The best travel backpacks
Tired of carrying heavy luggage every time you travel? Start using a backpack to make your traveling experience more accessible and joyful.
Why a backpack? The primary reason to buy a backpack is to travel light, especially when traveling around the world. In comparison, suitcases can be hefty when you set on a long journey. They can be an excellent option for long getaways or when you’ll be staying in one location for an extended period.
Similarly, backpacks can be handy for students and professionals that carry electronic items such as laptops and cameras. Having such things in backpacks protects them from getting destroyed by falling or exposure to outside elements.
If you’re frequently moving and traveling around the globe, it’s more beneficial to have an appropriate backpack. They’re more flexible, fit into tight spots, easy to carry up and down flights of stairs, no need to grab them while boarding the escalator or take them up a set of steps or down cobblestone streets. Overall, they simplify life.
However, choosing the right backpack can be a tricky business, and for that very reason, we have done the legwork for you. They are available in different sizes, possessing many great features.
If it’s too big, then you’ll be carrying an excess load to transport around. If it’s too small, then you’ll be unable to pack everything you need in it. If it’s the wrong fabric, your belongings will end up wet whenever it pours. But don’t worry, our list of recommendations will make it easier to pick the best option.
Best overall
SHRRADOO Extra Large Travel Backpack
SHRRADOO Extra Large Travel Backpack
Firstly, the backpack is made from material that makes it water-resistant, protecting your laptops from rain. Secondly, its size, design, and color make it unique. Men, women, and students can use it for multipurpose, i.e., traveling, high school, or college-going. Lastly, it has comfy large mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding to relieve the strain on your shoulders.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
The SHRRADOO travel laptop backpack is the best option for you as it’s made with high-quality polyester fabric and nylon lining, making it water-resistant. The backpack has 20 pockets and the main compartment for storage. The large compartment impressed us as it has many pockets that make packing clothes, travel accessories, notebooks, and stationery more effortless. It also has side-deep zipper pockets for easy access to necessities, and the side elastic net pockets are perfect for holding umbrellas or water bottles.
With dimensions 19.5x15x11 (inches) and 50L capacity, the backpack has a separate laptop compartment with padding for 13-inch MacBook 14, 15, 15.6, and up to 17 inches Laptop.
Best for women
Ytonet Travel Laptop Backpack
Ytonet Travel Laptop Backpack
The bag is so light that it isn’t that heavy even after putting stuff in, and the adjustable padded shoulder straps can release the pressure on your shoulder and back.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
The Ytonet laptop backpack is made from durable and waterproof polyester material. It has 12 pockets, including a USB port for charging your laptop or smartphone, an RFID pocket, and a back zipper pocket. A 15- 16-inch laptop compartment and an extra compartment to store your passport or ID necessities.
The backpack is 16 x 11 x 6.5 inches in dimension and weighs 1.7 pounds. It’s perfect for women with its wide-opening design that gives easy access to all the items in your bag. You can also put the luggage strap on a trolley or suitcase handle, making it easy for travel.
Best premium
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
You can store many items in the main compartment, are comfortable to carry, simple to pack/unpack, and fits effortlessly in overhead bins.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Osprey travel backpack comes with padded sidewalls, easy storage, and a suspension that allows backpack-style carrying. The Porter 46 is a duffle bag-style backpack with a large panel lockable zip on the main compartment, a vertical zipper pocket on the front, padded top and side handles, and reinforced cord loops.
It is available in black and Diablo red colors, and is 22H X 14W X 11D inches in dimension. The only setback we come across is that the padded waist strap might be too short for some people, and the nylon fabric used to make this backpack blocks airflow, meaning you might end up with a sweaty back.
Best for laptop
YOREPEK Travel Laptop Backpack
It has a lot of room that can hold multiple items, has a top handle that is sturdy and easy to carry.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
The YOREPEK backpack is made with water-resistant material and has a main compartment for easy storage; you can fit clothes, books, electronics, etc. Additionally, it has a TSA-friendly padded sleeve compartment that can easily fit up to 17 inches laptops.
It has 20 separate pockets including, a front pocket and adjustable side net pockets. Moreover, it has an external USB port and headphone jack. Its U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation design allows heat elimination and more air convection.
