Travel Bag is one of their best backpacks to date. This bag has gotten a ton of (much-deserved) hype and it’s our pick for the best overall travel backpack!

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a testament to functional design and urban style, ideal for the modern traveler who values efficiency and aesthetics. This pack is crafted from high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. a wonderful backpack for digital nomads on the go. It can fit your laptop as well as any other travel gear you tote around. Use it as a daypack around town or bring it on the pane for one bag travel.

There are many different compartments, pockets, and zippers to keep you organized. There’s a laptop sleeve and a very handy place just for shoes. With its blend of durability, organization, and style, the Aer Travel Pack 3 stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and fashionable travel companion.

The minimalist outer design helps deter thieves, and what the outside lacks in pockets it makes up for with well-designed internal storage.

Read our Aer Travel Pack 3 review to learn more about this bag!

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#3 Osprey Men’s Aether Plus 70 – Best For Backpacking (Men)

• Price: $410
• Dimemsions: 83.82 x 38.1 x 35.56 cm
• Weight: 2.81 kg
• Convertible top-lid day pack.

The Osprey Aether is in our view, the quintessential backpackers backpack. If you headed to Southeast Asia for a few month, or maybe going on a backcountry hiking trip, then this arguably the PERFECT backpack.

It’s offers a whopping 70 litres of storage and has all the advantages that every pack from the Osprey brand offers. (the Osprey ‘All-Mighty Guarantee’ , durability, comfort). Several of us here at TBB use this pack for all of our backpacking trips and I have carried mine across 5 continents now. It has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep things extra organized plus An AirScape back panel to keep you cool on the warmest adventures. I can guarantee it’ll last a lifetime, if you don’t believe me, just ask Osprey!

Literally guys, they put a lifetime guarantee on every single product they sell to prove it. The only downside to this pack is you can’t avoid checked luggage fee’s with this bad boy as its too big. But at least you don’t have to dump any stuff! This is hands down one of the best backpacks for traveling around the world on a longer adventure.

Check out our review of the Aether 70 backpack to learn more!

#4 Osprey Aura 50 – Best For Backpacking (Women)

• Price: $315
• Dimemsions: 81.28 x 38.1 x 30.48 cm
• Weight:  1.86 kg
• Anti-Gravity Suspension
• Floating top-lid replaceable with FlapJacket
• Multiple organisation options.

The ladies-specific Osprey Aura is the best travel backpack for the female form. This is a high-quality backpack for women traveling on epic short or long haul adventures. Osprey as a brand are awesome and they guarantee to last many adventures! Seriously, all Osprey travel bags come with a lifetime guarantee making them undeniably the best value backpacks.

With the unique built-in Anti-Gravity suspension system, this bag is designed to carry up to 40lbs without the carrier even noticing! Meaning this travel backpack is stable, strong and can carry the weight without you having to suffer for it! If you’re a lady hitting the road, this is the travel backpack I recommend.

Overall, you should get the Osprey Aura 50 if you are traveling in a variety of weather (humidity and snow) and hike and backpack often. This backpack will be a great fit if you are looking for a high-quality backpack that can handle wear and tear.

Check out our awesome Osprey Aura 50 review!

#5 Osprey Airscape UNLTD – Best Hiking & Travel Backpack

• Price: $700
• Dimemsions: 81.28 x 40.64 x 38.1 cm
• Weight:  2.72 kg
• Cutting edge super comfy back support
• Lid detaches into a day pack

The Osprey Airscape is one of two spanking hiking packs launched by the world’s leading backpack brand’s as part of its UNLTD series. The Airscape UNLTD is a 68 litre hiking and travel backpack that utilises cutting edge, 3D printing technology to create an ultra comfy, supportive and breathable lumbar, back support.

Whilst there are too many little features to list in this section (read on for the full run down), another major bonus is the 8l top lid that converts to an 18l day pack which brings a whole new dimension to the pack. 

Alas, the Osprey Airscape UNLTD also comes with a hefty $750 price tag which by far makes it the most expensive backpack that I have ever come across. Whether it is really worth that amount of money is of course debatable but what I can say is that this is by far the most comfortable hiking backpack that I have ever tried.

I have about four different travel backpacks now. For longer trips I generally use my Osprey Aether, but I also have a number of carry on backpacks which I use for shorter trips.

And hear this, these days it is increasingly common for airlines to charge separately for checked bags and it can often increase the price of the ticket by 50%. As such, if you only travel with a compact backpack you can save a fortune on luggage fees and simply take your backpack on a flight as carry-on. Budget backpacking win right there!

Below are some of my favorite backpacks that I use as a carry-on. If you’d like to learn more about these sort of bags, then be sure to head over our comprehensive guide on the top carry-on backpacks to take traveling!

#1 Osprey Farpoint 40 L  – Best Carry-on Backpack (Men)

• Price: $185
• Dimemsions: 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
• Weight: 1.59 kg
• Large panel zip access to main compartment.
• Stowaway backpanel, harness and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection.
• Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in lockable compartment.

Overall, you should get the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you are traveling the world, and like to pack super light (like me). If you are looking for a nearly indestructible carry on backpack which can actually carry, and compartmentalize, a lot of stuff – this backpack might be your match made in heaven.

Because of it’s 40 liter size, the Farpoint 40 is a near-guarantee to carry on no matter the airline. This will save you hundreds of dollars in checking fees, and countless hours waiting in baggage claim. And as we will look at later, there is plenty of space to make sure that light-traveling does not mean bad-traveling.

In my opinion, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the best value carry on backpack on the market right now. Check out our epic Osprey Farpoint review here . 

#2 Osprey Fairview 40  – Best Carry-on Backpack (Women)

• Size: 40 Liters
• Dimemsions: 53.34 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
• All of the pros of the Osprey Farpoint 40.
• A hiking and carry-on backpack specifically designed to fit women!

The Osprey Fairview 40 was designed specifically for girls and women – making this category an easy choice! To clarify for the ladies… ANY of the bags mentioned prior can be used for women. Whether you are interested in Minaal, Tortuga, Aer, or any of the others – all of these bags are unisex. Except for the Osprey Fairview 40, which was designed specifically for women.

This travel backpack can transform into a duffel bag, which is made even more awesome by the included shoulder strap, and the ability to stow the bag’s harness and hip belt. At a square 40 liters, you’ll rarely have to worry about this bag being checked.

If you are a lady, and want all of the glory of Osprey in a bag that is specifically designed for you, then hell yes! Please, don’t be hesitant to purchase any of the other bags (as they are all unisex!) but if you want a badass hiking pack that also functions as a carry on backpack, this is an easy pick.

#3 Peak Design Travel Pack – Best 30l Carry On Travel Pack

• Price: $229.95
• Capacity: 30 litres
• Dimemsions: 53cm x 34cm x 20cm
• Weight: 1.44 kg
• Great organisational capacity
• Extends to 33L
• Amazing for organization
• Comfy to carry and fits under the seat

The Peak Design 30L Travel Pack is built with the modern traveler in mind. Its 30-liter capacity is perfect for weekend getaways or even extended travel if you pack light. The bag’s sleek design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about function. Its adjustable compartments allow for a customized fit for your belongings, while its innovative side access points provide convenience in retrieving items without having to dig through the entire bag. The expansion zippers give you the flexibility to accommodate extra items when needed, making it an adaptable companion for various travel durations.

I have been incredibly impressed by this travel pack and it has now accompanied me on a free weekend rips already. What I really love about it is how well organised I can get with my packing – everything has its place and there are enough zips and pockets to stash all of those little odds and ends. In terms of downsides, the packs material is thick and robust but not all that nice to the touch. The bag does also feel a bit heavier than it looks.

Finally I personally find that 30 litres is only ever enough storage for a few nights worth of traveling but perhaps thats just me – I do after all travel with a hair-dryer. Fortunately though there is a 40 litre version available.

#4 Tortuga Travel Pack  – Best Full Size Carry-on

• Price: $350
• Size:  45 litres
• Dimemsions: 47 x 30 x 23
• Weight:  1.5 kg
• The design will leave you fairly impressed
• It has tons of pockets/compartments
• It packs huge – you can put A LOT in it

The first thing I noticed when packing my new Tortuga Travel Pack, was just how massive the main compartment was. It has the capacity to carry a ton of clothes. If you are a world traveler, then this is great because it means you have to do less laundry – score! And yet despite its generous capacity, the new and improved version of the Tortuga Travel pack was custom designed to for carry on meaning that it complies with the limits for pretty much every airline in the world.

Its a cleverly designed pan too. The Travel Pack by Tortuga’s design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase; this is far more convenient than a traditional backpackers backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple, and because of the organization of the compartments, it was easy to know what was where.

Inside the main compartment are six smaller compartments. The first four smaller compartments are enclosed within the main compartment. The Tortuga Travel Pack is still without a doubt one of the best backpacks on the market. It’s quality build, intuitive design, fantastic organization, and smaller size make it the perfect compact travel bag for anyone who wants to travel light, but travel in style.

Check out out our must-read full Tortuga Travel Pack review .

#5 Tropicfeel Shell Backpack – Best Backpack for Organizing

• Size: 22-40 litres
• Dimemsions: 51 x 30 x 19 cm
• Really fucking versatile
• Packs up easily
• Fairly priced

The Shell by Tropicfeel is a little to medium backpack sized with a big concept. Firstly, it is a 3 in 1 extendable backpack that begins life as a 22 liter pack, rolls up to 30 litres and then with the addition of a detachable pouch goes all the way to 40 litres.

As well as being a 3-in-1 backpack (which you can easily adapt to use as day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack), the Shell also has another awesome feature – a little, mini drop in pull out travel roll up wardrobe! With multiple compartments, you can easily pack and unpack all of your belongings. For a quick outfit change at the airport, this is ideal.

This is a VERY unique and special pack and it seriously impressed me. While not all of you will want this kind of pack, it has won itself a delisted fanbase. I also just love how mega-stylish this bag is too. Keeping everything tidy, easily accessible and organized during your travels has never been so easy. On top of that, the recycled material is also weather and water-resistant.

Want to know more about the company, we’ve done a full review of TropicFeel just for you!

A lot of people like to go hiking while they are out traveling the world. To do so, they need a special type of travel backpack, one that can go further, carry more, and last longer.

Aside from the Osprey Aether and Aura, here are a couple more options when looking for a good bag to go traveling and hiking with. If you would like to read more about these special pieces of gear, then be sure to check out our ENORMOUS hiking backpack guide !

#1 Osprey Aether Plus 85 Backpack – A BIG Travel Backpack

• Price: $440
• Dimemsions: 86.36 x 40.64x 40.64 cm
• Removable top lid w/compartment and waterproof zipper
• Converts to a lumbar pack with AirScape lumbar pad

Looking to head into the back country in search of adventure? Whether it is a couple of days hiking or an epic adventure The Osprey Aether Plus 85 backpack is the best travel backpack on the market by far.

I’ve been adventuring with my Aether for nearly ten years now. The best thing about Osprey is that they operate an all-mighty guarantee. This means that they will repair any damage done to your pack, no questions asked, for free. However, note that in recent years they have amended this guarantee and it now excludes wear & tear, water damage and airline damage.

The Osprey Aether Plus 85 is a big expedition backpack; it’s 85 liters, extremely comfortable thanks to the custom-molded hip belt, is compatible with hydration systems, has plenty of sections for storage and can easily be loaded up with a ton of stuff – I once strapped three tents to the outside and had a fourth tent on the inside plus cooking equipment, sleeping bags, food, clothes, electronics etc…

#2 Osprey Skarab 30 – A Smaller Backpack for Shorter Journeys

• Price: $150
• Dimemsions: 53.34 x 27.94 x 25.4 cm
• Weight: 0.74 kg
• Walking pole attachments
• Adjustable BIOFIT back system

For the days when you venture into the wilderness or walk the market streets, you need a pack that is both comfortable and practical. I’ve been using my Osprey Skarab for three years now as my go-to backpack for shorter adventures or hikes.

It’s one hell of a pack and is the best budget backpack I’ve come across. It’s pretty cheap considering the quality and it has plenty of pockets for storage, a padded hip belt, a safety whistle on the chest strap (always handy!) and an in-built rain cover.

The Osprey Skarab backpack is 30 liters so it’s a backpack best for weekends or ultralight hiking rather than long expeditions where you have to carry tents and food. It can just about handle long trips but space is limited so whilst it is one of the best backpacks for travel, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a long trip. For more intel check out our full-length Osprey Skarab review .

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

#3 Deuter Aircontact Core 65 + 10 Pack – A Cheaper Travel Backpack Osprey-Alternative

• Price: $250
• Dimensions: 84.07 x 32 x 27.94 cm
• Weight: 2.25 kg
• 15% perspiration control
• Dimemsions:

Hands down, this is one of the best backpacks for hiking. This is a fantastic backpack for those looking for comfort, support, breathability and freedom of movement. This backpack is absolutely one of my best picks and if it wasn’t for my trusty Osprey, I would probably be a Deuter man.

These days, traveling without a laptop is just not going to happen. For many of us, a laptop is just as essential as a phone and if you are a digital nomad hitting the road, you need to protect your baby. So amigos, let me share the best travel backpacks for digital nomads and laptop lovers.

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack – Best Travel Backpack for Digital Nomads

• Price: $149
• Size: 25 liters
• Weight:  1.27 kg
• Very functional
• High-quality manufacturing
• Super organized

This one is pretty obvious – the Laptop Backpack is great for…. laptops! But seriously, if you are looking for a sturdy pack to carry your laptop around– look no further, this bad boy is as good as it gets. This is for a few reasons.

First off, Tortuga Backpacks are possibly some of the most well designed and durable backpacks on the market. We’ve reviewed tons of Tortuga products and they all have an incredible amount of detail to them, and are made of the highest quality materials. High quality/durable materials means your precious laptop will be safe and sound.

Simply put, this backpack has tons of organization features, all of which are designed specifically for laptops. Notice in the pictures above and below, that this bag is loaded with ways to keep your gear safe, and very organized. Tortuga markets this bag as an “organized daypack for air travel” – and it’s certainly true!

The design and features of this backpack make it perfect for air travel. Whether it’s the sleek laptop sleeve, the easy to lock zippers, the luggage handle pass through or the hideaway shoulder straps, this bag thrives in airports and airplanes.

Check out our in-depth Tortuga Laptop backpack review . 

