If you’ve ever struggled with a roller bag (or two) while trying to keep a duffel or tote slung over your shoulder (hi, you’re not alone), you may be reconsidering the way you pack for travel. While spacious duffel bags and hardside luggage offer ample room for clothing, shoes, and accessories, these bags can also be cumbersome to navigate through cities, especially those lined with cobblestone streets and seemingly endless staircases. Thankfully, travel backpacks exist.
What makes a backpack particularly great for travel, you might ask? Beyond the fact that you can carry it with the weight evenly distributed across your back—keeping your hands free in the process—travel backpacks are designed with on-the-go needs in mind. They’re equipped for laptops, water bottles, passports—perhaps even an extra pair of shoes. While many backpacks exist, fewer are actually adequate for travel. With that in mind, we chatted with a handful of experts to determine the best travel backpacks, plus what characteristics make them so convenient for life on the go.
Dagne Dover
What We Love: It’s made with cushy, water-resistant fabric that keeps contents dry and secure.
What We Don’t Love: The neoprene fabric can crease and pill over time.
According to fashion stylist and frequent traveler Audree Kate López, the Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack has it all. “[It’s designed with a laptop sleeve, shoe bag, phone pocket, interior pockets, and it comes in three sizes depending on what you need,” she says, applauding the fan-favorite backpack.
The sleek, minimalist backpack is made of water-resistant neoprene to keep contents dry. Another perk of the fabric is that it’s thicker than traditional backpack materials, which offers added cushioning to the silhouette. This is important considering the backpack is outfitted with a laptop sleeve in the back, along with a spacious front zip pouch. Speaking of padding, the straps are also cushy, which makes wearing this lightweight backpack as comfortable as it can get.
The padding and durability aren’t the only highlights of this bag, though. It’s easily one of the most organized backpacks on the market. The front interior of the bag features side-by-side zip pockets atop a third larger zip pocket. There’s a detachable key leash, plus a fold-up shoe bag and removable neoprene pouch for storing smaller items. What’s more, there are slip pockets on each side of the back, both inside and out. Behind one of the side exterior pockets, you’ll find a hidden zip pocket perfect for storing your phone or passport. And to top it off, the back exterior features a trolley sleeve, so you can easily loop it over your roller luggage if need be.
Add a belt bag with the large backpack and you’ll have plenty of space for a weekend getaway’s worth of stuff. Suffice to say, it’s clear to see why this backpack is spotted all over Instagram, let alone the world.
Price at time of publish: $215
Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 13.25” L x 5.25” W x 17.5” H | Capacity: 20L | Colors: 10
Amazon
What We Love: It’s water-resistant, has over a dozen storage pockets, and even features a USB charging port.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not the most aesthetic backpack on the market.
If you’re looking for a travel backpack that won’t break the bank, López can’t say enough about the Matein Travel Backpack, which is sold in black, minty green, and soft lavender hues. “This is my actual travel backpack at the moment and I love it,” she exclaims. “It’s super affordable and has all of the non-negotiable functional features as the [other higher-end backpacks I like], plus expandable pockets so I can store clothing, camera equipment, my toiletries, and laptop easily.”
The backpack, which is sold in two sizes, features three main compartments—one for a laptop, one for packing, and one in front for smaller items—plus over a dozen smaller pockets for more detailed organization. It’s made of durable, water-resistant polyester and features padded adjustable straps and a trolley sleeve, all of which make it even more comfortable and convenient to carry.
Price at time of publish: $32
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12.5” L x 10” W x 18” H | Capacity: 29.5L (Expandable to 36.8L) | Colors: 3
Tumi
What We Love: It’s durable yet sleek, and features great organization.
What We Don’t Love: The color options are pretty drab.
If you travel a lot, you may be more willing to invest in your travel backpack. If that’s the case, the TUMI Search Backpack is a popular pick. The luxury backpack features two main compartments. Where the slim back compartment has two slip pockets to accommodate both a laptop and a tablet (or notebook), the larger compartment is designed for the bulk of packing. Inside the backpack, you’ll find a key leash, various slip and zip pockets, and a number of card slots should you want to forego carrying a wallet. On the exterior, there are two side zip pockets, one of which features an elasticized slip pocket on the outside of it. On the front of the backpack, as well as on the straps, you’ll find loops to hook keys, speakers, and anything else you like to use carabiners with. Additionally, the backpack showcases a built-in luggage tag, a hidden phone pocket on the top back of the bag, and a trolley sleeve for safe and convenient travel.
