Whether embarking on a dream holiday overseas, road-tripping to a new destination, or simply commuting each day, having the right travel backpack makes every journey easier.
With so many backpack options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one best suits your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything required to pick the Best Travel Backpacks for your specific requirements.
We’ll dive deep into different backpack types, key features, sizes, construction materials, and more. We’ve also included 10 detailed reviews of top-rated travel backpacks so you can evaluate real-world performance.
By understanding factors like intended use, carrying comfort, capacity, durability, and extra features, you’ll be able to zero in on your ideal backpack for any kind of trip.
Let’s thoroughly explore the exciting world of backpacks for travellers so you can find the ideal one to accompany you on all your adventures!
How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack
When evaluating travel backpacks, keep these important factors in mind. Go through the following buying guide. This will help you to find the best Travel Backpack that will fit your needs, and you will find them hassle-free.
Intended Use
Consider how and where you plan to use your backpack most when selecting the right model. Common intended uses for travel backpacks include:
Air Travel Carry-On – Frequent fliers need a backpack optimized to fit major airline carry-on size restrictions, which are typically 56 x 36 x 23 cm. Key features for air travel include laptop sleeves, organization pockets for quick security clearance and compartments that make the most of limited capacity.
Daypack – For daily outings, commutes, and organized trips without extensive gear, compact daypacks in the 15 to 30-liter range are ideal. Look for highly adjustable and breathable shoulder straps to keep these smaller packs comfortable over long wear periods.
Backpacking – Backpacking and extended trips require hauling much bulkier gear like tents, sleeping bags, stoves, food, and more. Larger volume backpacks from 50 to over 70 litres provide ample space and ergonomic designs to comfortably bear heavy camping loads.
Work/Business – For daily work commutes or business trips, prioritize features like laptop compartments, organization pockets for pens/accessories, pass-through straps for securing rolling luggage, and simple aesthetics that blend into professional settings.
Keep your main intended uses in mind as you evaluate backpack sizes, compartments, materials, and features. This will help narrow down the options that are optimal for your particular travel needs.
Size/Capacity
One of the first decisions when selecting a backpack is choosing the right capacity for your intended uses and average packing requirements. Travel backpacks typically range from:
- 15-30 litres for minimalist daypacks
- 30-50 litres for air travel carry-ons and weekend trips
- 50+ litres for extended backpacking excursions
Choose a pack size that fits all your essentials while avoiding unnecessary bulk and weight. Take into account gear like photography equipment, laptops, tablets, extra layers, and other accessories that impact packing space needs.
For backpacking, meticulously add up the volume of all your equipment like tents, food, clothing, and more.
For air travel, adhere to carry-on dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 cm to avoid checked bag fees. The ideal balance is a pack with sufficient room for all required items but without wasted space.
Weight
When used for extended carrying, lighter-weight packs translate to greater comfort and less fatigue over miles on the trail. Look for quality, lightweight, yet durable materials like ripstop nylon when opting for packs under 3 pounds.
Higher quality backpacks strike an optimal balance between low weight and features like robust suspension systems for comfortably bearing heavy loads.
Well-designed, thickly padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum straps, and padded waist belts distribute weight effectively to avoid soreness.
Compression straps also help stabilize unwieldy gear loads. Focus on an ergonomic pack fitting correctly to your body to ensure the weight rests comfortably on the hips instead of straining the shoulders.
Durability
Travel packs endure a lot of abuse both in transit and on trails. Seek out durable fabrics, zippers, and construction that withstand abrasion, moisture, and accidental damage while still travelling light. Key indicators of durability:
- Ripstop Fabrics – Tightly woven nylon/polyester resistant to ripping if snagged.
- TPU/DWR Coatings – Water-repellent treatments that also resist abrasion.
- Reinforced Base – Durable material along the pack bottom prevents abrasion and scuffing.
- Burly Zippers – Overbuilt zippers with large tooth profiles resist breakage.
- Compression Straps – Cinch downloads and stabilizes unwieldy items.
Avoid thin, unpadded pack materials prone to tearing. Seek thick padded straps, robust zippers, and abrasion-resistant fabrics that enhance longevity under heavy use. Durable gear lasts for the long haul rather than needing frequent replacement.
Construction Material
Selecting the appropriate construction material for your backpack is essential to guarantee its longevity and functionality, particularly in a variety of travel scenarios.
Two well-liked options, nylon and polyester, stand out for the special qualities that make them perfect for various situations.
Nylon
Because of its strength and abrasion resistance, nylon is a lightweight material that is ideal for backpacks that want to weigh as little as possible overall.
