12 Best Travel Backpacks: Reviewed For Men & Women

Benefits of a Backpack When Traveling

These days there’s no shortage of options when it comes to travel baggage but there’s no doubt that the ubiquitous wheelie bag has cornered a large part of the market.

Although they’re undeniably useful, as are over-the-shoulder bags and hand-held bags and briefcases, there are some good reasons why you might opt to use a backpack instead:

5 Important Questions Before Buying

How much weight will you be carrying in your backpack?

Never underestimate how tiring it is carrying a heavy load on your back. Even the most carefully and ergonomically designed backpack, where the weight is distributed evenly through shoulder, waist and chest straps, will wear you out quickly.

Hot temperatures will only make the situation worse. Tourist heaven can pretty soon become tourist hell! So, whatever backpack you choose for your trip, be sure not to overburden yourself. Just because the pack has a large capacity, don’t be tempted to over-fill it. You’ll regret it if you do.

What types of items will be in your bag?

This will always depend on the purpose of your trip: business or pleasure. For work trips, you’ll doubtless be carrying a laptop and quite possibly a fair bit of documentation. For long backpacking trips, on the other hand, you’ll need all the essentials for survival.

For a weekend away, you’ll need spare clothes and possibly shoes, toiletries and maybe a book to wile away the traveling time. And pretty much everyone these days seems to travel with a laptop, regardless of the purpose of their trip, so a backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve definitely has the edge.

Will you be traveling by airplane regularly?

If the answer to that question is ‘yes’, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if the backpack you select is TSA-approved and meets the airline requirements in terms of dimensions. There may be weight limits for carry-on bags, also, so be sure to check before you fly so you don’t end up having to check in the backpack after all.

That would be inconvenient for you and also possibly incur additional charges. If you’re planning on taking a laptop on board with you, it would be advisable to find a backpack with a protective inner laptop sleeve. Do be sure to check that the sleeve is large enough to accommodate your laptop, though, because sleeve sizes vary as much as laptops themselves.

Do you want wheels for rolling the bag?

Some backpacks now include the additional feature of wheels and there’s no doubt that this flexibility can be useful, particularly for business people. Wearing a backpack has the disadvantage of looking somewhat unprofessional when you’re in a business suit, so the option to deploy wheels instead is mighty handy.

On the downside, there’s an inevitable extra weight added to the backpack by the wheels, which will put limits on what you can carry. On balance, though, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

How much do you want to spend?

That’s entirely up to personal choice and the budget available. Since you do always get what you pay for, we’d recommend spending up to the maximum you have available as a good backpack is an investment that pays off over its lifetime.

Cheaper bags can let you down at the most inconvenient moments. If you spend somewhere in the region of $100 to $150, you’ll most likely find it’ll be a trusty traveling companion for years to come.  

What to Look for in a High-Quality Travel Backpack

Weight & Capacity

Multiple Compartments

There are few things more frustrating that delving into a large bag, often when in a hurry, trying to find a particular item – especially important things like your passport. The more you rummage around, the more the stress levels increase and, let’s face it, traveling can be stressful enough without adding to it unnecessarily. Having 3 to 5 compartments of different sizes, including one lockable compartment, some zipped and some open, will make it easier to keep your items organized. You’ll know where things are and they’ll be immediately to hand when you need them.

Laptop Compartment

For business travelers, it’s a no-brainer that a laptop will need to be stowed securely inside the backpack.  Many backpacks now contain a dedicated protective sleeve, designed to keep laptops safe and secure while in transit. And it’s by no means just business people who carry laptops; many backpackers also depend on their laptops for keeping in touch with friends and family and also storing photographic memories of their trip. The size of these sleeves does vary, however, as do the sizes of laptops themselves. It’s important to double-check that the sleeve in the backpack you select is the right size for your laptop.

Airplane-Friendly

Always check the dimensions of the backpack to ensure that it comes within the parameters set by airlines for carry-on bags or you may find that you have to check the bag instead, which may incur extra cost and also delays waiting at the carousel for your bag to arrive.

