10 Best Travel Backpacks | Weekend, Backpacker, Men’s, Women’s

Backpacks are some of the most versatile luggage anyone can use to travel.

There’s something extraordinary about traveling while bringing only one bag. Travel gets significantly more manageable and convenient — after all, everything essential is right within reach.

There’s no waiting in lines at airports to check in a heavy, bulky bag. And the limited space and weight limit allow travelers to figure out what they consider essential in their day-to-day lives.

On the other hand, backpacks can also serve as check-in luggage, if need be. They can have many of the same features that suitcases might have, minus the wheels.

Backpacks also make the perfect companion for city-to-city or country-to-country trips, which is why the term backpacker was coined. And finally, backpacking backpacks are also used for backcountry trips.

However, not every backpack is the same. Packs can vary in size, design, purpose, price, materials, and more. It’s for this exact reason that travelers and backpack buyers, in general, should ensure they choose the right backpack for their needs. To help with that, we’ve put together this backpack buying guide specifically for travelers looking for the best travel backpack.

Editor’s Pick: Best Backpacks for Travel

Travel Backpack Buying Guide

Design

One of the first things that travelers should look into is a backpack’s design. No matter the size of the pack needed, there’s no reason even to consider its purchase if it’s poorly designed. 

Top travel backpacks will have enough pockets and compartments to hold everything a traveler would want to bring — and they should also be robust enough to handle the weight of all the items. Alongside being spacious and durable, travel backpacks should offer convenient and easy access while still offering enough security against theft.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic design is critical when it comes to choosing a backpack. It can mean the difference between complete comfort and misery during a trip.

An ergonomic backpack can prevent back pain and can save a traveler from a world of hurt from chafing, imbalanced loads, and erratic movement.

Look for padded and adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable waist/hip straps, and compression straps. If the backpack is large and is meant to carry a lot during a hiking trip or a long backpacker trip, a back frame can be heaven-sent.

Compartments and Pockets, Convenience of Access

The top travel backpacks will feature convenient access to essentials. Pockets should be available to hold cell phones, cash and wallets, travel documents, snacks, first aid kits, and the like.

The main compartment can have top and side access, and there could even be bottom access for something like a sleeping bag or a pair of shoes. Travelers looking for ease during their trips can look for features such as quick access to a water bladder or water bottle storage. There could also be a side hip belt and other small pockets for odds and ends.

Size and Weight

Travelers often know what size they need their backpack to be, depending on what kind of trips they intend to go on.

Smaller backpacks are geared towards shorter travel, such as weekenders or week-long trips. Larger packs, which are usually checked in, are geared more towards long-term trips (backpacking from city to city or country to country) and backcountry hiking trips.

Thus, finding one in the right size is paramount when shopping for the best travel backpack. It’s also important to consider the backpack’s size relative to its user’s. It’s not a good idea to buy an oversized backpack for someone who will most likely struggle to carry it around.

Aside from looking at a backpack’s size, travelers should also consider its weight. Smaller weekender bags or carry-on type backpacks should be as light as possible to make the most out of carry-on weight limits.

Check-in size bags can be a little heavier, and they usually are — especially when they have a frame — but they’re often lighter than a suitcase. However, if selecting a backpack for hiking trips, finding one that’s light, ergonomic, and supportive is a good idea.

Materials

A backpack’s material can influence its usefulness, convenience, weight, and lifespan. There are many different types of materials out there, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and canvas. These materials also come branded, for example, Ripstop nylon, polypropylene, and polyester: stronger, tear-proof versions of the basic materials.

Ripstop nylon is usually the most popular of these and is most commonly used as a reinforcement material on specific backpacks. If a traveler is looking for a durable, robust backpack, shopping for bags that use enduring materials is a must.

Another thing is that many backpacks list water resistance as a feature. Manufacturers achieve water resistance by picking a resistant material and using coatings and laminates (PU coatings, PVC coatings or laminates, TPU-film laminates) to help keep a pack’s contents dry. Backpacks can be hard to fully waterproof because of zippers and openings, so sometimes manufacturers will include hideaway rain covers.

Other Useful Features

Backpacks can offer many extra yet valuable features, depending on their purpose. For example, some packs can have straps to hold trekking poles and ice axes or even flip-flops and shoes.

Other backpacks can have pockets on the shoulder straps, storage for sunglasses, removable interior bags, or removable top compartments that can be used as a smaller day pack.

Those concerned about security during travel will be happy to know that many manufacturers include RFID blocking technology. This technology helps prevent data theft during a trip, no matter how sketchy the destination may be. Of course, this doesn’t prevent theft of the bag itself, so it’s on the traveler to make sure they keep their belongings supervised.

