The 20 Best Travel Backpacks

Choosing the best travel backpack for your needs is not an easy thing to do, and it shouldn’t be done carelessly. There are many different types of backpacks you can choose from. What you need to care about most, we believe, is to have enough comfort and space.

If you are minimalist or only go for weekend trips, a size of around 20-25 liters will suffice, while for larger adventures, you will need a 40-55 liter bag. An ideal traveling bag has the following features: a 90- or 180-degree opening for ease of access, a waist strap to distribute the load evenly and keep the stress off your shoulders, and a compartment for electronics. It should also be carry-on sized to avoid additional luggage fees (meaning 40 liters of space or less) if you’re planning to take in through the airways, and made out of rain-resistant material if you plan to take it outdoors.

This list varies wildly depending on your price range and the storage space needed, but the quality and comfort of every bag are above average. Here is a list of the best 20 travel bags currently on the market.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40Osprey Packs Farpoint 40

The Farpoint 40 is another medium-sized travel backpack. The 40 indicates the number of pounds you can carry with it. Once inside, your load will be secured with two internal compression straps that are quite strong. This backpack made out of nylon and is constructed to meet airline requirements. As such, it offers a 180-degree opening.

On the front side, we have dual mesh pockets that are scratch-free. The Farpoint 40 also has an internal LightWire frame that is designed to transfer the load from harness to hip belt for your protection. Another plus is a back panel that can be stowed or zipped away while on the road. All of these reasons add up to one of the most comfortable backpacks on the market.

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Hynes Eagle Travel 40LHynes Eagle Travel 40L

With its capacity of 40 liters, Hynes designed a backpack that gives you the maximum size allowed for an overhead compartment on a flight. The height on this model can easily be adjusted with multiple exterior compression straps, or you could just convert the backpack to a duffel in a few seconds.

The Eagle backpack has three main parts: a front pocket that contains multiple smaller ones for organization purposes, a second pocket in which you can easily fit a 15.6-inch laptop, and the largest main compartment in which you can store most of your travel kit. It also features a side pocket in which you can put a water bottle or an umbrella.

There is also a more expensive variant of this backpack that comes with packing cubes that will definitely suit you if you are a world-wide traveler.

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NOMATIC Travel Pack 30 LNOMATIC Travel Pack 30 L

As a smaller brother of the NOMATIC 40, this backpack lives up to the brand’s reputation. Its basic storage of 20 liters can easily expand to 30 liters through the simple expansion process. The dimensions of this bag are 18.5 x 6 x 12 inches.

The bag is ultra flexible and features zippers that are waterproof and can be locked. It also has an RFID pocket. Your electronics are separated from other everyday items by the mesh divider. All the pockets have a path for a charging cable, which is an excellent plus.

The people at NOMATIC pay attention to the smallest details with a magnetic snap bottle pocket and a retractable key leash. You can also unsnap the back panel to carry your bag like a briefcase if you want, making it suitable for a more professional setting too.

This travel backpack successfully toes the line of practicality and comfort.

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Matein's Travel Laptop BackpackMatein’s Travel Laptop Backpack

Matein’s backpack features a separate compartment that can hold a laptop that’s up to 15.6 inches wide. It is both comfortable and sturdy with ventilated padding designed specifically to give you maximum back support. The top handle is padded with foam, which is another plus when it comes to comfort.

If you have plenty of items to carry and feel overwhelmed, you can always use the luggage strap to free up your hands. There is an anti-theft pocket on the back, so you can further protect your most valuable items. This model also has a built-in USB charger and charging cable, which makes it quite convenient to use. The polyester material from which this backpack is made is both water-resistant and durable. This backpack is geared more towards lighter travel, and as such, will satisfy most low-adventure customers.

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Swissgear 1900 ScansmartSwissgear 1900 Scansmart

“Boy, do these Swiss make lousy backpacks,“ said no one ever! This model is made of 1,200-denier ballistic polyester, which makes it an ideal candidate for use in harsher climates. ScanSmart stands for its lay-flat technology, which will help you pass through airport security a lot quicker with its 180-degree opening.

Packed with multiple compartments for books, a laptop, and other electronics, it is an organizer’s dream come true. On the comfort side, you have easily adjustable compression straps and a back panel with ventilation. It comes in one size (19”). You can use it as a work backpack.

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YOREPEK Extra Large BackpackYOREPEK Extra Large Backpack

Coming up in first place is YOREPEK’s monstrous travel backpack. It has a large capacity of 45 liters with over 20 little pockets that will satisfy even the most demanding organizers. It also has a padded sleeve made specifically for laptops (up to 17 inches).