Furthermore, nylon has water-resistant qualities that offer a barrier of defence against unplanned downpours or spills. This makes it a great option for travellers and metropolitan commuters who might experience a variety of weather.
Polyester
Polyester, on the other hand, is still another strong competitor for backpack material. It is lightweight and doesn’t shrink or stretch like nylon does. Polyester is also excellent at holding colour over time, so even after heavy use, your backpack will look colourful.
Because of this, polyester is a great material for backpacks that will last a lifetime and look great even after a variety of activities.
Extra Features
Bonus features that enhance organization, access, and versatility based on your common travel routines make an excellent pack even better. Useful extras to look for include:
- Laptop & Tablet Sleeves – Protect devices from impact during travel.
- Waist Belts & Sternum Straps – Belts stabilize loads; sternum straps prevent shoulder strap slippage.
- Luggage Straps – Securely lash backpacks onto rolling suitcase handles.
- Lockable Zippers – Deter pickpockets and safely secure valuables.
- Ventilated Back Panels – Prevent sweaty backs during hot hikes.
- Rain Covers – Integrated or separate covers protect contents from downpours.
- Attachment Points – Loop gear to the exterior when the interior room runs out.
Carefully assess extra features based on your common gear carried and packing preferences. The right additions tailor a backpack to seamlessly fit your travel style.
Reviews of Top-Rated Travel Backpacks
To help give you a firsthand look at real-world performance, here are in-depth reviews of 10 top-rated travel backpacks suited for various activities and uses:
Bellroy Carry-on Travel Backpack
The Bellroy Carry-on Backpack is a top choice for day trips, overnight getaways, or daily use. This lightweight backpack from respected brand Bellroy provides 28L capacity in a clever compact design.
The bag opens fully like a suitcase for easy packing access. Despite the small size, interior compression straps allow maximizing the main compartment. A separate laptop sleeve fits 15-inch models, with a front pocket and side water bottle holder adding organization.
Constructed from durable fabric made of recycled plastic bottles, this eco-friendly backpack is among the best for overseas travel. Thin shoulder straps are cushioned but can be tiring under heavy loads. For a well-designed carry-on pack, Bellroy delivers.
Pros
- Opens fully for packing access
- Made of recycled material
- Multiple compartments
Cons
- Thin shoulder straps lack padding
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Providing versatility for short or long trips, Peak Design’s 45L backpack suits digital nomads needing ample organized storage. The durable 400D nylon construction comes in several neutral colour options to match any style.
Unique flexibility comes from the expandable capacity, ranging from 30L to 45L via a zippered gusset. This allows easy compression when meeting airline carry-on limits. Well-designed inner pockets and dividers keep camera gear, laptops and personal items neatly sorted.
Tripod carry and multiple access points add convenience. While pricey, the ingenuity makes this a leading backpack for tech-focused travellers and content creators needing portable capacity.
Pros
- Expandable 30 to 45L capacity
- Interior organization for tech gear
- Flexible carry options
Cons
- Expensive, but quality materials
Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Backpack
Boasting an ample 55-litre capacity perfect for weeklong trips, Osprey’s Farpoint 55 backpack remains carry-on compliant for flights. An internal LightWire alloy frame transfers pack weight to the hips for all-day hauling comfort. The mesh AirSpeed back panel enhances ventilation during hot hikes.
Dual mesh pockets and an included detachable daypack provide organization flexibility. Large lockable sliders deter theft from the main compartment. Compression straps allow cinching of the bag when partly loaded. For roomy capacity combined with rugged materials, the Farpoint 55 takes extended excursions in stride.
Pros
- 55L capacity in carry-on size
- Ventilated AirSpeed back panel
- Lightweight but durable frame
Cons
- Bulky when fully packed
- No bottom compartment
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Providing ample utility in a compact package, Osprey’s Porter 30-liter backpack is perfect for short trips. Despite the smaller size, it remains highly functional thanks to a padded laptop sleeve, multiple zippered pockets, and durable construction.
Shoulder and hip straps tuck away behind zippered panels when not needed. Large lockable U-zip sliders on the front panel allow easy access, similar to a suitcase. The straightjacket compression system keeps contents from sloshing during transport. A great carry-on choice for minimalist travellers and weekenders.
Pros
- Compact 30L carry-on design
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
- Hideaway shoulder straps
Cons
- Front panel access exposes contents
- No water bottle pockets
Cafele 40L Travel Laptop Backpack
Offering outstanding value, Cafele’s 40L laptop backpack combines durability with intelligent organization. The main compartment fits up to 17-inch laptops with a padded sleeve. The front organizational compartment has pockets and slots to sort smaller items like phones, chargers, and pens.