#2 TomToc Navigator-T66 – A Large yet Lightweight Travel Backpack

• Price: $195
• Dimemsions: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm
• Weight: 1.17 kg
• Sleek, stylish design
• Super lightweight makes travel easy
• Ultra comfortable straps +back padding

This is the perfect lightweight travel backpack for digital nomads weighing only 1.17kg.  It has a large 40L compartment with more than enough space to pack your clothes, a padded laptop sleeve and a mesh zipped pocket for your accessories.

You might be wondering, “Do I sacrifice quality and comfort because of the lightness?” Absolutely not. This pack has ultra-comfortable straps, a padded back panel and is made with high-quality materials. In essence, TomToc makes simple, tough, and well-designed travel backpacks equipped with enough storage and organizational features to make any modern traveller happy. For the price and quality, this pack is a steal!

#4 Incase Icon Pack – One of the Toughest Laptops Bags

• Price: $149.99
• Size: 9 x 13 x 19 inches
• Dimemsions: 48.26 x 33.02 x 22.86 cm
• Dedicated laptop compartment
• Multiple organisation options
• Airflow channels in back panel

The Incase Icon Pack is a great travel backpack if you’ll be working on the road and need a sturdy, durable pack to keep your laptop safe while exploring new areas. Featuring multiple exterior and interior pockets, the Icon laptop backpack allows maximum organisation and easy access to your belongings, with a dedicated laptop compartment to stow your gear away safely.

Check out our in-depth breakdown of the best laptop backpacks for more intel!

Photographers need to be very mindful of their gear while traveling. Rough rides and constant movement can imperil sensitive camera equipment, so it’s very important to have a reliable backpack that can keep everything safe.

These are a few more good travel backpacks, this time with the photographers and aspiring photographers in mind. If these suggestions aren’t enough, we’ve also written an in-depth guide to choosing the best camera backpacks too!

#1 WANDRD PRVKE 31  – Best Travel Camera Backpack

• Price: $239
• Size: 31 Liters
• Dimemsions: 48 X 30 X 18 cm
• Expandable roll top
• Large enough for travel camera + 3-4 lenses
• Additional straps for accessories

For those who want a backpack that can does a little bit of everything, is durable, and looks damn good in the process, the WADNRD PRVKE 31 is an excellent investment. At 31 (expandable to 36) liters, this backpack can hold quite a bit and there are plenty more pockets to hold everything else. Thanks to its robust weather-resistant design, your belongings will be safe as well. Add in some customizable straps and sleek sexy design and you have a backpack that can do damn near anything.

Though the PRVKE 31 has lots of padding and additional straps for distributing weight, it lacks certain key features that make it truly adept at carrying heavier loads. During our tests, both of the women on our trip struggled somewhat while carrying this bag as it did not fit snugly against their bodies.

I was impressed with the number of customizable options that PRVKE 31 offered. Between the many loops found on the pack as well as the ability to attach adjustable accessory straps (sold separately), users will be able to find many alternative means of packing. Overall, a badass camera backpack!

Read our WANDRD PRVKE 31 review!

#2 Nomatic Peter Mckinnon Camera Bag  – Best Travel Camera Backpack

• Price: $399.99
• Size: 35 liters
• Dimemsions: 55.88 x 34.29 x 22.86 cm
• Weight:  2.61 kg
• Expands to 42 liters
• Can hold a full-frame camera, multiple lenses, and a small drone
• Doubles as a great short-term travel backpack

This is the first true camera bag offered by Nomatic. Inspired and designed by legendary Youtuber and renowned photographer Peter Mckinnon, this 35 liter backpack is already a top competitor of the Wandrd PRVKE 31.

Built to last and with the traveling photographer in mind, the Nomatic Camera Bag is ultra-functional, durable, and sleek. Small enough to be a carry on, yet big enough to support extended weekend trips, the 35 liters offered here makes this bag ideal for photographers who find themselves frequently out on overnight/ inner-city trips.

The drawback: to get the most of this bag, you really need to go for the bundle package – which comes with all of the nice accessories that make this backpack great. If you have the money, going for the Nomatic Camera Bag is an excellent investment and is probably an all-around better backpack then the WANDRD 31 when all of the accessories and features are added up.

Read our Nomatic Camera Pack review !

Sometimes traveling calls for a unique bag. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior who needs something both professional and rugged. Maybe you just like to mix things up. Either way, these backpacks maybe more appropriate for you.

#1 Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel – Top Wheeled Backpack for Travel

• Price: $320
• Size: 38 Liters
• Weight: 2.27 kg
• Will attach to any of the wheeled luggage by Osprey
• Can be combined with other Osprey bags to make a nimble beast

Wheeled luggage sometimes get a bad reputation. We’ve all seen those travelers trying to roll giant pieces luggage around cobble stone streets or busy Asian alleys, clearly in over their head. But wheeled backpacks are different. …

Designed for the savvy traveler, Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On Wheeled Luggage is pretty much one of the best travel backpacks out there. The padded hip-belt and shoulder harness stow away for easy transport. It can clip on to the wheeled range by osprey for easy transport and it is super breathable. It even has an inside zipped compartment perfect for smelly hiking boots!

I’ve been using this pack on and off for two years: you can fit a TON of stuff in it – a genuinely surprising amount considering it still qualifies as hand luggage most of the time – however, once it’s heavy it quickly becomes a tad uncomfortable – not ideal if you plan on taking it hiking. This is one of the best backpacks for travel if you have a ton of valuables you want to keep in your hand luggage – i.e. if you are a digital nomad!

#2 REI Co-Op Flash 55 – An Excellent Budget Backpack

• Price: $199
• Dimensions: 76.2 x 35.56 x 30.48 cm
• Weight: 1.28 kg
• Perfect-Fit suspension for on-body adjustments
• Easy access
• Budget-friendly

Although a little smaller than the Osprey Aether (and not as well-built), the REI Flash 55 still makes for a quality backpack for travel on long haul minimalist trips and weekend backpacking missions.

Ideal for use in both cities and in the mountains, the Flash 55 is a versatile, sturdy backpack with multi-functional pockets, a comfortable, suspension- supported fit, and easy access compartments allowing you to get to your essentials whenever you need to. This is one of the best hiking bags around for under $200.

Coming in just under $200, this pack features 8 external pockets plus a main compartment, making packing for your adventure a breeze. Combine this with a breathable back frame and comfortable hip belt, this is a great go-to for your weekend backpacking trips and more. I’ve used this pack primarily in desert climates, and typically tried to keep the overall packed weight under 35 lbs, and it’s yet to fail me.

All that being said, there are a few things I don’t love about the bag. For starters, the zipper pouch on the back side is made from a ripstop nylon material, which I found to be super inconvenient.. Another small complaint I had was the option to not include a rain cover for the bag. The nylon exterior can fend off small mistings of from mother nature, but anything more would more than likely render the bag (and your belongings inside) rather soaked and heavy.

Picking the best backpack to travel with doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive…

It’s easy to grab a great discount deal from a top brand and, to be honest, if you buy anything from Osprey, Aer, or Tortuga you won’t be disappointed. However, not all backpacks are created equal and there’s a few factors you should always look at when picking a backpack for traveling…

1. The Right Travel Backpack Size

Size is a personal choice and the best travel packs have no definitive size. If you are a medium to long term traveler who needs more space for camping gear, who wants to pick up lots of trinkets or who travels with a full wardrobe then you need a 60-liter minimum backpack. I have seen some backpackers make do with 50 litre packs, and while I applaud them, they are definitely freaks!

Larger backpacks however mean checked baggage fees and you are less likely to be able to take your backpack into the bus with you -instead you’ll have to strap it to the roof and hope it doesn’t rain (rain covers do exist mind).

The smaller your travel bag, the less you can take, but the big bonus is no checked bag fees and it’s easier to keep tabs on your pack at all times. If you can keep your backpack below fifty liters you will save a fortune when flying. However the reality is that small bags are usaally too small for trips that last longer than a week to maybe two.

Think carefully about the size of your pack and what’s best for you – the best backpacks for travel are different for everyone. Personally, I travel with a seventy liter pack as I am often carrying camping gear.

2. Straps on Your Travel Backpack

Carrying everything you need to travel the world on your back doesn’t come lightly… even when you pack light! Wandering lost, trying to find a hostel in the heat of the day with a travel bag is not fun, even the lightest packers will agree.

To combat this, the best backpacks will include well designed load bearing straps to help turn that heavy backpack into a fairly light backpack.

The aim of the game is to take weight off your shoulders and onto the hips. This is significantly better for you and you can walk, climb and even jump around pretty comfortably if your pack’s weight is distributed evenly. These days most larger backpacks include hip belts as standard.

For me, quality hip belts are what makes a great travel backpack. Without a hip belt, even the best backpack in the world can turn into a nightmare. Some traveling backpacks have heat-molded custom made hip belts that may appear somewhat gimmicky but are very comfortable.

Your shoulder straps are equally important and should be comfortable to wear, without the hip belt. Look for shoulder straps that have plenty of padding.

3. Pockets, Pockets, POCKETS

Well organised travel bags make the best travel bags. There’s nothing more annoying than a typical backpack which only opens from the top meaning that each and every time you need something you’ll be pulling literally, everything else but that, out.

Pockets alleviate this problem; allowing you to assign certain segments of your travel backpack to particular items (e.g. clothes, toiletries, passport and money) for easier access. The best pocket is a U-shaped opening pocket as this allows easy access.

4. Travel Backpack Weight

Great travel backpacks are those which are as light as a feather. Sadly these don’t really exist and instead, you need to consider the best weight for what you’ll be doing. Backpacks themselves are not weightless, the heavier the frame, the more weight you have to start with.

In general, you want to go for the lightest, but toughest, pack you can find. Gregory Packs are some of the lightest packs on the market but they are simply not as tough as Osprey or Aer and that is there downfall…

5. How Comfortable Should a Travel Backpack Be?

Your travel backpack will become your new best friend, it’s where you will store all of your shit, it will basically become your home; therefore you need to try and choose the most comfortable backpack.

You’ll find the best travel pack by trying it on in the store before buying. When trying it on, load it up with some weight to take it for a proper test drive. I strongly recommend trying a bunch of different backpacks on at an REI or Outdoor Store before making your choice.

When it comes to fitting a backpack , you want an even distribution of weight across your hips, shoulders and chest, and to make sure there are no pressure points that may cause the bag to rub or pinch as you walk. Cushioned shoulder pads and padded hip belts are always a winner my friends…

The better your hip belt, the better your pack will sit upon your body and the more comfortable it will be.

6. Material and Construction of a Good Travel Backpack

So it’s raining and you’re still trying to find your hostel? Or you can see your backpack from the plane window waiting to be loaded and it’s sitting in the rain? ( Fuck you Kingfisher Airlines ). Water-resistant material is essential when traveling!

Your bag will be exposed to rain, puddles or leaks at some point. There’s nothing worse than opening the bag to find your clothes soaked and stinking or worse, your electronics damaged. The most durable backpacks are made from strong, durable, stretchy, waterproof material.

So look out for backpack material that will last for years – the last thing you want is a ripped bag halfway through your travels!

Does the sound of having a super-durable backpack speak to you? Check out our in-depth best heavy duty backpacks review!

7. Best Travel Backpacks for Men vs Women

There are literally thousands of backpacks for traveling on the market and the best packs tend to be made with one gender or another in mind. Unisex backpacks usually will fit pretty much anybody but you can get a man’s backpack, which will take into account broad shoulders, for the same price so I definitely recommend finding a gender-specific backpack when you hit the road.

Finding the best female travel bag requires more research than nice colors and comfortable straps. I am, of course not a woman. So to help me out on this I spoke to a bunch of kick-ass women adventurers for advice.

Size is perhaps the most important consideration along with comfortable straps and weight distribution. This doesn’t mean that women have to buy travel bags specifically for them, but the feedback from my girlfriend and friends; is that they’re so much better.

Other than the different design for a typical woman’s body, there is not much difference between the women’s and the men’s travel backpacks. Most of the points that you’ll below apply to both genders so keep these in mind.

Generally speaking, backpackers are some of the most warming, understanding, agreeable people on the planet.

But there is one decisive issue among backpackers.

To travel with a carry on backpack, OR to travel with a large backpack ?

This has proven to be quite the epic debate. Every backpacker has an opinion on the topic, making it difficult for newbie travelers to know which side to pick, and most importantly, which bag to buy.

Let’s go over both options.

In Favor of a Big Backpack (60L – 80L)

The most obvious reason to have a larger backpack is that you can carry more stuff! A 65-70 liter backpack can hold all kinds of extra items from food to gear to photography/videography equipment!

Now not everyone is going to want or necessarily need to deal with all of these extra pieces of kit. More kit means more weight, more check-in fees, and more tedious packing and unpacking sessions. Ultimatly, you should only be packing what you need.

How About 50 Litres?

Some backpackers prefer to use 50 litre backpacks. They offer the comfort and durability of “proper” big backpacks but obviously are lighter and carry less stuff making them lighter again. Honestly, a litre backpack feels really nice to carry and they are easy to throw on and take off bus roofs.

However. While some travellers a 50 litre backpack to be something of a “not too big not too small” sweetspot, I actually find them to occupy a bit of a neversphere. What I mean is that they are too big to take as carry on but (for me) not big enough for a proper long trip. Personally, my view is that you are going to go with a full sized pack, go with 60 litres. Even if you don’t use all 60, at least you have room for souvernirs.

• Can accommodate extra gear for hiking, camping, etc
• Great if traveling to colder destinations
• Great when traveling off the beaten path
• More room=more options
• Additional strain on your back
• Have to check it on airplanes and buses
• Many travelers simply don’t need it
• Not as ideal for urban travel

In Favor of a Carry On Bag (35L – 40L)

While traveling with a  60L+ bag might make sense for some people, it is completely unnecessary for other people. If you are a lighter packer, or maybe if you are just going away for the weekend, then need a 65L beast is too way much.

If this is you, then you may prefer a 40L, “carry on” size bag. To be fair, they are still a decent size and can carry a lot of stuff. If you are not any bringing camping or hiking gear, then a 40-50L bag can be more than enough to handle all of your stuff.

Traveling with a light bag means traveling with less stress. Less stress on your back, less stress in your bag, less stress in your life in general. Travelers who carry large bags often fill it with things they don’t need.

