Get ready for your next journey with the perfect travel backpack! Whether it’s a weekend trip or a long expedition, the right bag can change your travel game. But with so many choices, picking the best travel backpack can be tough. Let’s find the ultimate travel buddy that will take your adventures to the next level.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the top-rated travel backpacks for every type of trip
- Learn about the key features to consider when selecting your ideal bag
- Explore options that offer exceptional durability, organization, and comfort
- Find the perfect balance between capacity, weight, and versatility
- Unlock the secrets to packing efficiently and traveling light
Best Overall Travel Backpack – Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a top pick for the best travel backpack. It’s versatile and has many features perfect for different trips.
Reasons to Buy
This backpack is strong and keeps its shape even when packed full. It has straps inside and out to keep your stuff secure. This means your gear won’t shift around during your adventures.
- Plentiful pockets and organization features to keep your items accessible
- Comfortable shoulder straps, waist belt, and load-lifter straps for optimal comfort when carrying heavy loads
- Carry-on compliant size that fits easily in overhead bins
The Osprey travel backpack is great as a carry-on luggage. It’s perfect for many trips. People love it for its classic look, light weight, and the fact it turns into a duffel bag.
Many reviews and personal stories say the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a top choice for traveling in Europe. It’s affordable and well-made. People have taken it to over 60 countries, showing how tough and popular it is.
“The Sojourn Porter excels in stowing and protecting items with its cavity-style main compartment and dual compression straps.”
The best overall travel backpack, the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L, is versatile and well-designed. It will make your travels better.
Best Travel Backpack on a Tight Budget – Coowoz Essentials
Travelers looking for a great backpack without spending a lot will love the Coowoz Essentials. It comes in sizes like 31-liter, 22-liter, 27-liter, and 46-liter. This makes it a great value for the money.
This backpack stands out because it keeps its shape even when empty. It’s easy to pack and stay organized. The back and straps are padded for comfort, even with heavy loads.
There’s a special pocket for shoes or wet items to keep them away from your clothes. The backpack also did well in our rain test, staying dry.
Many frugal travelers, influencers, and writers love the Coowoz Essentials. It comes in 21 colors, making it perfect for different tastes. A built-in USB port lets you charge your devices anywhere.
For under $40, this backpack is a steal. It has many pockets, like a wet bag, shoe area, and hidden spots for electronics. It also has an anti-theft pocket for extra security.
It doesn’t have pockets for small items or internal straps to compress. But, it has external straps to keep things secure. The straps are comfy for light to moderate loads, but might not be as good for heavy stuff.
The Coowoz Essentials is a top pick for budget-conscious travelers. It’s durable, versatile, and affordable. Its popularity on TikTok and positive feedback from travelers show it’s a reliable choice.
Internal Organization and Livability – Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack is great for frequent travelers. It has a clamshell design and mesh pockets for easy packing and access. This makes it perfect for those who are always on the move.
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable, adjustable straps and a removable waist belt provide excellent carrying support.
- Secure zippers with anti-theft security loops offer peace of mind for your belongings.
- Durable 1680D ballistic nylon construction ensures the backpack’s longevity.
- Included rainfly protects your gear from unexpected weather conditions.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L has a smart interior with four zippered pouches. These keep your clothes and gear organized. It also has a special compartment for a laptop and a tablet, great for digital nomads and frequent flyers.
Testers took the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L on a four-day trip to the Pacific Northwest. They found it had plenty of room for sweaters, jackets, and rain gear. The backpack’s bold colors and smart features make it a top pick for organized travel.
“The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is highlighted as one of the best carry-on travel backpacks for internal organization and livability.”
Best Travel Backpack – Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a top pick for the best overall travel backpack. It’s known for its quality and versatility. It’s a favorite among those who travel often because of its strong build, weather resistance, and smart design.
This Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L can grow from 35L to 45L, making it flexible for your needs. It’s light, weighing only 2.05 kg (4.5 lb), but it’s made to last. The backpack is covered in 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas. It’s both weatherproof and eco-friendly.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L works well with many accessories from the brand. You can add pouches, cubes, and more for a customized setup. Its design makes packing and finding things easy, thanks to a wide opening and lots of pockets.
This backpack is designed for comfort. It has adjustable straps and a breathable back panel for a good fit, even when it’s full. The detachable sternum strap might get lost, but it’s a small issue for such a great backpack.
At $299.95, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a big investment. But, many travelers think it’s worth it. They love its strength, flexibility, and how well it organizes things. It’s great for all kinds of trips, from long journeys to short weekend breaks.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a top-notch best overall travel backpack. It has top materials, smart features, and lots of versatility. It’s perfect for any trip, big or small.
“I’ve been using the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L for over 4 years now, and it’s held up amazingly well. The organization and versatility of this bag make it an essential travel companion.”
– Sarah, Frequent Traveler
Mobile Office – Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
If you’re a business traveler or digital nomad, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L is a top pick. It has a split-compartment design. This means you can keep your tech, documents, and work stuff separate.
The big main area can hold lots of clothes and gear. The front panel has pockets and sleeves for laptops, tablets, and papers. This makes the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L a great travel backpack for work. It keeps everything organized while you’re on the move.
This backpack is comfy with adjustable straps, a hip belt, and an optional messenger strap. You can carry it as a backpack or a briefcase. The stowable straps let you easily switch between carrying modes.
