Best travel backpacks for all kinds of trips, from work to wild

If you’ve ever had a bag break on an adventure, you know how inconvenient and embarrassing the experience can be. It can also be tricky to find a bag that’s comfortable to wear while still fitting all your items. To help you choose the best travel backpack for your needs, I spoke with travel experts for their insights and recommendations.

What to consider when buying a travel backpack

Multiple points of entry

Zach Lazzari, seasoned traveler and owner of Cross Border Coverage, swears by having easy access to multiple areas of your backpack. If you ever need to get something from your bag in a pinch — like your ID in the security line, or cash for food — having multiple ways to access items is a lifesaver. Various access points also save you from digging around for an item from the top that you know is at the bottom of your backpack.

Durable materials

“A durable backpack made from quality materials like nylon and vegan leather ensures it will last many journeys without showing as much wear and tear,” says Victor Tam, co-founder and CEO of Monos, a Canadian travel and lifestyle brand.

Res Marty, founder of the travel website Switzerland Beyond Chocolate, agrees. “The wearing comfort, water resistance and durability of the materials are the most critical factors you should consider if you’re an outdoor and backpack enthusiast like me,” he says.

High-quality features

It’s not enough for the main portion of the backpack to be high-quality. You want the straps and zippers to hold up just as well, if not better! “I like packs with a chest clip to keep the shoulder straps seated nicely,” says Lazzari.

Storage space

“Selecting an appropriately sized backpack with ample storage space and organizational compartments is also important to keep your belongings safe yet accessible,” says Tam. If you’ll be traveling with a computer, look for a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment. You may also find a waterproof compartment convenient on rainy days or after the gym, he adds. While you’re considering space, remember you may travel with items beyond clothing and electronics. For example, not all the best travel pillows come with carrying cases, so your backpack is the next best option.

Practicality

Think about which activities you’re most likely to need a backpack for. If you plan to use your backpack primarily for professional travel, you’ll likely want something more sleek than a pack built for an outdoor hiking adventure. If you’re a photographer, you wouldn’t want to buy a pack that doesn’t have protective features for your equipment. “If the pack doesn’t work for you it doesn’t matter how cool it looks,” says Nate Axvig, owner of Aktivstyle. The best tote bags in the world can’t replace a backpack if a backpack is what you truly need.

Our top picks for the best travel backpacks

Best travel backpack for rugged adventures: Orvis Pro Waterproof

Lazzari loves his Orvis Pro Waterproof backpack because of its durability and versatility, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as toting photography equipment. “It’s also comfortable and capable of carrying a heavy load. I’ve beat mine down for several years and it’s still in great shape,” he says.

Specifications:

• Material: 840-denier, abrasion- and puncture-resistant ballistic nylon, coated with 0.1 mm waterproof TPU on both sides.
• Dimensions: 21.5 inches high x 11 inches wide x 8 inches deep.
• Capacity: 30 liters.
• Weight: 3 pounds.
• Price on publish: $329

What we like:

• Light and pliable, but still durable material.
• Plenty of easy-access pockets.
• Lasts a long time.

What we don’t like:

• The front pocket isn’t truly waterproof, so make sure you get products with TIZIP Masterseal zippers.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This is a great, durable backpack for activities where you may get wet. We wouldn’t recommend this for activities where the pack will be fully submerged, though, as the front pocket is water-resistant, not waterproof.

Get it here: Orvis Pro Waterproof

Best Travel Pack for Photographers: Yeti Waterproof Backpack

“I was on a photoshoot with a friend and she had a Yeti waterproof backpack for cameras. It was super loaded with weight and performing very well. I’d recommend it just based on that trip,” says Lazzari. The Yeti Waterproof backpack features a hard, puncture-resistant shell and comfortable straps that make carrying tech equipment easy.

Specifications:

• Material: Puncture-resistant ThickSkin™ shell.
• Dimensions: 19.7 inches high x 12.5 wide x 7 inches deep.
• Capacity: 28 liters.
• Weight: 3.9 pounds.
• Price on publish: $300.

What we like:

• Shell is puncture-resistant.
• Rugged material, but still lightweight.
• Truly waterproof when submerged in water.

What we don’t like:

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This is nearly a perfect bag, being durable and comfortable to wear. If we’re digging for a complaint, it’s that there are no side pockets.