But traveling light does require a sense of dedication, and if this minimalist bag style doesn’t appeal to you, then go big baby!

• Less shit to worry about
• Less stress on your back
• If your bag is under 40L, you don’t have to check it
• Great for urban travel
• Forget about camping, trekking or hitchhiking
• Limited space means less stuff
• Not a great option if you want to bring a lot of clothes

Should you get a Large or Carry On Backpack?

This is completely up to you and will ultimately depend on your travel style.

Take into consideration the type of person you are… is traveling super lightweight attractive to you? Do you plan to go camping around the world ? Do you plan to travel mostly to cities? Will you be flying a lot and want to avoid luggage fees?

By determining your travel plans and travel style, you’ll be able to better make a selection for which travel bag is best for you

If you still have some questions then no problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

How can you find the right travel backpack for you?

Comfort, durabilty, size and prize are the main factors that determine a good backpack. Make sure you measure your torso and find out how much capacity you need for your gear during your trip. Then choose from the remaining options accordingly.

Is a 40L backpack big enough for Travelling?

Unless you’re travelling extremely minimalistic, long term travel can be tricky with only 40L. For short term travel however, it’s abolutely enough.

What is the best value travel backpack?

The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is a great value backpack since it offers the best bang for your buck that you could find on the market. However, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a strong competitor.

Are there any good budget backpack options?

The REI Co-Op Flash 55 is an excellent budget option. With 55L and high quality material, the Flash 55 is a versatile, sturdy backpack.

Which is the best travel backpack brand?

For us, the obvious choice is Osprey as they hit the right price point, the backpacks are durable and they offer a big variety of styles.

So there you have it amigos, the best tips to help you find the best travel packs for your upcoming adventures. The packs featured here are our personal favourites and we can vouch for each and every one of them.

Still not sure which backpack to buy? Well to nicely summarise it all for you, the best backpacks for travel are:

• The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is the best overall travel bag for 2024.
• For the best hiking travel backpack, it is the Osprey Aether 70 …

You are now armed with all of the best options to find the best backpack for you! Our hope is that you find the backpack of your dreams and have many, many awesome adventures with your new best friend.

Now that you have your backpack, it’s time to check out our backpacking packing list for some ideas of what to put in it!

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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

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59 Comments

You can backpack with a surplus military rucksack and do well. Poorly chosen footwear, tho, not so much.

Lets not hype it too much. Any three of the comparable packs in size and intent would be usable for the length of that trip. For the experienced packer tho, you only get one pair of boots. Choose wisely – and carry extra socks.

I know most of the experienced packers would read right past the opening line, but someone wanting to try the trail for their first time to Devil’s Den would not be well served concentrating on a high end pack and hitting the trail head with flip flops.

Great detailed article. I ended up going with the Wandrd Prvke. I think i made an awesome choice. Really love the looks and functionality of the bag.

Hey Will, Thanks for your wounderful review. Actually I was using Pacsafe Metrosafe backpack and now I want to upgrade my backpack. I’ll go for Nomatic as exactly you said it is designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. Thank for this buying guide!

Glad you are enjoying the Nomatic Pack! Indeed, that pack is awesome. Cheers.

very informative article sir

Thanks for sharing. I’m the new in backpack travel. I was torn between nomatic backpack and zynego backpack. Although I know the popularity of these two bags cannot be compared, I am very interested in zynego’s ai intelligence system. I think I need help! hhh

Our top choice at the moment is the Nomatic backpack :). Cheers!

I use the Osprey Porter 30L as my Carry On, because I have NEVER had to check it in no matter what airline. Even on small regional flights, I had no issues with it as a Carry On. The Farpoint and Fairview are excellent bags, but depending on the airline, yoiu may have to check them in. That’s never an issue with the Osprey Porter 30L.

Same with my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 Never have to check it. Always allowed carry on. Best way to travel… light… quickly… easily.. one bag… carry on. Much more free feeling…

I missed Deuter act lite but I bought 60 + 10 liter for women and I am more than happy with it!

60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Why would you need to pack so much stuff and put so much strain on your body? I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go. I never have to check a bag, always carry on. I used to travel with a 45 liter bag, but it was big, and I always had to check it at the airport and then hang around the carousel waiting for it at my destinations. Now I just carry my 35 liter bag on and toss it in the overhead and no waiting a carousels or wondering who’s handling my bag. One Bag…Carry On travel. I always travel for a minimum of two months at a time, and up to four months. One, 35 liter, convertible backpack.

Whoah, Thanks for the lovely post. A great help, hope you continue to do this more often. I really like studying your posts. Cheers!

Hey, I’m in a bit of a dilemma- I’m so used to suitcases and i’m doing my first backbacking trip around SE Asia for 5 weeks in aug-sept. I want to pack quite a few clothes and I’m travelling by plane between different cities. Should I still go for a backpack and what size would you recommend. I was thinking backpack because I want to get scooter Grabs, and also the terrain. I was thinking 60-70 because of the amount of stuff I wanna bring but I was told by a friend that it would break my back lol.

Pssshhhh!!! Don’t listen to them! You can totally take a 60L without a problem so long as you don’t have a pre-existing spinal problem. Just make sure the pack fitted right! Depending on how heavy you pack, you might not need all that stuff though. I’m in Thailand for 7 weeks with Nomatic’s 30L . (Don’t worry, they have laundry service everywhere!)

I’m in my 60’s and would never think of taking a 60 or 70 liter back pack. Too much stuff. And you will have to check it at the airport and possibly pay baggage fees. Why would you want to take lots of clothes? I take three pair of summer weight material zip off pants, three thin summer weight material Columbia shirts wit roll up sleeves and three pair of ex-officio underwear and a good pair of hiking sandals. So I wear one set of clothes, and my other two sets are “Ranger Army Rolled” and in packing cubes in my 35 liter backpack. There are cheap laundries everywhere there that will do a load for a buck or two. And you can even wash your clothes in the sink and shower and hang to dry in your hotel room or apartment. I go for months at a time in Southeast Asia and carry only my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 convertible backpack. So much easier to carry less stuff, and not have to check any bags. Just carry it on the plane and throw it in the overhead. No waiting at carousels, or worrying about other people being rough with your bag or having it being diverted to another country and not showing up. Minimalist, one small bag, carry on is the way to travel. And it’s becoming more popular.

60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Sounds like major Himalayan expedition for a few months. I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go. Never check a bag, always carry on.

Hey thank you for writing this post. It’s really helpful 🙂

Hi I am not a frequent traveller though like travel. In a recent trip with a connection inDubai, i used an american tourister 35L backpack, which caused a heavy toll on my back. Is it due to the particular brand or backpacks as a whole. Please suggest a backpack that is Back’ frenly.

Hi Shephy, I don’t really know about that model specifically, but if you have no spinal issues normally, a well-made, well-fitted pack won’t give you problems. Make sure you have hip straps (and use them). You can have someone help you fit it properly and always pack the bag with the heaviest stuff closest to your spine. This helps maintain your normal posture.

Have you tried the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L? I’m trying to decide between that one an the farpoint 40L. Thank you.

Hi Lucas, we have not tested the Eagle Creek backpack you mentioned, but we always recommend anything by Osprey…and the Farpoint is a solid choice!

Any suggestions for a woman with low back issues. I hurt my back last year and can no longer carry larger bags but love the freedom of having a backpack for travel. I’m also only about 5″3″ if that helps.

It’s recommended to have a backpack with hip straps if you’re traveling but in your case, I’d say it’s ESPECIALLY important to have sturdy and padded hip straps, even if it’s a smaller backpack. This will take most of the pressure off your back. The second key element will be to get it properly fitted, especially if you’re wearing a larger bag. You need to find the tension that works for your hip straps, shoulder straps, and stabilizers (if you have them). You can research this online or ask a professional at an outfitter – they’re usually willing to help, even if you didn’t purchase the pack in their store. Similarly, do research on how to mount the pack properly without doing more damage to your back. Lastly, manage the time that you’re carrying your pack. This will just take a little planning before you leave your hotel or get off your flight – take breaks when you need to and cut down on weight as much as possible. I hope you find that backpacking freedom again! See ya out there!

Jackie… take a look at the Minaal 2.0 It’s only 35 liters and is convertible to duffle or backpack. Get the optional waist belt for it. I did. It’s the only bag I take even when I go for months, and I never have to check it. No more waiting at carousels.. I’m 67, and still carry my own bag. No wheelie luggage. There are other 35 liter and even smaller bags out there. You don’t have to get a Minaal 2.0 It’s a pricey bag. But I love mine.

First of all, I’ve been scouring the Internet for any articles/blogs/videos/Reddit comments regarding backpacks that are optimal for people with lower back pain, as I have really bad lower back pain too. Second of all, I HIGHLY recommend you to check out a rolfer or a trained Structural Integration practitioner in your area. Saved me thousands in chiro fees and made me stand straight after years of lower back pain.

As for backpack choices, I suggest maybe 30L and below and with hip straps (maybe Tortuga Setout if you’re in the US) and/or load lifters. I personally am 6 ft and around 185lbs and decided to go with Thule Subterra 34L and Tortuga Setout 35L (for when I need to pack more stuff).

Hope your lower back issues can be fixed!

Thank you all so much!! I appreciate all of the advice!! I have seen a doctor and went through physical therapy for 3 months to get me pretty much back to normal. Unfortunately, heavy lifting still bothers my back and I need to be careful about how and how much I carry. With all of your suggestions I went to get fitted and learned even more about keeping your pack weighted correctly. They fitted me with the Osprey Sirrus 24 Hiking backpack which is a little too small for longer travel so I’m looking at getting the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack. Smaller than the ones listed here but I think should be a good option for me. I haven’t bought one yet so I can’t speak to how it works for someone with back pain but I’m hoping it works well. Thanks!!

Yes, 24 liter might be a bit small for long term travel, although there are some minimalists who do travel long term with bags that small. I downsized from a 45 liter bag to a 35 liter convertible backpack. It’s great traveling lighter and being able to carry it on the plane and just toss it in the overhead. I spend months at a time in Southeast and South Asia with only that one 35 liter bag. No waiting at carousels and worrying about it going missing or being mishandled. I feel better not being over loaded down with stuff, not paying baggage fees. Becoming a minimalist one bag, carry on traveler takes adjusting, but is so much more freeing and enjoyable.

You should also start backing up the data you store on your device(s). If you don’t know where to start, you’ll want to dig into our guides covering iCloud backups and iTunes backups. Data loss issues are pretty rare, but there’s always a chance something gets lost in the shuffle as you transition to a new version of iOS.

Hi. Just wanted to leave some information on my trip that I just returned from. I used the Osprey Porter 30. Carry On bag only. I had one connection both ways of the trip. My trip was for three days, and I had no issues fitting what I needed in the bag and I was able to fit it under the seat in front of mine, even on the smaller planes. I stowed away the straps to do it, and it worked out great. One of the best travel investments I made. It also wasn’t uncomfortable walking through the terminals to my connections. I highly recommend the Osprey Porter 30 for shorter trips as a carry on bag. I love it.

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

Thanks for the recommendations. I really like Osprey and was going to get the Farpoint 40, which because of you and others I know, is said to be an excellent carry on bag. That said, I opted for the Osprey Porter 30 because I need a bag that will ALWAYS be carry on size, no matter what airline I am flying on. I usually only need a bag to get me by for a few days and I am pretty good at packing what I need. This bag looks small on the outside, but it is bigger than it looks. I have no problem packing everything I need. I won’t be hiking, camping, or anything like that. Just needed a carry on bag. I may attach an Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack to it, but I really don’t need to.

I travel one bag, carry on also. So many great bags out there. Used to travel with a 45 liter convertible backpack, but was made to check it too often. So I bought the 35 liter Minaal 2.0 with zip away backpack strap. Can carry it like a duffle bag when I want. I’ve always been able to carry on my Minaal. Never had to check it. Love being a one bag, carry on traveler. Even when going for months, I only take my Minaal 2.0. It’s so freeing not taking so much stuff. I can’t believe the travelers I see with huge 70 – 120 liter expedition backpacks on their back, a second, smaller backpack on their front. Why ? We call them “Turtle Backpackers” Some of them with all that stuff also pulling a big wheelie suitcase. Unbelievable! That can’t be a comfortable way to travel. Impossible. I just toss my little 35 liter backpack on…and gone. For months at a time. Have safe flights and happy travels.

Good content with great pieces of information on traveling bags with so much variety.

Hi Will! Do you have any thoughts or experience with the Osprey Talon 44 as a travel pack in comparison to the osprey packs you mention?

I plan to travel for 1-3 months, fairly light, so I’m hopeful I can use it as a carryon in some cases. I know I want to to some hiking so a travel-specific pack is a no-go for me.

Thanks for the great guide and your awesome website!

Thank you for the very detailed guide and for your recommendation. I’ve had an Osprey backpack for several years, but I am looking to upgrade to something new and I am browsing opinions from experienced backpackers. To be honest, Nomatic was not on my short list, I was looking at Tortuga and Osprey again, but after your strong recommendation, I may have to take it seriously into account. Keep up the good work.

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Not a fan of the Osprey Ozone. It was weird, I expected to love it- my Osprey Vector 22 (a model they don’t make anymore, sadly) is an almost-perfect carry-on rollaboard type of bag.

But the T-handle is a pain in the ass if the bag rocks or a wheel catches just a bit- it twists too easily in your hand and you can’t steady it while walking. I live in Spain and travel Europe, and so there’s lots of cobblestones, and the Ozone wasn’t great there.

The frame is also a little bit weird. Their guarantee is excellent, which is good because the way the bag attaches *to* that bottom frame is with fabric straps and they’re going to get beat up and break.

Just all in all, wasn’t a fan, and I normally love Osprey stuff. I wish they’d bring the Vector back.

That’s why I like my 35 litre Minaal 2.0 backpack.. which I can also carry like a duffle if I wish just by zipping the backpack straps behind their panel. I don’t have to worry about handles and wheels, sand, mud, stairs, cobblestones. It’s going with me again this year back to southeast Asia. Traveling for much longer than the two months I did last time. Just pick up and go…. carry on… no checking baggage or waiting at carousels. It’s the only bag I take.. whether going for two weeks… or for a year or more.. 67 years old now.. 35 litre backpack… get up and go….

