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The perfect solution for when your journey includes navigating uneven streets, busy buses, and tight train schedules. The ideal travel backpack will be comfortable, keep your belongings safe, hold everything you need, and suit your style.
Since 2013, we've been circumnavigating the world with the top carry-on packs. We've purchased more than 60 and spent months taking every pack on overnight flights, navigating cross-country public transportation, and trekking the uneven streets of foreign cities. No matter where you go or how you get there, we've found the best pack for your travel style.
The bag we recommend for most travelers is the Cotopaxi Allpa. It's comfortable to carry and opens like a clamshell, making it easy to pack and live out of, no matter your style of travel. It also comes in two sizes, depending on how much you plan to pack.
If you are on a tighter budget, we think you can't go wrong with the Osprey Daylite Carry-On. It's a quality pack that is durable, offers dedicated organization pockets, has a laptop compartment, and it costs about around half of much of the competition.
For travelers navigating smooth surfaces and bringing heavier items, we'd recommend a rolling carry-on instead. We also think that a great duffel bag can be the perfect companion for a road trip. If you want a handy counterpart for your larger bag, or a smaller option for daily commutes, try a laptop backpack. No matter how you get there, we can help you find the best travel bag for your needs.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on May 7, 2025, with updated scoring after extended testing, and added additional information about airline performance and compatibility.
How big can my backpack be?
The short answer is that every airline has its own set of restrictions — called maximum carry-on size — usually listed as dimensions. Some airlines also have weight limits on hand luggage — this is particularly common for international carriers. In general, 45 liters is about the maximum size you can carry onto most US flights. Be sure to check the specifics for your airline before traveling, to avoid paying additional fees or having to check your bag.
Lightweight, budget-friendly, internal compression and organization pockets
Internal compression and mesh pocket, lightweight, budget-friendly
Cons
Laptop sleeve isn't the best, mesh organization limits "shove-ability"
Expensive, doesn't compress down well
Somewhat bulky when fully packed, expensive, no torso height adjusment
No compression system, unable to stow carrying straps
Expensive, odd waist belt design, no internal compression straps
Not the most comfortable, no exterior pockets
Expensive, poor internal organization features
No external pockets for quick access, does not stand upright
Doesn't hold its shape well, not very weather resistant
Large and boxy design, material shows dirt easily, pockets are low volume
Doesn't hold shape well, slippery and noisy material, low-volume pockets
Doesn't hold a lot of clothes, noisy material, exterior pockets are awkward to use
Expensive, exterior pockets take up main compartment space, no internal organization
Not many organization features, pockets cannibalize space, sealed pockets aren't water proof
Flimsy material, odd pocket design
Not very structured, uncomfortable when fully loaded
Bottom Line
A vibrant bag with multiple internal organization pockets to keep clothes and gear neatly stowed away
An upgraded bag that boasts plenty of storage capacity and a removable laptop attaché in a sleek package
An all-around top performer that is perfectly sized for a weekend trip, is comfortable with heavy loads, and offers easy packing and access
This compact bag is ideal for a quick getaway, and makes it simple to pack and organize your clothes
A sleek pack that holds and organizes your gear with a convenient design and pocket layout and has the added protection of waterproof and lockable zippers
This rugged bag is a cavernous gear-hauling machine, but the lack of additional pockets and features hinders its versatility
This sleek bag comes with a variety of fancy and user-friendly features but isn't the easiest to live out of when on the go
Built for long-haul comfort and heavy loads, with a user-friendly layout that makes it excellent to live out of
A minimalist bag that prioritizes durable materials and ultralight design without skimping on easy-to-use features
The livability of this bag makes up for its boxy design and poor back support with great organization features
A budget-friendly bag that gets the job done but isn't particularly enjoyable to use
A small budget friendly bag that is pleasant to use but doesn't compare to higher end models
This high-end backpack packs plenty of amazing features, but fails to deliver on the ability to live out of it on the go
A budget friendly bag that has some decent features, but there are other bags we like better for less
A lightweight bag that won't break the bank but lacks the necessary support to carry heavy loads comfortably
This affordable bag has just enough features to get the job done, but is not our first choice in this price range
AirScape back panel, sternum strap, pass-through suitcase strap, stowaway backpack straps, 2 water bottle pockets, top/side/bottom grab handles, key clip, internal compression straps, external side compression straps
Internal mesh organization, U-shaped entry to the main compartment, dual security pockets, stowable waist belt & shoulder straps, two water bottle pockets
Though it may not have the flashy features of some other packs, the Cotopaxi Allpa proved itself to be the most convenient pack for most travelers and most trips. It opens with a clamshell design, which makes it easier to find what you're looking for without pawing through your entire bag to get to it — bonus points for livability! Both sides of the main compartment are enclosed by mesh, allowing you to keep items where you put them, but doesn't pigeonhole you into a specific way of packing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers on main compartment, fabric loops to secure zipper pulls of laptop pocket, main compartment, and larger external pocket
Laptop Compartment
Yes: 15", padded and fleece-lined
Carry-On Sizes Available
35L, 42L
Carrying Options
Removable hip belt, 4 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
Pockets with Exterior Access
4
The comfortable, padded hip belt works well for heavy loads and is easily removed and left at home if you'd rather not bother. A padded back panel pocket holds laptops up to 15 inches, while a top pocket keeps your smaller items easy to access on the go. The main compartment features lockable zippers, and the laptop pocket and small-stuff pocket have webbing loops to secure the zipper pulls and foil would-be pickpockets.
