Reviewed by Travellers:
22 Best Travel Backpacks in 2022
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 38 different Travel Backpacks and write reviews of the best.
The result is 22 of the best travel backpacks on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Travel and Gear Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
Whether you consider yourself a backpacker, a weekend getaway-er, or an exotic destination volunteer, you need a good travel backpack.
A travel backpack that stores your most essential belongings. In accordance with your traveling purpose, you will either need your travel backpack to have a sturdy hip belt, a water reservoir, or a detachable daypack. You will also want it to be lightweight, have plenty of features, and not cost you a fortune.
These requirements might seem to be unreachable, but this is not the case – the outdoor gear developing companies have long understood the demand and are thus able to meet (and possibly even exceed) it.
You can now find travel backpacks of the most unique shapes and designs comprising an anti-theft technology and fitting over 50 pounds of your possessions. Check out the models we picked out that live up to high industry standards and choose the backpack that will become your trusty on-the-road companion.
Top 22 Best Travel Backpacks In 2022
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.
- Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack
- Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag
- LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack
- eBags Weekender Travel Backpack
- AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
- Able Carry Daily Backpack
- Salkan Backpacker Travel Bag
- NOMATIC 40L Travel Backpack
- MOUNTAINTOP Hiking Travel Backpack
- TORTUGA Setout Travel Backpack
Still unsure as to what travel backpack to choose? We have answered the most popular questions about the towel in the last section of the guide.
If you are a traveler, enjoy hiking, camping, or got lost in your local sports store, chances are you’ve come across the Osprey Farpoint series. This often reviewed backpack comes in four different sizes, but today we are examining the 40L. If you like traveling light and skipping long check-in lines, the 40L is the only one in this range that fits within carry-on specifications. This extremely lightweight bag has a clamshell design with 9 compartments for organized packing. Sometimes there are too many features on travel bags, but the Adventure does it right. And it’s done with eco-friendly style. Maxing out the allowable size for carry-on baggage, the design includes smart check-in features too. But it’s a bag you can also take weekending and camping. We took the Adventure bag on many activities in a lot of different places, taking up Stubble’s challenge of “do anything anywhere” in order to find this bag’s limits. This is what we found out. A versatile travel backpack is a good investment, whether you are a frequent business traveler or an outdoor enthusiast. It is even more worth it if it can carry and protect your laptop wherever you go. One of our favorite backpacks today is the LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack. This bag features an independent laptop compartment with a generous EVA foam designed to provide maximum protection for your laptop. Let’s dive in and find out if this bag meets all your needs for your journeys and business trips! The not-so-typical Nylon Subterra travel backpack released by Thule is the perfect hybrid between an everyday backpack and a travel pack. Its roll-top opening enhanced with magnetic closure allows you to stuff the backpack to the brim and have access to your belongings at any time. If you need to pack your laptop for a weekend business trip, there is a dedicated compartment for it. You can then easily retrieve it from the side zippered entry without having to unzip the main compartment. The removable packing cubes help in organizing your stuff inside the backpack, while the pass-through panel provides you with the opportunity to attach your backpack to your suitcase. The shoulder straps are breathable and are perforated with EVA material which further spreads to the back so that the pack sits comfortably on your body. This carry-on style weekender travel backpack by eBags is great for almost every kind of trip that doesn’t exceed 2-3 days. Crafted from the twisted Polyester fabric, it has a convertible design, meaning that you can wear it as a backpack, as a crossbody bag or as a briefcase. The clearly separated insides of the backpack allow you to store your laptop on one side and your clothes on the other side. The tablet sleeve is padded with fleece, thus keeping your electronics safe and sound. You will find features like lockable D-rings, a side water bottle pocket and other small-scale pockets spread around the exterior and interior of the backpack to be useful. The padded air-mesh back panel together with the adjustable sternum straps provides you with the ultimate comfort that lasts all day long. A good quality carry-on backpack is a must-have for most travelers, but this can cost you a pretty penny. That’s where the AmazonBasics line comes to the rescue! They offer a good quality range that gets the job done at a low price point. While some travel carry-on backpacks are stylish and sleek they lack functionality or space. While other bags with a lot of internal space lack comfort and end up