As the world gradually reopens and some individuals feel safe planning trips again, it is crucial to assess your travel equipment. While luggage and packing cubes are essential, we’re now fixated on the travel backpack — that elusive bag that is large enough to carry everything you could need while traveling yet small enough to fit inside the conventional size restrictions of 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (with handles and wheels). This is one of our favorite carry-on pieces of baggage, enabling one-bag transportation.
Backpacks allow for hands-free travel through airport security and duty-free shops. Still, they are also a foundation of the organization, with notebook zones, fast charging ports, and an abundance of interior and exterior pockets, ensuring that you are genuinely ready for a new journey out in the world. To optimize the backpack’s capacity, you need to pay attention to its actual volume, measured in liters. This is also defined as the level of useable space within the bag. We recommend a maximum carry-on size of 45 liters for most travel-appropriate backpacks.
The most critical part is finding the proper backpack for your travel needs, whether you’re carrying a laptop, food, an aircraft blanket, or using it as a carry-on suitcase. In addition to size, you should search for a lightweight, pleasant bag to carry that has design features such as suitcase handle sleeves, cable corrals, locking zippers, key clips, and sturdy components. As a side note, it’s also helpful to know if the pack is panel-loading (also known as “clamshell”) or top-loading.
To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 22 of our best travel backpacks, ranging from rugged, all-terrain alternatives that can go from the terminal to a camping excursion to completely stylish ones for those headed to a date night upon arrival.
Backpacks with wheels for travel
Matein Waterproof Rolling Backpack
This particular Matein is a sophisticated rolling backpack loaded with selling factors.
In addition to a completely water-resistant bottom panel, a two-height telescopic handle, and locking zippers, the top-panel backpack contains three sections, including a garment compartment with an elasticized belt for convenient packing.
A second cushioned compartment can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop.
Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
Over 10,000 Amazon reviewers confirm that this rolling bag is worth buying.
The backpack’s primary selling feature is its large, suitcase-style packing clamshell main section with a telescopic fabric handle, two inline rear wheels, and two zipped front pockets.
The bag incorporates backpack straps and fits beneath the majority of airline seats.
Travel backpacks for ladies
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Need evidence that travel bags may be delicate?
This cute and stylish leather alternative from Cuyana can accommodate a 13-inch laptop and may be used as a tote or a backpack.
The Italian-made bag, available in black, caramel, stone, or black crocodile for an additional $100, has two spacious front compartments and two internal sections (one zipped, one not).
However, our favorite design element is the ultra-feminine adjustable straps.
Dagne Dover Large Indi Diaper Backpack
Mamas require travel bags, too! Moreover, the diaper bag from Dagne Dover is an excellent solution for both parents and non-parents.
The Indi is comprised of ultra-comfortable neoprene material, has an exceptionally wide top-panel hole, and can be fastened to your stroller with the provided hooks and straps or placed onto your bag with the included luggage strap.
It also includes a changing pad, a footwear bag, and a neoprene pocket with a zipper.
The interior of the 17-liter backpack can accommodate a 15-inch laptop and features many compartments for organizing a baby’s bottle, your phone, and a supply of clean pacifiers.
Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
Has there ever been a more attractive laptop backpack? We believe not.
The Kaya’s back compartment is designed to fit a 15-inch laptop, while the front section may hold a book, snack, or spare socks.
We adore the braided border accent, the elegant zipper pulls, and the extra-wide baggage sleeve, which will keep your bag incredibly safe as you dash through the airport.
Lo & Sons Rowledge
The Lo & Sons nylon Rowledge is the ideal bag for women rushing from the workplace to the airport since the straps can be tucked into the rear pocket to create a convertible bag.
The water-resistant backpack is offered in seven color schemes. It features an easily accessible 13-inch laptop section on the external back and a plethora of neatly designed pockets and slots for anything from pencils and snacks to earphones, phones, etc.
We appreciate the changeable nature of the bag’s hardware and internal jacquard pattern lining. Inside, this bag is a workhorse while seeming like a premium purse on the exterior.
MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe
Let’s tally the ways in which we like this lacquered bag. This year, MZ Wallace’s characteristic quilted texture replaced the Metro Backpack Deluxe’s airport-friendly fabric, making it one of the hottest travel bags around.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal is also convenient for travel, featuring a magnetic baggage sleeve that can be used for storage when detached from a suitcase, three external pockets, six inner pockets, and a 15-inch laptop pocket.
If airport security lines are your runway, this is your bag.
Travel backpacks for gents
STM Goods Dux Backpack
This rugged and luxurious bag from STM Goods will effortlessly transport you from airports to your next journey. The 30-liter backpack is encased in a 360-degree “foam fortress” and can fit a 17-inch laptop in an ultra-protected portion that is segregated from the main section and can preserve your most valued digital item out of the impact zone.
But the bag’s true brilliance lies in its main compartment’s configurable shelving choices, which can comfortably house a weekend’s worth of clothing and can be removed through Velcro and zippers. We also love the fold-open flaps, which are stuffed with compartments, and the removable handbag that will become your new go-to Dopp kit.
Thule Crossover 2 30-Liter Convertible Backpack
This bag from the Swedish travel brand Thule is equally suited for the boardroom because of its convertible nature, which allows for a seamless transfer from backpack to briefcase. The ultra-durable backpack contains a crush-resistant compartment for your eyeglasses and your phone, two secret side compartments for your id and cash, and several more storage compartments for your keys, cables, etc. You can even put your water bottle in a side zip pocket.
Our favorite detail was that despite a reviewer’s backpack flying off the Space Mountain ride in Disney World, it was retrieved the following day undamaged and with all of its contents intact. Want to spend less money? Check out the brand’s equally roomy Subterra Backpack, which has fewer compartments and will spare you $100 at checkout.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
This Cotopaxi Allpa bag is packed with features that are guaranteed to wow. First, the 35-liter bag with zipped mesh pockets may be packed like a typical suitcase yet worn like a standard backpack. Second, it has a laptop sleeve with padding. In addition, it features four grab grips, a chest strap, a detachable hip belt, and a multitude of carabiner loops.
State Kane Double Pocket Large Backpack
This trendy bag satisfies every requirement for coolness and sophistication. Luggage sleeve? Check. Isolated laptop storage area? Check. Multiple additional pockets? Check. All of these design elements are encased in a basic form that is available in four materials and colors, spanning from a water-resistant blue to a black coated canvas, making it the ideal backpack for the entrepreneur going on a quick business trip.
Travel laptop backpacks
Herschel Tech Backpack
It should come as no surprise that Herschel is proficient with backpacks. The Tech Backpack is unrivalled for travel, including three main compartments furnished with a range of mesh and zipped pockets for your most organized voyage ever. The 30-liter backpack contains a cushioned and fleece-lined compartment for a 16-inch laptop and a mesh baggage sleeve, key clip, and secret passport pocket.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Enjoy Amazon’s best-selling laptop backpack. The bag has over 52,000 ratings, is separated into three sections, and in addition to fitting a 15-inch laptop, has a multitude of attractive design features. Take into account a top handle, dangling clasps, a USB port, adjustable straps, and a variety of compartments for holding your belongings. The feature of the bag, which has a 4.8-star rating, is a cushioned mesh backing that will keep you cool no matter how often your flight is delayed. Did we mention that it is now less than $30? Done and done.
Delsey Maubert 2.0 Backpack
The Parisian luggage manufacturer Delsey offers a variety of laptop backpacks, but our favorite is the Maubert 2.0. The 17-liter bag is cheaply priced and environmentally sustainable, with materials and interior made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather. The main compartment of the top-panel backpack is split to carry a 15.6-inch laptop in a cushioned sleeve and all your other belongings (phone, pencils, books, and munchies) in the adjacent area. In addition to many zipped compartments, the backpack features two mesh side compartments for filling a water bottle after security. Want a more extensive option? Consider the Chatelet Air Soft Backpack, which is 10 liters more extensive.