“The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L is listed as the best carry-on for a mobile office in the NYTimes.com list.”
Recommendation for Long Journeys – Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40
For those planning long trips, the Osprey Farpoint 40 (for men) and Osprey Fairview 40 (for women) are top picks. These backpacks for extended travels are built tough and comfy. They meet the needs of long trips.
- Spacious main compartment with clamshell-style opening for easy packing
- Removable daypack for day trips or commuting
- Padded shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel for comfortable carrying
- Lockable main compartment zipper for added security
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is super light at 1.6kg or 3.5lbs. It costs about 165 Euros or 185 US Dollars. It’s perfect for budget and adventure travelers. It’s great for backpacking in Southeast Asia, or summer trips to Europe or Central America.
The latest Farpoint 40 came out in late 2022. It has new features for more comfort and better function. It has a trampoline-style back panel for comfort and less sweat. The laptop compartment is at the back for better balance and security.
The Osprey Fairview 40 is the women’s version of the Farpoint 40. It has some design tweaks and holds a bit less. It costs £150 and has a 40L capacity. The Fairview 40 comes in four colors and has a stowaway back panel, harness, hipbelt, and a 16″ laptop and tablet sleeve.
Large Suitcase Alternative – Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
Travelers looking for a backpack that holds as much as a large suitcase will love the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L. It has a big 40-liter capacity, perfect for long trips and vacations.
This travel backpack stands out with its clamshell-style opening. It makes packing easy and lets you quickly find what you need. It also has comfy shoulder straps and a hip belt for carrying heavy loads.
Staying connected is easy with the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L. It has special pockets for your laptop and tablet. This large travel backpack is great for any trip, offering the ease of a backpack and the space of a big suitcase.
Reasons to Avoid
- The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is more expensive than some other travel backpacks, with a retail price of $350.
- While the 40-liter capacity is generous, it may not be large enough for some extended trips or gear-heavy adventures.
- The backpack’s weight of 3.5 pounds (1.6kg) is on the heavier side, which could be a consideration for those seeking an ultralight option.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is a great travel backpack for those needing a big piece of luggage but want the comfort of a backpack. It’s not the cheapest or lightest option, but its smart design and features are worth it for many travelers.
Other Good Carry-on Travel Backpacks
There are many high-quality travel backpacks out there, depending on what you need and like. These other good travel backpacks have different features and designs for various travel needs.
For those watching their budget, the TomToc Navigator-T66 Travel Laptop Backpack costs $73. The CabinZero Classic Backpack 36L is $80. These best carry-on travel backpacks are both functional and affordable.
If you need more space, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L has 40 liters for storage. It has a clamshell opening and an outside laptop pocket. At $350, it’s a great choice for longer trips.
| Backpack Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack | $162 | Expandable design, padded laptop compartment |
| Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack | $95 | Sustainable materials, sleek design |
| Fjallraven Kanken Water Resistant Backpack | $90 | Durable, water-resistant fabric, classic style |
| Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack | $115 | Padded laptop sleeve, external pockets |
Looking for a best carry-on travel backpack or just another good one? This guide offers many top travel backpack options to think about. Consider capacity, organization, and price to find the perfect backpack for your travels.
“A good carry-on backpack should have a capacity of at least 28 liters for trips longer than a weekend,” suggests Geoff Grisdale, a backpack reviewer.
The best travel backpack for you will depend on what you need and like. By checking out the options here, you can find the right mix of size, features, and price for your adventures.
Choosing the best travel backpack
Finding the perfect travel backpack can seem tough, but think about a few key things to pick the best one for you. When choosing the best travel backpack, it’s key to look at capacity, durability, comfort, and organization.
First, think about the capacity of the backpack. Choose one that holds all your must-have items without being too big or heavy. Backpacks with a capacity of 35-45 liters are perfect for carry-on, while bigger ones are better for longer trips or more items.
Next, consider how durable the backpack is. Opt for ones made from strong materials like nylon or ripstop fabric. Also, YKK zippers are a good sign of quality and reliability.
- Comfort: A good backpack should have padded straps, a curved back, and a hip belt. These features help reduce strain and keep you comfortable during long days out.
- Organization: With many pockets and compartments, you can keep your stuff tidy and find things quickly. This is super useful when you’re always on the move.
By focusing on these important factors when picking a travel backpack, you’ll find the perfect one for your travels. This way, you can enjoy your adventures more.
“The right backpack can make all the difference in the world when it comes to enjoying your travels.”
Conclusion
Finding the right travel backpack is key to a smooth and fun trip. This guide looked at some top travel backpacks, each with unique strengths and prices. From the top-notch Tortuga Travel Backpack – 40L to the affordable Cotopaxi Allpa – 35L, there’s a travel backpack for every need and taste.
When picking a travel backpack, think about its size, how well it organizes things, how comfy it is, how long it lasts, and how versatile it is. The Osprey Farpoint & Fairview is a great quality choice but lacks some features of other backpacks. Yet, the Tortuga Travel Backpack – 40L and the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stand out with their great organization, comfort, and security.
The best travel backpack is one that meets your travel needs and likes. By looking at the pros and cons of various models, you can pick the best one for your adventures. With this guide, you’re ready to find the best travel backpack for you.