The Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Backpacks

When traveling, a dependable travel backpack is invaluable. It isn’t simply for holding your belongings. It ensures that you remain mobile and adaptable during your excursion.

Finding the right one to fit your needs is essential. Whether exploring cities, walking through mountains, or getting on an airplane, having high-quality equipment with you can truly make all the difference in the world while on a trip!

Snapshot of Top Travel Companions

We have hand-picked a range of quality carry-on travel backpacks for 2023 that offer outstanding storage solutions, comfortable belt straps, and helpful laptop sleeves, as well as additional items like laundry sacks and rain/plane covers. All products featured here were sourced based on user experiences and reviews.

Here are the best travel backpacks for 2023.

1. Best Overall Performer: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – A robust backpack known for its durability, multiple access points, and integrated electronics sleeve.
2. Best for Tech-Savvy Travelers: Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack – Appreciated for its expandable design and padded compartments, it is ideal for the tech-savvy traveler.
3. Best for Comfort: Osprey Farpoint 40L – Offering ample storage and a comfortable harness system, this backpack emphasizes comfort during travel.
4. Best for Short Getaways: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L – Perfect for short trips with its stylish design and ample pockets.
5. Best Budget-Friendly: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack – A budget-friendly option with a spacious main compartment and multiple pockets.
6. Best for Organized Packing: Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack – Praised for its organized packing features and 45L capacity.
7. Best for Urban Adventurers: Stubble & Co Adventure Backpack – Ideal for urban adventurers with its sleek design and multiple compartments.
8. Best for Versatility: Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L – Offering versatility with its sleek design, multiple compartments, and expandable capacity.
9. Best for Weekend Warriors: eBags Weekender Travel Backpack – Perfect for weekend warriors with its spacious compartments and comfortable carrying options.
10. Best for Innovative Features: NOMATIC Travel Pack – Stands out for its innovative features, such as magnetic water bottle pockets and expandability options.

These travel backpacks are designed to make your journeys easier and more enjoyable while providing the perfect carry-on luggage solution. As ideal travel packs, you can easily bring all the necessities on board!

1. Best Overall Performer: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Price: $200.

Specifications:

• Durable materials and construction
• Multiple access points
• Integrated electronics sleeve

Pros:

• Durable design suitable for extensive travel
• Ample packing space
• Convenient access points

Cons:

• Could use more color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack offers a unique experience for travelers. It has all the features that make it more resilient than even the renowned Tortuga pack, such as multiple access points and an integrated electronics sleeve to keep your devices secure. Plus there is plenty of packing space, which simplifies getting ready for journeys greatly.

My only complaint concerns limited color options and availability in some countries. This product’s value-for-money ratio is quite satisfactory considering its durability and functionality advantages over competitors like the famous Tortuga model mentioned previously!

See Related: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling on a Budget in the US

2. Best for Tech-Savvy Travelers: Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack

Price: $300.

Specifications:

• Expandable design with 30L base capacity
• Various access points
• Padded compartments

Pros:

• Expandable design accommodates additional gear
• Multiple access points for easy retrieval of items
• Padded compartments offer added security for tech devices

Cons:

• Pricey
• A bit heavy
• May not be carry-on compliant when expanded beyond the standard U.S. domestic limit

The Peak Design Travel Backpack, particularly the 45L size, is an ideal choice for technically-minded adventurers. With its spacious interior and rugged exterior design, this travel backpack from Peak Design provides all of the features a techy traveler needs to stay organized.

• Expandable design, allowing you to accommodate additional gear when needed
• Padded compartments provide an extra layer of protection for your tech devices
• Numerous locking features and 360-degree grab handles offer added security and easy handling

The Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack comes with a high price tag but provides great value if you often need to transport lots of tech devices during your travels. From its design to its functionality and durability – it is worth every cent!

One thing that should be considered when carrying this backpack as carry-on luggage is since it’s heavier, it may exceed standard U.S. domestic limits for size when expanded beyond its regular shape.

Fortunately, this shouldn’t affect most travelers greatly, so can use all the features offered by one amazing travel bag designed around storing heaps of gear while staying comfortable wearing it. It is through busy airports or wherever life takes you.

See Related: Lowepro Freeline 350 AW Review: Your Ultimate Camera Backpack?

3. Best for Comfort: Osprey Farpoint 40L

Price: $185.