One of the things that really makes TUMI stand apart is its Tracer Technology. Essentially when you buy a bag, you can register the Tracer number it comes with so that, in the event it ever goes missing, it will have a better chance of finding its way back to you. Lastly, if you’re into personalization, you can get your TUMI backpack monogrammed on the front.
Price at time of publish: $595
Material: Recycled Ballistic Nylon | Dimensions: 17.0″ L x 14.0″ W x 8.3″ H | Capacity: 26.5L | Colors: 5
Lululemon
What We Love: It’s made of lightweight-yet-durable nylon and is equipped to carry all the essentials and more.
What We Don’t Love: It’s only sold in two colors.
If your primary goal for your travel backpack is to be able to safely and comfortably carry your laptop, López suggests the Lululemon Everyday Backpack. “This bag offers all of the travel non-negotiables,” she says, noting that it’s water-repellent and equipped with key features like a padded exterior laptop pocket, trolley sleeve, water bottle holder, and multiple zipper compartments. Plus, since it’s made of nylon, she says it’s not only water-resistant but it will be better able to sustain the wear and tear of travel.
The only downside is that it’s only sold in a few colorways. Here’s hoping that it will come out in a variety of Lululemon’s other fan-favorite colors, such as Sonic Pink or Solar Orange.
Price at time of publish: $98
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 11.4″ L x 5.9″ W x 16.5″ H | Capacity: 23L | Colors: 3
Calpak
What We Love: The unique puffy backpack fits a 15” laptop, a pair of sneakers, and more thanks to its well-organized design.
What We Don’t Love: Seasonal colors sell out super quickly, so you have to act fast.
Puffy purses and shoes have been popular the past few years, which makes the Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack a particularly great choice for travel. What makes it stand out to López is its spacious, durable design that’s lightweight and aesthetic. “It has a padded laptop pocket, scratch-resistant exterior, and works as an everyday backpack or travel bag,” she says. Another thing she loves? It has a hidden pocket in the trolley sleeve that offers easy access to your passport, wallet, and/or phone while moving through TSA. “I [always] suggest looking for a backpack with some external zipper pocket so you have easy access to your wallet, phone, or passport while going through an airport,” she explains.
In terms of organization, specifically, the Calpak Luka Backpack has two main compartments—a padded one for a laptop, plus a more spacious one for everything else. The laptop compartment features a padded slip pocket with a velcro tab to keep your computer or tablet snug and secure. On the outside of the slip pocket, there’s a zip mesh pocket and the other side of the laptop compartment features a deep slip pocket. The main compartment has two deep slip pockets on the back, plus two shallow slip pockets on the front, with a wide mesh zip pocket up top. Then on the front of the bag, there’s another deep pocket. And on the sides, you’ll find one water bottle slot, plus a shoe compartment that does end up taking a little space from the main compartment.
The big thing to remember with this backpack is that it’s very popular and the brand regularly debuts new colors. The problem is, with such demand, said colors often sell out almost immediately. So if you see a seasonal hue you like, don’t dwell on it—snag it while you can.
Price at time of publish: $108
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12″ L x 7″ W x 16″ H | Capacity: 22L | Colors: 13
Away
What We Love: It’s simple, sleek, and fits under the seat in front of you with ease.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not super spacious, and it doesn’t have a water bottle pocket.
Looking for a sleek, compact backpack that makes getting through TSA and traveling on a plane less of a hassle? The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack is a top pick for López. “I love Away travel products, they are thoughtful, user-friendly, and include all of the travel essentials,” she explains. This backpack, specifically, stands out for its minimalist-chic nylon design, complete with a front zippered pocket, well-organized main compartment, separate padded laptop compartment, and convenient trolley sleeve. Bonus? You can personalize it with your monogram.
The only downsides of this backpack include its size and lack of water bottle pockets. The 20L backpack is on the more compact side, but it works perfectly as a personal item that can double as a work-friendly backpack—and it will keep you super organized in the process.
