When you’re embarking on a new journey, the luggage you bring with you matters. While traditional hard-sided luggage will never go out of style, a solid travel backpack is a versatile and convenient option for trips when you know you’ll be active and on the move. Whether you’re exploring a bustling metropolis like New York City, trekking through rugged landscapes in Yellowstone National Park or working from the beach in Ibiza, traveling with the right backpack can greatly enhance your experience.
Travel backpacks are designed to balance function, comfort and style. When you begin your search for a new travel backpack, you’ll be sure to find many backpack brands with features like organizational pockets, padded straps and even built-in compression systems, similar to suitcases. Choosing the right travel backpack for your trip may seem overwhelming—but that’s where we come in. From compact backpacks for hikers to spacious carry-ons for the digital nomad, we’ve selected the best travel backpacks for all types of adventurers.
- Best Travel Backpack Overall: Matador GlobeRider 45L
- Best Carry-On Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
- Best Travel Backpack For Laptops And Electronics: Peak Design Travel 45L
- Best Backpack For Active Travelers: Osprey Fairview 55L
- Best Weekender Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole 25L
- Best Travel Backpack With Built-In Compression: Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L
- Most Durable Travel Backpack: Thule Landmark 40L
- Best Weather-Resistant Travel Backpack: Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel
What Should I Look For In A Travel Backpack?
Travel backpacks come in an array of styles, but here are some of the key features to look out for when you’re shopping:
Closure Style
Gone are the days of top-loading backpacks. Travel backpacks feature closure styles that allow for easy packing so you get the organization of a suitcase but the functionality of a backpack. For example, many backpacks, like the Matador GlobeRider45 and the Cotopaxi Allpa, open like a book to provide full access to the main compartment. Some, like the Away F.A.R. Convertible, unzip more like a duffel bag, while others, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, fully unzip at the back panel.
The closure style you chose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but it is one of the most important features of a travel backpack.
Capacity and Dimensions
Consider the size backpack you need for your travels. Backpacks have two sizes: capacity (listed in liters) and dimensions (listed in inches or centimeters.) The dimensions will dictate whether or not the backpack fits carry-on size requirements, while the capacity will give you an idea of the amount of packing space you have.
Everyone’s packing requirements are different, but in general, weekend travel bags will be around 25 – 35 liters, while backpacks with at least 40 liters will be better suited for week-long and extended travel.
Strap System
If you’ll be walking long distances with your backpack or hauling it from place to place, you may want to shop for a travel backpack that has a well-padded and ventilated strap system, which includes the shoulder straps, hip belt, chest straps, and any accessory straps like load lifters (located on the shoulder straps.) Hip belts can help disperse some weight from your shoulders, and a chest strap can also distribute the weight evenly for more comfortable carrying.
Brands that make hiking backpacks, like Osprey and Matador, will have the most robust strap systems, while other brands, like Peak Design, may have more minimal straps.
What Size Backpack Can I Carry On A Plane?
Each airline has different size requirements, so the size of the backpack you can carry on a plane varies greatly. However, as a general guideline, most airlines allow carry-on bags with dimensions of around 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (or no more than 45 total inches if you add all the measurements together.) Keep in mind that these dimensions include the wheels, handles, and any external pockets.
To ensure compliance with your airline’s carry-on size restrictions, we recommend you check their website before your flight. Large airlines like Delta and United have standard policies, while some airlines (often smaller ones) may have stricter regulations or weight limits for carry-on bags. You’ll also encounter different rules when flying internationally, so pay close attention as you may change airlines during your overseas journey.
What Are The Benefits Of Traveling With A Backpack?
One of the primary advantages of traveling with a backpack is the freedom it provides. Backpacks offer greater mobility than other types of luggage, and—most importantly—you can have both hands-free, allowing you to navigate crowded airports, busy streets, or uneven terrain with ease. But the versatility is also notable: If you are planning a hiking vacation, a travel backpack can cross-over as your backpacking pack, too.
Unlike hard-shell suitcases, backpacks are flexible and can be easily compressed or expanded based on your needs. Some bags, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, have an expandable design to actually adjust the size of your pack. As you acquire belongings and souvenirs, you can just unzip for extra space. This enhances versatility; you can use the same pack for a weekend adventure as a month-long trip abroad.