Now that we have discussed what features make a good backpack in detail, it’s time to look at some of the best travel backpacks on the market today.

Pin for Later

The Best Travel Backpacks for Men and Women

1. Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack 32

View on Nomatic

The Navigator Travel Backpack 32L is a fantastic choice for those seeking a well-designed pack with many great features. Although somewhat pricey, this backpack makes a great, stylish travel companion for those looking for a carry-on bag that can pack enough for a weekend to five days away. The bag can expand from 32L to 41L, adding a significant amount of packing space for the user’s convenience.

The backpack has a compartment that can fit laptops with screens up to 17 inches. It’s water-resistant to help prevent electronics and other valuables from getting damaged in wet conditions. Tamper-resistant zippers help avoid theft during travel, and there’s even an RFID-safe pocket to keep critical data safe.

One thing that makes the Navigator backpack stand out is that it opens much like a suitcase and even has interior compression straps to keep everything in place. If packed properly, this bag features comfortable weight distribution to ensure its user has a balanced and stable center of gravity. 

The backpack has carry handles on the top and side, removable waist straps for extra support, and adjustable padded shoulder pads for extra comfort. A water bottle pocket is on the side for convenience. The front section of this bag has many compartments for organizing essentials like wallets, documents, tech, and more. 

2. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45

View on Peak Design

The Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack comes in two colors: black and sage. It’s a versatile yet stylish bag that can be used as a carry-on (when used in the 35-liter configuration) if needed. There are even compression straps to help travelers reduce the bag to 30L size, allowing it to be used as a daily bag. This backpack has many external and internal pockets, and its main compartment can be divided using the zippered mesh sleeve. 

This backpack features adjustable shoulder straps that can be tucked away alongside hip straps. Both use magnetic catches to help keep the bag as secure as possible when worn. External carry straps are cleverly hidden to give the pack its sleek look. Travelers can easily access the tablet or laptop pocket via the main zip on the back, and dual zippers on the sides allow quick and easy access to items.

The bag uses 100% recycled nylon 400D weatherproof material with a PU-coated interior to prevent rainwater from coming through. Even the zippers are lockable and weatherproof.

3. Eagle Creek Caldera Travel Pack 45

View on Eagle Creek

The Eagle Creek Caldera 45L Travel Pack comes in two colors: black and mossy green. Travelers can comfortably carry the pack on their back or tuck away the straps and carry it like a duffel bag using the adjustable shoulder strap. 

The Caldera is made from 100% recycled poly (Condura® brand), perfect for travelers looking to keep their environmental impact down. This sustainable material ensures its durability, alongside abrasion, tear, and water resistance.

This stylish carry-on bag has central locking points for zippers to meet and be secured with one lock. An expansion zipper allows travelers to pack more items, thanks to the extra room. The bag has a large main compartment and compression straps to keep everything secure inside. It’s lined with foam and even has a unique padded laptop sleeve to hold tablets or laptops safely. Travelers can easily access any essentials and last-minute things in the handy front pocket.

Travelers who lose track of their backpacks can easily find them thanks to the lost and found NFC chips built into the bags.

4. Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack 45

View on Tortuga

Some travelers may not find the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack to their tastes. This 45L pack (maximum U.S. carry-on size) has a somewhat plain look, with its rectangular shape and bland appearance. Still, the Outbreaker packs a punch when it comes to features and practicality. This front-loading backpack can fit a 17-inch laptop in its designated TSA-friendly laptop compartment.

Special compartments and pockets help organize essentials, documents, gadgets, and small items. Side pockets allow for the storage of water bottles or umbrellas.

The Outbreaker, padded with Ariaprene foam, uses waterproof sailcloth, Duraflex buckles, and water-resistant (lockable) YKK zippers. Because of the materials used in its construction, the Outbreaker is a durable travel companion that can keep its contents safe from the elements. Travelers will find comfort in the suspension system, which also happens to be height-adjustable. A removable padded hip belt is included for extra comfort and support.

5. Osprey Farpoint Carry-On 40 (men’s), Fairview Carry-On 40 (women’s)

View on Osprey (men’s/women’s) or Backcountry (men’s/women’s)

The Farpoint and Fairview 40L backpacks from Osprey are similar in appearance. In fact, just looking at them, it’d be quite tricky to tell them apart at all. However, the main differences lie in the fit (and the color choices). The Fairview Carry-On was explicitly designed for women, allowing for a comfortable journey.

Both Fairpoint and Fairview have padded, breathable shoulder straps, but the straps are lower-set on the women’s Fairview, letting the pack sit higher on smaller bodies. This results in a more balanced center of gravity and better weight distribution. The straps are also slightly more padded and curve in more on the Fairview, allowing extra comfort for women. Finally, Fairview’s hip belt is curved deeper and slightly shorter to suit more petite frames.

