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Choosing the best travel backpack is probably the most essential step in planning your trip. No matter if you’re planning on traveling long term or just going on a short vacation, your backpack will be “your home away from home”. So you definitely want to make sure you have a travel backpack that fits you well and doesn’t fall apart after the first use.
I know it can be confusing to pick the best backpack for travel out of the thousands on the market. But don’t worry, today I’ll help you save hours of research and tell you what to look out for in a good travel backpack and give you tips on picking the best travel backpack for your travels.
Contents
- 1 Quick Answer: The Best Travel Backpacks
- 2 How Much Should a Good Travel Backpack Cost?
- 3 What is the Best Capacity for a Travel Backpack?
- 4 Front Loading or Top Loading Backpack?
- 5 What to Look for in a Good Travel Backpack?
- 6 Best Travel Backpack Reviews
- 7 Best Overall Backpack for Travel
- 8 Best Backpack for Digital Nomads
- 9 Best Backpack for Business Travel
- 10 Best Lightweight Travel Backpack
- 11 Best Front-Loading Backpack
- 12 Best Top-Loading Travel Backpack for Women
- 13 Best Top-Loading Travel Backpack for Men
- 14 Best of the Rest
Quick Answer: The Best Travel Backpacks
How Much Should a Good Travel Backpack Cost?
A good quality backpack for travel costs anywhere from $100 – 200. I know for some of you budget backpackers out there it might sound like a lot for a bag but trust me, if there’s one thing you don’t want to skimp on, it’s a good quality backpack. Those cheap, no-name brand backpacks you can find in Chinatown or at Walmart might save you some money at first, but if you constantly have to replace them it’s going to cost way more in the long run! So save yourself some time and money by dishing out the money only once. Get yourself a good quality backpack from Osprey, Deuter or Gregory.
What is the Best Capacity for a Travel Backpack?
1. Capacity
Personally, we are fans of 35 – 45-liter backpacks because you can use them as a carry-on on budget airlines. Also, they can easily be stored under your seat or in the overhead bins of buses and trains. A smaller travel backpack also forces you to take less stuff with you. If you get a bigger travel backpack, you will have a tendency to fill the empty space and carry around unnecessary things with you, which gets quickly tiring for your shoulders and back.
Don’t think you can fit all your stuff in a 45-liter travel backpack? Check out our ultimate packing list for backpackers for help on what to pack.
2. Frame Size
After figuring out how many liters you want to carry, the next and very important step is finding a travel backpack that corresponds with your torso length and hip measurements.
To measure your torso length, find your C7 vertebrae (the boniest part at the base of your neck) and the top edge of your hipbones, then measure the distance between the two, and the number you get is your torso length.
If you don’t want to do this yourself, just visit any good camping/outdoors company and they will help you find your torso length. Based on your torso length you can decide which travel backpack size (ES, S, M, or L) is the perfect fit for you.
Here is a general size chart from REI:
- Pack size: Extra small = Torso length: Up to 15.5″
- Pack size: Small = Torso length: 16″ to 17.5″
- Pack size: Medium/Regular = Torso length: 18″ to 19.5″
- Pack size: Large/Tall = Torso length: 20″+
Please note that the sizes may vary slightly based on brand.
Front Loading or Top Loading Backpack?
Both, front loading and top loading backpacks, have their pros and cons. Neither one of them is necessarily better than the other, it’s really a matter of personal choice. We have traveled with both and prefer top loading over front loading backpacks but a lot of other travelers might disagree.
- Front loading backpacks, also called panel loading backpacks, have a zipper that goes all around the front and open like a regular suitcase, making them easier to pack and unpack. The reason why we don’t like them is because they are usually shorter and bulkier than top loading backpacks and are more difficult to store under your seat or in the overhead bins on buses and trains. Since we travel a lot by public transportation in developing countries, a front loader simple wouldn’t work for us. Plus, front loading backpacks look very weird and unproportional on your body.
- Top loading backpacks open at the top and sometimes on the bottom, depending on the bag. Getting stuff in and out is a little bit more difficult than with a front loading backpack but once you know how to pack your travel backpack properly it shouldn’t be a huge problem. We, for example, always pack the stuff we need the most near the top or bottom of the bag, and everything else goes in between. Top loading backpacks are also slimmer and taller than front loading backpacks.