Side compression straps allow adjusting load. An external USB charging port enables hooking up power banks to charge devices on the go. Breathable shoulder straps reduce sweaty backs during warm commutes. Top and side grab handles provide carrying versatility. For budget-friendly quality, it’s a leading contender.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Padded 17” laptop sleeve
- Breathable shoulder straps
Cons
- No rain cover included
- Waist and chest straps are sold separately
Black Wolf Cedar Breaks 75L Backpack
With a cavernous 75-litre capacity, Black Wolf’s Cedar Breaks backpack hauls ample gear for extended backpacking trips. Ten lockable zippered compartments keep valuables secure while organized. A detachable daypack adds extra portable storage.
Despite the size, a ventilated back panel and padded shoulder and sternum straps increase carry comfort. Side compression straps help stabilize unwieldy loads. The polyester and nylon construction withstands abrasion from the elements.
While heavy even when empty, its huge capacity makes it ideal for multi-day excursions into the backcountry. Just be prepared to stash your haul in the extra detachable daypack for lighter loads.
Pros
- Massive 75-litre capacity
- Lockable zippered compartments
- Detachable daypack included
Cons
- Heavy even when empty
KROSER Laptop Travel Backpack
KROSER’s versatile 44L travel backpack packs convenient features into an affordable package. The spacious main compartment fits 17-inch laptops with a protective padded sleeve. An external USB port allows charging devices on the go.
Water-repellent polyester coupled with a rain cover shields contents from moisture. Side compression straps and a chest belt stabilize loads. Interior organizer pockets sort small items. Top and side handles enable easy lifting and transport.
With outstanding utility for school, work, or travel, the thoughtful design maximizes function. Just beware: limited padding causes instability when empty. Overall, it delivers outstanding value.
Pros
- Fits 17-inch laptops
- External USB charging port
- Durable water-repellent fabric
Cons
- Instability when empty
- Limited shoulder padding
Everki ContemPRO Travel Backpack
Everki’s 42L ContemPRO backpack optimizes space and organization for tech-focused travel. The huge main compartment fits large laptops with a padded sleeve. Zippered side pockets allow quick-access storage for water bottles, tripods, and other gear.
Unique accessories include a tuck-away shoulder strap for briefcase conversion, luggage handle pass-through straps for stacking, and a weather cover for protection. Thick padding on the rear panel and contoured shoulder straps increase carry comfort.
With the capacity to fit all your gadgets and ease of access where you need them, this premium pack provides seamless tech-based travel. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege.
Pros
- Huge capacity for tech gear
- Luggage handle pass-through
- Thickly padded shoulder straps
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Some loose accessory pockets
Thule Subterra Backpack 30L
Offering excellent utility in a 30-litre package for weekends and urban getaways, Thule’s Subterra backpack combines organization with durability. The front panel storage pocket keeps phones and other quick-access items close at hand. A padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket protect electronics.
Zippered main access resembles a suitcase for packing ease. Side compression straps prevent a bulging silhouette when partly filled. A mesh back panel promotes airflow during warm commutes. Top and side grab handles ease hefting on the go. For organized, weekday-ready utility, it hits the mark.
Pros
- Padded laptop/tablet sleeves
- Front panel storage pocket
- Suitcase-style main access
Cons
- No water bottle pocket
- The laptop sleeve fits only some 15” models
Hynes Eagle 40L Travel Backpack
Despite the budget price, Hynes Eagle’s 40L backpack still provides ample utility for shorter trips. The U-shaped main compartment opens suitcase-style for easy access. Interior organizer pockets sort smaller items. An external front pocket stashes phones, tickets, and other quick-grab items.
Hideaway hip belts, shoulder, and sternum straps emerge as needed for ergonomic carrying comfort. Side compression straps allow adjusting load. While streamlined, mesh padding helps prevent a sweat-soaked back. Top and side handles provide grab-and-go carrying versatility.
Pros
- Carry-on 40L capacity
- External front organizer pocket
- Hideaway hip belt and straps
Cons
- No laptop sleeve
- Minimal hip belt padding
Conclusion
We hope this guide has equipped you with all the knowledge necessary to pick the ideal travel backpack for your needs. By taking into account sizing, organization, durability, comfort, and extra features that increase utility, you can identify the perfect backpack for your travel routine and packing requirements.
Also, we have reviewed the top Travel Backpacks for you. After reading them, you will be able to find yourself the best Travel Backpack that will suffice all your needs.
Keep your specific intended uses, common gear carried, length of trips, and other needs priorities in mind as you evaluate different backpack models.
Finding the optimal balance of space, compartments, access, fit, and features takes research but ensures your new pack will handle every destination and journey with room to spare! Safe travels!
