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Introduction
Choosing the best travel backpack for your trip is essential. It’s more than just a bag—it’s your travel companion. Whether you’re navigating city streets, trekking through the mountains, or embarking on a multi-destination adventure, the right backpack can make all the difference. But with so many choices, how do you find the perfect one?
As an experienced traveler, I’ve tested numerous backpacks and learned what truly matters. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to consider before buying the best travel backpack for your trip. Plus, I’ll share top-rated options to help you find a high-quality backpack that fits your needs. Let’s dive in!
1. Know Your Travel Style
Before selecting a backpack, think about how you travel. Are you an urban explorer, a nature lover, or a digital nomad? Your travel style will determine the type of backpack you need.
- City Travel: Opt for a sleek, lightweight backpack with anti-theft features.
- Hiking or Outdoor Adventures: Choose a durable, weather-resistant backpack with plenty of straps and compartments.
- Long-Term Travel: Look for a larger backpack with a comfortable frame and multiple pockets.
2. Pick the Right Size
The best travel backpack for your trip should match your packing needs. Here’s a simple guide:
- Small (20-30 liters): Perfect for day trips or short weekends.
- Medium (30-50 liters): Great for week-long trips or carry-on travel.
- Large (50+ liters): Ideal for long-term travel or outdoor adventures.
Remember, bigger isn’t always better. A smaller backpack forces you to pack light, which can reduce stress and make travel easier.
3. Focus on Comfort
A comfortable backpack is crucial, especially if you’ll be carrying it for hours. Look for these features:
- Padded Shoulder Straps: Reduce pressure on your shoulders.
- Hip Belt: Transfers weight to your hips, making the load feel lighter.
- Adjustable Straps: Customize the fit to your body.
- Ventilated Back Panel: Keeps your back cool and sweat-free.
4. Check the Features
The best travel backpack for your trip should have smart features that make travel easier. Key elements include:
- Multiple Compartments: Stay organized with separate sections for clothes, gadgets, and toiletries.
- Anti-Theft Design: Hidden zippers and lockable compartments for extra security.
- Water-Resistant Material: Protects your belongings from rain or spills.
- Compression Straps: Help secure your load and save space.
- Laptop Sleeve: Essential if you’re carrying a laptop or tablet.
5. Consider Your Budget
Backpacks come in all price ranges. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, a high-quality backpack is a long-term investment. It will last longer, perform better, and make your travels more enjoyable. Set a budget, but be willing to spend a little extra for durability and comfort.
6. Top Backpack Brands and Models
Here are 16 top-rated travel backpacks categorized by travel style:
For City Travel:
1. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Backpack
ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - with Lockable Zippers and Cut Proof Materials (lightweight steel mesh) to prevent theft/ pickpocketing, plus an RFID blocking pocket to keep your credit cards/ IDs safe.
ORGANIZATION & POCKETS - 2* Lockable Zipper Exterior Pockets, 1* Padded & Suspended Interior Laptop Sleeve, 2* Side Pockets for Water Bottles (up to 500ml).
2. Nomatic Travel Pac
Travel Laptop Backpack: This multifunctional bag also serves as a carry on backpack with its luggage strap, making it an ideal travel backpack carry on. It effortlessly transitions from a briefcase to a backpack by simply popping out the straps. Expandable Capacity Anti Theft Backpack with Laptop Compartment. Item Dimensions D x W x H 6"D x 12"W x 18.5"H.
3. Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
You can reach the main compartment from the quick access front pocket for easy reach of your travel essentials on the go, and the main compartment can also be unzipped like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking; The tech compartment can accommodate up to 17" laptop and 13 inch iPad with accessories; Front pocket, top pocket and side pockets for easy access to glasses, documents and travel liquids, etc.
For Hiking and Outdoor Adventures:
4. Osprey Atmos AG 65
For heavyweight weekends or weeklong backpacking trips where comfort and ventilation are paramount, people know to reach for the Atmos AG 65. You'll forget how much you really packed with its AntiGravity suspension, delivering an incredible fit that seamlessly envelopes your back and hips in 3D-suspended mesh. From easy to use stretch mesh side pockets for water bottles, an internal reservoir sleeve for additional hydration opportunity.
5. Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10
Comfortable to wear thanks to movable, ergonomically shaped Active Fit shoulder straps with soft-edge finishes, Spindrift collar, Y-frame for more direct load transfer and load control, Aircontact System, PFC free. Weight: 5.16 lb.
6. Gregory Baltoro 65
Gregory Baltoro 65L Backpack, whether we're on an alpine mission or hiking in the wilderness, this pack leaves room for everything from a camp stove and sleeping bag to our warmest layers and comfy camp shoes. Gregory's FreeFLoleat A3 suspension tech delivers all-day comfort, with rotating shoulder straps and a dynamic hip belt that move with the body and prevent hot spots.
For Long-Term Travel:
7. Osprey Fairview 40L
Osprey Fairview is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women's specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safe keeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection. A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights.
8. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Peak Design, customise the internal carry options to match your requirements. Meets international max carry-on standards in default 35L configuration. Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage. Dual side zippers for instant camera and item access. Full rear access via large dual zips. Quick tablet and laptop access using the main back zip.
9. Osprey Farpoint 40
Osprey's Farpoint Travel Pack 40 is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness. The Light Wire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hip belt. A mesh back panel improves ventilation and the mesh on the harness and hip belt reduces chafing under load. The entire suspension stows away under a zippered panel creating a sleek silhouette for transport.
For Budget-Friendly Options:
10. Hynes Eagle 40L Carry-On Backpack
Made of water repellent 420D nylon and 210D polyester lining, carry on backpack expands from 30L to 40L, fitting most carry on sizes and overhead compartments. Approx. Dimensions: 20.47 x 13.44 x 8.66 inches when expanded, and 20.47 x 13.44 x 6.69 inches when compressed. Approx. Weight: 2.79 lbs.
11. Mountaintop 40L Hiking Backpack
Durable & Water Repellent: This hiking backpack is made of water repellent 400D polyester fabric, and the YKK zipper is smooth and not easy to fall off. In addition, the bottom pocket is equipped with a rain cover, which can keep the backpack away from dust and rain. Large Capacity & Multiple Compartments: The backpack has a capacity of 40L. 1 main compartment can hold a 16-inch laptop, 2 zippered front pockets allow for quick access to items, 2 side pockets can hold water bottles.
12. Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Backpack
Durable & Waterproof: Made from high-quality, tear-resistant,and water-resistant nylon. Reinforced with a double-layered bottom and bar-tacks at stress points, it offers exceptional durability for carrying gears during your travel hiking and camping adventures. Lightweight & Foldable: With just 0.70 pounds,our backpack is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.
13. SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack
LARGE CAPACITY AND ORGANIZED: travel backpack owns 20 independent pockets for storing large items and organizing small items. 3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets to accommodate lots of stuffs. Side deep Zipper pocket for Easy access essentials, side Elastic net pockets conveniently hold travel gear umbrellas or water bottles.
For Tech Lovers:
14. Incase EO Travel Backpack
Padded back panels and shoulder straps with breathable mesh. Main compartment expands 35% for overnight travel. Triple coated weather-resistant front panel. Padded sleeve fits up to 17" MacBook Pro. MacBook compartment opens flat to easily pass through airport security
15. Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack
This backpack features our SafePort Sling drop protection which keeps your laptop suspended during drops. Padded laptop compartment protects from bumps making this a perfect laptop backpack for men and women on the go. TSA Checkpoint Friendly: Never remove your laptop at TSA again! Beautifully designed for function and looks, this travel backpack for men & women will become your favorite travel bag.
16. Thule Subterra 34L
Easy access to contents through wide rolltop opening with magnetic closure. Keep clothes organized while traveling thanks to removable packing Cube. Protects your laptop (15" MacBook Pro or 15.6" PC) in the padded laptop sleeve with safe edge construction and secure flap closure. Access your laptop through the top-loading compartment or the side zipper. Cords are neatly managed between your device and your mobile charger in the internal power pocket. Make traveling easier by attaching to rolling luggage using the pass-through panel. Laptop compartment dimensions: 15.5 x 1.25 x 11 in. Backpack Dimensions: 9.1 x 12.2 x 20.5 in
Final Thoughts
Finding the best travel backpack for your trip doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering your travel style, size requirements, comfort, and features, you’ll discover a backpack that perfectly suits your needs. The right backpack isn’t just about carrying your belongings—it enhances your travel experience. Choose wisely, and happy travels!