The latest version also has a water bottle pocket on one side and a pass-through loop to slide the Allpa over your luggage handle. This versatile bag also comes in two sizes — 35 liters and 45 liters — for light packers or those trying to hit that maximum carry-on limit.
“I found it difficult to overload this bag — which is both a blessing and a curse!”
Our traveling testers agree that the worst feature of the Allpa is its rather limited laptop protection. While the pocket is padded, when the bag is stuffed full and bumped along your spine in transit, there's a not insignificant amount of pressure on the electronics within. And if your laptop is larger than 15 inches, you'll lose another layer of padded protection by not being able to fit it within the internal sleeve.
If the Allpa sounds almost but not quite right for you, also consider:
The Thule Subterra 2, which has similar organization but better laptop protection and a more rigid shape
The North Face Base Camp Voyager, which is similarly designed but without locking zippers or a hip belt, and costs significantly less
The Thule Subterra 2 is a backpack you can take on a business trip. It's the easiest leap from rolling carry-on to hands-free bag. This pack is highly structured and easily keeps its shape when you get to your accommodation and need to live out of it. It opens with a flip-top design and much of the same organization we're used to seeing in rollaboard bags.
Folks who travel with their laptop and need to work while on the go will appreciate the removable computer bag that slides into the pocket inside the lid. Not only does this bag fit a 16-inch laptop in its felt-lined, padded interior, it also has several additional pockets and comes with a duffel strap that lets you carry the whole thing as a work bag from the hotel to the board room. Enjoy a good, stylish duffel bag? Use that same strap to turn the whole pack into a duffel bag, and tuck the shoulder straps away.
The main compartment of the Subterra has a flip-up divider that you can choose to use or tuck away. The large interior is covered by a mesh top (with a bonus mesh pocket!), keeping all your items secure and out of sight as you snag your laptop in the security line. A hidden back panel pocket makes for an accessible but pickpocket-resistant spot to keep your passport and wallet. The top pocket is convenient and spacious enough for your on-the-go items. We particularly love the side pocket, which can double as a water bottle pocket (albeit a narrow one) or just another zippered compartment — whatever you prefer.
“Because it holds its shape, this bag feels bigger than 40 liters. And if I don't have to take the laptop bag, I can squeeze a few extra outfits in the lid!”
There's a lot we love about this bag, but its high price isn't one of them. We also wish that any of the zippers had the ability to be locked — or at least have the zipper pulls tucked away to prevent pickpocketing in crowded spaces. And if you like the ability to cinch your bag tight around your belongings or pack less and have a smaller bag, this semi-rigid case is not adaptable in that way.
If the Subterra doesn't quite sound right for you, we also recommend:
The Peak Design 45, which is also more structured but can be tucked smaller or expanded larger to be 35 or 45 liters, and has anti-theft zippers
The Tortuga 40L, which has a similarly sleek exterior but includes lockable, waterproof zippers, and a hip belt
The Osprey Daylite Carry-On is built like a minimalist bag but with all the key features we want in a travel pack. It's both an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers and anyone flying with airlines that weigh your hand luggage. It's one of the lightest bags we tested, but still matches the competition in terms of how much you can pack away inside.
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers on main compartment, external compression straps cover main zipper
Laptop Compartment
Yes; 16", padded
Carry-On Sizes Available
35L, 44L
Carrying Options
2 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
Pockets with Exterior Access
5
Like most good travel backpacks, the Daylite lays flat along the long edge of the bag. Though it doesn't have a mesh flap to hold your stuff in place, two internal compression straps do a decent job of performing the same function. A zippered pocket under the lid follows the formula of classic luggage organization and handily stows smaller items or things you might want to keep from wrinkling. The lightly padded laptop compartment holds computers up to 16 inches, with easy access when you need it.
The zippers are lockable and covered with external compression straps. A top pocket keeps small items close at hand, and two water bottle pockets provide more quick-stow options in transit. Osprey included an AirScape back panel on the Daylite, making it more breathable to carry than most travel bags. This panel still manages to include a luggage pass-through spot, though, making this bag an easy companion even when you're loaded with luggage.
“I love that I can use this lightweight, flexible pack as my under-the-seat personal item and still fit everything I need for a three-day weekend.”
If you're looking for a hip belt on your bag, you won't find one on the Daylite. And while it holds a laptop, the padding on this pocket is thin and not particularly protective. Our testing team's biggest complaint with this bag is that its thinner material doesn't easily hold its shape — making it harder to live out of — and without careful folding and packing, contents were often quite jumbled when we reached our destinations.