Many of the best backpacks for travel have TSA approval. TSA-friendly carry-on luggage can be a real bonus for travelers as they’re designed with a separate sleeve or envelope that folds open, in the way you’d open the cover of a book. If you put only your electronics into that sleeve, they can pass through the screening machine, remaining visible to the agent.

Water Resistance Levels

This is less likely to be an issue for business travelers but if you’re planning a backpacking trip and will be on the road for a while, then it’s definitely worth investing in a backpack that has at least some degree of water resistance. Imagine opening your backpack after a having to walk some distance in heavy rain to find all your possessions are soaking wet.

For clothes, it would be an inconvenience but for electronic gizmos like smartphones and laptops it would be nothing short of a disaster! It’s worth noting that water resistance is not the same as waterproof but it should give some protection. Some travel backpacks come with a concealed rain cover that you can unzip and deploy when there’s a real downpour, so you won’t go far wrong if you choose one with this feature.

Ergonomic Design & Padding

The best travel backpacks are designed with comfort in mind, so that the weight of the pack is evenly distributed and supported across your body. There’s often additional padding over the back of the pack as well as padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps. Larger backpacks also have adjustable waist and chest straps, allowing optimal adjustment for comfort.

Price

There’s no getting away from the old saying that you get what you pay for. On balance, the more you pay, the better the quality and longevity of the backpack is likely to be. If you want a cheap and cheerful ‘throw-away’ backpack, there are plenty of options out there, but you’re less likely to get all the useful additional features like laptop sleeves and multiple compartments inside and out. And there’s always the chance that they’ll self-destruct at the most inopportune moment, leading to hassles you could probably do without when you’re traveling.

Warranty

The thing about warranties is that the more a manufacturer believes in the quality of a product, the more likely they are to offer a warranty. It’s always worth buying a product with a warranty, therefore, not necessarily because you’ll have to claim against it but more as an assurance of the quality of the product.

1. Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Backpacking Pack

Our first choice for a travel backpack specifically designed for men is the Atmos AG 65, taking into the account the differences between male and female physiology (e.g. wider shoulders, longer torso). Produced by market leaders Osprey, it’s ideally suited for a longer backpacking or hiking trip, when it’s vital that you can fit the pack to your own unique body shape to minimize discomfort and fatigue.

This lightweight 65-liter pack, with its fully adjustable harness, includes a number of innovations and handy features designed with the backpacker/hiker in mind. The anti-gravity suspension, for example, is intended to lighten your load by distributing it evenly and ergonomically.

The fit-on-the-fly hip belt is aimed at achieving the perfect fit quickly and simply. Dual upper and lower side compression straps keep loads stabilized and give a streamlined profile.

Your trekking poles can be easily attached to the pack when you need your hands free and there’s a safety whistle on the sternum strap, just in case. There’s an internal 3-liter hydration reservoir sleeve (the reservoir is sold separately), to deliver those all-important fluids when you’re on the move.

With other features like dual access stretch mesh side pockets for water bottles and other gear, two zippered front pockets for additional storage and a large front stretch mesh pocket, there’s no shortage of compartments to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.

2. Osprey Packs Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack

The lightweight and streamlined Osprey Fairview 40 women-specific travel backpack ticks all the boxes for globetrotters. Not only is it designed as a comfortable pack when you’re on the road, it also features a stowaway harness and hip belt for convenience and security when you check the bag for a flight.

And while we’re on the subject of flying, this pack’s compact size is compatible with most airlines’ carry-on policy (but our advice is always to check before you fly).

Everything about this pack is designed with life on the move in mind. It’s made from durable fabric that will stand up to the battering it’ll inevitably receive during its lifetime. It’s designed to carry up to 40 pounds in weight, but don’t forget what we said about traveling light!

There are plenty of travel-focused features but our favorite is the easy-access zippered main compartment which opens more like a suitcase so all your gear is immediately visible – no delving deep inside your pack for that elusive object! The internal laptop compartment will keep your electronics safely stowed.

There are two internal compression straps to keep your load secure and stable when you’re on the move, and further external compression straps on the side and the front take up the slack when the pack’s not fully loaded.

When you’re carrying the pack, the internal LightWire frame suspension system helps transfer the load from the harness to the hip belt to minimize the stress on your shoulders, keeping fatigue to a minimum.