(Another great air travel option, especially for those looking for a bit more space? The Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack ($180). It has interior and exterior compression systems so you can pack a lot into this easy-to-carry pack. Though, thanks to its larger size, it will take the place of your carry-on.)
Price at time of publish: $195
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 12″ L x 5.9″ W x 17.7″ H | Capacity: 20L | Colors: 4
Monos
What We Love: It’s a chic, minimalist, organized design offered in a variety of fabrics.
What We Don’t Love: Several shoppers noted this took a long time to arrive.
López is a big fan of the Monos Metro Backpack. “This bag is super chic and offers styles in nylon or vegan leather,” she shares. “It includes a small hidden back pocket for your phone, passport, or wallet, and has a privacy waterproof compartment for gym clothes, shoes, or a rain jacket. It also includes the Metro Classic Kit for travel.”
When looking at the bag, you’ll notice that it has one main compartment with a smaller front compartment—that’s the Metro Classic Kit. It’s a detachable organizer with slip and zip pockets perfect for storing toiletries—especially since it’s already on the outside of the bag, so you won’t have to rifle through your backpack when going through certain TSA lines.
Other key features of this chic backpack include a separate laptop compartment, as well as a series of slip pockets in the main compartment for storing tablets, folders, and more. You may want to order now, even if your next trip isn’t on the horizon, shoppers warned that the ship times could be lengthy, especially during a busy season.
Price at time of publish: $200
Material: Nylon and Vegan Leather | Dimensions: 11.5″ L × 6” W x 16.5″ H | Capacity: 18L | Colors: 9
Amazon
What We Love: It’s spacious and comes on wheels.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not the most aesthetic option on the list.
As convenient as backpacks are compared to single-shoulder totes, there’s no denying that they can get heavy over time. Because of this, ski travel expert Jonathan Alder, CEO of luxury travel management company Jonathan’s Travels, recommends buying the Atlas Wheeled Backpack from Everki. “It is always with me,” he reveals. “It is large enough and opens fully—[which is an] important feature to allow for easy packing and easy access.”
The spacious backpack can be worn or rolled. It features padded adjustable straps, as well as a tall handle that tucks away when not in use. Designed with a large main compartment, the backpack can fit a lot more than meets the eye. The main compartment has a removable, adjustable laptop pocket that fits computers up to 17.3 inches. On the interior, you’ll also find a tablet sleeve, an RFID passport and wallet compartment, and a variety of slip and zip pockets to organize smaller items. On the exterior, there’s two zip side pockets and a trolley sleeve, plus a compartment to tuck away the straps if you want to use it purely as roller luggage. In short, it’s clear to see why this rolling backpack is such a must have in Alder’s eyes. If only it could be sold in more colors, then it’d be near perfect in our book.
Price at time of publish: $239
Material: Not Listed | Dimensions: 15.7” L x 8.1” W x 21.3” H | Capacity: 30L | Colors: 1
BÃIS
What We Love: It’s simple and streamlined, with enough space to accommodate a laptop, a couple outfits, and a water bottle or two.
What We Don’t Love: It’s very basic overall, and only sold in neutrals.
Shay Mitchell’s BÉIS has bounced into the travel sphere and made quite a splash among younger audiences. Known for its simple, functional designs, BÉIS has earned quite a fan base—and López is among it. “Béis products are very thoughtful and intended for travel, and this backpack is water resistant, has water bottle pockets, a trolley pass-through, three zip pockets, and a laptop sleeve,” she says, recommending the pack.
That said, that’s pretty much all there is to it, save for a keyring to boot. It’s basic but it gets the job done. What would make us like it even more is if Shay decided to debut it in the brand’s newly-released sherbet shades. Citron, creamsicle, and berry? We’d add to cart so fast, Shay, please!
Price at time of publish: $78
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12″ L x 7″ W x 15.5″ H | Capacity: 23L | Colors: 3
Target
What We Love: It looks posh but the price tag doesn’t suggest it.
What We Don’t Love: It’s hard to say—this is a great compact backpack; if you’re looking for travel capacity, though, it likely won’t fit enough.