damaging your posture and your back due to the heavyweight being carried wrong. In our quest to review the AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack, we focused on Construction, External Specs, and Features, and Capacity. If you’re searching for the best travel backpack, a smart option, you might have just found it. The Salkan Backpacker bundle, with a main backpack and a detachable daypack, can look a little too overly-featured at first sight. It might even turn you off if you’re a light packer. It certainly demands getting to know what it can do. A large backpack that’s available in customized colors, it can max out to 75 liters when both daypack and main pack are filled up. We took it traveling and we also went camping on a weekend hiking trip. Backpackers will definitely find it an interesting option too. It maxes out to a total capacity of 75 liters and it is designed to bare a generous load. But is it the ideal travel companion for you? Let’s take a closer look at The Salkan Backpacker. Designed for trips lasting up to a week, NOMATIC travel backpack has got you completely covered. You can rest assured that your new travel backpack will fit in the overhead bin on the airplane as it is constructed with most airlines’ carry-on luggage regulations in mind. The bag combines the best characteristics of a duffel, suitcase and a backpack, plus includes a sleek minimalistic design and a weather-proof material. It has got YKK waterproof zippers, multiple compartments for electronics, clothes, shoes and a water bottle, and, of course, a laptop sleeve. Moreover, there is a laundry bag included so that you could separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones. The detachable strap system is in charge of the easy transformation from a duffel bag to a backpack and vice versa. You can easily travel with a roller bag – the manufacturer incorporated a sleeve that can fit over the roller bag’s handle in a matter of seconds. Crafted from the durable Polyester and equipped with waterproof YKK zippers and a buckle, the MOUNTAINTOP hiking travel pack is a backpacker’s catch. If you are planning on embarking on a month-long adventure through the Indonesian and Philippine islands, this backpack furnished with a padded hip belt with pockets and a hydration compartment is the way to go. It can hold a few weeks’ worth of clothes, dry food and up to 3 liters of water all while staying comfortable on your back. You can fill the countless backpack’s pockets with hygiene and camping products and attach trekking poles to its sides. There is an extension collar with drawstrings to make use of when you are in need of a few more liters of capacity. The divider between the main compartment and section dedicated to the sleeping bag makes it easy for you to access one or the other without having to unzip the entire pack. City travelers will enjoy the TORTUGA Setout travel backpack the most – this cylinder-style backpack is perfectly suitable for carrying your valuable electronics together with clothes and other miscellaneous items. The carry-on size means that you can freely bring it with you on a plane, while the padded straps and a hip belt with pockets ensure your comfort while doing so. You can open your Setout backpack and stuff it with your belongings as you would with a regular suitcase – the backpack’s construction allows you to neatly organize your stuff. There are enough pockets to store your on-board essentials like passport, flight tickets, Kindle and a hand sanitizer. When stowed, the backpack’s straps can be easily tucked away for the long-lastingness of your pack. SwissGear has long been known as a brand releasing high-quality products that increase the customers’ loyalty. The ScanSmart travel backpack is not an exception – it is built in a way to hold your electronic gear and garments and look business-ready at the same time. The laptop compartment is equipped with padded inserts that help protect your costly gadgets from damages. It is therefore vital to keep them safe and not let them interfere with the rest of your stuff piled in the backpack. The shoulder straps are designed to proportionately distribute the load across your back and minimize the number of breaks you have to take while hiking up the steep hill. You will find plenty of zippers present on this backpack – the manufacturer incorporated this tactic in order to allow you to access your belongings from almost every part of the backpack. Are you a photographer who tends to travel long distances for work or leisure trips? In this case, the WADNRD PRVKE travel backpack is your ride or die. Made from long-lasting Nylon that is water- and abrasion-resistant, it will protect your precious gadgets from getting destroyed by overly excited passengers who happen to run into you or a record-setting hiker who doesn’t look around. The side entry panel allows you to freely grab your drone or a DSLR camera and capture that sunset that tends to go away quicker than the blink of an eye. You will also find a pocket for storing your water bottle and tripod when a long day of shooting is ahead of you. This urban backpack will serve you a long time with its durable materials that can accommodate your laptop as well. Now you have no excuses to not edit the pictures you just took once you reach your shelter for the day. If you are on a tight budget, a Hynes Eagle travel backpack with 40L capacity should be right up your alley. Short