Italic Rafa Nylon Backpack
There’s a reason Italic is one of the most rapidly expanding internet businesses. All of the brand’s items are manufactured in identical factories to premium rivals (Prada, Miu Miu, and All Clad), but for 50 to 80 percent less money. Past clients of the Rafa travel bag manufacturer include Away, Boss, and ISM. The sleek and straightforward nylon-and-leather backpack has a separate compartment for a 15-inch laptop, a robust leather top handle, a baggage sleeve, and a few convenient pockets.
Highly portable travel backpacks
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
In light of Amazon’s extensive product knowledge, it should come as no surprise that the company offers a popular travel backpack that can handle all your demands in the form of an Amazon Basics item. It features top and side handles in addition to waist and chest straps. In addition, its cushioned straps may be tucked into the rear pocket to create a briefcase. The main component of the bag features a clamshell door for suitcase-style loading and zippers that you may use to extend the storage space.
This bag is worthy of consideration, as it has over 6,000 user reviews, a 4.5-star rating, and a price of $55.
Away The Front Pocket Backpack
This little bag from the luggage company Away embodies the phrase “small but formidable.” The bag is constructed from water-resistant nylon and features a clamshell design that we adore. This design element makes it simple to locate your glasses, AirPods, or other equipment during your flight.
In addition to three zippered pockets and a zipped, cushioned 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic lock, the backpack features padded shoulder straps, a leather handle at the top, and a trolley sleeve for resting comfortably on your baggage. Want to customize it? You can, for $35.
Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
The Dakota is one of Dagne Dover’s most popular products, with over 1,700 good ratings and a 4.8-star score on the company’s website. The most challenging step is deciding which of the six different colors is your favorite.
The Dagne Dover Dakota is one of the most comfortable backpacks on our list because of its downy neoprene fabric, which is eye-catching and pleasant to wear. Medium and large versions are most suitable for traveling, as they contain baggage sleeves and can accommodate laptops measuring 13 and 16 inches, respectively. Both also have a shoe bag, a removable pouch with a zip-top closure, and many pockets and compartments for storing anything from lip balm and a mobile phone to keys and headphones.
July Carry All Backpack
The Carry All from the luggage company July is the product of simplicity and accessories. But don’t be fooled by its streamlined appearance; this 20-liter backpack has plenty of space. In addition to fitting a 16-inch laptop, which itself is stowed in a separate, cushioned, and zippered compartment, the Carry All’s central portion features a second zipped divider, ideal for separating shoes and clothing from your other travel requirements, which all have their compartments and dividers. We like the robust leather top handle, the plush quilted back panel, and the concealed top compartment with magnetic clasp, an ideal, easy-to-access, yet secure location for your passport.
The cost of customization is $50, and the manufacturer provides a five-year warranty.
MZ Wallace Bowery Backpack
This brand, initially renowned for its super soft fabric across dozens of designs, including backpacks, will be instantly recognizable to female bag enthusiasts. This alternative is a favorite of ours since, in addition to weighing less than 2 pounds, it features a baggage sleeve and top handle, six inner compartments, a phone compartment, a key ring, and an adorable detachable pouch. Although it’s tiny size, it can also accommodate a 13-inch laptop. Did we mention that the nylon exterior is easy to clean?
Beis The Backpack
Shay Mitchell founded the luggage firm Beis to create cheap, fashion-forward travel gear, and the cult-favorite Backpack is proof of her success. The front panel of this bag, which has received over 1,400 good ratings from Beis customers, contains three zippered pockets.
At the same time, the inner incorporates elastic compression bands for carrying larger things such as clothing and shoes. The remaining minor supplies, such as pencils, cell phones, and gum, may be stowed in the backpack’s front pocket, while the laptop is placed in a separate, padded compartment in the back. In addition to a baggage sleeve, the bag’s exterior features two water bottle pockets. Also, it’s available in either a sleek black color or a delicate cream color with two distinct shades.
Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
With almost 20,000 favorable user ratings and a 4.7-star score, the best-selling laptop backpack on Amazon is also ideal for travel. The backpack features a baggage strap, a top grip, an external USB connection, and several compartments; it can accommodate a 15-inch laptop; and it includes a lock that can be added to the zippers, safeguarding all of your belongings. The back and strap undersides of the bag are equipped with a ventilated mesh that will maintain you fresh even if you’re rushing to your gate.
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