3. Osprey Ozone Convertible 22" / 50L Wheeled Luggage

If ever there were a traveling chameleon, the Ozone Convertible 50L/22” from Osprey is it! In our opinion, this is the best rolling backpack for travel that you’ll find. It’s not cheap but, when you take a look at what it offers, you could well find that it’s worth investing in such a versatile luggage item.

While it’s a wheeled bag designed to comply with most airlines’ carry-on specifications, it also features a cleverly hidden backpack suspension system. Wheeled bags are so handy at the airport and on paved surfaces but are a nightmare on the cobbled streets of an olde worlde European capital.

With this pack, you really do have the best of both worlds because, when the pavement runs out or you need to be hands-free, you can simply stow the handle and slip it on your back. Neat idea, huh?

But its clever and travel-focused features don’t end there. The wheeled bag is capacious and well-organized, with heaps of space and internal compression straps to maximize storage space – there are external compression straps, too, to reduce its bulk when being carried as a backpack.

The main compartment is accessed by a zipped top panel, so you can see all your items at a glance. This spacious compartment is lined with a series of carefully designed inner storage pockets, for those important little items which can easily get lost in a large bag.

Added to that, there’s a completely separate daypack which can either be zipped on top of the main bag or carried on its own as another useful piece of luggage.

The daypack’s main compartment has a pocket for storing your laptop or tablet, as well as plenty of space for extra clothes or snacks. There’s even a specially lined ‘scratch-free’ exterior pocket to protect your sunglasses and/or smartphone.

4. Yorepak Extra Large Backpack

If you’re looking for a travel backpack with a secure protective sleeve for a laptop up to 17”, you need to look no further than this extra-large, 45 liter, TSA-friendly backpack from Yoretek.

Apart from being a well-designed and durable travel companion, complete with a range of organizer pockets for any number of small items, its stand-out feature is the TSA-compatible laptop compartment, giving it the edge as carry-on luggage.

All you need to do at the airport security check is to unzip and flip the bag open to reveal your laptop in its specially approved sleeve. You don’t have to remove it from the bag when it goes through the scanner, so it stays safe and secure throughout the procedure.

Other laptop-friendly features include the external USB charging port with built-in charging cable so you can easily charge your smartphone, tablet or other electronic devices while you’re on the go. Do bear in mind that you’ll need to buy an additional portable power pack to do this, though.

In addition to the electronics and airplane-friendly features, this pack is also very versatile and ideal for everything from daily use on your commute to a hiking trip and from an overnight trip to a vacation.

It’s made of durable polyester fabric, with waterproof 2-way lockable zippers, and has a padded and breathable mesh back panel to keep you cool and comfortable together with padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps.

5. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack

The Eagle 40L travel backpack from Hynes is smart enough to cut it in the office or the boardroom, yet still has all the features you’d expect from a standard backpack – it’s versatile, durable and stylish. The fact that it’s available in 15 colors covers all tastes and its pocket-friendly price is another bonus.

A key business-friendly feature is that the shoulder straps stow away neatly inside the back panel when required, so the backpack becomes something closer to a briefcase when the occasion demands and you need to smarten up your act.

As you’d expect for a business travel backpack, it’s airplane-friendly, meets most airlines’ carry-on specifications and fits easily in the overhead compartment. And if you’re looking for the best underseat carry-on backpack, so you can keep your items close at hand and accessible during a flight, then this bag fits the bill.

There’s no shortage of different compartments and pockets both inside and outside the pack, so you can keep all your personal items, documents, laptop (up to 15.6”) and other electronic devices neatly organized.

The Eagle 40L has multiple interior and exterior compression buckles, so you can adjust the size of the backpack according to the load you’re carrying.

6. Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

The Osprey Farpoint 40 does a great job at bridging the gap between being the ideal backpack for a weekend getaway or a couple of nights enjoying the backcountry and being just right for an adventure exploring the sights in Europe. We reckon its versatility offsets the ‘ouch’ of the purchase price!

Although it offers plenty of storage space for all those essentials, it meets most airlines’ carry-on specifications (but always check before you fly!), so you won’t have to wait for what seems like an age at the baggage carousel waiting for your bag after landing and your adventure can begin even sooner.