If you're not totally sold on the Osprey Daylite, you might like:
The Coowoz Essentials, which costs even less and has plenty of travel-handy pockets and features, though it isn't the largest or the most durable
The North Face Base Camp Voyager, which costs more and has similar organizational features but holds its shape better and looks sleeker
When you're packing for a long trip away or just want to be able to carry on as much stuff as possible, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC is your best bet. Sure, other packs boast a similar overall capacity, but the MLC (which stands for "maximum legal carry") comes with Patagonia's classic Black Hole design, which swallows up an extended vacation's packing list with ease.
It's rectangular enough to give usable space all the way to the corners, allowing you to pack as much as the roller bags it will sit alongside in the overhead bin. In the main compartment — true to the Black Hole lineage — simplicity reigns. The majority of this space is a single large pocket with a mesh top to keep things in place, allowing you to pack however you prefer. The lid has two narrow pockets for small items. A laptop compartment has padded storage for a 15-inch laptop (though we slid a 16.2" MacBook Pro in, with room to spare) and a tablet, as well as numerous smaller pockets for organizing cords, pens, keys, and other smaller items.
Four external compression straps help mitigate the size of this bag, and also cover the zippers to prevent petty theft. The shoulder straps are stowable, and the removable hip belt can become a padded duffel strap. The Black Hole MLC has grab handles on three of the sides, making it easier to get it in and out of plane storage. A luggage pass-through loop on the back is a handy addition, and discreet webbing daisy chains on the top corners let you clip on extras if you need to.
“It feels almost wrong, how much stuff I crammed in this bag, and they still let me carry it on the plane.”
What the Black Hole MLC lacks is any easy-access external pockets. Not even so much as a water bottle side pocket adorns the outside of this bag. It's designed to get your stuff to where you're going — not to get in and out of while walking along the way. This bag also has a more flexible back panel, offering less protection for electronics. Combined with its overall bulk, when we pack this pack full (especially if we're carrying a laptop), it's not particularly comfortable to carry for longer than it takes to get through security and board your plane.
If you're on the fence about the Patagonia Black Hole MLC, you might prefer:
The Osprey Sojourn Porter, which boasts a similarly large capacity, but with more robust compression and more comfortable straps for long-term carry
The Peak Design 45, which has a large capacity but can also be zipped and buttoned down to a smaller, 35-liter size for shorter trips
The Black Hole MLC has an exceptional capacity and is designed to let you pack as much stuff as you can legally carry onto a plane.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is an ideal combination of everything we love about Osprey backpacking bags and what we want in a great travel bag. It has one of the largest capacities you can get away with carrying onto an airplane, and the most thorough compression system we have ever seen on an airplane-centric bag. It's perfect for packing oddly shaped gear or bulky footwear while still fitting in the overhead bin.
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-Theft Features
External compression system covers zippers; fabric loops to secure zipper pulls of compartments
Laptop Compartment
Yes; 16", padded
Carry-On Sizes Available
30L, 46L
Carrying Options
Stowable hip belt, 3 grab handles
Pockets with Exterior Access
5
The simple interior of the Sojourn Porter is cavernous without restriction. You can pack any way you want and use the internal compression straps to cinch down clothing, then pack non-compressible items around the edges. The external compression system is comprehensive — it can keep everything locked in place en route or shrink the whole thing for shorter trips. The laptop compartment is padded and easily accessible, and a well-organized top pocket keeps small items close at hand. A unique stretchy pocket on the side can easily accommodate a large water bottle, but is also enclosed enough to keep other quick-stow items secure on the go.
This is one of the most comfortable bags to carry that we have tested. Even when fully loaded with heavy gear, the Sojourn Porter felt less cumbersome than lighter backpacks. Osprey included a wide, padded — and stowable — hip belt and load lifter straps that allow this bag to be minutely adjusted based on the specific load it carries. And for the true adventure traveler, the Porter is designed to allow you to attach an Osprey hiking daypack to the back and carry them together as one unit.
“This bag saved me from paying overweight fees on my checked luggage. It swallowed up 35 pounds of electronics, climbing gear, and snacks — but carried like a familiar backpack.”
Though the zippers don't lock, the compression straps provide more than adequate theft deterrent. Unfortunately, they also restrict access to the “small stuff” pocket, forcing you to put down the bag and unclip the top strap to fully access the contents of that pocket. The Porter is also not as rectangular as many other travel bags, and if you take full advantage of all 46 liters of space, it's easy to end up with a bulky turtle shell bag that protrudes from your back and is difficult to cram into the overhead bin on board.
If the Sojourn Porter isn't exactly what you're after, you might instead prefer:
The Osprey Farpoint (men's version) / Fairview (women's version), which has an even more comfortable hip belt and is what we recommend for loads heavier than 25 pounds and longer distance carrying
The Tortuga 40L, which also has a comfortable padded hip belt and load-lifter straps, in addition to a height-adjustable back panel, but is more rectangular and sleek overall
The Sojourn impressed during testing. It earned great storage and protection ratings from our testers and is one of the most comfortable options to carry.