This backpack is specially designed with airplane travel in mind. As the zipper goes all the way down to the bottom, the bag will open up to 180-degrees, letting you breeze through security as you will not need to remove all of your gear from the backpack. It is also laptop friendly, with its built-in USB charging port as well as well as a convenient hole for your headphones.

Polyester fabric and waterproof zippers make this backpack incredibly secure and durable. And, most important of all, this is an extremely comfortable backpack with a back panel that simultaneously prevents overheating and helps with air circulation. With this model, the designers at YOREPEK proved that there is such a thing as a perfect backpack.

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Ebags TLS Mother LodeEbags TLS Mother Lode

This is another high-quality travel backpack. It comes in two sizes: 19.5 and 22 inches, so it is possible to fit the biggest laptops in there. Ebags also features an expansion zipper that adds more than 10% of space. The zippers are equipped with a lockable ring that successfully secures your items.

If you are traveling at night, you don’t need to worry about traffic because this backpack has an orange lining designed for high visibility. The Mother Lode has two main compartments that are further divided into smaller ones for ease of organization, and you even have a zippered pocket you can separate from the bag.

This model is comfortable as well with its padded and ventilated back panel and sternum strap, which you can further adjust. On the visual side, you can choose from seven different colors, guaranteeing you will find one that resonates with you.

For some extremely durable options, check out our guide to the best military backpacks.

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Amazonbasics Travel Laptop BackpackAmazonbasics Travel Laptop Backpack

With this model, Amazonbasics has established themselves on the market as one of the more impressive backpack designers. It has multiple compartments, including a separate padded place for the laptop (up to 17 inches), tablet (12 inches), and an internal pouch for your cell phone.

Extra support and comfort are offered with back padding and a shoulder strap, which has a place to put your glasses as well. There is also a top loop handle that gives you a good grip when you need to pick it up. The capacity of this model is 26.6 liters, so it is best suited for moderate travel.

You may also be interested in some of the top American-made backpacks from our list. Check them out.

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Osprey Packs Farpoint 55Osprey Packs Farpoint 55

As a perfect travel companion, the Farpoint 55 is designed to handle up to 50 pounds. This model is a nice combination of good design and durability. It is made out of durable nylon fabric and will easily last you a lifetime.

Like the Farpoint 40, this model also features the LightWire frame made to spread out the load for optimal wearing and comfort. It also has lockable sliders for security. On the front side, there are two compression straps, which will secure your loadout during travel. It also has a detachable backpack that you can use for your day trips. The Farpoint 55 has you covered whether you are a seasoned traveler or a newbie.

Take a moment to also check out our selection of the top-rated commuter backpacks for cyclists.

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AmazonBasics Carry-OnAmazonBasics Carry-On

This is a lightweight and ultra-flexible backpack made out of durable polyester. Its dimensions are 15 x 6.5 x 20 inches. It has all the standard specs; multiple compartments for organization that are double zippered, pockets for documents and place for a laptop. Also, there is an option to expand your storage space by 10%.

It can also be carried as a suitcase. The shoulder straps are padded and can disconnect easily if you wish to do so. Considering the price of about $50, this is another solid AmazonBasics product.

be sure to pick your favorite packing cubes from our list, as an alternative.

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Osprey Packs Porter 46 Travel PackOsprey Packs Porter 46 Travel Pack

Depending on your needs, you can buy this backpack in three sizes: 30 liters, 46 liters, and 65 liters. This is the largest carry-on compatible Porter and has all of the standard Osprey features, such as straightjacket compression, a hip belt, a D-ring attachment, top and side handles, and a stowaway shoulder harness.

On the front side, it has cord loops on which you can attach an Osprey daypack and a pocket which you can easily access (ideal for documents). In addition to all of this, the Porter 46 is very stylish as well. You cannot miss with this one.

Our guide to the best-selling waterproof backpacks offers more cool bags like this.

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Mateins Outdoor Backpack 44LMateins Outdoor Backpack 44L

This is an extra large, TSA-friendly travel backpack with dimensions of 15 x 9.8 x 19.5 inches. Next to a laptop compartment (up to 17.3 inches), there is a roomy middle compartment for all of your traveling accessories. On both sides of the backpack, there are pockets for a water bottle and additional hidden pockets. A USB charging port offers a nice way to charge up your phone while on the road. There is also a port for travel headphones. It is made out of durable polyester fabric that is also water-resistant. Overall, this visually stunning modern backpack is another solid choice for traveling.