While many top-notch travel backpacks are more of an investment, not all are. Case in point: The Open Story Signature Commuter Backpack, which is a Target best-seller and rings in at $50. Sold in black, taupe, a grayish lavender, and chartreuse shades, the backpack features a double-top handle design that makes it easy to carry by hand, as well as by back. The chic-looking travel backpack is designed with a single water bottle side pocket, along with adjustable padded straps, a trolly sleeve, and a spacious front zipper pocket (which looks especially posh on the Taupe and Thistle options thanks to a gold zipper). Inside, it has a padded laptop sleeve, another sleeve ideal for tablets and books, an RFID-blocking zip compartment, and space to pack clothes and other travel necessities.
Overall, this travel backpack is fantastic for those looking for options to transport their essentials in a slim bag. If your goal is to pack more in your backpack, though, this pack may not be best.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 12” L x 6” W x 16” H | Capacity: 18L | Colors: 4
Nordstrom
What We Love: It’s super spacious and has a fun, retro flair.
What We Don’t Love: It’s only sold in neutral, muted colors.
The Herschel Supply Little America Backpack has made quite a name for itself, to the point that the faux-leather strapped pack is a symbol of hipster culture. Of course, you don’t have to be a hipster to hoist this trendy pack on your back. The features it offers will make you want to regardless. The deep, drawstring backpack features a laptop sleeve, a hidden back compartment for tablets, a zip pocket on the top flap for easy access to keys, a passport or wallet, and a front zip pouch for storing smaller items. Lastly, it’s outfitted with an expandable water bottle pocket to accommodate a variety of sizes.
Since Herschel Supply is a touch more urban and rugged, we’re not surprised to see that all of the colors and prints offered in this backpack fall into the neutral range. With that in mind, we’d love to see bright, cheerful colors enter the chat.
Price at time of publish: $130
Material: Recycled Water Bottles | Dimensions: 11.25″ L x 7″ W x 19.25″ H | Capacity: 25L | Colors: 13
Yeti
What We Love: It’s large and built for adventures, so you know it can withstand them.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t feature an exterior water bottle pocket.
Yeti is renowned for its highly-durable tumblers and coolers but did you know that the brand sells backpacks, too? According to López, the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack is a fantastic option for adventurers—whether you’re backpacking across Europe or headed on a camping trip. What she loves most about this pack—apart from the fact that it has padded straps, a trolley sleeve, sturdy handles, a laptop sleeve, and a convenient easy-access hidden side pocket—is its clamshell design. This means that the backpack opens fully (more akin to luggage), so it’s easy to pack it neatly.
Another thing we dig about this backpack is its secure design. The exterior features two adjustable clasp straps to keep everything buckled down.
While the pack doesn’t feature an exterior water pocket, the side zip pocket is large enough to fit a 26 oz. Yeti Rambler, so there’s that!
Price at time of publish: $250
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 13” L x 8” W x 20” H | Capacity: 22L, 27L, 35L | Colors: 6
Lo & Sons
What We Love: It’s super chic looking with gold zippers and sleek nylon fabric.
What We Don’t Love: The main compartment doesn’t open as wide as we’d like it.
If you loved the look of the Open Story Backpack but are hoping for something even more luxe in appeal, check out the Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack. Designed with double top handles and padded adjustable straps (which can be unclipped and tucked away if you choose to carry it by hand), it offers a variety of ways to carry it, so you can easily switch it up if your back or hands get tired.
Logistically, it’s sold in small and large options, both of which feature a main compartment plus a smaller front zip compartment. On each side of the bag, there’s a zippered expandable bottle pocket, which makes the bag look especially streamlined when they’re not in use. Meanwhile, the interior of the bag has a printed lining featuring a padded back laptop sleeve, along with two mesh side pockets, pen compartments, and a zippered pocket.
All in all, it’s a beautiful, chic bag capable of carrying the essentials. Now, if only we could see it in more bright colorways.
Price at time of publish: $325
Material: Nylon and Napa Leather | Dimensions: 11.5” L x 6.75” W x 16.5” H | Capacity: 21L | Colors: 7
What to Keep in Mind
When shopping for a travel backpack, López says to look for functionality and durability first and foremost. “I suggest a backpack that has expandable zippers in case you need to use the backpack as a carry-on or carry bulky items,” she says. “Look for fabrics that are durable like nylon, neoprene, or even leather. A nylon bag will also be water resistant and better with stains and wear and tear through travel. Make sure the backpack has a sturdy handle, adjustable straps for comfort and added key features like a trolley sleeve, laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and multiple zipper compartments so you can easily organize your items.” Psst, our best overall pick (Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack) has these features in spades.