Built with traveling photographers in mind, the Peak Design 45 is an excellent choice for anyone taking more than the usual amount of electronics along for the ride. More than that, this bag is a stylish, aesthetically pleasing choice that works as well buttoned down for a small 35-liter weekend trip or fully expanded to a voluminous 45-liter extended journey. It's adaptable and protective — though that protection will cost you, and Peak Design's protective organization add-ons will bring that price up even higher.
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-Theft Features
Three different types of theft-deterrent zipper pulls
Laptop Compartment
No; sleeve within main compartment, 16", padded
Carry-On Sizes Available
30L, 45L
Carrying Options
Stowable hip belt, 4 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
Pockets with Exterior Access
4
The Peak Design expands in two ways — snap buttons at the top, which pull capacity in to create a sleek, 35-liter profile, and zippers down each side, which expand the outer “stuff” pocket to bring the total pack capacity to 45 liters. The main compartment is cavernous, with two thin pockets under the lid, full-length zippered access from either side of the pack, and attachments for Peak Design's additional camera cubes. It has a padded sleeve for up to a 16-inch laptop, and the ability to unzip and tuck away the divider (with the two pockets) into a pouch, thereby extending the packing capacity into the external pocket.
In that outer, full-length pocket, there are a few more zippered pockets. The side water bottle pockets hide zippered pockets, and one further pocket is at the top of the pack. The sides of the back panel are magnetically attached and flip up to allow you to stow or deploy the hip belt and shoulder straps. Two hidden straps and a series of loops on the outside of the bag allow you to attach extra gear or a jacket to the back of the bag. Grab handles can be found on all four sides, and a luggage pass-through loop adorns the center of the back panel. All major access zippers have different ways of securing them against pickpockets.
“I do love a bag with clever features and lots of pockets — this sleek-looking bag fits the bill, and tricking it out with the whole Peak Design packing ecosystem makes it even better.”
All these features aren't for everyone, though, and some travelers may feel pigeonholed into a certain way of packing and traveling. These features also weigh a lot, making this one of the heaviest base-weight bags we've tested. The stowable hip belt is also difficult to adjust through its small metal buckles, and all the straps could be better padded for carrying heavy loads of electronics. If you are a photographer, searching for a travel backpack, this one is great, but one of the most expensive we've tested — and the actual internal components to protect individual pieces of gear are an additional cost.
Not totally sold on the Peak Design 45? You might consider:
The Thule Subterra 2, which doesn't have the photographer-centric accessories, but does have a similarly sleek profile and better laptop-specific travel features
The Topo Designs Global, which costs a bit less but also has great organizational pockets and features
The Peak Design is full of packability features and the full ecosystem of internal storage makes this bag an exceptional choice for electronics protection and organization.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Compare Products
We researched the most promising travel backpacks before selecting the top models to test side by side.
Credit: Hale Milano
How We Tested
We've taken these packs on all sorts of adventures over the years and have a knack for picking out the features that matter the most when it comes to living on the road. We use them everywhere we go, whether that be far-off lands or neighboring states, our day-to-day lives at home, using them around town and on work commutes. We pack and unpack each bag numerous times, taking note of how easy it is to store and organize our belongings in various configurations. We also evaluate the padding and weather protection that each bag provides.
Testing the waterproof capabilities of both the bag and its zippers.
Credit: Hale Milano
For weeks at a time, we live out of these bags, both at home and while traveling, which allows us to accurately gauge how easy it is to grab the clothes and items we are looking for without destroying the organization within the pack. Lastly, we test the comfort, fit, and versatility of each bag by loading them up and carrying each bag around. Strap adjustability, available sizes, and its ability to be useful in a variety of scenarios all play into a bag's overall score. To find out more about our testing process, check out our complete How We Test article.
We test these backpacks using four key performance metrics:
Storage & Protection (30% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (30% weighting)
Comfort & Fit (30% weighting)
Versatility (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Hale Milano, Liz Chamberlain, and Hayley Thomas. Hale is a travel expert, having explored over 35 countries by foot, plane, boat, and car. He spent a period of his life traveling for work, hopping on planes with a few days worth of clothes and a computer week after week, so he knows the value of an efficient and functional travel bag. His passion for gear includes the bags he uses to pack it all in, and he brings a fresh perspective to our travel backpack testing team. Liz is no stranger to travel and has worked in the retail gear industry for years. She understands the importance of both form and function and brings a critical eye to this review. Hayley lived in a van for several years, so it's no secret that travel is a big part of her life. You can frequently find Hayley traveling to new climbing, biking, and skiing destinations — almost always with a backpack in tow.
Travel backpacks can free up your hands for cameras, or more bags. The oversized grab handles on the Farpoint are comfortable, even when the bag is heavy.
We compared the different compartment layouts and organization features by taking them on weekend trips.
While we tested travel backpacks on airplanes and big trips, we also evaluated how well they performed in everyday activities.