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I’m surprised you didn’t include the Minaal 2.0 in your reviews.. I’ve had a Tortuga bag and an M.E.I Voyageur….. both good bags..Both 45 liters. (They’ve been making the Voyageur since the early 1980’s..with a few tiny improvements over the years. Nothing says “Great Product” like longevity in production). But in early 2017 after a lot of research and comparisons, I bought the Minaal 2.0 …a 35 liter convertible backpack. I was made to check my Tortuga and Voyageur on many flights… but during a two month trip to Cambodia and Thailand in 2017… I was always able to carry it on and toss it in the overhead. Its clean lines and grey color with minimalized Minaal logo keep it from sticking out in the crowd.. discrete. Small… pick up and go.. Hide away backpack straps, rain cover in its own little hidden pocket, I like to use a single strap and carry it like a duffle at times.. Only using the backpack straps and hip belt if I do a long hike across a city… You might like to check out the Minaal 2.0

Your guide is phenomenal. I was looking to buy a Best Camera Backpack for my tactical gear trip and happy that I read your review! Love your other travel articles as well.

It is a very advantageous post for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the blog. It is very supportive and useful information. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.

Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product

thank you for share this blog with us. I also like travelling and also like hyking on mountains.

Hi Will, I’m a very tall girl 5’10 and travelling SE Asia for a few months next year. I used a bag with detachable dayback while in Australia and loved it. I noticed the Fairpoint doesn’t have an adjustable back system. Which would you recommend?

Hmmm… tough for me to recommend as you’re taller than me! 😛 I recommend going into a shop for this and testing a bunch out to find one that works for you.

Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product. It saves us time and headache when looking for the best travel backpack for us. Kudos!

I’m planning on travelling from Australia to Asia, and then on to Europe with total travel time of 9 months (potentially staying on to work). Would you recommend getting something bigger than the womens Osprey 55?

Love your website – it’s filled with really great and helpful information!!

Cheers, Ash

Hey Ash! Hmmmm… it really depends on how much stuff you need, and also how tall you are… but personally I would stick to 55 as the max size, if you have something bigger then you WILL fill the space, and you’ll have a real heavy pack!

Hi Will, How does a laptop fit into these travels bags? Im deciding between a 50l deuter bag and a 60l osprey. I think the 50l is enough for me right now but i think i will travel to some colder places in the future and may appreciate the larger size. However, i need to travel with my laptop as well. I dont want to check my laptop in with the checked backpack. Do you think carrying a smaller normal backpack just for my computer would be reasonable?

If you want to travel with a laptop in your main pack, I would honestly consider picking up a pack specifically designed for this, have a read of this post – https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-laptop-backpacks-for-travel/

A vote for the Farpoint here, I ‘ve bought two others since I first bought that and gone back to it each time.. so much better build quality and just so comfortable to carry.

Great review. Thanks. I’m torn between the Nomatic Travel Bag and the Osprey Farpoint 40. I’m going to be island hopping and diving in the Philippines, so it looks like I will be getting the obligatory ‘back sweat’ from wearing backpacks.. Is the Nomatic comfy? I see you have to purchase the hip straps separately and they are detachable, which leads me to believe thay won’t be particularly comfy or robust. Plus the price is probably swing it in favour of the Farpoint 40.. although I wish they did it in more colours.. I really like the green (that they only appear to do in the women’s version ‘Fairview’. Keep up the good work.

I personally think the Farpoint is the better pack…

hi will I am looking at the osprey farpoint 70-80 litres, I am going travelling for 6 weeks, I do however have a wedding to attend so I have 2 extra outfits plus 1 extra pair of shoes, It will be summer so not worried about a load of clothes, I love backpack so the travel backpack with the zip all the way around looks great, any suggestions?oh I am 5ft 5in, 68kilos medium build, & have always carried a backpack, oh yeah I do not need a day pack attached, thanks?

The Farpoint is a great pack, assuming you don’t plan on hiking and if you pick up the 70 litre Farpoint, you’ll have plenty of space for sure!

Finally – a comprehensive list of the best backpacks for travellers. I think you’ve persuaded me to pick up the Osprey Ozone. Firstly it looks beautiful but also 46 Litres is the perfect size for me. Thanks for the advice Will!

Happy to help – The Ozone is an epic backpack!

Thanks for sharing. Some great idea’s for backpacks. Love the detail you go into. Makes choosing a new backpack so much easier.

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Watch CBS News

10 best carry-on backpacks of 2024

By Leah Groth , Rachel Center

Edited By Fox Van Allen

Updated on: September 10, 2024 / 10:53 AM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

A carry-on backpack can ease a lot of frustration during your travels . The right backpack will keep your most important travel essentials at close hand, even when flying -- most airlines will let you board with both a carry-on luggage piece (stored overhead) and a backpack (stored under the seat in front of you). But the wrong backpack can literally weigh you down en route, leaving you uncomfortable and exhausted.

To make your journeys easier this fall and winter, we recommend investing in a great carry-on backpack.

There are so many carry-on backpacks available online that trying to figure out which are the best may prove to be overwhelming, especially if you're currently preparing for a trip. To save you time and stress, the travel experts at CBS Essentials have selected the best carry-on backpacks of 2024 that will suit a variety of travelers, including over-packers, light packers, budget travelers and even kids.

Best carry-on backpacks for travel

All of our best carry-on backpack picks are customer-loved and from reputable travel and backpack brands such as Away, Tumi, TravelPro, Fjallraven and more. 

Best overall carry-on backpack: Away The Everywhere zip backpack

Best large carry-on backpack: bellroy transit backpack, best small carry-on backpack: fjallraven kanken.

• Most affordable carry-on backpack: Amazon Basics carry-on backpack
• Best splurge carry-on backpack: Tumi Voyageur Celina backpack

Most comfortable carry-on backpack: Travelpro Platinum Elite business backpack

Most versatile carry-on backpack: monos metro backpack, most stylish carry-on backpack: dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack, best value carry-on backpack: beis the backpack, best carry-on backpack for kids: state bags kane backpack.

Away's The Everywhere zip backpack contains plenty of features that will make lugging your personal items en route a breeze. You'll find multiple organizational pockets within, including one for a reusable water bottle , your tablet , glasses case, snacks and more. There's also a key clip and enough catch-all space to store your headphones and a hoodie for the inevitably cold plane. 

Behind the handle is another large zipped compartment that can house laptops up to 15 inches . You'll be able to carry this comfortably while in transit thanks to the backpack's padded backing and straps. However, if you need a break, rest easy knowing that the backpack comes equipped with a trolley sleeve. 

The Everywhere has a lot going for it, but our favorite feature, and something we don't see often enough in other carry-on backpacks, is how the bag opens. The bag opens like a clamshell, making it so much easier to see all your travel essentials as well as access them quickly.   

This extra roomy backpack is great for over-packers, as it's about double the size of your average carry-on backpack. The backpack has so much extra space that it comes with a compression strap in its main compartment. This is great, as it allows you to pack a change of clothes in case the airline loses your luggage , or you find yourself caught up in a long flight delay. 

There's also a large mesh pocket where you can store more clothes, and then a smaller mesh zip compartment on top of that that's big enough for small toiletries. The exterior is outfitted with a pocket for your water bottle, a slip pocket on the straps for AirPods, a zipped compartment on top of the bag specifically for your sunglasses , and a roomy front zipped pocket (outfitted with organization compartments, of course) to hold your phone , passport, wallet and pens. Traveling with your laptop ? There's a dedicated space for that too.

And if you're worried about carrying such a heavy load, you may be relieved to know that the backpack has a contoured back panel, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap to help with comfort. 

Regularly $259, you can get this backpack at Belroy for $179.

One of our favorite back-to-school backpacks also makes for a great carry-on backpack for those who pack light. The main compartment offers enough space for in-flight necessities, including a water bottle, a 15" laptop, snacks, a jacket and more, while the front pocket is great for storing personal items you need to grab quickly, such as your passport, wallet and smartphone . 

What we like about the Kanken is the fact that it comes with a padded foam backing, which will make carrying this Fjallraven backpack a lot more comfortable. And since the backing is removable, you can also use it as a cushion in case you need extra support while sitting on airport seats or the floor. 

Another perk? There are 39 color options available at Amazon, ranging from terracotta brown to flamingo pink. (Price varies by color.) Order from Fjallraven direct and you can fully customize the colors and accents on the backpack.

Most affordable carry-on backpack: Amazon Basics carry-on backpack  

Don't have an extra $100 plus to spend on a carry-on backpack? No problem. This affordable Amazon Basics carry-on backpack will get the job done. The backpack is roomy and built for comfort with its four zipped storage compartments, padded back and straps, sternum strap and waist belt. 

The four compartments include a laptop sleeve, a large front pocket and front top pocket and a main compartment that has some pockets on the inside for greater organization. We really like the compression features available, which aren't as common in other carry-on backpacks. These include interior and exterior compression straps as well as a compression zipper for the main compartment. 

Wondering what other travelers think of this backpack? Do know that it has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. One customer wrote , "I bought this backpack before our trip to Europe for a couple weeks and it worked great. Considering the low price I was surprised with the quality and durability. It has plenty of pockets but not too many plus the zippers are very smooth. I'm glad I bought this one instead of the more expensive brands." 

Best splurge carry-on backpack: Tumi Celina backpack

If you've got money to spend, treat yourself to this luxurious carry-on backpack from Tumi. The Celina, part of the Voyageur collection, is stunning with its striking gold hardware and leather details throughout, including the top handle and the detachable charm that can be monogrammed with your initials. 

The backpack has eight compartments that'll fit everything you need on your jaunt, including two main compartments, one specifically for your laptops (a Windows 15" and Mac 16" specifically) and other large travel necessities. There is also a water-resistant side pocket for water bottles or small toiletries and a quick-access phone pocket at the top of the backpack. 

And don't worry about its good looks fading over time. The bag has been treated with a water- and stain-resistant coating to increase its longevity.

Pictured is the black model, but you can also get this in other colors, including olive, mauve (with silver hardware) and black with gunmetal hardware. 

Although marketed for business travelers, this Travelpro business backpack will be appreciated by all with its impressive features. The backpack has six roomy zipped compartments that can fit plenty of personal items big and small. The two main compartments each have a padded laptop sleeve able to fit computers or tablets up to 15.6 inches, making this an excellent laptop backpack for everyday use .

You'll find a series of storage pockets in the small and one of the main storage compartments, giving you dedicated spaces to put your phone charger, laptop charger, earbuds and more. We appreciate the unique RFID-blocking pouch located in the front pocket, which should help protect credit cards and passports from identity theft. 

We also appreciate the padding throughout the back as well as the sternum strap and trolley sleeve. What's more, the handle and trim are leather, adding a level of luxury to such an incredibly functional piece of luggage. 

This backpack was actually designed for more than just travel, with the brand recommending shoppers take this with them on their daily work commutes in addition to weekend getaways. The material can certainly hold up with daily use, as the vegan leather and nylon options were made to be scratch- and water-resistant. 

The backpack has two main compartments, including one for a laptop (up to 15") and another that contains the brand's "privacy compartment", a waterproof storage space for your water bottle, toiletries or damp clothes.

The Monos Metro also has a front pouch that detaches, allowing you to carry around your most important items without having to lug the backpack around. This can come in handy while waiting to check into your hotel room, or if you're exploring a city for a short amount of time and want to store your luggage in a locker. 

This Dagne Dover bag is a great option for people looking for a durable carry-on backpack that is also stylish. The Dakota neoprene backpack is quite trendy with its monochrome design and athleisure chic vibe. The colors also add to its allure, offering interesting hues such as a Piña, a light yellow with green undertones, Dune, a mauve with brown undertones, dark moss, and more. There are also three mesh options, which gives the backpack an even greater edge style-wise. 

The large backpack (pictured) comes with a main compartment that has a mesh laptop sleeve that can fit computers up to 16 inches. That laptop is made even more secure with an included fastener. It has two vertical interior pockets, two mesh slip pockets and a key leash. It also comes with a zipper pouch and a dust bag for your shoes. 

The exterior of the bag has two water bottle pockets and three small pockets (one on the top of the backpack and two on either side) where you can store your phone, passport and wallet.

Some may appreciate that this is an eco-friendly choice: The Dakota is made of 23 recycled water bottles. 

Beis The Backpack is a great mid-range option for shoppers seeking to get a quality carry-on backpack for less than $100. We can attest to Beis' quality, as one of our CBS Essentials shopping experts tested out the brand's The Medium Check-In for an international trip and loved the luggage . 

The Backpack is made of cotton, which is refreshing considering a lot of carry-on backpacks, even ones priced much higher than this Beis' bag, are made of synthetic fabrics. It comes with a padded laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, two slip pockets for reusable water bottles and a front zipped compartment with organization pockets and a key leash.

The interior contains a compression strap and two large zipped compartments, including a PVC-lined one specifically for your toiletries. You can get these in one of eight colors, including navy, slate (a baby blue), olive, pink and beige. 

When buying backpacks for kids, you want to get them something that they actually want to wear. This is especially important for travel, as their excitement to wear the backpack may help cut down on the time that you end up having to carry it for them. State Bags' Kane backpack comes in a plethora of fun designs that will get them eager and willing to wear their travel bag. 

These include backpacks with 3D flowers and dinosaurs as well as ones that contain fuzzy patches of basketballs, lightning bolts and snakes. There are also fun patterns, including gingham (pictured), exotic, technicolor animals and even skeletons riding skateboards. 

The backpack has a main compartment, front pocket and water bottle pockets on either side. There are multiple sizes available, which are measured by age. These include backpacks for those ages two to four, four to eight, and seven and up. 

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16 best travel backpacks, tried and tested during hiking holidays and city breaks

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Considering suitcases have all too often stolen the limelight, the trend of embracing the humble backpack is one we’re fully on board with, and we’ve been busy rounding up the best options on the market.

While suitcases benefit from a smooth set of wheels, they’re often more prone to pitfalls. We’ve lost count of the number of times an over-eager baggage handler has left our suitcase missing a wheel, and we’ve never quite got over the occasion when a faulty latch meant our suitcase appeared on the luggage carousel wide open, our underwear displayed for all to see.

So, what exactly makes one backpack better than another? Small stash pockets at the top of the bag are invaluable for storing items such as keys and spare change, while wide straps are great for spreading the weight.