Get it here: Yeti Waterproof Backpack

Best backpack for travel on a plane: Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack

This backpack fits a ton of stuff while still qualifying as a carry-on bag. “I have a Tour Travel Pack from Eagle Creek and it’s perfect for plane travel. I can fit a laptop, clothing and pretty much everything for quick weekend-style trips. It’s very comfortable and can haul a load as well,” says Lazzari. Plus, it comes with handles at the top and sides to make it easier to pick up and place in the carry-on compartment.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% recycled polyester diamond ripstop, 100% recycled 600D polyester.
• Dimensions: ​​20.5 inches high x 13 inches wide x 8.75 inches deep.
• Capacity: 40 liters.
• Weight: 2 pounds.
• Price on publish: $159.

What we like:

• Large capacity.
• Comes with a rain cover.
• Perfect to use as a carry-on.
• Comes with duffel/briefcase carry handle.

What we don’t like:

• Straps can be uncomfortable with rain cover on.
• When carrying with the duffel/briefcase strap, zippers face the floor when carrying.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This is a great pack for carry-on purposes because it fits lots of items. It’s close to being the best duffel bag that’s actually a backpack, but the zippers facing the floor could be a problem if you experience zipper failure.

Get it here: Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack

Best backpack for business travelers: Monos Metro Backpack

The ample inner pockets of this bag make it easy to keep track of your belongings, including a 15-inch laptop sleeve. The handy detachable Metro Kit also lets you keep smaller items in your lap while on the plane, while the waterproof privacy pocket is a nice touch for folks with more active lifestyles who may transition from the gym to the office and vice versa.

Specifications:

• Material: Nylon or vegan leather.
• Dimensions: 11.5 inches high × 16.5 inches wide × 6 inches deep.
• Capacity: 18 liters.
• Weight: 2.4 pounds for the nylon backpack, 3 pounds for the vegan leather version.
• Price on publish: $200.

What we like:

• Stylish.
• Comes in different materials and colorways.
• Waterproof privacy pocket inside.

What we don’t like:

• No water bottle side pocket.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The Monos Metro is the perfect bag for people looking for a sleek and stylish travel pack with generous storage capacity.

Get it here: Monos Metro Backpack

Best affordable travel backpack: Coowoz Essentials

The affordable price point isn’t the only thing to admire about this backpack. “It’s made of waterproof polyester, available in multiple sizes and costs less than $50,” says Marty. Travelers will appreciate that this backpack has lots of pockets, a charging port and decent capacity. Unfortunately, you may find that some of the bag’s seams aren’t very strong, which can lead to rips and tears.

Specifications:

• Material: Polyester.
• Dimensions: 6.69 inches high x 12.2 inches wide x 16.53 inches deep.
• Capacity: 22 liters.
• Weight: 2.2 pounds.
• Price on publish: $33.99.

What we like:

• Affordable.
• Waterproof.
• Charging port on the backpack.
• Separate compartment for dirty clothes or shoes, with air holes.

What we don’t like:

• Seams aren’t that strong.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

For the most part, this backpack is a budget traveler’s dream, with lots of features and a variety of sizes, but the seams aren’t very strong, which could lead to mishaps.

Get it here: Coowoz Essentials

Best large travel backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70

A detachable day pack makes this oversized travel bag particularly ideal for longer trips. “The Osprey Farpoint 70 is spacious enough to comfortably carry my belongings on a 3-5 day tour. It also has the best wearing comfort in its category and outstanding durability,” says Marty. One thing to keep in mind: Reviewers consistently complain about the chest strap length, so prepare to buy an extender if you love everything else about this option.

Specifications:

• Material: Bluesign®-approved 450D recycled twist dobby polyester, PFAS-free DWR.
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches high x 14.96 inches wide x 25.59 inches deep.
• Capacity: 70 liters.
• Weight: 5.4 pounds.
• Price on publish: $230.

What we like:

• Removable daypack.
• Waterproof.
• Spacious.

What we don’t like:

• Chest strap is too small.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The Osprey Farpoint is a great bag for trips with lots of mini excursions, especially with the detachable daypack.

Get it here: Osprey Farpoint 70

Best for daypack-like feel: 66°North Backpack

The 66°North Backpack from Iceland is the perfect waterproof companion for day trips. The bottom of the pack features a panel that adds a solid structure. The inside of the pack also features a quilted lining to protect items. This backpack is lightweight yet has enough structure to keep your items fairly secure. Look elsewhere, though, if you prefer internal pockets for organization.

Specifications:

• Material: 66% PVC, 22% PE, 12% Polyurethane.
• Dimensions: 15.75 inches high x 13.78 inches wide x 3.94 inches deep.
• Capacity: 15 liters.
• Weight: Not listed.
• Price on publish: $140.

What we like:

• Repairs for life.
• Quilted interior and reinforced panel keep items safe.
• Sustainable production.
• Comes in lots of colorways.

What we don’t like:

• No dedicated internal pockets.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This sustainably produced bag is a great option for an everyday pack.