Just about everything else is similar, from both packs being lightweight yet durable to the harness and hip belts being stowable. Laptop/tablet sleeves are secure in the lockable compartments. The Osprey packs have plenty of organization options, as well.

6. Mountain Hardwear PCT 55 (men’s), PCT 50 (women’s)

View on Mountain Hardwear (men’s/women’s)

Mountain Hardwear PCT offers a 55L men’s backpack and a 50L women’s backpack. Both packs are superlight and made for backcountry trips, hiking, and backpacking. To make the bag durable, it’s made with a Ripstop shell and Cordura to prevent rips and tears.

Because it is designed for backpacking, the company made sure that the full trampoline panel in the back provides excellent ventilation and complete support. Good weight distribution is another feature of this backpack’s design. It has a 360-degree padded hip belt that keeps the load centered.

The Mountain Hardwear PCT packs have a large and convenient front pocket to hold essential items. There are loops for ice axes or trekking poles and stretch side pockets for water bottles and other easy-grab items. The top lid of this pack is removable and has two zippered compartments for extra storage.

Both bags are similar, with the only difference being the bag capacity. Also, the women’s bag is specifically designed to have an improved shoulder strap and hip belt fit for women’s frames.

7. Gregory Katmai 65 (men’s), Kalmia 60 (women’s)

View on Backcountry (men’s/women’s) or REI (men’s/women’s)

The back panels on the Gregory Katmai backpacks are designed primarily to provide excellent ventilation. This allows for maximum breathability and comfort during great physical effort. Both packs have Polygiene technology to help the back panel stay fresh and free of bacteria caused by sweat and the environment. Both men’s and women’s packs have fully adjustable torsos, and the hip belts have a customizable fit.

These Gregory backpacks use recycled material to help environmentally-conscious travelers lessen their footprint. A water-repellent coating prevents water damage. Another thing that makes this pack stand out is the internal hydration sleeve, which also has a SpeedClip hydration hanger — although the reservoir is not included in the bag’s purchase. The bag is designed to allow users easy access while also providing great organization options.

The women’s Kalmia backpack has adjustable shoulder and torso straps, and a customizable hip belt fit. The shoulder harness has a built-in hydration clip and safety whistle.

8. Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10 (men’s), Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL (women’s)

View on Backcountry (men’s/women’s) or REI (men’s/women’s)

The Deuter Futura Air Trek is a trekking backpack that comes in 50+10L for men and 45+10L for women. The women’s version (SL) features a back length more suited to women’s body frames. The backpack’s frame is also adapted to suit female anatomy.

Deuter’s Futura Air Trek provides excellent breathability during wear, allowing travelers to be more comfortable during its use. The packs are designed to distribute the load efficiently to prevent imbalance during a hike. What makes this backpack different is it has a system called VariSlide that allows infinite fit adjustment and customization. Each pack has a removable 10L lid.

9. Osprey Aether 65 (men’s), Ariel 65 (women’s)

View on Osprey (men’s/women’s) or Backcountry (men’s/women’s)

Osprey is one of the best luggage brands when using a backpack for long-term travel. The Aether 65 for men and Ariel 65 for women are designed for trekking and backpacking. Each comes in three colors (Aether: deep water blue, garlic mustard green, black; Ariel: ceramic blue, claret red, black).

The Aether and Ariel are similar, except Ariel is made to better fit a woman’s body. Both packs have Custom Fit-on-the-Fly™ hip belts and shoulder straps, but the Ariel also has adjustable torso lengths. A rain cover is included just in case the water-resistant coating isn’t enough to keep water out. These packs have plenty of easy-access pockets for exceptional organization. They even have a compartment for a sleeping bag or sleeping bag straps, a water reservoir sleeve, and ice tool loops.

10. TETON Sports Scout 55 (unisex)

View on Amazon

The TETON Sports Scout 55 is a more affordable option. At 55L, this backpack has an internal frame to help support heavy loads. The Sports Scout is available in Black, Coyote Tan, Hunter Green, and Mecca Orange.

Most of this budget-friendly backpack is made out of ripstop nylon for durability and a strong 600D canvas for extra ruggedness. To help prevent water from getting in, a rain cover is included with its purchase. 

The TETON backpack has many compartments for organization, including a pocket for sleeping bag storage. It also has gear loops and bungee storage to make it easier to hold awkwardly shaped or sized items.

Conclusion

A good travel backpack can genuinely make a trip much simpler and far more comfortable. However, choosing from the best travel backpacks can be difficult or daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to start narrowing down the choices, as long as you can determine your needs.