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NOMATIC 40L Travel BagNOMATIC 40L Travel Bag

This ultra-futuristic looking backpack/duffel hybrid is made out of water-repellent tarpaulin. With a capacity of 40 liters, it fits the maximum size that’s allowed on an airplane. Aside from standard compartments, there is also a shoe compartment, laptop, tablet, and notebook pocket, and an RFID (radio frequency identification) protected pocket.

The Nomatic 40L is TSA compliant and designed to help you pass through security as fast as possible. All zippers are waterproof. This is easily the best looking backpack on the list.

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Hynes Eagle 44 LHynes Eagle 44 L

This new, improved version combines a soft exterior with waterproof nylon to offer a mix of comfort and durability. This is a model designed for a longer journey and can be compressed down to 38 liters with four exterior buckle straps, making it easily fit IATA flights.

You can carry this backpack/duffel in four different ways, which makes it one of the more versatile traveling products. On the front side, you have two zip pockets that are ideal for passport and other documents. The back support is air meshed, making it very comfortable. All of these features make this backpack a necessary addition to this list.

Be sure to also browse our list of the most popular college backpacks on the market.

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Pacsafe Vibe 40Pascafe Vibe 40

This 40-liter backpack is comfortable and sleek-looking. It is stowaway padded and features shoulder straps. The backstrap length is adjustable, ranging from 25.2 to 36.3 inches (64 – 92 cm). For security reasons, it comes with built-in anti-theft technology (an eXomesh Slashguard steel wire mesh that is combined with nylon fabric). The zippers on this backpack can also be interlocked, making the Pascafe Vibe the safest bag on the list.

You may also like these stylish sling backpacks from our list. Check them out and pick your favorite.

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Hynes Eagle Everyday Backpack 32 LHynes Eagle Everyday Backpack 32 L

This rucksack will surely protect your essentials from damage and moisture. The Eagle Everyday is made out of special polyurethane-coated polyester, which is an excellent waterproof material. For stability, this model has an internal frame commuter, and security is covered with lockable zippers.

To organize your essentials, there are four additional pockets and dual bottle holders. There is also a sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. Reflective straps are added for on-bike visibility. With dimensions of 22.8 x 12.6 x 7.9 inches, it is more suited for lighter travel, but it is still one hell of a backpack.

For outdoor adventures, check out our guide to the best tactical backpacks.

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SwissDigital Laptop BackpackSwissDigital Laptop Backpack

This is an especially durable backpack constructed from eco-friendly 1,680-denier ballistic polyester. It has four huge compartments, so there is no shortage of space. It also has an ergonomic S curve design for your comfort and air flow. To stop your personal information from being stolen, there is an RFID protection pocket.

It’s a robust backpack, and when you buy it, you also get a lifetime warranty, making this bag a tremendous win-win.

Take a look at our list of top-rated hunting backpacks and find the right one for your adventure.

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Pascafe Venturesafe x40Pascafe Venturesafe x40

This is a backpack you’d like to have when you are on an adventure. With dimensions of 8.6 x 11.8 x 21.7 inches, this 40-liter backpack will be best suited for longer travels. It has a U-shaped frame made out of aluminum that comes in handy for heavier loads.

This is a high-end model and, as such, offers great security. Embedded in the fabric, there is a stainless steel wire that will protect you from slash-and-run theft. The zippers can be locked as well. It also has a built-in rain cover that will protect your belongings in case of a storm.

With the Pascafe Venturesafe, you will surely feel completely secure.

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Lifeasy Travel Backpack, 35LLifeasy Travel Backpack, 35L

This backpack can expand from 20 to 35 liters. It is designed to meet all of the TSA requirements and will also save you some money on baggage fees. The fabric is especially well-designed and has waterproof and anti-scratch properties.

When you open the bag, you will see multiple compartments that are neatly layered. It can be used both as a normal backpack and as a suitcase. For your electronics, you have a padded laptop (17.3 inches) and tablet sleeve and a USB charging port that removes all the inconvenience of charging your phone or mp3 player.

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Oscaurt Travel BackpackOscaurt Travel Backpack

If you are on a limited budget, this is the one travel backpack to look into. It contains a 180-degree adjustable main compartment with various little pockets for your phone, wallet, and slim laptops. Inside, you will also find a USB charger that will surely come in handy.

If your back gets tired, you can always use the luggage strap to set the bag on a suitcase. Reflective stripes on the front will make you easily visible at night. The makers at Oscaurt designed this backpack to be anti-theft with the zippers being fully hidden and one secret pocket in the back. For a price of only about $30, you just cannot find a better backpack.

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