Look for additional adjustable chest and waist straps, if you’re looking for a bag on the larger side (anything over 25l). We’re also huge fans of backpacks with openings on the sides and at the rear. This will mean you don’t have to rifle through your underwear, toiletries and bug spray to get to the items you’ve placed at the bottom of your bag.

We’ve picked out the best ones to suit any type of traveller, for city breaks, business trips and hiking holidays. Read on to find out which ones really impressed.

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How we tested the best travel backpacks

We’re proud to say we consider ourselves backpack experts – we know our compression straps from our backboards, and we know precisely which features crank up the comfort and can help lighten the load. We put each backpack through its paces during trips to the Middle East and India, testing their capabilities to the max by filling them with everything from our gadgets and gizmos to the various items we needed for a weekend city break.

The best travel backpacks for 2024 are:

• Best travel backpack overall – North Face trail lite speed 20l backpack: £105, Thenorthface.co.uk
• Best budget travel backpack – Lifeventure waterproof packable backpack: £36.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best backpack for versatility – Jack Wolfskin traveltopia weekender: £83.50, Jack-wolfskin.co.uk
• Best backpack for expandability – Fjällräven weekender: £185, Fjallraven.com

North Face trail lite speed 20l backpack

• Best : Travel backpack overall
• Weight : 640g
• Rain cover included : No
• Incredibly comfortable
• Plenty of pockets

This is the backpack of our dreams. After a recent shoulder injury (caused, ironically, by lugging an ill-fitting backpack around Cambodia), this is precisely what we needed – a backpack with wide, contoured straps, which did a brilliant job of spreading the load, and easily accessible dual sternum straps to reduce pressure during long hikes.

We were blown away by this bag’s low weight, given how many added extras there are – from the mesh pockets incorporated into the shoulder straps, the carrying fixtures for hiking poles and the supersized pockets (why are these pockets usually so small?!) to the internal water-bladder pocket.

We also loved the versatility – side compression straps enabled us to reduce the bag’s bulk (this came in especially useful on an airline with particularly stringent cabin baggage policies), while generous use of reflective material ensured we stayed visible, too.

Lifeventure waterproof packable backpack

• Best : Budget travel backpack
• Weight : 150g
• Rain cover included : No, but waterproof outer
• Tackles rainy weather with ease
• Reflective tabs
• Compact design and super lightweight

Let’s face it. As much as we’d love 365 days a year of sunshine, the odd rain shower is unavoidable, which is where this brilliant backpack comes into its own. In a nutshell, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s no backpack we’d rather be wearing. Made from waterproof Cordura ripstop fabric, it’s a bag that will ensure the contents stay dry, while reflective tabs ensure you stay visible.

We also loved the fact we could hang our bike light from the dedicated light attachment, for extra visibility. But, for us, its main USP is its compact design – it’s extremely light and squashes up into its very own pouch, but still felt fabulously comfortable, thanks, largely, to ergonomically contoured shoulder straps and a hip belt.

Monos metro backpack

• Best : Backpack for simplicity
• Weight : 1.08kg
• Elegantly stylish
• Lots of room

We’ll be honest, when we come across backpacks that look this glam, our heart often sinks, simply because they’re often all about style over substance. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case with this beauty, which has a Tardis-like interior – we were particularly impressed by the laptop pocket, which had an ultra-soft lining.

It’s another backpack that scores highly when it comes to customisation – the wallet-sized pocket at the top was perfect for stashing smaller items such as keys, and we loved the presence of two small handles that mean it can be carried handbag-style. Additionally, these handles clip together, enhancing the minimalistic design.

The bag’s USP is the detachable metro kit, which attaches to the backpack using Monos’s QuickSnap system (a genius invention that allows it to be attached to other bags in the range). This toiletry-bag-sized pouch (which we filled with our favourite moisturisers and serums) came into its own during skin-drying long-haul flights – we simply unclipped the metro kit from the backpack after we’d stashed it in the overhead cabin.

Chrome hondo backpack

• Best : Backpack for toughness
• Weight : 0.96kg
• Incredibly tough
• Great internal design
• Its boxy shape might not appeal to everyone

This is one seriously hard-wearing bag. It comes with 1,050-denier recycled nylon shells and extra thick 1,680-denier recycled nylon bottom panels (in our experience, it’s the base of a backpack that is usually the first area to show signs of wear and tear). It also features reinforcement in unexpected (but truly worthy) places, such as over the front pocket’s zip.

Despite its streamlined shape, there’s an abundance of pockets, including two on the side, a padded sunglasses pocket at the top and an internal laptop sleeve. We also appreciated the numerous internal pockets, which were perfect for separating smaller items such as loose change, keys and charging cables. Easily adjustable straps and an ultra-breathable back panel did a great job of cranking up the comfort, too.

Vango quest 65 backpack

• Best : Backpack for innovative design
• Weight : 2kg
• Sturdy compression straps
• It weighs more than many backpacks

As travellers constantly try to evade ridiculously stringent restrictions relating to cabin baggage, we’d describe this Vango design as pure genius. Why? It comprises a larger backpack and a smaller 20l backpack, attached via a zip. This was music to our ears, because our first thought, after clapping eyes on this bag, was that there was no way it could double as a backpack for short city strolls, but the smaller backpack (which isn’t immediately obvious) means it does exactly that.

Exterior and interior compression straps will come in handy for reducing its bulk when you’re travelling light, and, despite its relatively compact size, there are still all the added extras we look for, including plenty of pockets, an elasticated flight cover and external hooks for securing items such as water bottles.

Fjällräven weekender

• Best : Backpack for expandability
• Weight : 650g
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• We’d love to have seen more internal pockets

OK, we use the word “tardis” a lot, but it’s truly justified with this bag, which can also be carried duffel-style. The straps are multi-purpose – they clip together using a press stud, compressing the contents and aiding the bag’s compact look, which is quite impressive, considering its 30l size.

Inside, it’s pretty minimal, with a large central compartment and a laptop pocket. Oh, and another strap, which means the bag can be worn over the shoulder, too. Despite the bag’s relative simplicity, it’s got everything we need – the easily accessible pocket on the front is great for items such as passports, and we were pleasantly surprised by the shoulder straps. On lightweight bags, the shoulder straps are often flimsy (at best) but Fjällräven’s had enough padding and width to keep our niggling shoulder pain at bay.

Osprey sojourn porter

• Best : Innovative backpack
• Weight : 1.3kg
• Compact design
• When full, it’s unlikely to fit under seats on budget airlines

Osprey has created a backpack that is seriously tough (the star of the show is the 460D high-tenacity ripstop nylon) and has more than enough room for a weekend away, but is also a joy to wear. However, it’s the compact design that really sets this backpack apart. To start with, the shoulder straps tuck neatly into a concealed pocket at the rear, while a combination of extended exterior sidewalls and straps not only compress the contents but can be used to cover the front of the backpack, providing extra security.

Although there’s a dedicated laptop pocket, two large central compartments mean you don’t really need one (who needs padding when your laptop’s surrounded by pants and jumpers, after all?), while two handles on the front enable it to be carried duffel-style, too.

Olpro 44l travel bag

• Best : For a weekend away
• Weight : 1.35kg
• Innovative pocket placement
• Numerous handles offer endless options when it comes to carrying style
• Not the most rugged of backpacks

This is a brilliant option for a weekend away – especially if you’re someone who likes to separate all your essentials. We loved the presence of two large pockets on the front of the bag, as well as the duffel-style opening – the bag unzips on three sides and opens up to reveal a single central compartment (although a mesh divider allows this space to be divided in two).

This bag’s all about portability – both the sternum and shoulder straps are easy to adjust, and there are side and top carry handles, too. We also appreciated the roller bag handle slot on the rear, which meant we could easily slip it over the extendable handle on our spinner suitcase.

The North Face base camp duffel

• Best : Duffel-backpack hybrid
• Weight : 1.19kg
• Although it can be worn easily as a backpack, it’s definitely easier to carry as a duffel

Backpacks that double as duffels make us nervous because they’re rarely comfortable or practical. This base camp bag, however, is our favourite exception to the rule. Yes, as its name suggests, it will serve you well if you’re hiking to a remote mountain, but it’s also great for weekend city breaks, thanks to its generous 50l capacity and the ridiculously tough material (1,000-denier polyester material with an 840-denier reinforced bottom layer).

The ergonomic straps were surprisingly comfortable, and we were able to remove them in a flash on occasions when we carried the bag duffel-style. The interior is simple but roomy – one supersized compartment with more than enough room for everything we needed for a (long) weekend away.

Montane trailblazer 25l backpack

• Best : All-rounder
• Weight : 750g
• Surprisingly light
• Well-balanced back support
• Lots of adjustability
• Deep pockets

When we read about this backpack’s “figure-hugging” design, we feared a serious case of sweaty-back syndrome. However, even when filled to its 25l maximum capacity, this bag felt surprisingly light, thanks, in part, to a well-balanced back support system that kept the bag close to our body while still allowing for breathability.

Montane has prioritised adjustability here. It was a breeze to adjust the back support system, harness and straps, and we were especially thankful for the extra-deep side pockets. Breathability is also obviously a key focus – almost the entire rear is covered with breathable mesh. Our favourite feature, however, was the easily adjustable chest straps, which were elasticated and could be loosened or tightened in a nanosecond.

Berghaus unisex remote hike 35 rucsac

• Best : For travellers with lots of kit
• Weight : 1,020g
• Rain cover included : Yes
• Lots of bells and whistles
• Lots of different weather protection
• Customisable

A backpack that pretty much does everything except cook campfire cuisine at the end of the day, Berghaus’s bag is a true workhorse but it doesn’t come with the bulk or weight we’d associate with this type of backpack.

The easily accessible bivi system (a waterproof hood that can be unfurled over the backpack) meant it was easy to add another layer of protection when the weather took a turn for the worse, and the side compression straps took this bag’s customisation capabilities to new heights. We loved how we could access the contents not only through the top but through size zippers, too.

We were also impressed by the backboard – these can be a godsend when designed correctly, as this one was, providing just enough to create space between our back and the bag, but without adding too much extra weight.

Jack Wolfskin traveltopia weekender

• Best : Backpack for versatility
• Weight : 630g
• Rain cover included : No, but water-repellent
• Sustainable materials
• Lots of pockets

An essential for organised travellers, Jack Wolfskin’s traveltopia weekender is also exceptionally stylish. On the rear of the pack, a large pocket unzips on three sides to reveal two separate mesh pockets in the lid and a built-in laptop/tablet sleeve. The main compartment – accessible through one zip in the centre of the pack’s front (sounds weird, but it works) – is enormous, and the bag’s stiffer sides meant we were perfectly happy stashing more delicate items in the weekender.

It’s got great sustainability credentials, too – the pack is made from recycled polyester and has a water-repellent and scratch-resistant coating made from natural beeswax.

Helly Hansen Loke backpack

• Best : Backpack for a logical layout
• Weight : 575g
• Bigger than it seems
• Great for carrying precious tech
• Quick-access pockets

This is another tardis-like backpack – we were sceptical about its suitability for a trek through a national park but it didn’t let us down. The generously sized handle on the top came in useful when dragging it out of overhead compartments on planes, and the logical layout of the interior, with its padded laptop pocket, made it easy to separate essentials – we used the main compartment for tech, the padded pocket for our laptop and the internal organiser for pens and notebooks.

We appreciated the quick access pocket at the top (as travellers prone to losing keys, the presence of a key hook was hugely appreciated) and the adjustable straps on the sides meant we could reduce its bulk in situations where space was at a premium – such as when travelling on planes or local transport.

Osprey Eja pro backpack

• Best : Osprey travel backpack
• Weight : 900g
• Designed with comfort in mind despite is huge size
• Low weight and wide load-bearing straps
• Plenty of clips

There aren’t many 55l backpacks we’d be happy to wear for significant periods of time, but this one’s the exception. Everything is designed with comfort in mind, from the ridiculously low weight and the wide, load-bearing straps to the generous patch of breathable mesh on the rear of the bag and on the straps.

What really impressed us was the opportunities for customisation. With lighter bags, these are often in short supply, but favourite features included the removable lid, designed to provide extra protection in rainy weather (when removed, the opening can still be sealed with an internal cover), internal compression straps and plenty of clips from which to hang items such as water bottles.

Fjällräven Abisko hike foldsack

• Best : For easy access
• Tough and durable
• Internal zips for extra protection
• Adjustable straps

Full disclosure – Fjällräven is the reason we embraced the concept of fold-closure bags. This type of design feature has to be done right, and Fjällräven is an expert in the field. We loved how we could easily tweak the tightness of the closure, using the adjustable strap, as well as the way in which the aforementioned strap could be tucked neatly out of the way, by slipping it under the pack’s bungee cord strapping.

In the case of this bag, which has an incredibly tough build, there’s also an internal zip closure for extra protection. We appreciated the generous areas of breathable mesh on the straps and the rear, and the fact that both the chest and hip straps were removable.

The main compartment and side pockets both have toggles, which, when combined with the fold-closure design feature, makes this an incredibly versatile bag. Tighten the side pockets and add extra folds when travelling light, or loosen the toggles when you’re carrying more weight.

Peak Design travel backpack

• Best : For withstanding wear and tear
• Weight : 1.44kg
• Lots of strap options
• Great for weekends away
• Abrasion resistant

We love additional straps on our backpacks, and Peak Design’s offering has loads of them, including a centrally placed strap on the rear and one on the top. Plenty of pockets crank up the versatility – we found the small one at the top perfect for items such as keys and sunscreen, while the backpack’s main section (which is enormous) had two large mesh pockets that proved useful for stashing sweaty hiking kit.

The sleek look of this backpack – and the presence of an internal laptop pocket – makes this a great option for weekends away, too. Its toughness, courtesy of abrasion-resistant thread, recycled 400D nylon canvas and an additional internal liner, means this is a backpack that will stand up to some serious wear and tear. Bonus points for the full-size zip, too – it extends around three sides of the bag, which meant we could quickly get to the items we needed most urgently.

The verdict: Travel backpacks

North Face’s trail lite speed 20l backpack is our idea of portable perfection – it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry but had enough room for all the clothing, gadgets and other sundries needed for a weekend on the continent. Meanwhile, Monos’s metro backpack is a rarity – a backpack that cuts the mustard when it comes to capacity and durability but is also wonderfully stylish. Finally, we’ve got to mention Chrome’s hondo backpack – there’s little this bag can’t handle, and it offers fantastic value, too.