These bags traveled with our test team on numerous trips to various destinations to help assess their real-world performance.
Analysis and Test Results
Since we can't possibly test every product ever made (as much as we would love to), we begin by researching the industry's top-rated options. After countless hours, we narrowed our search and settled on the best selection of the 16 most promising carry-on backpacks. Once we received our test suite, the real fun began. We put each pack through rigorous testing under a very critical eye. We packed, unpacked, and repacked each bag countless times and hauled them to the car, taxi, and airport terminals to test their various features and functionality. We used a thoughtfully curated packing list to compare performance across models objectively and help you find your perfect travel pack fit. Over the years, these bags have accompanied us on adventures to destinations near and far, for overnight trips and multi-week jaunts around the globe.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
While we strive to stay objective and honestly recommend the best gear here at GearLab, we also understand that considering a product's price-to-value ratio is an important part of the purchasing process. So even when recommending expensive products, we take into account the value a product brings to your life vs the actual cost. We always like to give options for various budget levels, and from our selection of top travel packs, you will surely find one that falls within your price range without needing to sacrifice the most important features. In the travel bag category, the largest differentiator is typically the material and craftsmanship. Durable, lightweight, and recycled materials with reinforced seams and straps tend to cost slightly more than less advanced, less protective, and heavy-weight materials. That said, some of the budget bags offer many of the same features as the very costly ones, and we recommend paying close attention to the specific functionality you seek rather than the stand-alone price.
Many of our backpacks fell in the same price range, and were above average in their price-to-performance ratio. The Sojourn Porter (Green, Left) and Cotopaxi Allpa (Blue, Right) were within five dollars of each other.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Daylite bag is our top recommendation for a bag that combines the high-quality materials and design of our top-scoring bags with a price point that's much friendlier on your wallet. The Daylite boasts high-end fabric and features with a simple design, a real no-frills yet quality option.
The Osprey Daylite balances quality materials and necessary features at a budget-friendly price point.
Credit: Hale Milano
Our travel backpack lineup has a few standouts regarding value: the top three scoring models all hover right around the average price point for a travel bag. The Osprey Sojourn Porter, Osprey Farpoint, and Cotopaxi Allpa all provide excellent features and performance for the money. A lower-budget standout is the Coowoz Essentials. This affordable bag outperformed others that cost five times its price. One nice option that splits the middle between quality materials and craftsmanship and a budget-friendly price is the Osprey Daylite 35.
The Coowoz (Pink bag, on suitcase) was a fraction of the price of many other bags in our lineup and provides exceptional value.
Credit: Hale Milano
One of our favorite bags, the Osprey Sojourn Porter, performed well across all our testing metrics. It is durable, comfortable, and easy to use, and we were pleased to note that this didn't send its price tag skyrocketing upwards. Thankfully, if you prefer some of the features or design styles of our other top bags like the Osprey Farpoint or Cotopaxi Allpa, they all fall within the same price band.
When price and performance are both equal the right bag for you can be a matter of preference, or color options.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Coowoz carry-on backpack takes the word bargain to another level and provides surprisingly good performance given its price. While the materials are noticeably lighter weight than the top-scoring bags, not everyone needs bulletproof luggage to survive day-in and day-out abuse from travel. The Coowoz is a good option for the occasional traveler looking to save a few bucks while still reaping the benefits that a travel backpack can provide over a traditional suitcase.
The Coowoz has a comfy interior with several inner pockets for organization.
Credit: Hale Milano
Storage and Protection
First and foremost, the primary purpose of a great piece of luggage is to store and protect your travel items while moving from one place to another. After all, if you can't fit the essentials or your items arrive damaged, the rest is a moot point. To assess our lineup of bags in this metric, we evaluate the storage volume, stability, weather protection, and electronic protection features in our bags.
Compression covers zipper (main), back panel pocket
31L, 46L
Nomatic Travel Bag
No; sleeve in main, 16"
Lockable RFID pocket (small)
✖
30L, 40L
Matein Elite Travel
Yes; 17"
Lockable zipper (laptop), back panel pocket
✖
30L, 40L, 45L
Hynes Eagle Carry-On
Yes; 15"
Compression covers zipper (main)
40L, 44L
Asenlin Carry-On
No; sleeve in secondary, 17"
Compression covers zipper (main)
40L
We use a standard three-day packing list to test each bag's ability to stow clothing and other common travel supplies such as toiletries, electronics, and souvenirs. We also evaluate maximum storage capacity by loading each bag up to capacity with packing cubes and recording the amount that we are able to cram in. We evaluate how stable each bag feels on our backs, sitting on the ground, and propped on the seat next to us. We drench them with water from a high-pressure hose and examine the bag for leakage, paying special attention to areas near designated electronic pockets.
A standout in this metric is the Peak Design Travel 45. This massive gear hauler fits all of our supplies with room to spare — even without needing to open the expanding features of this bag. When packed full, we can still access small pouches on the outside or reach inside for items. It has both an expanding zipper and space-collapsing magnets to help tailor the size of the bag to your packing list.