Osprey backpacks always have the edge in terms of ergonomic design and comfort and the Farpoint 40 is no exception. The LightWire frame suspension is designed to transfer the load from the shoulder and chest harness to the hip belt which helps to reduce fatigue. You’ll keep cool and comfortable when laden, thanks to the padded mesh back panel.

There’s a zippered panel to conceal the entire harness if you do need to check the bag. The internal and external compression straps minimize the size of the pack to create the sleekest possible profile and keep all your gear from shifting around in transit.

7. Everki Titan Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Backpack

Titan may seem a slightly odd name for backpack with a capacity of just 40 liters but the number of unique features that Everki have squeezed in do, indeed, make it a giant among travel backpacks!

A laptop has become an indispensable part of most travelers’ luggage. The Titan can fit devices up to 18.4” in a padded and felt-lined protective compartment.

Better yet, the compartment is TSA-friendly, so all you have to do at the airport security checkpoint is to open the bag 180 degrees and expose the laptop for screening without removing it from the bag  – anything which lessens the hassle and stress of international travel is a good thing in our book!

In addition to the large laptop compartment, there are a variety of pockets of different sizes and configurations, so all your items, both large and small, will be organized and easily accessible.

There’s even a separate pouch to keep accessories for your electronic devices such as a mouse, chargers, power supplies and the inevitable cat’s cradle of cables from getting tangled up with your other items.

The Titan is designed with comfort as a priority and the 5-point adjustable harness, the padded shoulder straps and back panel ensures that, even when fully loaded, the stress on your shoulders and back is kept to a minimum.

8. LifeEasy Travel Backpack

You may have been searching for a while for a well-designed backpack for travel that meets the carry-on spec of most airlines which won’t break the bank. In our opinion, this product from LifeEasy ticks those boxes and we think it’s a great candidate for the best affordable travel backpack.

This is a lightweight, versatile backpack that includes a host of useful travel features.

For a relatively small backpack, it’s surprisingly roomy and has a number of useful compartments inside and out, including a padded compartment to fit a 17” laptop.

The laptop compartment is accessed from the side, so you can slip your device out without having to open the main compartment. It features an anti-theft roll-top top closure and concealed pockets in the back panel, making it ideal for getting out and about safely in Europe’s tourist hotspots – always a magnet for thieves.

The final useful feature we’d like to mention is the separate compartment at the base with a waterproof lining. This is ideal for carrying shoes or other items that you want to keep separate. When not in use, this section can be zipped away, so the pack instantly becomes 30% smaller – ingenious!

It’s made from water-resistant polyester, so your gear will remain dry if you get caught out in a shower. Do remember, though, that water resistant is not the same as waterproof, so you’ll still need to seek shelter in a real downpour.

9. Evecase DSLR Camera Bag Backpack

Finding a camera backpack robust enough to protect your sensitive and valuable kit can be difficult but we think we’ve found one which will fit the bill – better yet, it won’t break the bank! It’s also fully convertible from a DSLR camera backpack into a useful backpack for everyday use or for travel since all the internal dividers are easily removable.

As you’d expect with a camera backpack, the main compartment can be divided into different sized padded pockets to fit your camera, lenses and other accessories.

There are also a number of other internal and external accessory pockets to store batteries, cables and other small accessories. Convenient side holder straps and mesh pockets are designed to hold your tripod, other larger accessories and a water bottle.

The pack meets most airlines’ carry-on spec and it has a handy luggage strap to slip over rolling luggage handles or luggage carts.

You’ll find it’s comfortable to wear, with well-padded shoulder straps and fully adjustable waist and chest straps that ensure it fits snugly to your back when you’re on the move. And there’s a waterproof raincover you can deploy when needed to keep your valuable and delicate camera equipment and accessories safe and dry.

10. Outlander Backpack

There are so many times when a small backpack comes in handy, especially one that’s lightweight, can be packed away into a small pouch in your luggage and produced when you need it most. This is never truer than when you’re traveling!

With no fewer than 16 colors to choose from and very reasonably priced, we reckon that this small yet surprisingly roomy backpack from Outlander is an indispensable item for anyone who travels frequently. Just stow it away in its own pouch and unzip it when you reach your destination – simple as!