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10 Best Backpack Brands for Travel: Pros and Cons of Each

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What are the best backpack brands for travel? I’ve bought WAAAAY too many and I want to share what I’ve learned to save you time and money.

A good backpack is one of life’s little luxuries. Like your comfiest pair of hiking boots, or your favorite hiking gadget that never lets you down, have a trusty, quality backpack on your travels makes life that little bit more enjoyable, doesn’t it?!

As you’ll probably know about me, I like to see the world – so you can imagine how many backpacks I’ve taken for a spin. I’ve discovered that when it comes to finding the perfect backpack, there are a lot of factors to consider.

Whether it’s a durable backpack for hiking that you need, or a stylish backpack for everyday travel, there are plenty of options to choose from.

You’ve got classic brands like Osprey, and the innovative newcomers like Tropicfeel . In fact, there’s so much choice out there, that it can make it really difficult to know which one will tick your boxes and become a worthy investment.

Here I’ve put together a collection of the best backback brands for travel, as well as some honest drawbacks, so that you can backpack shop with confidence.

Want to cut straight to the chase? I get it! Here are my recommendations based on decades of travel and a “slight” backpack addition here based on need. For details on why, read further for each brand.

Osprey Sirrus 36L

• Included raincover made with PFC/PFAS-free DWR and bluesign approved materials
• Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
• Internal hydration sleeve with hose port in backpanel

What we liked:

This pack fits like a dream and has both men's and women's sizing.  It has an easy to enter side compartment and a raincover.

• Doubles for a Hiking Backpack 
• Environmentally Friendly
• No true laptop compartment

Patagonia Terravia 22 L

• Patagonia Unparalleled Environmental Comittment
• Great for travel

What we liked: The built in rain fly keeps everything dry inside and feels roomier than 22L. Ensures you don't pack too much and have a better experience with a lighter pack. 

• Highly breathable
• Hip and shoulder eronomic adjustments
• Lightweight
• Not for larger waisted people

NOMATIC Travel Pack - 20L Water Resistant

• Expandable Capacity Anti Theft Backpack
• Laptop Compartment
• Tansforms from a sleek 20-liter work backpack to a spacious 30-liter large backpack
• RFID lockable security pocket

What we liked:  This aesthetic backpack is your all-in-one solution for everyday use. And it makes it easy for you to Stay Organized! Featuring a range of pockets, including an RFID lockable security pocket, mesh zipper pockets, a dedicated notebook pocket, and a 16-inch laptop pocket, this is a great computer backpack for women and men looking to stay organized

• 20 or 30 liter size
• TSA compliant
• Not the lightest

Key Takeaways

• Pinpointing what it is you want from your backpack (and what it needs to endure) is essential!
• There are many top backpack brands available, each with their unique features and innovations.
• When choosing a backpack, consider factors such as materials, durability, and special features.

Understanding Backpack Basics

Ever slogged miles with the ‘wrong’ backpack? It’s a mood killer as well as a posture destroyer, amongst other things. So buying just any old backpack is a mistake.

The right backpack needs to fit around the gear you’ll be wearing, but also be comfortable to wear. To help you get this right, you need to think about the key elements you need from your bag (durability, capacity, looks, pockets, etc.).

From a commuting backpack, a smaller waist pack , to a rucking backpack , and all that’s in between, there is a brand out there that will meet your needs. Think about the following features that may be important to your decision:

Yes, there are different ways to clean a backpack! And if you want it to last, you need to get familiar with your backpack’ comes with it’s own’s cleaning requirements. Read my helpful review of each backpack brand and how to clean them to make them last.

➡️ How to clean a backpack without ruining it.

Design and Style

Backpacks come in different designs and styles, each with its own benefits. Some backpacks are top-loading , while others are front-loading . Some have a single main compartment , while others have multiple compartments .

Think beyond the design and style you prefer. You’ve got to like the look of your own bag, but ultimately it needs to be good for what you’re using it for.

Always check the weight of your backpack – this is an important consideration, especially if you plan to carry it for long distances. Look for backpacks that have a low base weight but still offer the features and capacity you need.

Backpacks are typically measured in liters. The capacity of your backpack will depend on the length of your trip and the amount of gear you need to carry . If you’re on a trip of 5 days or longer, I’d say you’ll need at least 70 liters.

Comfort is everything when you’re traveling or hiking, especially when it’s strapped to your back. Look for backpacks that have padded shoulder straps , a padded hip belt , and a sternum strap . The backpack should also have good back ventilation to prevent sweat buildup.

Organization

Not all of us feel the need to be organized, especially on those shorter excursions; but if it’s a crucial aspect of your activity or it just gives you that sense of control and calm, then look for backpacks that have multiple compartments, compression straps, and side pockets . Water bottle pockets are also a useful feature.

For me, quality is very often worth the extra money in the long run. But don’t always refer to the price tag. Look for backpacks that are made from durable materials and have reinforced stitching .

10 Best Backpack Brands for Travel

My backpack addiction has led me to returning to the same backpack brands time and time again, where I can purchase with confidence for certain features. These 10 brands are my backpack go-tos:

Osprey is a well-known brand that offers high-quality backpacks for a catalog of activities, including hiking, commuting, and travel. Their backpacks are known for their durability and comfort , and they come in a variety of sizes and styles.

Deuter is a German brand that offers backpacks for hiking, travel, and everyday use. Their backpacks are designed with comfort in mind , adding beneficial features like adjustable straps and ventilation.

Read my Deuter Belt I Fanny Pack Review .

Gregory is a brand that offers backpacks for hiking, camping, and travel. Their backpacks are designed to be durable and comfortable , and they come in a variety of sizes and styles.

4. Patagonia

Patagonia is a brand that is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility . Their backpacks are made with recycled materials , and designed to be durable and functional for a range of activities.

5. The North Face

The North Face is a well-known brand that offers backpacks for hiking, camping, and travel. Their backpacks are designed to be durable and weather-resistant , and they come in a collection of sizes and styles.

Nomatic is another popular brand that offers travel backpacks for a range of activities, including TSA, laptop compartments and an expandable size from 20-30 liters . Their backpacks are designed with style in mind , and they offer features like waterproofing and ventilation .

7. Columbia

Columbia backpacks are a great choice for travelers looking for affordable and lightweight backpacks with multiple compartments .

8. Herschel

Herschel is a brand that offers backpacks for a range of activities, including travel, commuting, and everyday use. Their backpacks are designed with a focus on style and functionality , and they come in a variety of colors and patterns .

Mammut is a brand that offers backpacks for hiking, travel, and everyday use. Their backpacks are designed with a focus on functionality and durability , in a wardrobe of sizes and styles.

10. JanSport

JanSport is a brand that is known for its classic backpack designs . Their backpacks are durable and functional , and they come in a variety of colors and patterns .

Pros and Cons

• Osprey Pros : Durable, comfortable, and well-designed backpacks with a lifetime warranty. Cons : Expensive compared to other brands.
• Deuter Pros: High-quality backpacks with excellent ventilation and comfortable straps. Cons: Limited color options and can be heavy.
• Gregory Pros: Innovative designs, durable materials, and comfortable fit. Cons: Expensive compared to other brands.
• Patagonia Pros: Eco-friendly materials, versatile designs, and lifetime warranty. Cons: Limited color options and can be expensive.
• The North Face Pros: Durable materials, versatile designs, and comfortable fit. Cons: Can be expensive and heavy.
• REI Co-op Pros: Affordable, high-quality backpacks with a lifetime warranty. Cons: Limited color options and can be heavy.
• Columbia Pros: Affordable, lightweight backpacks with multiple compartments. Cons: Limited color options and not as durable as other brands.
• Herschel Pros: Durable materials, versatile designs, and comfortable fit. Cons: Expensive compared to other brands.
• Mammut Pros: High-quality backpacks with comfortable straps and multiple compartments. Cons: Limited color options and can be expensive.
• Jansport Pros : Affordable, high-quality backpacks with a lifetime warranty. Cons : Limited color options and can be heavy.

Some brands are more expensive than others. However, their superior quality usually means they’ll last a whole lot longer, with more design and manufacturing invested in them to deliver a quality backpack. They also often come with a lifetime warranty .

Backpacks for Different Uses

What will you be using your backpack for? All the backpacks I have are designed for certain uses, whether it’s travel, a hike, a commute, or a daypack. Don’t get lumbered with the wrong one for the job!

Here are some of the most common types of backpacks, and the features you should look for in each:

Travel Backpacks

You’re going to need space here, and you’re going to need comfort. These backpacks are designed to be comfortable to wear for long periods and to fit all your essential travel gear.

Look for a backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters , and check travel guidelines for dimensions. Other features to consider include:

• Multiple compartments to keep your gear organized
• A padded laptop sleeve for easy access to your computer
• A hip belt to distribute the weight of the pack evenly
• A rain cover to keep your gear dry in wet weather

Hiking Backpacks

When you’re hiking, you’re going to need a backpack that’s heavily focused on comfort on your posture – it’s a matter of how long you’re hiking for. Look for a backpack with a capacity of at least 20 liters for day hikes and at least 40 liters for overnight trips . Other features to consider include:

• A hydration system to keep you hydrated on the trail
• A padded hip belt to distribute the weight of the pack evenly

Laptop Backpacks

Laptops are getting lighter, but they’re still awkward to carry around. Laptop backpacks are designed to protect your laptop and other electronics while keeping them easily accessible .

Look for a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and multiple compartments to keep your gear organized. Other features to consider include:

• A comfortable back panel and shoulder straps for all-day wear
• A water-resistant exterior to protect your gear from the elements
• A USB charging port for on-the-go charging

For everyday use, a daypack is a great option. These backpacks are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for short periods. Look for a backpack with a capacity of around 20 liters, as this should be enough space for your daily essentials.

Other features to consider include:

• A padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort

Commuting Backpacks

Commuting can be a challenge, especially on the daily. A commuting backpack will help make life a little easier, freeing your hands from those everyday essentials. Look for a backpack with a capacity of around 20 liters , as this should be enough space for your laptop, lunch, and other essentials.

• Reflective detailing for increased visibility in low-light conditions

Materials and Durability

The durability of a backpack is one of the most essential factors to consider. It will last longer, provide better protection for your gear, and most likely be more comfortable. Here are some of the most durable materials used in backpacks:

• Nylon – Nylon is a popular material for backpacks due to its durability and water-resistant properties. It is also lightweight and easy to clean.
• Recycled Materials – Did you know that r ecycled nylon is just as durable as regular nylon? Plus, it has a lower environmental impact. Quite rightly, we’re seeing more and more backpack brands using recycled materials in their products .
• High-Quality Materials – If your backpack is made of Ballistic nylon or Cordura, you have an extremely durable backpack that will survive the toughest of jobs and over use.

The design and construction of the backpack can also impact its durability. Look for backpacks with reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and sturdy hardware to ensure that it can withstand wear and tear.

The golden rule when buying a backpack is to always consider what you will be using it for.

If you plan on hiking or camping, look for backpacks with water-resistant or waterproof coatings to protect your gear from the elements. If you will be carrying heavy items, consider a backpack with a padded back panel and shoulder straps for added comfort and support.

Special Features and Innovations

Backpack designers are always working towards creating special features and innovations to make backpacks more comfortable and convenient. Here are some of the most notable ones to look out for:

• Laptop Sleeve: A dedicated laptop sleeve can help keep your computer safe and secure while you’re on the go. Look for backpacks with sleeves that are well-padded and fit your laptop’s size.
• Tablet Pocket: If you carry a tablet with you, look for backpacks that have a dedicated pocket for it. This can help keep your tablet protected and easily accessible.
• External Pockets: External pockets can be a great way to keep your essentials organized and within reach. Look for backpacks with multiple pockets of different sizes, so you can keep everything from your phone to your water bottle easily accessible.
• Ventilated: If you’re going to be carrying your backpack for extended periods of time, you’ll want to look for one that is well-ventilated. This can help prevent you from getting too hot and sweaty, especially in warmer weather.
• Eco-Friendly: If sustainability is important to you, look for backpacks made from eco-friendly materials. Many companies now offer backpacks made from recycled materials or other sustainable materials.
• Super Light: If you’re looking for a backpack that won’t weigh you down, look for one that is super light. Many backpacks now use lightweight materials to keep the overall weight down.
• Breathable Back Panel: A breathable back panel can help prevent your back from getting too sweaty and uncomfortable. Look for backpacks with back panels made from breathable materials like mesh.
• Osprey Aura AG 65 and Osprey Atmos AG 65: These backpacks from Osprey are known for their Anti-Gravity suspension system, which helps distribute weight evenly and make carrying heavy loads more comfortable.
• YKK Zipper: Look for backpacks with YKK zippers, which are known for their durability and reliability.

Pricing and Value

We’ve looked at a number of things to consider when choosing the best backpack – but of course, pricing and value is also a huge factor. You want to make sure you are getting a product that is worth the money you are spending.

And there’s a real difference between ‘cheap’ and ‘good value. Some backpack brands offer budget-friendly options that still provide great value.

On the other hand, some backpack brands can be quite expensive, but they often come with added features and benefits. For example, Osprey offers backpacks with a limited lifetime warranty , which means you can trust that your investment will last for years to come.

It’s also important to consider the return policy of the brand before making a purchase. Some backpack brands offer a generous return policy, allowing you to return the product if you are not satisfied with it. This peace of mind is valuable in itself when making a purchase.

Sustainability and Ethics

Sustainability and ethics can also be the reason you choose one brand over another. In today’s world, a backpack made with environmentally friendly materials and produced in an ethical manner can make all the difference.

Here are some top backpack brands that prioritize sustainability and ethics:

Patagonia is a certified B Corp and is committed to using recycled and sustainable materials in their products. Their backpacks are made with recycled polyester and organic cotton .

They also have a fair trade program that ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.

Fjallraven is a Swedish brand that is known for its durable and functional backpacks. They use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in their products.

They also have a program called Arctic Fox Initiative , which supports environmental and social projects.

Osprey is a Colorado-based company that makes high-quality backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts. They are committed to sustainability and use recycled materials in their products.

They also have a program called All Mighty Guarantee , which ensures their products last a lifetime.

Tentree is a sustainable clothing and accessories brand based in Canada. They make backpacks from eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton .

On top of this, for every product purchased, they plant 10 trees to help reforest areas affected by deforestation.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat is a vegan brand based in Montreal that makes stylish and sustainable backpacks. They use eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon and cork in their products.

They also have a program called Live Beautifully , which promotes sustainable living.

Solgaard is a California-based brand that makes backpacks from recycled ocean plastic . They are committed to reducing plastic waste and have a program called Ocean Plastic Initiative , which collects plastic from the ocean and turns it into products.

Grunbag is a Danish brand that makes backpacks from recycled materials like sailcloth and truck tarpaulin .

They also have a program called Circular Initiative , which promotes a circular economy by repairing and repurposing their products.

Aesthetics and Personal Style

How important is the look of your backpack? For some of us, personal style and aesthetics play a big role in the backpack we choose. If you want a backpack that not only functions well but also looks good and fits your personal style, here are some things to consider:

The aesthetics of a backpack can range from basic and simple to bold and eye-catching. Some popular aesthetic styles include:

• Grunge: Backpacks with a distressed or worn look, often in darker colors like black or gray.
• Pastel: Backpacks with soft, muted colors like pink, blue, or lavender.
• 90s: Backpacks with a retro feel, often featuring bright colors and patterns.
• Sophisticated: Backpacks made with high-quality materials and a sleek design, often in neutral colors like black or brown.

Whcih aesthetic style best fits your personal style, and is suitable for what you’re using the backpack for?

Personal Style

Your personal style also plays a big role in choosing the right backpack. Consider the following factors:

• Functionality : Do you need a backpack for everyday use or for mountain sports? Know the size and features you need in a backpack.
• Fit : Make sure the backpack fits your body well and is comfortable to wear. Look for adjustable straps and a padded back panel.
• Colorado : If you live in or frequently visit Colorado, you may want to consider a backpack that is durable and weather-resistant for outdoor activities.
• Food : If you plan on using the backpack to carry food, look for one with insulated compartments or a built-in cooler.
• Color : Choose a color that matches your personal style and can be worn with multiple outfits.

Carrying Heavy Loads

When it comes to carrying heavy loads, you want a backpack that can handle the weight without sacrificing comfort or support. Here are some of the best backpack brands that excel in this area:

Deuter is known for its sturdy backpacks that can handle heavy loads with ease. Their Aircontact Pro 70+15 and Aircontact Pro 65+15 SL backpacks are both great options for carrying heavy loads on long-distance hikes or thru-hikes. The aluminum frame provides excellent support, and the adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt ensure a comfortable fit.

Osprey is another brand that excels in the heavy load category. Their Aether Plus 70 pack is a popular choice for backpackers who need to carry a lot of gear. The Anti-Gravity suspension system distributes the weight evenly across your back, and the adjustable hip belt provides additional support.

Gregory is a brand that focuses on comfort and support, making their backpacks a great choice for carrying heavy loads. The Gregory Baltoro 75 and Deva 70 are both excellent options for backpackers who need to carry a lot of gear.

The adjustable suspension system and hip belt provide a comfortable fit, and the durable construction ensures that the backpack can handle heavy loads.

Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear is a brand that focuses on lightweight backpacks, but they also offer options for carrying heavy loads. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a popular choice for thru-hikers who need to carry a lot of gear.

The adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit, and the durable construction ensures that the backpack can handle heavy loads.

Travel Backpack FAQs

What are some popular backpack brands for college students.

College students often require backpacks that are spacious and durable enough to carry their textbooks, laptops, and other essentials. Some popular backpack brands for college students include JanSport, Herschel, North Face , and Nike .

What are the best backpack brands for daily use?

Backpacks for daily use should be comfortable and practical, with enough space to carry your everyday items. Some of the best backpack brands for daily use include Fjallraven, Timbuk2, Patagonia, and Osprey .

What are some trendy backpack brands?

If you’re looking for a backpack that’s both stylish and functional, there are plenty of trendy brands to choose from. Some popular trendy backpack brands include Kanken, Rains, Herschel, and Topo Designs.

What are the most popular laptop backpack brands?

Laptop backpacks need to be designed with padded compartments to protect your laptop and other electronic devices. Some of the most popular laptop backpack brands include Targus, SwissGear, Samsonite, and Case Logic.

What are the top-rated backpack brands?

The top-rated backpack brands are those that consistently receive positive reviews from customers. Some of the top-rated backpack brands include Osprey, Deuter, Gregory , and Kelty .

What are some high-quality backpack brands?

High-quality backpack brands are those that are made with durable materials and are designed to last for years. Some of the best high-quality backpack brands include Arc’teryx, Mystery Ranch, Black Diamond, and Mammut.

Your backpack is an essential bit of kit, no matter where you’re going, what you’re doing, and what you need with you. I hope this guide to the best backpack brands for travel has given you some very helpful information to plan your next adventure.

More Crave the Planet Travel Blogs

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Author profile :  Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

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20 Cool Men’s Backpacks To Travel In Style

Load up, look your best on the road with backpacks made for men.

Every man should own at least one backpack. Whether it’s for your commute to work or you’re planning on hiking through the mountains for a few days.

While buying one might not be the most important decision of your life, finding a rock-solid central location for your belongings – like your earphones, sunglasses, and laptop – deserves a slice of your time, and maybe even a decent amount of your money.

This guide will help you navigate this expanding portion of the accessories market, whether you just need a pack for early morning pre-season training or a replacement for your old-fogey briefcase that makes you feel like the 50-something accountant you see on the bus every morning.

Below are the best backpacks for men , all perfect for your everyday essentials. You’re bound to find the perfect backpack, whether you’re looking for padded shoulder straps, ballistic nylon, water-resistant, padded laptop sleeve, water bottle compartment, easy access, one big main compartment, heavy-duty, a padded back; whatever you’re looking for in a backpack, you’ll find it here.

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Producers of altogether more elegant men’s accessories, the group of designers at Aussie label Bellroy have become renowned for their stylish, modern take on everything from wallets and bags to passport holders and laptop cases. But it’s this Premium Classic that has caught our attention, constructed using high quality, sustainable leathers merged with dyed fabrics that age with more grace than standard market efforts. It also features a 15” laptop sleeve and a water resistant media compartment.

Tropicfeel ’s Shell Backpack is an ultra-versatile, multi-size backpack with a lightweight, weatherproof, yet minimalist design men will love. Calling it the “backpack for a lifetime” because it’s designed to meet modern-day travelers’ needs, from your daily journey to work to long-distance hikes across the country. With a 3-in-1 adaptable design, the backpack can shift between 22L and 40L, and can carry up to 20% more than most backpacks. Tropicfeel is best if you’re on a budget but still want a backpack with great style.

Kelly Slater’s Outerknown brand is known for its sustainable efforts and tough, rugged approach to fashion. It’s with this in mind that the brand has teamed up with Japanese label New Life Project for a range of sustainably-made backpacks.

The men’s range includes the ‘backpack’, which should be the only thing you need for a weekend getaway. A 17-inch laptop sleeve, ergonomic padded shoulder straps, a water-repellent coating and a tough-as-nails attitude. Your best exploring companion.

Peak Design

Founded in 2011, Peak Design “makes tools for doing”. The San Francisco-based brand specialises in bags and camera gear; and their carry solutions help men, creatives, commuters, and adventurers keep their gear accessible, organised, and protected. Peak Design’s versatile backpacks are perfect for travel but will also keep all your daily essentials safe on your commute to work.

Founded in New York City, Haerfest Bags is dedicated to equip men with bags that are designed to inspire. Haerfest has a huge range of backpacks that are all generous and reliable. Available in multiple colours and prints, Haerfest’s backpacks will hold all of your essentials, as well as protect them (including your laptop) when you’re on the go. A little more stylish in design, these backpacks are perfect for daily commutes to the city or travelling to lavish places.

Realising that there was a gap in the market when it came to outerwear for men that was both high-performing and stylish, Rains launched into instant success in 2012. Rains’ backpack collection is simple, stylish, and above all practical. All are completely waterproof and come in a variety of colours and sizes. Their bags are best for the design concious man.

Saturdays NYC

After starting life as a trendy little fashion store in New York’s hip SoHo district in 2009, Saturdays NYC has now moved into the mainstream as a high quality lifestyle brand. Their designs are extremely cool and combine classic men’s style and craftsmanship alongside a minimalist ethos. Their small range of backpacks are perfect for those who spend their days travelling around the inner city, and want a good-looking yet functional backpack.

Horizn Studios

Berlin-based Horizn Studios is perhaps best known for its range of ‘smart’ luggage, which is thoughtfully designed to make traveling men’s trips through the airport terminal as easy as possible.

That same ethos is applied to the company’s collection, which includes the Gion, named after the Gion district in Kyoto. This bag is available in small or medium sizes and is completely waterproof, ensuring everything inside remains bone dry. It’s also designed to attach harmoniously with Horizn’s smart luggage by way of a nylon strap that slides over the suitcase’s handle.

Founders, Samuel Bail and Abel Samet had a goal: to create the perfect overnight bag. Now, the two are head honchos at Troubadour , the business that grew from their combined passion to achieve this goal. They now make cool bags using artisan techniques and quality materials. All of Troubadour’s sleek backpacks are made from waterproof fabric and feature integrated sleeves that slide over suitcase handles. Perfect for the style conscious man.

It’s fair to say that Lyndon and Jamie Cormack could only have dreamed of their instant success when launching Herschel back in 2009. The two Canadian men targeted a younger 18-35 year old market and before they knew it their designs were popping up on the back and shoulders of bearded hipsters everywhere. They have pretty much stayed on track since, and even produce more modern, less vintage looking pieces such as this Pop Quiz bag, that still features the brand’s signature striped liner and a 15” laptop sleeve.

Saint Laurent

When legendary fashion photographer and designer Hedi Slimane was appointed creative director of Yves Saint Laurent , he made a very ballsy move. He rebranded the iconic fashion house to simply Saint Laurent. And it’s safe to say it worked, and helped bring in a new perspective, propelling them back into the highest echelons of the industry.

Saint Laurent’s City bag is a prime example of how this rebrand has opened up a flourish of more modern looking pieces. It’s available in a variety of styles (leather, nylon, etc.) and colours, and is entirely produced and constructed by hand in Italy.

Aer started as a crowdfunding project in 2014. Their idea? To design a bag that could be used whether you were off to the gym or on the way to the office. Aer like to keep their designs simple, and put more of an effort into functionality. Their Travel Pack model features a shoe compartment, bottle holder, and laptop sleeve, as well as an added mesh back panel for enhanced comfort and breathability and a sternum strap & load lifter straps for comfort and stability.

Harber London

For a little luxury, check out Harber London . The British brand, founded in 2012, is a true champion of finely made leather goods, with all pieces being handcrafted in Spain. All of Harber London’s backpacks are built to last following the brand’s timeless design approach through clever product architecture, durable premium materials, and expert craftsmanship. These bags will always be functional, never go out of fashion, and last you a lifetime of happy service.

Mystery Ranch

To get by in the grizzly infested forests of North America you better be prepared with the right type of kit. This is where Mystery Ranch comes in, a collective of designers that have been making outdoor gear for the military, hunters, hikers, and mountaineers. They specialise in rugged travel bags, such as this 40 litre Mission Duffel. Its’ made from 840D TPU coated Nylon and has a fully lined interior to help protect your essentials while you brave the great outdoors.

Mismo ’s focus on contemporary luxury is instantly visible in their end product. The Danish brand has been producing fantastic briefcases, travel bags, and backpacks since 2003 – each with a touch of class that complements the ensemble of any well dressed modern gent. Mismo has a great range that are waterproof and feature a range of storage solutions for water bottles, laptops, and smartphones.

Mission Workshop

Mission Workshop started life as a bag company before expanding into countless other markets. Its bags remain a main focus though, and as a result there is a huge range to choose from. All Mission Workshop backpacks are made in the USA and all are weatherproof. Whether you want to protect your laptop or camera, find a backpack for travelling, or you simply need one for commuting, Mission Workshop has something for everyone.

Smythson is a British brand that places an emphasis on expertly crafted leather goods. Founded in 1887 on London’s prestigious Bond Street, the purveyor of luxury leather goods has previously been the brand of choice for the likes of Grace Kelly, Sir Winston Churchill, and European Royalty.

Smythson are expensive, there’s no denying, but with bags such as the Panama Zip Around being made in Italy from some of the finest crossgrain leather you’ll ever lay your hands on, coupled with a number of intuitive pockets, and a 13-inch laptop sleeve, they’re worth every penny.

​​The idea for Marmot first gathered momentum on Alaska’s Juneau Icefield, where a couple of California students decided to form a collective – which they named after the region’s highly social group of squirrels. The collective steadily formed into a brand in 1974, producing down products such as sleeping bags, jackets, and vests for unforgiving winter climates.

The brand now has a wide range of outdoor accessories, including backpacks. All of Marmot’s bags are super lightweight and weatherproof, and are perfect for those who want a backpack to accompany them on their outdoor adventures.

German brand Montblanc should need no introduction. Founded in 1906, Montblanc has remained a prominent leader in the luxury goods space thanks to a combination of well-designed products and using materials of seriously high quality. Best known for its range of pens, Montblanc has its leather-bound fingers in other product pies, which includes backpacks.

The Meisterstück, like other products bearing the Meisterstück name, represents the cornerstone of Montblanc’s range. Made from soft grain leather with padded shoulder straps and a large main compartment for all your essentials, it’s the very embodiment of what a luxury backpack should be.

Deuter started out as a canvas and linen mill in the Bavarian town of Augsbourg all the way back in 1898. However, they are now known for their high quality backpacks, bags, and sleeping bags. With a fantastic range on offer that feature multiple compartments and are available in an array of colours and styles, Deuter has extremely versatile backpacks that’ll carry your essentials to work, travelling, and outdoor hikes.

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The 10 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love a laptop backpack that's spacious, has organizational pockets, and will keep our laptops safe during travel.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure /Conor Ralph

Since a laptop usually comes at a high price, it’s well worth it to invest in a backpack designed to protect your technology when you’re on the go. Whether you’re traveling on an airplane or trekking through campus, a comfortable, well-made backpack with a padded laptop pocket is a must-have.