The Peak Design fit some of the largest amounts of gear in our lineup and was great for bulky items and equipment.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Peak Design is also quite stable, so there's no need to worry about it accidentally falling over when packed with sensitive electronics. Speaking of which, the large padded laptop sleeve set against the back panel is ideal for protecting laptops and tablets while still providing easy access. To cap it off, the 100% recycled 400 denier nylon shell is fully waterproof, and the watertight zippers and seams protect the contents from any water intrusion.
The style bag that will work best for you may just come down to how you prefer to pack your bags. Some in our lineup feature multiple individual pockets so that every little item has a home and stays neatly folded. Others are more like a duffle bag with a single large compartment and favor cram-it-all-in style packing, but at least you know exactly which pocket it's all in! Both are perfectly reasonable ways to pack, but keep that in mind when searching for your bag.
The next few bags that impressed us with their storage and protection capabilities all land in the same scoring zone. The Osprey Sojourn, Nomatic Travel Bag 40L, Cotopaxi Allpa, and Osprey Farpoint can all stow and protect gear with ease, no matter what you have inside. Thanks to its dual compression straps, the Sojourn is a beast when it comes to packing a high volume of clothing, and the padded shell of the bag helps protect fragile items from bumps in transit. While it won't protect your bag from getting lost, we love that the Sojourn comes with a TSID Luggage Registration tag. Once you complete the free registration, the tag links to the owner's information and can be more easily identified across a network of over 2,800 airports worldwide, helping you find your bag if it ever does get lost in transit (knock on wood).
External cinch straps on the Sojourn Porter (green, left) do more than compress the bag; we used them to store a sweatshirt that we wanted quick access to onboard the plane.
A TSID tag on the Sojourn Porter gives peace of mind during your travel.
Most bags in the 35-35 liter range were large enough to hold all our items with gear, and high-end bags had water-repellent or even waterproof fabric.
The Nomatic is another great option for protecting your travel essentials. On top of comfortably accommodating all your gear, the Nomatic's water-resistant fabric and zippers kept all contents perfectly dry during our rain tests. But protection from water isn't the only thing the Nomatic excels at. This bag boasts an RFID protective pocket to keep your payment cards and IDs safe as well.
The Nomatic's RFID Safe pocket can protect sensitive payment cards and ID cards while traveling.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Cotopaxi Allpa and Osprey Farpoint are also impressive bags that can fit your entire packing list and protect your items from damage. The Cotopaxi takes a unique approach to storage, using integrated mesh packing pockets, and the Farpoint has a more traditional single large compartment with internal compression straps to secure contents. Both options allow you to fit plenty of clothes and supplies, but which one you may prefer depends on your packing style preferences. One of our testers prefers the small pockets of the Cotopaxi, which keep everything organized each time you open the bag to grab a fresh pair of socks or a new shirt. Another tester prefers the open cavity style of the Osprey bags that allow you to dig down into the single pocket to locate what you need without having to remember which pocket you stashed your charger in this time.
We packed 4 days worth of clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials in the Allpa and found a perfect place for everything.
The main compartment of the Farpoint is a dumping ground for gear; we tossed this all in, cinched down the straps, and zipped it all up with no problem.
The Cotopaxi (left) and the Farpoint (right) have very different styles of organizing and storing your gear.
Three final honorable mentions in our storage and protection metric are the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, Patagonia Black Hole, and Thule Subterra. All of these bags handle our standard packing list with ease and protect contents from the elements. The Black Hole has a unique design where the bag is designed to be laid on its back, more akin to a duffel, not upright. There's even a grab handle right in the center of the back panel in case you want to carry it lengthwise instead of on your back. The Black Hole is also one of the more durable bags we tested; the 100% recycled TPU laminate material easily sheds water during rain showers and resists abrasions during transit in the trunk of a car or the cargo hold of a plane.
The Patagonia duffel (Center) has a durable ripstop and waterproof outer shell for protecting your bag. It is designed to be laid with this side down.
Credit: Hale Milano
Given the Tortuga's size, we can happily pack all of our clothes with ease, but we wish it had compression straps to keep everything cinched in tightly for those instances where we don't need to pack it to the brim with clothes. The Tortuga earns a perfect score in our rain protection test thanks to its proprietary SHELL200 three-layered sailcloth fabric and waterproof zippers. The Tortuga also has lockable zippers, so if you're looking for a little extra protection on your travels, this may be a good choice.
The Tortuga's waterproof zippers kept our contents dry even under a heavy downpour.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Subterra is a bit of a hybrid between the ultra-organized and the open compartment style. The bag has a snap-in divider that lets you tailor the size of the compartment to your needs, separating space for clothes and gear, a pair of shoes, or even dirty clothes. There's also a zippered mesh organization pocket that's easy to access. The best storage & protection feature for the Thule, however, is the removable laptop bag. This offers extra protection for your electronics and helps pack them neatly when it's time to hit the road.
Adjustable sections help to make organizing your gear easier.