The backpack weighs 2.42 pounds with 18 x 8 x 13.9 inches dimensions. You can use it as a travel, laptop, or college backpack.
Best affordable
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
The Tzowla bag has an anti-theft feature that allows you to have a fixed password lock, guaranteeing the safeguard of your valuable items. As a result, there is no need to worry that your backpack will be stolen by simply opening it during your travels or in a line.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Tzowla’s water-resistant backpack has one laptop compartment that holds up to 15.6-inch laptops and one compartment to keep daily necessities. It also has a headphone and USB port that you can use via your own power bank.
With dimensions 20 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches and available in colors; black, blue, red, purple, red, and blue camouflage, the backpack has been made with nylon on its exterior and soft fluffy interior to protect your items against abrasion, tearing, and bumps.
Best carry on
Dinictis Carry on Travel Backpack
Dinictis Carry on Travel Backpack
The product conforms with the flight regulations. You can easily place it in an overhead compartment or under the seat.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Made with high-density polyester, the Dinictis carry-on is waterproof and scratch-resistant. It has two compartments, one for laptops and one for packing clothes or daily necessities. In addition, it has a front pocket, an inner mesh compartment for toiletries, and an adjustable side pocket.
Another great feature is that it also has a side handle along with back straps and shoulder straps, offering you multiple holding methods. The backpack is easy to hold and carry, as it weighs only 2.49 pounds. Its suitable for a 17-inch laptop as the overall dimension of the bag is 19.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches.
Best under $100
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
Inside the backpack, there is a protective laptop sleeve to defend against abrasion, bumps, especially when putting it down on the floor.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Herschel Little America Backpack has a timeless design created to suit everyone. You can use it for traveling, business trips, school life, or for a weekend getaway. Made with polyester and nylon, it’s user-friendly and easy to carry. The classic design has a signature striped liner, straps with metal pins, and drawcord closure.
It also has unique padded shoulder straps that are contoured and cushioned back with air mesh that provides comfort. Packed with many large compartments, pockets, a hidden zipper for anti-theft protection, an extra pocket for the phone, and a headphone port, the bag weighs 1.74 pounds.
The backpack is also huge, with 5 x 10.75 x 16 inches in dimension. Therefore the size of the bag might be too big and bulky for everyday use.
Best with wheels
MATEIN Rolling Travel Backpack
MATEIN Rolling Travel Backpack
The product is multipurpose, it can be used as a backpack, and the wheels on the bottom allow you to stow it away when it’s bothersome to carry or too heavy.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Matein’s waterproof rolling backpack offers you convenience, durability, and security. Made with polyester, the bag’s fabric is sturdy and gives protection against water. In addition, it has adjustable metal swivel hooks, lockable metal zippers, and padded shoulder straps that relieve the pressure of the shoulder.
The bag’s telescoping handle is sturdy. It is adjustable to two sizes, and it does not protrude from the back when stowed away, so its back is comfortable when worn. In addition, the bottom is padded with waterproof material, and the bag has panel corner guards to protect from scratches
The matien backpack has a stylish design and is available in different colors, including floral, black, and blue. The bag weighs 4.8 pounds and is 21 x 14 x 9 inches in dimension.
Best for moms
Cosyland Diaper Bag Travel Backpack
Cosyland Diaper Bag Travel Backpack
The bag has two types of straps; back and stroller straps. You can use it as a backpack or hold it. It also has an additional bottle holder that is protected and can hold a 4 oz. bottle. You can also place this bottle holder in the side elasticized pockets.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
COSYLAND diaper bags for moms are sturdy and water-resistant. They have 14 organizer compartments that can store many things. The compartment with the feeding bottle pocket is super-thick, keeping the bottle warm or cold. Simultaneously, it also protects the bottle glass from breaking if the bag flips over. It also has shoulder straps adjustable up to 38 inches long.
We have noticed that it is much more than a typical diaper bag. The COSYLAND diaper bag comes with a USB charge interface and insulation bag. It can be positioned once placed on the ground; you don’t have to worry about it falling over.
The bag weighs 1.98 pounds and is 9.8 x 6.7 x 14.4 inches in dimension.