Specifications:

• High-tech suspension system
• Hipbelt and harness
• 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop fabric

Pros:

• Optimal back and shoulder support
• Durable and resistant to travel challenges
• Accommodates a laptop up to 16 inches

Cons:

• Limited internal organization
• Non-removable hip belt
• Lack of dedicated water bottle pockets

For those seeking comfort, the Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack offers a dreamy experience. It has several features to meet travelers’ needs, such as padded straps for easy carrying and breathable mesh material, which provides maximum air circulation.

• High-tech suspension system
• Hipbelt and harness for optimal back and shoulder support
• 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop fabric for durability and resistance to travel challenges

This bag will make any weight feel light and comfortable during your travels. It’s equipped with plenty of storage and 16-inch laptop space, yet offers little internal organization – plus, the hip belt is not removable. There are no dedicated water bottle pockets either. It is making it less convenient for some users, but it is still great value overall due to its size and comfort rating (10/10).

Design-wise, this travel companion scores 8 out of 10 and 9 when considering durability and giving you every reason to bring one along on your journey!

See Related: Affordable Hostel Tips for Backpackers: Budget Accommodations and Travel Savings

4. Best for Short Getaways: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

Price: $189.

Specifications:

• Durable materials and construction
• Multiple pockets and compartments
• Attachment points

Pros:

• Durable design suitable for short getaways
• Multiple pockets and compartments for organization
• Attachment points for additional gear

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is perfect for a short break away from home. This backpack offers plenty of features and capabilities, such as capacity, to make it an ideal travel bag when you’re on the go.

• Durable design
• Multiple pockets and compartments for easy organization
• Numerous attachment points for additional gear
• Suitable for short trips

In terms of design, durability, and functionality, I would rate this product 8/10. As for value for money, 9/10 is what I’d give it. One slight disadvantage could be the restricted color selection and availability in some areas, but there isn’t much else to complain about.

5. Best Budget-Friendly: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Price: $29.99.

Specifications:

• Spacious main compartment
• Multiple pockets and compartments
• Durable water-resistant polyester fabric

Pros:

• Spacious main compartment for essentials
• Multiple pockets and compartments for organization
• Durable water-resistant polyester fabric

Cons:

• No dedicated padded laptop sleeve
• Limited color options

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a great option for cost-conscious travelers. It boasts an abundant main pocket and several additional compartments to maintain the organization without sacrificing affordability. Its water-repellent polyester shell promises that your stuff stays dry in wet conditions.

The missing laptop sleeves may make or break it, which could be important if you often travel with electronic devices. Still, due to its highly rated value-for-money rate at 10/10, it is an attractive selection nonetheless!

See Related: Peak Design Duffelpack 65L Review

6. Best for Organized Packing: Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

Price: $350.

Specifications:

• Organized packing features
• High-quality materials
• 45L capacity

Pros:

• Organized packing features for efficient storage, including packing cubes
• High-quality materials for durability
• 45L capacity for ample storage

Cons:

• On the heavier side
• A stowable strap system may be unnecessary
• 45L size may be too big for experienced one-baggers

For travelers who value organized packing, the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack offers a great option instead of a roller bag. It is made with high-quality materials, including recycled nylon and ripstop fabric, that provide durability for those on extended journeys. The pack features many compartments to ensure efficient use and organization when packing.

Though this 45L size may be too large for one bagger used to minimalist travel, its quality craftsmanship still makes it a worthwhile investment, at least according to most users’ reviews!

7. Best for Urban Adventurers: Stubble & Co Adventure Backpack

Price: $200.

Specifications:

• Sleek and smart design
• 9 compartments for organized packing
• Durable recycled materials

Pros:

• Sleek and smart design suitable for urban adventuring
• 9 compartments for organized packing
• Durable recycled materials for all-weather performance

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The Stubble & Co Adventure Backpack is an ideal companion for metropolitan journeys. With its sophisticated and modern design, this item effortlessly blends into urban environments and is made of durable recycled materials that guarantee all-weather defense.

It comes with nine separate compartments, ensuring convenient access to your possessions and providing neat organization in the bag. A downside may be the limited color selection or unavailability at certain locations. It still provides excellent value for money when considered all together.

8. Best for Versatility: Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L

Price: $179.95

Specifications:

• Sleek design
• Multiple compartments
• Expandable capacity

Pros:

• Sleek design suitable for various travel scenarios
• Multiple compartments for easy organization
• Expandable capacity for additional storage

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L is a stylish piece of luggage designed for those seeking versatility while on the go. With an expandable capacity and multiple compartments, it’s suited to all sorts of travels including last-minute trips where more storage space may be needed.