Carry them together or side by side; the Thule Subterra makes a great travel companion.
Not only does the main backpack stow and organize plenty of gear, but the separate attaché is great for electronics.
Ease of Use
When you're living life on the go, your time should be spent focusing on taking in the views, checking off bucket list items, and grabbing your camera to snap the perfect shot. Having a travel backpack versus a suitcase aids in moving faster on foot, but it should also be easy to use during your downtime so that you can spend more of your vacation doing what you want rather than digging through clothes to find what you need.
We assess how easy the pockets on each backpack are to access on the go, as well as how convenient each bag is to live out of. We give higher scores to the bags that we can pack to the brim while still providing quick access to all your essential items and usable external pockets. For each backpack, we also record the ease of switching the strap and harness system around to different carry methods. Lastly, if we find a unique feature that just makes life easy, we take note of it and bump the ease of use score accordingly.
Methods of Carry
Grab Handles
Hip Belt
Luggage Pass-Through
Duffel Conversion
Cotopaxi Allpa
4
Removable
✖
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible
2
✖
Osprey Sojourn Porter
3
Stowable
✖
✖
The North Face Base Camp Voyager
3
✖
✖
Tortuga Travel Backpack
2
Removable
✖
✖
Patagonia Black Hole MLC
3
Removable
Peak Design Travel
4
Stowable
✖
Osprey Farpoint
2
Permanent
✖
✖
Osprey Daylite Carry-On
2
✖
✖
Topo Designs Global
3
Removable
✖
Amazon Basics Carry-On
1
Removable
Coowoz Essentials
1
✖
✖
Nomatic Travel Bag
1
Removable
Duffel handles (no strap)
Matein Elite Travel
1
✖
✖
Hynes Eagle Carry-On
1
✖
✖
Asenlin Carry-On
2
✖
✖
One of our favorite bags to use is The North Face Voyager. Though its design is not as feature-heavy as other models, it is the thoughtful simplicity that makes it pleasant to pack and live out of. A perfectly proportioned main pouch holds its shape well when empty, making packing items a breeze. We are big fans of the removable internal divider that segments the compartment into two folded-shirt-sized areas. There is an internal mesh pocket for organizing your small items as well. Outside the bag, pockets for accessing items are heavily-featured and well-organized. There are two small item pouches for stashing your travel and tech essentials, and they're lined with a soft protective material so screens don't get scratched.
We kept all our frequently used items like headphones and a magazine in the external pockets of the Voyager.
The internal divider on the Voyager makes it incredibly easy to pack clothes neatly.
The Voyager's pocket configurations are easy to use, both when on the go and lying flat.
The Cotopaxi Allpa is another tester favorite, but in terms of design, it is almost the polar opposite of the Voyager. The Cotopaxi features three internal and integrated mesh pockets, like built-in packing cubes. The ability to open your bag and not have contents scattered everywhere can be great when your travels have you hopping destinations frequently, and you don't have time to constantly reorganize. Access on the go is less impressive, though still adequate for storing travel essentials like headphones, wallet, charging cords, and, of course, your favorite travel snacks. Beyond packing the bag, we found the harness system to be quite easy to use. Though the shoulder straps are permanently attached and don't stow away, the entire waist belt is removable. We love this feature over bags with hide-away waist belts. Although waist belts are great for supporting heavier loads, they can get caught during travel or when squeezing through airplane aisles. If you prefer not to use a belt, it can be nice to have the option to take it off completely rather than attempting to stuff or slide it into a tight slot.
The Cotopaxi opens up like a suitcase with complete access to the integrated mesh packing cubes keeping gear organized and secure even when opening the bag.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
Another one of the easiest bags to use and live out of is the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible. This travel pack splits the middle between the simplicity of the Voyager and the ultra-organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa. The rigid material helps the Subterra hold its shape, which makes the entire process of packing and living out of the bag much easier. Once open, you have easy access to a large main compartment. There is a zippered internal closure on the main compartment with a mesh pouch, ideal for smaller items. The dual-zip closure also lets you keep the contents of your main compartment secure while accessing the built-in laptop pouch and removable attaché case. This feature was incredibly easy to use, and helped keep the rest of the bag light and organized when removed.
We lived out of the Thule in from the back of a car while staging for backpacking trips; it stayed propped open and held all our clothes and gear easily while providing all the necessary access to pouches that we needed, including the removable laptop pouch.
Credit: Hale Milano
Next up in our ease of use metric is the Osprey Sojourn Porter backpack. It boasts a large main compartment with an open cavity design, and the sturdy sidewalls and material hold the shape of the bag open for easy access and packing. Compression straps and two small mesh zipper pockets help to round out the internal organization. A large external pocket is well-suited for storing travel essentials that you may want easy access to en route to your destination. The backpack and waist straps can all be tucked away for protection during travel with relative ease.