It’s water-resistant and durable, with the stress points reinforced to ensure its longevity. You’ll be surprised at how much storage space there is in its multiple compartments both inside and out.

If you find yourself tempted with those irresistible souvenirs of your travels, then this packable travel backpack could be the answer.

You can avoid having to pay excess baggage charges by slipping your purchases inside (as long as you don’t go too crazy with that credit card!) and using it as a carry-on on your return trip. There, we said it was indispensable, didn’t we?

11. Pacsafe Venturesafe X30

The Venturesafe X30 has got you covered if you’re traveling to some of the world’s tourists honeypots and are understandably worried about keeping your personal items safe and secure.

Not only is the pack designed with the needs of the traveler in mind, with all the storage compartments you’d expect, it also features a number of anti-theft technologies to give you peace of mind when you’re out and about.

Firstly, there’s the eXomesh Slashguard technology, a stainless steel wire mesh built into the fabric and designed to withstand a slash-and-run attack. And then there’s the RFID-safe blocking material which keeps your identity safe from criminals who’ll be unable to scan your cards when they’re stowed in the pack.

The third and very useful security feature is the dual release security buckle that allows you to attach your bag to a secure fixture such as a railing, keeping your belongings safe from opportunist bag snatchers when you’re relaxing and soaking up the atmos at a café in a scenic spot.

Added to all these anti-theft details, this pack meets most major airline carry-on standards, with compression straps inside and out to ensure that all your items are securely stowed during a flight.

The aluminum support back panel enhances comfort when you’re on the move, as do the adjustable, breathable shoulder and waist straps, and there’s an integral rain cover which can be quickly deployed when the heavens open.

12. HaloVa Diaper Bag

HaloVa have made a science of developing backpacks for specific purposes and their Land series is our top pick for the best travel diaper backpack. And the even better news is that this pack is elegant enough to pass for a handbag or purse, so traveling with your little one doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your style!

As a parent, or a parent-to-be, you’ll be aware of the long list of essentials that need to be carried when you set out from home with a baby, even if you’re just popping to the shopping mall for an hour or two.

Traveling further afield, possibly by airplane, means you need to be super-organized if you’re going to keep the stress levels down for both you and your little angel.

Worry not! This pack has space enough for all the essentials, with a number of specially-designed compartments such as insulated pockets for milk bottles and a compartment with waterproof lining to store wet or soiled clothes. And there’s plenty of space for storing diapers, wipes and even a small toy or two to keep baby entertained when you’re on your way.

The exterior is made from high quality durable and water-resistant Oxford fabric that’s easy to wipe clean, so you don’t need to worry about those unavoidable spillages.

Considerations when Traveling to Europe

Size

This will depend on the type of traveling you’ll be doing. A 20-30 liter backpack is ideal for everyday use but it’s not so much a case of volume as having the right size to fit your laptop and other gadgets and gizmos.

For short business trips, overnight stays or a weekend city break, a 30-35 liter pack should suffice and is generally carry-on friendly. If your sights are set on a 3-5 day trip, then 40-50 liters should give you all the space you need, but for longer trips a 60-liter pack will fit the bill.

For these longer trips, it’s well worth looking at travel backpacks which include a detachable daypack, usually around 15-20 liters. The daypack makes the ideal carry-on, both for your in-flight essentials and any valuables you may be carrying, while you check the main pack and reclaim it at your destination.

Anti-theft

There’s no doubt that the tourist hotspots of the world offer rich pickings for the local criminals and places like Paris and Rome are top of the league for pickpockets. Selecting a travel backpack with anti-theft protection may give you some peace of mind.

They’re manufactured from stronger fabric that naturally reinforces the bag. Some of the best anti-theft backpacks include special mesh wiring both in the straps and the shell to give resistance against the bag being slashed with a knife.

Another feature that anti-theft backpacks offer is the possibility of locking the bag to a fixed object. Since one of the favorite tricks of criminals operating in crowded, touristy areas is the ‘grab and dash’ technique, this sounds like a great additional feature to us.