Best for men
Oscaurt Laptop Travel Backpack
Oscaurt Laptop Travel Backpack
The backpack is very functional and practical. It is water-resistant, can withstand rain pouring very easily.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
The Oscaurt backpack has many compartments, including pockets for phones, two side pockets for umbrellas or bottles, and a hidden safe pocket at the back. We liked this bag because it embraces anti-theft technology, whereas the main compartment zipper is hidden inside the back, making your valuables safe.
The bag has a reflective stripe, USB port and is designed with EVA material that makes it comfortable.
The bag has a great design; it weighs 2.3 pounds with 11 x 5 x 17 inches in dimensions. Since the bag is light and small, it’s not fit for use by school/college-attending people. Furthermore, you can easily use it for business trips or travel.
What to look for in a good travel backpack
The best backpacks last the longest and remain in good shape regardless of how much you use them. To buy a good travel backpack, you can always checklist these steps:
The purpose
Before you set off buying just any backpack, the first step is always clearly to analyze your purpose of buying. Every backpack is made in a certain way to cater to a specific need. For example, a school bag may not be ideal for traveling, or a carry-on might not be the best option for a college bag. Basically, if you buy a backpack with a clear purpose, finding the perfect fit to do the job won’t be difficult.
Every backpack has a distinguished style and design. Some models are suitable for men while others for females. Similarly, the length of straps, the size, and the bag’s weight also make a huge difference.
The size
Why does size matter? Size matters because your backpack should be proportional to your height. When your bag is too small or too large, it will not be appropriately balanced and could cause back pain or even cause you to fall over. It’s not ideal to have a towering structure hanging over the back of your body. However, we recommend you shouldn’t have a bag that’s too small and over stuffed.
You’re looking for a backpack that’s big enough to accommodate at least a bit more than what you’re carrying. If a backpack can accommodate all you need and has a little additional space, feel at ease, then you’ve found the perfect size backpack.
(Note: Manufacturers also provide suggested waist and torso dimensions for every model)
The features
Focus on the features of a backpack before buying; they really make a difference. This is where you can guarantee if the money you are spending is worth the value. The characteristics that indicate the sign of a good travel backpack are:
- Water-resistant – if the product is made from water-resistant material. It has more chances of withstanding harsh weather and being durable. (The material doesn’t have to be 100% waterproof)
- Lockable zippers – Lockable zippers mean that you have a higher chance of protecting your valuables from theft during travel.
- Multiple compartment – Check if the backpack has numerous compartments, particularly one large-sized and one for electronics. It’s always great to also have side and back pockets.
- Padded hip belt – A travel backpack usually carries a lot of weight that pushes down on your hips; a padded hip belt helps support some of that weight.
- Padded shoulder straps – Padded shoulder straps help release pressure from the shoulders. The pads put less stress on your shoulders and take the pressure off your lower back.
- Contoured back – A padded lumbar-shaped back helps spread the weight more evenly. It naturally creates an arch that ensures no back discomfort. Furthermore, it creates a little distance between you and your backpack, allowing air to circulate and helping you sweat less.
FAQ
How to match your backpack with your travel style?
One of the essential factors to think about when purchasing the right backpack for your travels is understanding your personal style of travel because different bags are made for various applications.
For instance:
– If you’re traveling for business, you may want to consider slimmer and more elegant bags.
– If you’re visiting one or two cities, you may not require an enormous backpack, and a small, stylish bag would do. However, if you are a minimalist traveler, then a functional bag is ideal.
– Are you planning to travel during the winter months? A bigger backpack can enable you to carry bulky things.
– Are you a fashionista who has lots of clothes, but are you planning to use Uber/taxis instead of public transport? You should consider getting an extra-large backpack.
– Are you planning to visit a location where you have to wear your backpack for prolonged durations of time?Consider the hiking backpack, which comes with a sophisticated strap system for the shoulder.
– Are you suffering from a swollen or bad back? Then a backpack with wheels is perfect.
Final verdict
The process of buying the right backpack for your travels is likely to be a long and tedious process. But don’t shy away from it. Manufacturers today offer every type of product that caters to all genders, supports all purposes, comes in all sizes and designs. Therefore, the best backpack is decided based upon whether it fulfills the purpose you require it for. After cross-checking the product features with your needs, we recommend the above-mentioned backpacks.
