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Before you go out on your next big trip, make sure you're equipped with a reliable travel bag. You'll want to look for something lightweight yet durable, with plenty of room for your belongings. And while a tote or messenger bag might look great on paper, they start to feel uncomfortable to carry after long periods of time and, frankly, just don't hold that much stuff. When it comes to travel bags, you can't beat the comfort, versatility and space of the best travel backpacks.
At a glance: The best travel backpacks
The best travel backpacks provide a safe place for your gear, electronics, accessories and valuables, whether you're hiking Machu Picchu or strolling the cobbled streets of Europe. Because they are worn close to your body, these backpacks naturally keep your belongings close — and away from potential pickpockets.
in this article
- The best travel backpacks to buy now
- Travel backpack buying guide
- How we picked the best travel backpacks
The best travel backpacks to buy now
Below are some of the best travel backpacks available right now. We chose these packages after testing several ourselves on multiple trips and comparing our experiences with other product experts and customers.
editor's choice
Patagonia Black Hole MLC
I've been using a Patagonia Black Hole as my go-to backpack/daypack for many years and I still think it's the best travel backpack out there. The classic Black Hole backpack it's great, but this MLC (Maximum Legal Carry) leans more towards the backpack side. It has what we think is better organization than the original: The interior is split in two with a main compartment for clothes and other travel items and another compartment for tech and everyday essentials. It's also extremely durable and, like all Patagonia products, comes with the famous lifetime warranty.
Runner up
Cotopaxi Allpa
In the 35 liter version, this Allpa backpack from Cotopaxi is about as versatile as a bag can be. The clamshell design allows you to fully unzip the backpack, like a suitcase, for easier packing and visibility when accessing items. Inside there are also several pockets that help maximize capacity. The build quality and materials – ballistic nylon and polyester with a TPU coating – are also very durable for years of hard use.
small backpack
Herschel Little America 25L
This Herschel backpack may be called “Little America,” but it has enough storage space to take you around the world. The classic “hiking” style sack is made from heavy-duty 600D polyester that holds almost anything you put inside (most bags use a 300 denier gauge which isn't as thick or durable). This bag holds 25 liters worth of stuff, with storage in a front zippered pocket, an internal “media pocket” for things like phones and tablets, and a laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch computer. Don't let the leather straps fool you: they actually close with magnets so you never have to unfasten the bag. The bag's upright design and adjustable straps help it sit flat on your back for a more comfortable carrying experience.
Large backpack
Osprey Farpoint 55L
Heading to Europe for a backpacking trip? Check out this Fairpoint backpack from Osprey. With a capacity of 55 litres, it's big enough to carry about a week's worth of clothes. It's also very comfortable — even when fully loaded — thanks to the waist belt and plenty of padding all around. Inside, there's a padded laptop or tablet pocket, as well as other organizational pockets. On the outside, you have removable sleeping bag straps for camping trips. It's a great choice for rugged adventures — whether you're riding through airports, train stations, roads or the desert.
Hybrid backpack
Dakine Verge 32L
If you're looking for a backpack that doubles as an everyday carrier as well as a travel companion, check out this Dakine Verge. I've been using one for about a year – both for day trips and air travel – and I think it's one of the best backpacks I've ever tried. The real draw for me is the pocket setup, which includes a large main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and lots of pockets throughout (some very well hidden if you want to hide something secret). There is also a practical luggage sleeve.
Travel backpack buying guide
Not all backpacks are made equal. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best travel backpack for your adventures.
Comfort: The best travel backpacks are made of lightweight padded materials for a comfortable day of travel. Also, look out for adjustable straps and even other carry options (eg drop handles).
Size: The most important feature of any backpack is its storage space. The best travel backpacks will have one or two main pockets for larger items (eg laptop, magazines, headphones) and several small to medium sized pockets for things like your phone, tablet, wallet and snacks. If you're packing clothes, use a larger main compartment and fewer secondary pockets. If you mostly pack gadgets, toiletries, and other small items, choose something that has more small pockets for better organization.
Weather resistance: Backpacks for travel should withstand all conditions. All of the options on our list are made from weather-resistant materials, so it won't be a disaster if you get caught in the rain while walking through a train station.
Style: There's no reason to ruin an outfit with an ugly backpack. Since you'll likely be using your travel backpack once you get to your destination (not just during the trip), we think the best travel backpacks combine fashion and function to carry your stuff in style. Look for neutral colors, timeless silhouettes and unique materials to put together a range of outfits.
How we picked the best travel backpacks
Our team of product editors travels frequently, so we've had the opportunity to test many popular travel backpacks in the real world. We looked for comfort during multi-day walking around airports and public transportation systems, smart organization layouts for maximum carrying capacity and easy access to things we need, and durability for multiple trips. After finding our favorites, we compared the notes with other expert reviews and customer feedback. The picks above are finalists that ticked all the boxes, are available (as of writing) from reputable online retailers, and have an average customer rating of at least 3.7/5 stars.
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