What to Look for in a Good Travel Backpack?
No matter what size you choose or if front loading or top loading, your new travel backpack should definitely have the following features:
- Padded shoulder straps: Good padded shoulder straps are essential to avoid bruising and to add comfort when carrying around your bag.
- Padded hip strap: Good hip straps help you distribute your backpack’s weight more evenly and take away the pressure from your shoulders and back.
- Back Cushion/Ventilation: A good travel backpack should have plenty of back cushion and allow air to move freely, keeping your back from sweating against your bag.
- Sternum strap: This little mid-chest strap might not look like much, but it is essential for bringing your bag towards your body and stabilizing heavy loads.
- Hip-belt pockets: Those extra pockets can come in handy for the smaller items you need more frequently like your passport, money, phone, etc.
- Water-resistant material: Your new backpack probably won’t be 100% waterproof, but it should at least be semi-water-resistant for the times you suddenly get caught in a downpour.
- Rain cover (tarp): Besides the backpack being semi-water-resistant I also strongly recommend you get one that has a rain cover. If your preferred backpack doesn’t come with a rain cover, you can always purchase one separately.
- Compression straps: Compression straps help you tighten your backpack and distribute the weight more evenly.
- Multiple compartments: Multiple compartments help you keep your things organized and allow for easier access.
- Water bottle pockets: It’s not the end of the world if your bag doesn’t have water bottle pockets but I think they are a nice addition to any backpack.
Best Travel Backpack Reviews
Now that you know what to look for here is a list of the best backpacks for travel.
Best Overall Backpack for Travel
1. Osprey Farpoint 40
A great alternative if you want to leave your rolling carry-on luggage behind, this 40-liter backpack gives you more than enough space for a RTW trip. The Farpoint 40 gives you three separate pockets and six ID windows. There are also two dual front mesh pockets and there’s even a lockable sleeve compartment for your tablet or laptop. If you end up having to check this bag when you’re flying, it’s no problem because the entire suspension system (harness and hipbelt) can be stowed in the back panel, decreasing the likelihood of damage. The great news is that even if it does get damaged, Osprey guarantees they will repair or replace the pack no matter when you bought it. Their quality and reputation are unmatched. You can’t go wrong with Osprey.
View on Amazon View on REI View on Osprey
Best Backpack for Digital Nomads
2. Aer Travel Pack 2
With several internal compartments and a convenient top pocket for smaller items, this 33-liter front-loading backpack will keep your belongings organized and easy to access. The Aer Travel Pack 2 gives you enough space for essentials while the compact design and padded top and side handles make for effortless transportation and storage. Lockable zippers and side compression straps keep contents safe and secure, and additional convenient features include a separate shoe compartment, a quick-access laptop pocket, an expandable water bottle pocket, and a water resistant exterior. In addition to offering convenience and efficiency, this high-quality pack is sure to keep you comfortable with padded handles, ergonomic shoulder straps, and a detachable hip belt.
View on AER
Best Backpack for Business Travel
3. Bellroy Transit
If you’re looking for a compact travel backpack that’s also great for everyday use, check out this versatile front loader from Bellroy. The standard Transit Backpack is 28L, and Bellroy also offers a plus-size version with a 38L capacity, which is still a convenient carry-on size. Designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, the pack comes with padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and internal compression straps to condense your belongings and make it easier to carry. Some other nifty features include a water resistant exterior, a key clip, and conveniently placed pockets for a pair of sunglasses, a water bottle, a passport, and a laptop. The backpack boasts a chic design that comes in four stylish colors, and Bellroy offers a generous three-year warranty on all of their travel bags.
View on Amazon
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack
4. Osprey Talon 44
This 44-liter backpack is at the forefront of Osprey’s high-performance, lightweight, multi-sport packs, ideal for your backpacking trip through Europe. It’s even been updated to maximize comfort and practicality. This top-loading backpack has a main compartment with a removable top pocket and under-lid mesh pocket. The Talon 44 Backpack is great if you want to take on some exciting hikes on your travel because it has a trekking pole attachment as well as an exterior hydration compartment, perfect if you don’t feel like bringing a separate travel water bottle. It fits more gear than you’d think it would, plus you’ll even have a rescue whistle on your adjustable sternum strap to keep you as safe as possible. It’s hard to argue against the Talon 44 Backpack.