business trips and weekend getaways are ideal scenarios for using it, although longer trips with minimum clothes are possible too. This carry-on luggage has a wide variety of compression buckle straps that allow you to adjust the fit of the backpack depending on your height. It has got adjustable sternum and waist (or rather hip) straps that make your carrying experience nicer and overall more comfortable. You can fit your 15-inch laptop along with other essentials in the main compartment and some smaller-scale items like toiletries in the front zip pocket. Pick the model that comes with packing cubes and you are all set for your travels. Backpackers who embark on week-long trips overseas are the perfect target audience for Osprey’s Atmos backpacking travel backpack. The never-seen-before AntiGravity suspension implemented in this backpack makes you feel like you are not carrying too much weight on your shoulders when you actually are. The ventilation along with the fit-on-the-fly adjusting hip belt further enhances the level of comfort you are experiencing when traveling with the Atmos. The removable top lid of the backpack is floating, which means that once it is removed, you are left with a FlapJacket flap that keeps your gear safe. The sleeping bag compartment is there, the internal hydration reservoir is there too, and so are the zippered hip belt pockets. Every little detail is well-thought-out for the amplification of your mood while trekking the Everest mountain or strolling along the dried salt lake in Bolivia. Indeed, short business trips don’t require you to bring 50L backpacks that have plenty of unfilled space. A compact carry-on travel backpack like the one from AmazonBasics is a better choice from the convenience perspective. It is designed with modern travelers in mind, meaning that there is a fleece-lined pocket for a tablet and a sleeve for your laptop that is so essential for work journeys. You have got enough space to fit your umbrella, sunglasses and toiletry items in the main compartment, and some more room in the side zippered water bottle pocket and a front storage pocket. The top and side grand handles allow you to carry your backpack in a few different ways so that you never get too tired. The backpack includes a fully vented mesh panel on the back so that you stay cool regardless of how hot the weather gets. If passing through the airport security with the speed of light is your priority, the TIMBUK2 Uptown travel backpack is just what you need. The design of this backpack is so TSA-friendly you won’t need to take your laptop out of the backpack when passing security. This means that you will have extra time to have a lunch break before embarking on a plane or a longer stroll through the duty-free shops. In addition, you get sufficient space in the main compartment for storing your laptop and other electronic devices and even more room for stuffing the front zip pocket with smaller items. The backpack is constructed from the durable Nylon and has a ventilated back panel for your ultimate comfort when traveling. You can schedule your business meetings close to your arrival time since you are able to leave the airport facility quicker than others. Mountain Warehouse traveler backpack is a 2-in-1 piece of equipment that is great for long treks overseas accompanied by overnight stays in outdoor tents or hostels. It has got a detachable daypack that allows you to explore your surroundings in a new place without having to bring the filled to the brim backpack. The back system is adjustable, while the load is evenly distributed thanks to the chest and hip straps. If your overweight backpack looks too bulky, use the built-in compression straps to reduce the voluminous appearance of the bag. The manufacturer included plenty of pockets to stuff with your essential and non-essential items and keep them organized throughout the entire duration of the trip. There is even a rain cover located at the bottom of the backpack that is designed to protect your valuable belongings from the nasty weather. Gregory Mountain J54 travel backpack is the ultimate backpacker’s dream – it is not too big or too small, is constructed from durable materials and has plenty of features. The CrossFlo suspension is a unique characteristic that makes this backpack stand out. It ventilates your back without sacrificing the transfer of the load. The Nylon made pack took it a step further and can now be distinguished by its moisture-wicking mesh placed on the waist belt and harness that keeps you dry at all times. You will find the main closure to have a quick-draw mechanism and a floating lid that makes it easy to access your belongings. The interior of the backpack has a port for the hydration reservoir that comes in handy when spending all day hiking or kayaking. The 2 exterior stretch pockets can additionally store water bottles to keep your thirst at bay. No matter if you are cross-country traveling or embarking on a worldwide adventure, the Deuter Transit travel backpack will accommodate your journeys more than just well. It is easy to carry thanks to the removable strap that is padded, a breathable shoulder harness and two grab handles that are made to last. Crafted from the finest Polytex fabric and equipped with a water- and abrasion-resistant PU coating, this bag will protect your belongings for many weeks of continuous travel. It has got a detachable daypack connected to it that allows