Because comfort and durability are arguably the two most important factors when investing, we tested more than 50 laptop backpacks on several occasions in our New York City lab and in the real world to find the best ones for everyday wear with these considerations in mind. We packed each bag with computers, iPads, sweatshirts, and more, and carried them around to see how they felt. We then tossed each one onto the ground from a tabletop to test the bag’s durability (using dummy laptops, of course). Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for style, comfort, value, and more.

Best Overall

Stubble & co. the everyday backpack.

This versatile backpack will keep you organized with pockets galore in all different sizes.

The chest straps came off during testing, and we couldn’t figure out how to reattach them.

​​This Stubble & Co. backpack was part of our waterproof backpacks test , and we thought the stylish design and ample pockets makes this our favorite laptop backpack. Like the name suggests, this is a great everyday backpack — slim and compact but still spacious enough to fit a laptop, headphones, a charger, a jacket, a water bottle, a notebook, a travel pouch, and a small toiletry case. 

“The sheer amount of pockets would keep even the most chaotic packer organized,” says Travel + Leisure testing editor Jackie Cucco , who tested this option in our New York City lab. “I especially love how there’s a variety of pocket sizes and shapes to give all different types of items their own little home.” There is one back compartment for a 16-inch laptop and other flat items, one main compartment with six pockets, one small top pocket, a teeny pocket on one of the straps (for something small like earbuds), two water bottle pockets on the sides, and one large front pocket on the outside. There’s an adjustable chest strap as well, though it fell off during testing, and we weren’t able to reattach it.

In addition to the useful pockets, we also loved how this backpack is waterproof — we held it underneath multiple showerheads to soak it, and all of our electronics inside remained totally dry, so you can feel secure wearing this even on rainy days.

The Details: 18. 1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 20 liters | 2.2 pounds | Recycled PET, recycled RPET lining, polyester air mesh | 16-inch laptop pocket | Waterproof

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Leather

Bee & kin the midi nomad backpack.

The sleek leather material looks nicer than a typical nylon backpack.

The straps are a bit too long, even when they are adjusted to the shortest setting.

Constructed with soft and sleek Italian leather, this midsize backpack has the perfect combination of style and functionality. It’s big enough to fit a laptop up to 13 inches long, but it’s small enough that you can use it beyond traveling or commuting for everyday activities like running errands. After four months of use, we found this to be the perfect medium-size bag that is easy to clean, making it a perfect option for everyday use. It can easily fit a laptop, water bottle, wallet, notebook, and headphones with plenty of room left over. While we love the size for versatility, it still has plenty of thoughtful features for travelers like a pocket for a wireless charger ( sold separately ) and several interior pockets for storing accessories.

The leather material has a soft and plush feel to it which makes carrying the bag comfortable, but we wish the straps were a little shorter since the bag sits a little low on the back. Since the backpack is smaller and lightweight, this isn’t a huge issue and we still think the high-quality backpack is worth it for traveling, commuting, and everyday use.

The Details: 13 x 11.6 x 5.5 inches | 2.6 pounds | Leather | 13-inch laptop pocket

Best Expandable

Samsonite elevation plus backpack.

The expandable zippers add tons of extra space.

We wish there were more color options.

I've tested dozens of backpacks and it can be hard to find a backpack that stands out from others, which is why I'm a big fan of this one from Samsonite, which I personally tested in the lab. While it has a simple design from the outside, the backpack is filled with special features that make it better than your average backpack. It has tons of pockets to store every travel essential you could ever need, including laptops, tablets, notebooks, chargers, passports, and it has a water bottle pocket on the side that keeps a bottle secure (it didn't even fall out when I threw the pack off a table several times). The laptop pouch creates a hammock-like effect that suspends the laptop and gives it protection from getting knocked around on the floor. My favorite part of the pack is the expandable zipper that adds 1.5 inches of extra space, which came in handy when I packed the bag with an extra jacket. Plus, it fits underneath an airplane seat with ease, and there's extra padding in the back paneling and shoulder straps for superior comfort while traveling.

The Details: 17.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches | 22.75 liters | 2.2 pounds | Recycled polyester | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Solar-powered

Solgaard lifepack backpack.

It’s made out of recycled plastic bottles found on beaches and has a built-in, solar-powered USB charger.

The capacity is smaller than other backpacks we tested.

While this backpack impressed us during testing, it also won us over thanks to Solgaard’s sustainability mission in which all of its products are made with ocean-bound recycled materials. The brand uses its patented Shore-tex material to create this backpack with recycled plastic water bottles found on beaches or river banks. In addition, the backpack includes a solar-powered USB charging port so you can charge on the go without having to worry about the life of your power bank. In our testing lab, we were able to fit all of the items on our packing list, including a sweatshirt, a laptop, an iPad, a notebook, and a water bottle, but there wasn’t a lot of space left over. The laptop sleeve is in the back of the bag, and although it’s just a fleece-lined slip pocket, it wasn’t damaged during our durability tests. When it comes to padding, the backpack is outfitted with ample cushioning that makes it comfortable to wear with the adjustable, supportive chest strap, too.

The Details: 12.4 x 6.9 x 19 inches | 19 liters | 4.85 Pounds | Anti-theft lock | USB port

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Splurge

Lo & sons rowledge.

The nylon material and leather accents give the backpack a sleek look without sacrificing protection.

The laptop compartment is too small for any computers over 13 inches long.

Lo & Sons’ The Rowledge laptop backpack is one of the most expensive bags we tested, but it seriously delivered in performance. The nylon exterior outfitted with leather accents makes this sleek, timeless bag a dream for travelers and office-goers. While it may small from the outside, we found that it was possible to fit a sweatshirt, a laptop, an iPad, a notebook, and a water bottle with ease. Our only gripe is that the laptop pocket can only fit laptops that are 13 inches or smaller, so you'll want to consider that if you own a larger computer. The adjustable straps and ample padding throughout the entire backpack add to the comfort and durability of the pack. Although the bag felt a little stiff at first, the material quickly contours to the shape of your shoulders and back over time for a more comfortable fit after a few wears. After tossing the bag off of a tabletop, the laptop remained unharmed in the designated sleeve in the back of the bag, and the exterior showed no signs of damage, so we think this sturdy, well-made backpack is worth the splurge.

The Details: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches | 21 liters | 3.2 pounds | Nylon, leather | 13.5-inch laptop pocket

Best Budget

Tzowla travel laptop backpack.

This affordable bag has lots of smart features for travelers.

The materials feel lower in quality than others we've tested.

This wallet-friendly backpack exceeded expectations during testing due to all of the thoughtful designs that rivaled the most expensive bags we tested. After four months of regularly using the bag, we especially love the padded laptop sleeve that protects laptops up to 15.6 inches long. The backpack has a variety of other smart features including a USB port, a passcode lock, and a headphone port to make traveling with electronics a breeze. We found that the main compartment is very spacious and easy to pack with bulkier items like a jacket or lunchbox, and the front compartment has tons of little pockets for organizing smaller items.

Made with polyester fabric, the backpack feels fairly durable and didn’t get damaged during our durability tests, but it is noticeably lower quality than the other bags we tested with a higher price point. However, the straps have comfortable padding and adjustable buckles, so the bag is still very comfortable to carry.

The Details: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 34 liters | 1.83 pounds | Polyester blend | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | USB and headphone port | Password lock

Best Organization

Timbuk2 authority laptop backpack deluxe.

It has plenty of pockets for organizing all of your belongings efficiently.

The capacity could have been bigger.

The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe has a variety of interior and exterior pockets to help you stay organized on the go. There’s a designated spot for all of your must-haves with a padded laptop pocket in the back, a main compartment with slip and zippered pockets, and a spacious front pocket for items like a notebook. Plus, there’s a side slip pocket for your water bottle and a trolley sleeve for attaching the pack to a suitcase. We love the ability to access your laptop from the back zipper or through the main compartment of the backpack. Additionally, we appreciated the sleek pack’s compression straps so you can adjust the capacity of the bag, but we still thought the main compartment could have been a bit larger. The padded backpack straps are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and if you live in a rainy climate, the durable recycled nylon exterior is also water-resistant.

The Details: 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches | 20 liters | 2.51 pounds | Recycled nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket | Water-resistant

Most Versatile

Monos metro backpack.

The front pocket comes off so you can travel with or without the extra space.

The original model has visible snaps when the front pocket is removed, but that's been updated with the newer version.

The Monos Metro Backpack has a removable front pocket that adds quite a bit of extra space which is so useful for traveling. For other times when you may not need the excess room, all you have to do is pull the discrete cord in the back of the pouch to release pouch and take it off. Best of all, when you remove the pouch, the backpack still looks sleek, and it doesn't look like any part of the bag is missing thanks to the brand's modular system for taking on and off the pouch.

We love the soft vegan leather look of the backpack and found the materials to provide protection against laptop damage when we dropped it. There are several pockets inside the main compartment, and the laptop pocket is in the back, separated from the rest of the bag. Whether you're traveling on an airplane or heading into the office, this stylish bag is ideal for those looking for a versatile backpack. It also comes in nylon fabric with more colors to choose from.

The Details: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches | 18 liters | 3 pounds | Vegan leather or nylon | 15-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best for Students

Fjällräven räven 28.

The backpack is comfortable and breathable to wear while walking.

The polyester blend wasn’t as durable as we hoped.

For students walking across campus or between classes, the Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack is our favorite option. We love how breathable the back padding is and that it provides plenty of cushioning and support when it's on. The design itself is not bulky, so we weren't worried about brushing up against other people while walking through crowded places during our real-world test. Plus, there are tons of pockets in the main compartment for classroom essentials, and each side of the backpack has a water bottle slip pocket.

We did notice that this bag easily collects dust or lint after it is tossed on the ground. Despite the slight dirtiness of the fabric, we found that the backpack does an excellent job of protecting a laptop in the designated padded sleeve in the back. It's not difficult to fit varying needs, even after using it on a daily commute for two months, and we found it battled the elements well, keeping a computer untouched by rain, too.

The Details: 18.5 x 14 x 6.1 inches | 28 liters | 2.2 pounds | Polyester and cotton with wax coating | 15-inch laptop pocket | Water-resistant

Béis The Backpack

It has a simple, no-frills design for extra versatility.

It may be too large for everyday use.

We love the simple design of the Béis backpack and found that it’s packed full of thoughtful features making it the perfect backpack for travelers , students, and commuters alike. We were impressed with the large capacity of the main compartment that could easily fit all of the items on our packing list, including tech items like a laptop and iPad on the inside and a water bottle in one of the two slip pockets on the sides. The main compartment has several smaller pockets and a designated padded laptop sleeve. After we did our drop test to evaluate the durability, the padding did a good job of protecting the laptop, but there isn’t padding at the bottom of the bag which had us questioning how much protection the backpack offers. Even when it was completely packed, the padded straps were comfortable to wear, and the back had more padding for added comfort.

The Details: 19 x 13 x 5.5 inches | 22 liters | 1.8 pounds | Cotton, PVC, polyester | 14.5-inch laptop pocket

Other Laptop Backpacks We Liked

Here are some other backpacks we've tested that are worth mentioning, all of which we liked for various reasons but found some slight issues with.

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack : The design is sleek and functional, but we think there isn’t enough padding for comfort or laptop protection if the bag is handled roughly.

Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger : This pack was a serious contender for the best budget bag thanks to its sturdy build and protective padding, but our above pick had a few more standout features than this one.

Swissgear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack : Ideal for students, travelers, or commuters, we loved that this bag is durable and has plenty of storage solutions, but it wasn’t as comfortable as we hoped.

Between several different lab testing occasions, we tested more than 50 laptop backpacks from highly rated brands like The North Face, Away, Samsonite, Swissgear, and more. We evaluated each pack based on capacity, design, comfort, and durability.

First, to test for capacity, we used a packing list to fill the bag with objects like a laptop, an iPad, a sweatshirt or jacket, a water bottle, a notebook, and a toiletry bag. During the packing process, we evaluated the design of each bag, and our top picks for the design category had plenty of padding around the laptop pocket, a variety of helpful pockets, and handles or straps that made carrying the backpack effortless and intuitive.

Then, we put on the backpacks and walked around for at least 10 minutes to get a feel for the bag. We looked out for any pain caused by shoulder or sternum straps, pinching, or any other type of discomfort. The best bags for comfort were outfitted with padding in the back and straps and didn’t cause any awkwardness or irritation from the pack. To test for durability, we pushed the backpacks off of a tabletop and checked the interior contents and exterior for any scuff marks, scratches, or damage. The backpacks also went out for four months of long-term testing in the real world so we could monitor the quality and functionality to ultimately decide which products tested best .

As we continue to test more backpacks, we will update this article with our findings.

Watch Us Test the Best Laptop Backpacks

Tips for buying a laptop backpack, check the laptop sleeve size.

Most laptops measure anywhere from 10 to 17 inches in length, so it’s important to double-check the dimensions of the laptop sleeve to ensure it fits in the designated pocket. Usually, you can find the laptop length capacity of a backpack in the “specification” description of the bag.

Padding is key for protection and comfort

The more padding around the laptop, the better protected it will be if that bag is handled roughly . Since the laptop pocket or sleeve is usually in the back of the bag, there should be padding in the back to add comfort while wearing the backpack. Also, be on the lookout for additional padding on the straps to make the bag even more comfortable to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should i put my laptop in a backpack without a case.

During our tests, we placed the laptop directly into the pocket without a case on it and found that the top-performing bags had enough padding to protect the laptop from getting damaged. However, if you feel more comfortable slipping it into a laptop case and placing it in the backpack, feel free to do so.

How do you measure a laptop for a backpack?

Laptops often measure anywhere from 13 to 17 inches, which is the diagonal measurement of the screen. To get the right measurement, take a tape measure and place it from one screen corner to the opposite diagonally to get the right measurement. Most laptop pockets will say what dimensions the space will fit so be sure to double-check your laptop size to get the right backpack.

Is a laptop backpack a personal item?

It always depends on the airline you fly and the luggage restrictions that come with your ticket, but generally, a backpack can be a personal item on a flight in addition to a carry-on. However, if your laptop backpack is too large to fit underneath the seat in front of you, it could potentially count as a carry-on instead, so it's important to check with your airline ahead of time.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes most of the team's tested content and participates in every lab and real-world test to try out luggage, outdoor, and beauty products. Anna owns several laptop backpacks including picks from Monos, Troubadour, and Lo & Sons. She pulled from her own experiences traveling with backpacks and combed through thorough testing insights to recommend the best laptop backpacks.

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