View on Amazon View on REI View on Osprey
Best Front-Loading Backpack
5. Tortuga Outbreaker
Made with waterproof sailcloth fabric, foam padding, and ultra-tough zippers, this front-loading backpack is a great choice for comfort and durability. The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack comes in two convenient sizes, 35L (maximum size for international carry-ons) and 45L (maximum size for United States carry-ons). The padded hip belt diverts weight from your shoulders, and the soft backside padding and adjustable shoulder straps offer optimal comfort. There are also two side pockets for water bottles and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, while the internal organization pockets are great for keeping cards, travel documents, and other small valuables safe and accessible.
View on Amazon View on Tortuga
Best Top-Loading Travel Backpack for Women
6. Osprey Aura 65
The comfort and ventilation of this backpack are superior thanks to the anti-gravity suspension and lightweight mesh. There’s a floating top lid in case you need more storage, but it can also be removed if you want to lighten your load. The pack is equipped with dual removable and adjustable sleeping pad straps as well as an attachment for trekking poles. Side and internal compression straps will help to stabilize the weight while the adjustable harness and hip belt make sure you’ll be comfortable while you’re backpacking through Florence. This 65-liter pack is great for any woman who’s ready to take on the world.
View on Amazon View on REI View on Osprey
Best Top-Loading Travel Backpack for Men
7. Osprey Atmos 65
There are so many reasons why this is an award-winning backpack, but here are the highlights. You’ll be able to access your gear through a zippered front panel or through the top of the pack. Your versatile top lid can be detached if you want to drop some weight, but it’s perfect if you need some extra storage. Unfortunately, your lightweight travel umbrella won’t protect everything in your backpack, but thankfully the integrated FlapJacket will make sure your stuff stays nice and dry. Five exterior zipper pockets and three slip pockets make it easy to store and find your smaller items. The adjustable hip belt, adjustable harness, and antigravity back panel give you an amazing, custom-fitting backpack for all of your future adventures.
View on Amazon View on REI View on Osprey
Best of the Rest
8. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40
This 40-liter front-loading backpack offers convenient features for outdoor use and a sleek design that makes it easy to travel with. With two external side pockets and a convenient back panel sleeve and access port, the REI Co-op Ruckpack can easily store a hydration reservoir and multiple water bottles. There are also tuckable trekking pole attachments and a hidden chain to attach additional gears. Designed with tough recycled nylon and an included rain cover, the Ruckpack is built to last no matter where you take it. The lockable zippers and the combined sternum strap and survival whistle ensure that you and your belongings will be perfectly safe, and a ventilated mesh back and padded shoulder straps provide unbeatable comfort.
View on REI
9. Osprey Porter 46
With built-in technical pack suspension, the 46-liter Porter is super comfy whether you’re backpacking, flying, or road tripping through Croatia. The main compartment has lockable zippered access, and there’s a front panel pocket with an internal zipper pocket for your smaller items as well as padded sleeves for your tablet or laptop. To make sure all of your things stay protected and the load stays stabilized, the sidewalls have foam padding and StraightJacket compression. The shoulder harnesses can be stowed away and you’ll also have a rescue whistle buckle along with an adjustable sternum strap. If you end up needing some extra storage, the four reinforced cord loops on the front panel allow you to attach your own small daypack. You’ll love traveling in comfort with your Osprey Porter Travel Backpack Bag.
View on Amazon View on REI View on Osprey
10. Kelty Redwing 50
This best-selling backpack gives you all the space you need and the comfort you want. The hybrid-loader makes accessing everything from your action camera to your waterproof travel jacket super easy no matter where you pack them in your bag. It’s easy to stay organized with this backpack because in addition to your main compartment, you’ll have a large front pocket to organize your smaller items as well as zippered side and stash pockets. Along with water bottle pockets, the backpack has a hydration compatible design. The backpack design provides support for the weight while keeping the load off of your shoulders and close to your center of gravity. Once you get yours, you’ll understand why it’s a bestseller.
View on Amazon View on REI
There you have it, the best travel backpacks currently on the market. Whether you’re hiking up mountains or trekking through airport security, these best-in-class backpacks have got you covered.