Best travel backpacks for every budget and style

Travel backpacks are becoming the preferred choice for many travelers. They’re easier to carry, have great anti-theft features, and they spare you from baggage claim delays or the dreaded “broken wheel” scenario.

Finding the right travel backpack can make all the difference. You’ll be carrying it for long hours and likely through crowded airports, cobblestone streets, and even on a mountain or two.

What you need is a well-organized backpack that’s easy on your back and keeps your belongings safe from both the elements and theft. 

This article explores some of the top backpacks for different types of travel — from the best carry-on backpack for air travel to the perfect hiking backpack.

We’ve looked into everything from style and material to comfort and internal organization, so you can find the best travel backpack that perfectly fits your needs. 

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1. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack: best for versatile travelers

Capacity and size: 35L (22″ x 12″ x 10″) 

Weight: 2lb 15oz (1.33 kg)

Price: $225 USD

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is one of the best backpacks for travel — whether you’re going on a days-long trek or simply want to skip the baggage drop queue during your next business trip.

Its clamshell opening gives it the convenience of a suitcase, while the air-mesh backpack straps and hip belt make it easy to carry heavier loads. 

The backpack is quite spacious too — you can easily pack for around eight to ten days. There’s also a padded laptop compartment that can fit up to a 15” laptop and four exterior webbing loops where you can attach travel gear like your tripods, trekking poles, or jacket. 

Pros

• The clamshell opening makes it super functional, allowing you to pack and unpack quickly.
• The mesh compartments function as built-in packing cubes, making it easy to organize your belongings.
• If you need more length, you can write to Cotopaxi and they’ll give you waistbelt extenders to increase the length of your waist straps at no extra cost.
• It’s quite secure — the main compartment is lockable and it has anti-theft YKK zippers.

Cons

• While the numerous mesh pockets are great for organization, it also means you can’t just throw things in when you’re in a hurry.
• It doesn’t have RFID pockets, so your cards and passport are vulnerable to electronic skimming.

2. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L: best for tech-savvy travelers

Capacity and size: 40L (9″ H x 21″ W x 14″ D) 

Weight: 3.42lb (1.5 kg)

Price: $289.99

The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is the best travel backpack for people with lots of gadgets — like digital nomads who live out of their bags.

You have dedicated tech compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, a spacious main compartment, an RFID-safe pocket, and even a laundry bag. 

But what makes the bag truly stand out is its patented strap design that allows you to use the bag as a backpack and a duffel, making it a versatile, global travel bag.

Pros

• The tarpaulin material is completely waterproof (not just resistant) and the zippers are both water and rust-resistant — so your electronics are super safe.
• There are multiple small compartments for books, cords, valuables, and such, making it easy to organize your gadgets and their add-ons.

Cons

• Unlike the 30L, the 40L doesn’t have a ventilated shoe compartment. 

3. Osprey Farpoint 40: best for long-haul travel

Capacity and size: 40L (22″H X 14″W X 9″D)

Weight: 3.486 lb (1.6 kg)

Price: $289.99

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is one of the best carry-on travel backpacks — great for long international trips.

You’ve got a spacious main compartment with minimal compartments so you can pack the way you want. There’s also an external toiletry packet, external loops to attach gear, and a ‘shove-it’ accessory pocket where you can quickly stash your phone, passport, or other small essentials.

It’s mostly water-resistant and the light material — along with the airflow channels in the back and padded shoulder straps — make it super comfortable to carry.  

Pros

• There’s a mesh hip-belt pocket where you can store essentials like keys, wallet, and government ID when on the go.
• The sternum belt comes with an attached whistle — a safety measure especially if you’re traveling solo or outdoors. 
• It has a PFAS-free DWR coating (no harmful chemicals) and its main compartment material is Bluesign-approved (sustainably sourced). 

Cons

• The bag itself is quite heavy which can eat into your airline’s weight allowance if you’re using it as a carry-on.
• It doesn’t have a removable hip belt.

4. Patagonia Black Hole 32L: best for eco-friendly travelers

Capacity and size: 32L (20.5″  x 11″ x 8.3″)

Weight: 1.11 lb (760 gms)

Price: $169

If you’re looking for a sustainable and ethically made backpack, then the Patagonia Black Hole 32L is perfect for you.

Not only is the backpack made from 100% recycled materials, but it’s also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory which means safe working conditions and premium wages for workers.

And the harness system — though not hi-tech — has all the features required to get the work done. You’ve got well-padded shoulder straps, decent cushioning, and a set of loops that you can use to attach your sternum straps. 

Pros

• Everything — body, lining, and ribbing — is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric, making it sustainable.
• The fabric is very flexible — you can fold the bag and keep it in your trolley or duffel bag as a secondary bag.
• It has a very minimalistic design. No small compartments or pockets eating up space in your main compartment.

Cons

• The flexible material also means a half-packed bag would not stand upright — it’ll flop about.
• The laptop sleeve has no protection/padding at the bottom so it’s not as protective as it could be.
• It doesn’t have lockable zippers. For extra protection, you’ll need to use a travel lock.

5. Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L: Best for lightweight, versatile travel

Capacity and size: 32L (21.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″)

Weight: 3.5lb (1.59 kg)

Price: $250

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is a lightweight backpack designed to maximize carry-on dimensions — so you can pack everything you need for a seven-day international trip and then some.

The clamshell opening also gives it a suitcase-like feel and convenience.

The shoulder straps and hip belt can be tucked away when stored in the overhead compartment for better security. This makes it the best carry-on backpack for international travel.