Material
When shopping for a travel backpack, Calpak Director of Marketing, Jeannie Shin, says to prioritize fabrics that are lightweight and easy to clean. For example, the Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack is made of ultra-smooth, super-durable polyester that’s easy to wipe down if it gets scuffed or spilled on.
Away Chief Design Officer, Cuan Hanly, takes it a step further and says that anti-abrasion materials are key for travel backpacks. “For example, high-strength, recycled polyester or water-resistant nylon provide ease of travel because you can rely on its performance, no matter your journey,” he says.
Functional Features
Sometimes backpack brands go over the top and add so many features that they’re not all functional. With this in mind, Herschel Supply co-founder and managing director, Jamie Cormack, says that every design detail should have a purpose and feel natural when in use. “You want your backpack to make your journey feel seamless, so you can actually enjoy the act of travel,” he explains.
Some features to keep an eye out for (in addition to those already mentioned) include wheels, padding, and a hidden pocket.
“When shopping for a backpack for travel, look for one with wheels—like the Everki Atlas Wheeled Backpack—so you have the option of using it as a smaller rolling bag as it’s rare to actually use it as a standard backpack all the time,” Alder says. “Also—for backpacks that roll, a system that covers the wheels when used as an actual backpack is important to stop the dirty wheels from having contact with your clothes once you’re wearing it as a backpack.”
Meanwhile, ample padding is necessary not only to adequately protect electronics but to keep wear as comfortable as possible, too. Some travel backpacks, like the Tumi Search Backpack, Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack, and Matein Travel Backpack, particularly excel in this category.
Lastly, a hidden pocket will come in so handy, especially when traveling through airports, but also while adventuring abroad. “Having traveled extensively in Europe, I am well aware of the importance of safeguarding my belongings from potential pickpocketing incidents,” Shin says. “Hidden compartments provide a secure place to store my wallet, passport, and other valuable items, minimizing the risk of easy access by unauthorized individuals.” Plus, you’ll know exactly where they are when running through TSA, too.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you pack a backpack for travel?
The best way to pack a backpack for travel is with beauty pouches and/or packing cubes, depending on the size of your pack. “When traveling, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may arise—that’s why I always pack with my Calpak Compakt Zippered Pouch Set to organize my items by purpose and to quickly and easily find what I need during my flight,” Shin says. “In my bag, I have a dedicated first aid bag that contains essentials like bandaids, Advil, Dramamine, Benadryl, and Neosporin. This ensures that I’m equipped to handle any minor medical needs that might come up during my travels. I also have a makeup pouch that allows me to freshen up and feel confident wherever I go. For snacks on the go, I keep a separate pouch filled with a variety of treats.” In addition to her three main pouches, Shin always travels with a tech organizer so that she knows exactly where her chargers and cords are. “By using these specific pouches, I can efficiently organize my belongings and access them whenever necessary,” she says. “It brings a sense of order and convenience to my travels, allowing me to navigate through different situations with ease.”
Is a travel backpack a carry-on?
Almost all backpacks fall into the carry-on category and some—like the Calpak Luka Backpack and Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack—can even pass as a personal item (since they measure less than 18” x 14” x 8”, which is the standard personal item size). While it’s always best to check with your specific airline, generally speaking, a backpack must be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
What airlines are strict about backpack size?
Not all airlines tout the same sizing requirements. Because of this, it’s important to always check your airline’s size guidelines while packing. Generally speaking, if your backpack is less than 45 linear inches, it will pass as a carry-on.
Why Shop With Us
Rebecca Norris has covered women’s lifestyle content for the past 10 years. For this story, she spoke with fashion stylist Audree Kate López, ski travel expert Jonathan Alder, Calpak director of marketing, Jeannie Shin, Away Chief Design Officer, Cuan Hanly, and Herschel Supply co-founder and managing director, Jamie Cormack, to determine what makes a functional, durable, overall high-quality travel backpack. With their expertise in mind, paired with knowledge of the best-selling items on the market, she presents the best travel backpacks.