Some anti-theft backpacks also include RFID blocking technology which is designed to prevent your passport and cards being electronically scanned and cloned. This is a niche area of crime, for sure, but it does happen and, if it makes you feel more secure and confident when you’re out and about enjoying the tourist sights, then it’s worth considering.

Air Travel Issues

The size of carry-on baggage is always a thorny topic, as there’s no standardization of regulations between airlines and there are often significant differences between budget carriers and larger airlines. And if you’re hopping from city to city in Europe on local airlines you may again find different sizes apply.

Even if a bag is advertized as being carry-on friendly, you’d be wise to double-check the precise dimensions before you fly to make sure it complies with that airline’s regulations. Ultimately, if your items don’t fit in the overhead bins or under the seat, they may need to be checked, which may involve additional cost and a tedious wait at the baggage carousel at your destination that you hadn’t factored in.

Considerations for Business or Work Travelers

Laptop Compartment Options

A laptop is an indispensable feature of business travel. These expensive and delicate items need to be secured safely inside your backpack. Always make sure that there’s a protective sleeve within the bag and double check that it’s the correct size for your laptop.

Rolling Options

Carrying a pack on your back and keeping your hands free while traveling may be very convenient but it could be argued that it doesn’t look so professional when arriving at that important business meeting. First impressions are everything, after all!

Buying a travel backpack with wheels may be the solution to this problem, as it can magically morph into a much sleeker looking wheeled bag which will instantly smarten up your look.

TSA-Approved Features

Being able to pass more quickly through security procedures at the airport is one way to keep stress levels down. TSA-approved backpacks offer a dedicated zipped pocket where electronics can be put through the scanning machine without having to be removed and placed separately on the conveyor.

Business travel is stressful enough at the best of times, so taking advantage of this feature may be a small way to reduce the pressure and make your journey a tad more enjoyable.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How should you wear a backpack to stop any stress on the back and shoulders?

Is it necessary to get an anti-theft bag?

This is a matter of personal choice and it depends on your destination. If you having this feature will make you feel safer and more confident, you’re likely to enjoy your trip. So it may well be worth paying that little bit more for peace of mind.

How can I keep my belongings safe when traveling?

Anti-theft bags will give you some degree of security against the criminals that inevitably circulate amid the hustle and bustle of touristy areas.

As well as being made from special material designed to prevent them being slashed by knives, you can often lock them to a fixed object to stop the ‘grab and dash’ attack.

A simple thing like wearing your pack on your front rather than on your back is a pretty effective measure, too.

How do I know if these bags will fit under the seat of an airplane?

This is a tricky question to answer as airlines don’t share the dimensions of the underseat space and anyway these can even vary from seat to seat in different areas of the cabin. The best type of bag to stash in this area is always soft-sided, so a backpack is a good choice.

Most backpacks benefit from having compression straps, too, so if you’re struggling to fit it in the allotted space, you can often shrink it down to a smaller size than you’d think possible and it’ll slip under the seat with ease.

What are some of the differences that Men & Women should consider when buying a backpack?

Most backpacks are designed to be unisex but there are some physiological differences between men and women. If you’re going to be traveling far and wide with your trusty backpack, you may be wise to look at either men- or women-specific backpacks.

For example, women’s shoulders are usually narrower, their torso is shorter and women’s hips are differently shaped to men’s. Since comfort is everything when you’re on the road and your world is contained in your backpack, it may be worth taking a look at gender-specific backpacks to see if one or other suits you better.

What is the most efficient way to pack a backpack?

Conclusion

Getting the balance right between how much you can stuff into your backpack and how much it then weighs is the eternal juggling act for the traveler. The general rule of human existence in our lifetime’s experience of traveling is that any available space will be filled. Having a larger bag, therefore, isn’t always the smartest idea because you can so easily overload yourself and end up feeling like a pack mule.

So, it’s not always about the number of cubic liters that the backpack can accommodate and more about the size and weight of the load you’re going to be comfortable carrying. Size really isn’t everything!  

If you’re looking for the best travel backpack, take a look at the options we’ve selected. The possibilities out there are infinite but we’ve done the hard yards for you and picked a dozen backpacks to do a dozen different jobs.

You could end up saving yourself some valuable time – time that could be far better spent on planning your next adventure than trawling the web for the perfect backpack!