Although its availability might vary from region to region, with only limited color options available, this backpack still provides great value for money thanks to its convenient design features that make organization easy when you are on the move.

9. Best for Weekend Warriors: eBags Weekender Travel Backpack

Price: $90.

Specifications:

• Spacious compartments
• Comfortable carrying options
• Durable materials

Pros:

• Spacious compartments suitable for weekend getaways
• Comfortable carrying options for ease of travel
• Durable materials for longevity

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The eBags Weekender Travel Backpack is ideal for those seeking an easy-to-carry bag to take away on weekend trips. This backpack offers great features, including a spacious design and various compartments perfect for organizing your gear.

• Spacious compartments, making it ideal for weekend getaways
• Comfortable carrying options, ensuring ease of travel
• Versatility for exploring a new city or escaping to the countryside for a quick break

Though many may find this product to their liking, a potential downside could be the lack of color variation and regional limitations.

Rating:

• Design: 8/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Organizational Features: 8/10
• Value for Money: 9/10

10. Best for Innovative Features: NOMATIC Travel Pack

Price: $299.99.

Specifications:

• Innovative design elements
• Expandability options
• Magnetic side pockets

Pros:

• Innovative design elements for enhanced organization and convenience
• Expandability options for accommodating more items
• Magnetic side pockets for easy access

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Limited availability in some regions

The NOMATIC Travel Pack will surely delight fans of originality with its distinctive design and pioneering features. Aesthetically, it has a trim profile as well as a protected storage compartment and magnetic pockets on the side for improved organizational control.

Depending on requirements, you can switch between 20 and 30 liters in capacity, which adds extra value for money. The only weak points are restricted hues available and limited accessibility across certain parts of the world.

See Related: The Best AI Travel Planners

Choosing Your Travel Backpack Companion

When selecting a travel backpack, various personal factors need to be considered. It is important to choose one that suits your specific needs and will offer maximum comfort during the journey.

An ideal carry-on backpack should come with a simple yet practical design, enough space for storage, and secure shoulder straps meeting most airline regulations.

An aspect that requires consideration is how securely the bag fits against your body while traveling – adjustable shoulder straps, sternum straps, and load lifters are all features helping this purpose.

It may also be beneficial if there’s good ventilation from mesh along a foam back panel so heavier loads don’t become uncomfortable too quickly when carried around in long periods or harsh weather conditions.

On top of security considerations such as lockable zippers or secret pockets, pick out theft-proof material depending on the destination (in terms of crime rate) accordingly.

Last but not least, determine what capacity best serves your requirements – typical 35L bags might work well regarding manageability & sustainability criteria, whereas opting for clamshell designs can help fulfill those who prefer having everything organized neatly in just one bag throughout their travels and especially ensuring heaviest items close by when worn get smarter than ever!

Decoding the Specs

When researching your travel backpack purchase, it is important to know the specifications contributing to durability. Look for high-quality fabrics such as CORDURA® or Ballistic Nylon and check their density and strength, which can affect how resistant they are to tears and tampering attempts.

Equally essential components like zippers should also be considered: opt for brands known for their robustness (like YKK) with lockable zippers on compartments where additional security may prove useful.

Consider features that will enhance usability. Removable stowable straps, compression straps, built-in rain covers, and a clamshell design could provide easier packing options, while extended warranties may indicate product reliability.

Finally, when searching out comfortability factors, examine padding within shoulder straps comprised of foam material plus adjustable elasticated portions through chest strap anchoring points, allowing balance displacement across varying body sizes enabling enhanced fitment due to pivoting abilities between widths over different shoulders.

Personal Fit and Style Considerations

When finding a suitable backpack, fit and style should be paramount. Everyone is shaped differently, with varied preferences for comfort and aesthetics – all factors that must be considered when selecting one’s bag.

Size, capacity, hip belt size, and shoulder straps must accommodate your body accordingly for good posture and balance while carrying weight on the go. You can measure from your C7 vertebra down to the top of your hip bone to ensure an appropriate fitting.

This will help identify what frame size would work best for you. Not only does it matter how comfortable or functional your selection may feel, but its aesthetic qualities also have great significance: choosing something that fits both utility needs and personal taste creates a harmonious blend between form & function!

The ideal travel backpack can drastically improve your journey by providing comfort and safety. Regardless of whether you’re a frequent flyer or an urban explorer, there is a perfect bag for any traveler that fits their needs as well as budget.

When picking out a travel backpack, the crucial point is finding one tailored specifically to satisfy personal preferences without sacrificing quality – not necessarily depending on what’s fashionable or expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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