The internal mesh pockets are great to store toiletries and the external pockets are spacious enough to hold your travel documents. There’s an external water bottle pocket for easy access.

Pros

• The foam back panel and the padded hip belt are both super comfortable to carry heavy weights.
• You can remove the shoulder straps and hip belt if you want to carry the backpack as a suitcase or duffel. 
• They have high-quality YKK zippers and Woojin buckles, so they’re going to last long.

Cons

• The suspension system isn’t height-adjustable. This might be a problem for people of certain heights.

6. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: best for photographers

Capacity and size: 45L (22″ x 13″ x 9.5″)

Weight: 4.5lb (2.05 kg)

Price: $299.95

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is expandable: You can expand it (45L) or compress it (30L) depending on how much you want to pack.

The interior main compartment also has a series of loops where you can attach a Peak Design’s Camera Cube. These are sold separately, and you can get a couple in different sizes to hold all your camera gear.  

Pros

• Two expandable side pockets that can hold your tripods and Cord Hook external carry straps to attach extra gear.
• It has padded laptop and tablet sleeves and two internal compartments for your cables, lens, and other items.
• It’s quite sustainable — 100% recycled nylon, Fair Trade certified, and carbon neutral.

Cons

• The shoulder straps aren’t adjustable at the shoulder level and can sometimes tilt on their axis.
• While compressing the bag reduces its size, the weight remains the same. So you’re still using a 2.05kg day pack — which is quite heavy.
• As the bag doesn’t have any metal framing, it can sag when not packed to the fullest.

How to choose the right travel backpack for your needs

Now that we’ve seen some of the top travel backpacks and how they compare against each other, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when picking one. 

Size and capacity

The first tip is to choose a travel backpack that’s the right size for your requirements. Consider the types of trips you plan to take, and whether you plan to use it as just a carry-on or an outdoor backpack, or something different.

If you’re a hiker, look for a smaller, lightweight backpack (30L or less) so you can carry it on your shoulders for long hours. And for air travel, make sure your bag’s dimensions are around 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm). 

Material and durability 

When you spend more than $200 on a backpack, you need it to last at least three to four years. And the quality of the materials used can significantly influence its lifespan.

For example, high-quality fabrics like nylon or Cordura are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Similarly, waterproof materials can also last long. However, a point to note — some brands might use ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and PFCs (Perfluorinated Chemicals) for their water (and stain) resistant properties. 

These have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system effects. So check if your backpack is free from these chemicals for a safer experience. 

Comfort and ergonomics 

You’ll be carrying your backpack for extended periods so choose one that feels good on your shoulders and won’t strain your back or neck. What you need is:

• Padded shoulder straps to cushion your shoulders
• Comfortable back panel that supports your spine
• Hip belt that shifts some of the weight from your shoulders down to your hips

Another important feature is adjustable harness systems and straps, as ill-fitted ones can throw off weight distribution — causing discomfort and, in some cases, even chaffing. 

So, before purchasing a backpack, take the time to read product reviews from other users. Look for comments specifically addressing comfort, fit, and support — especially from travelers who have used the bag in similar contexts (e.g., long-haul flights or hiking trips).

Organization and compartments

This one depends on your style of packing — are you a super organized, place-for-everything person or a shove-everything-inside person? If you thrive on order, look for a backpack with multiple compartments, pockets, and dividers for internal organization. 

Some backpacks come with internal mesh pockets, shoe compartments, and more, so you have dedicated space for everything.

If you prefer a more relaxed approach to packing, look for a spacious main compartment and maybe a couple of smaller pockets for essentials like your phone and wallet.

If you’re traveling with electronics — business travelers, digital nomads, and others— then look for backpacks with padded laptop and tablet sleeves and maybe even an RFID compartment for an extra layer of security. 

Style and design 

Another important consideration is how the backpack looks and functions. You probably already have a personal preference — sleek, vibrant, minimalist — but don’t let aesthetics be the sole deciding factor. Consider how suitable the backpack is for your travels.

For example, if you’re traveling to areas where theft is a concern, go for a low-profile backpack so you avoid drawing attention to yourself. Other things to consider are:

• How the zippers are positioned: Are they easy to access? 
• Are there hidden pockets to hold your valuables?
• Is it front-loading (clamshell) or top-loading? And which would you prefer?
• Can it be attached to your roller bag?

This way, you can pick a backpack that both looks and feels great. 

Final backpack selection tips for international travel 

Choosing the right travel backpack can make or break your trip. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for your needs.

We suggest starting with a packing list — so you get an idea of the space and features you’ll require for your travels. 

Also, you don’t necessarily need one backpack for all your travels. Sometimes, it’s better to have a dedicated travel backpack for specific needs.

For example, a sleek backpack for business trips and a more rugged, adventure-ready option for weekend getaways abroad. 

Beyond choosing the right backpack, another essential part of international travel is staying connected. Whether it’s booking a ride from the airport or checking a map, reliable internet access is crucial when you’re on the move.

That’s why we recommend picking up a travel eSIM before you leave. With an eSIM, you can handle everything from contacting loved ones without the steep roaming fees to Googling local tips on the go — all without relying on unsecured free WiFi hotspots.

With global eSIM providers like Holafly, you also get other benefits like unlimited data, 5G internet speeds, and a daily data-tethering allowance of up to 1 GB.

It starts at just $6.90 for one-day plans and can go as low as $1.55 per day. It’s available in over 200 destinations — from the United States to New Zealand to Japan, and more. 

Happy, shoulder-pain-free travels! 

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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