you to leave your huge backpack and set out to explore the surroundings with a smaller piece of equipment. There is also a separate bottom compartment where you can keep a sleeping pad for camping purposes or an extra pair of hiking shoes. You are likely to enjoy discovering the new routes with this backpack in use for at least several years with the proper care. If you want your travel backpack to turn heads, the WITZMAN Vintage pack is the one to pick. Made from high-quality canvas with leather inserts, the backpack looks much more expensive than it actually is. You can carry it in your hands, on your back, or across the body – the many handles and straps allow you to do so. The deep storage of the main compartment disposes of a laptop sleeve and several small pockets for you to utilize for the on-board essentials. The buckles located at the sides of the backpack help it retain its form and not bulk up as a result of being stuffed with a huge load. There is a small pocket in the front to keep your cell phone and passport and a side pocket for your Hydro Flask or wet wipes and a hand sanitizer. The U-shape allows you to quickly access the front pocket that stores your laptop and other small items, which eliminates the need for opening up the entire pack when in crowded spaces. If you are on the lookout for a travel backpack that will safely store your photographing equipment and have enough room for your clothes and other essentials, the XH camera travel backpack by TARION is the right one. It is distinguishable by its roll-top design and waterproof construction that allows you to venture out to explore the new place regardless of the weather conditions. This is achieved through the rain cover that comes with the backpack, the sweatproof padded straps and the rock-solid compartment for the camera equipment. The hardshell cover of the backpack has 3 layers of lining material and a thick protective EPE padding that protects your valuable electronics without fail. The adjustable chest buckle along with the waist belt help to customize the fit so that you are comfortable walking and shooting all day long without taking long breaks. With the Heimplanet Travel Pack 34, you’re truly paying for quality and style. The clamshell design makes storing and organizing your items simple, quick and intuitive. There’s enough space for a weekend trip while the pack itself is compact enough to use commuting to work. This premium backpack is made of high quality and sustainable materials and has a sleek and stylish appearance. The thickness of the padding and the quality of the material will definitely protect your belongings in most situations. This makes it the perfect backpack for business trips or a work backpack where it’s exterior matches your professional environment. The Able Carry Daily Backpack is an interesting bag that has an urban tactical feel to it. This sleek 20-liter work backpack is a compact storage ideal for your everyday use. You might see it as plain, simple, and boring, but that’ll change as soon as you open it up. Figuring out the right bag for your style, purpose and needs is beset by too many options. After testing this bag for a couple of weeks it seems this one is intended for commuting, for students, for bikers, for low-profile activities and for speed. We’ll get to how well it functioned for us, but it was refreshing to see such a streamlined product in a crowded field. Looks like a good gambit for your daily shenanigans, right? But does it live up to its promises? Let’s dive into it. The international carry on size restriction is 22” x 14” x 9” give or take an inch. A 40L travel backpack falls perfectly into this category making it ideal for air or land travel. Here are a few of our favorites: When you are trying to decide what travelpack to choose, there are two main aspects you need to consider. Safety and space. Most travel packs come with zippers that interlock perfectly to accommodate a lock, slash proof material and enough space to hold three- five days worth of clothes. Yes and No. Although a suitcase offers you more space and organization it’s better for a hotel or luxury trip that doesn’t require a lot of moving around or traveling with your case. If you are planning a trip that requires more walking through rural pathways a travel pack is your best option in terms of moveability. Two words: Packing cubes! This will change your life. There is nothing worse than pulling out clothes at airport security, or trying to find an item at the bottom of your pack without messing everything up. Packing cubes allows you to store and organize different items in soft material cases that easily slides in and out of your travel pack. While every travelers needs are different most can get away with a volume pack anywhere between 35 and 50 liters. This size allows for enough space for clothes, tech and shoes that you may need during your trip. For trips that are longer or for backpacking through Europe by rail, a hiking backpack is probably the way to go. If you already have a travel backpack or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Travel Backpacks
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Great detailed article. I ended up going with the Wandrd Prvke. Yes, it does get a bit heavier, i think i will get the hip straps to see if it will take the weight off my shoulders.
Have you tried using the hip straps? if so, does it help?
Yes, it helps on the long walks.