Get it here: 66°North Backpack

Best travel backpack for parents: Dagne Dover Large Neoprene Diaper Backpack

The Dagne Dover brand aims to create items that keep people on the go organized and well-equipped with whatever they need. This bag has plenty of storage and thoughtful touches parents will appreciate, like a dedicated strap for keys as well as one for pacifiers. It can clip onto a stroller and also has a luggage sleeve. Plus, this diaper backpack comes with a changing pad and plenty of places to stash diapers. I love that Dagne Dover creates items with parents in mind because families travel too!

Specifications:

• Material: Premium neoprene and performance air mesh.
• Dimensions: 13.75 inches high x 7 inches wide x 12.25 inches long.
• Capacity: 17 liters.
• Weight: 4 pounds.
• Price on publish: $215.

What we like:

• Comes with a mesh changing mat.
• Lots of pockets designed for common baby/kid items.
• Clips to strollers.

What we don’t like:

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This Dagne Dover diaper backpack could be your one-stop solution for traveling with kids of all ages!

Get it here: Dagne Dover Large Neoprene Diaper Backpack

Best versatile travel backpack: BÉIS ‘The Backpack’

BÉIS, a celebrity-owned brand by Shay Mitchell, always catches my eye because all its items are functional and stylish. With lots of colors to choose from and plenty of pockets to store things, it feels like the brand thought about everything. You’ll find pockets for the most common items, like water bottles and laptops, plus there’s even a trolley pass-through to take the load off your back for a while.

Specifications:

• Material: Cotton body, PVC trip, polyester lining.
• Dimensions: 19 inches high x 13 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep.
• Capacity: 22 liters.
• Weight: 1.8 pounds.
• Price on publish: $88.

What we like:

• Lots of space inside (and pockets!).
• Transitions easily from travel situations to work situations.
• Sturdy bottom, so it doesn’t fall over easily.

What we don’t like:

• Bag is large.
• Some reviewers had issues with the zipper.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

For style, functionality and multiple uses, ‘The Backpack’ is a must-have.

Get it here: BÉIS ‘The Backpack’

Most comfortable travel backpack: Weekender by Adventurist

Axvig loves the Weekender by Adventurist because it’s “spacious with a dedicated spot for your laptop and an amazing price!” The Weekender is water-resistant, has vegan leather straps and features protective dual front and back padding. For every backpack sold, Adventurist donates 25 meals to families in need.

Specifications:

• Material: Water-resistant 1000D polyester, vegan leather straps.
• Dimensions: 17 inches x 13 inches x 6.5 inches.
• Capacity: 23.5 liters.
• Weight: 1.25 pounds.
• Price on publish: $85.

What we like:

• Water bottle side pockets.
• Separate laptop compartment.
• Water-resistant.
• Sturdy top carry straps.
• Lifetime guarantee.

What we don’t like:

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The Weekender is a solid backpack sustainably made by a family-owned company. Its well-constructed design makes it a great daily-use option. Plus, your purchase drives impact.

Get it here: Weekender by Adventurist

How we selected the best travel backpacks

To curate this list of the best travel backpacks, I consulted several travel experts for recommendations on products, features and purchase considerations. I also validated their recommendations using real-world customer reviews.

Tips for buying a travel backpack

Look for high accessibility, but don’t overdo it

Experts agree that being able to get into your backpack many different ways is a game changer. But Axvig warns there is such a thing as too many pockets. “Some of the modern packs have so many pockets that it renders them useless while you’re traveling,” he opines.

Look at it as an investment

It’s hard not to look at a $200 price tag on a backpack and think, “There’s no way I’m paying that much.” It’s important to remember that a good backpack is a long-term investment in keeping your belongings safe. “A well-designed pack should last for over 10 years,” says Axvig.

Try to test out the backpack in person before purchasing

Marty recommends visiting a local outdoor store in person before making a purchase. “It’s always a good idea to test the wearing comfort in the store before you purchase,” he says. If that’s not possible, look for companies with an easy return policy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What size backpack fits under most airline seats?

While every airline’s under-seat measurements are different, experts agree that a daypack should fit under most airline seats. Daypacks range from 10-50 liters. “A backpack with a maximum volume of 30 liters should comfortably fit under most airline seats. However, most airlines also have limits for maximum weight for hand luggage, so make sure not to overpack,” says Marty.

Is it better to travel with a backpack or a carry-on?

All our experts agreed that backpacks make the best carry-on luggage. “I prefer a backpack because it’s easier to carry, especially when you de-board and have other luggage waiting. Backpacks transition well to carrying your stuff around cities, on hikes and on other adventures too!” says Lazzari.