The rigid outer shell of the Sojourn Porter helps hold its shape even when empty.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Tortuga Travel Backpack is another favorite for its livability and easy accessibility. The main compartment of the Tortuga folds completely open, providing unfettered access to the very large packing area and a mesh storage pocket on the inside flap. While the bag has plenty of room to store all your essentials and then some, we wish it had compression straps to hold gear secure inside. Externally, there is a large pocket that runs the length of the bag and has some small pouches and a padded tablet sleeve for organizing your frequently used items. The removable hip belt also has two pockets; however, we preferred not to use it during our testing as it tends to get in the way more than it helps.
The external organization pocket of the Tortuga runs the whole height and width of the bag, and includes a fleece-lined tablet pocket and small organization pouches.
Credit: Hale Milano
We also consider the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag to be a user-friendly option. With more pockets than most people can keep track of — 15 to be precise — this bag has a space for everything; the only way you can improve the organization of this bag is to buy a label maker and stick on the labels yourself. This bag has a dedicated place for each and every item you like to travel with, and the bright interior and numerous pockets look like a Marie Kondo dreamscape. However, if you are as forgetful as we are, the excessive number of pockets may be overwhelming. We often spend more time zipping and unzipping pockets to search for a single item than if we were to just rummage through one big pocket. Still, we can't deny that for the organized traveler, the Global Travel Bag is well-suited to life on the road.
The Topo bag boasts an endless assortment of pockets for the ultra-organized traveler. As much as we liked the organization, 15 pockets felt like too much when all we wanted was to stuff a jacket inside and grab some snacks.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
Comfort and Fit
A seasoned globetrotter knows that active travel days can be the most exhausting of the trip. A travel-specific backpack that carries comfortably when weighed down with all your belongings is a guaranteed way to improve happiness and lessen frustration.
Maybe you're on a shoestring budget, and your travel day requires schlepping your belongings from hostel to boat dock to bus station to airport, or maybe you rented a charming Parisian flat on the seventh floor of the building, only to find that the elevator is either broken or nonexistent. In either case, you'll be grateful to have a pack that doesn't add unnecessary strain to your back and shoulders during long travel days. We thoroughly test the comfort of each bag under a heavier-than-average load and evaluate the padding and effectiveness of the backpack straps. In addition to loading up each bag with our belongings, we measure the weight of the bag alone and compare it to its capacity to get a weight-to-volume ratio. While not as important as in some other backpack categories, it can help you make the right choice for your travels.
Some features we consider key to a comfortable travel backpack are ample yet breathable padding, thoughtful weight distribution, and adjustability. When it comes to these metrics, no backpack in our lineup matches the performance of the Osprey Farpoint. This backpack boasts a harness system that rivals top-tier hiking backpacks. A LiteWire frame suspension helps bring weight from your back to the hip belt, and a mesh foam AirScape back panel provides breathability while keeping the weight close to your back. The waist, shoulder, chest, and load lifter straps are all incredibly comfortable. The entire torso length of the harness system is adjustable as well. If all that isn't enough, a convenient flap zips up to protect the entire harness and suspension system during travel. The Farpoint earned fully deserved perfect marks in our comfort evaluations.
The Farpoint is a comfortable option for hauling heavy packing lists, no matter what type of trip you're taking.
All of the straps on this bag sat comfortably, allowing for great weight distribution and less strain.
The mesh back panel on the Farpoint is one of the most comfortable that we tested.
The feature-rich harness system on the Farpoint includes load lifter straps, a reverse pull waist belt, and a molded foam back panel.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is another incredibly comfortable bag that can handle a heavy packing list and long wear times. Its firm and supportive waist belt, cushy shoulder straps, and load lifter straps help to distribute weight across your body. The entire harness system can also be stowed for transit should you need to check your bag for any reason.
Stowing the harness on the Sojourn Porter is easy; simply unbuckle the load lifters and bottom of each strap, and tuck it away into the slim zippered pocket.
Credit: Hale Milano
A close third in this metric, the Tortuga checks off all of the comfort must-haves. The firm foam padding on the back panel, waist belt, and shoulder straps is about a quarter to a half-inch thick, and the weight distribution is well thought out. The harness system consists of shoulder straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a fully removable waist belt. When buckled, the waist belt is quite comfortable and effective; however, the quick attachment clips allow it to swing, dangle, and get tangled easily when not in use, so we prefer to either buckle the straps around the waist or just remove them altogether. The pack sits closely to your back, and every part of the harness system is highly adjustable, down to the placement of the shoulder straps.
Ultra cushy straps and a thick waste belt on the Tortuga Outbreaker allow this backpack to remain supportive even when fully loaded.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
We found the Cotopaxi Allpa to be quite comfortable, though not as supportive or firm as others. The Allpa is essentially a large, soft rectangle on your back. It features complete suspension and decent padding. It is comfortable to wear, though it doesn't handle extremely heavy loads as gracefully as some of our other options.
The Cotopaxi is reasonably comfortable, but we liked that the entire hip belt can be removed if you don't plan to use it.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Thule Subterra 2 is another standout in this metric. Similar to the Cotopaxi, it's not quite as supportive as other bags, yet we found it very comfortable for the size and weight we most often packed during testing. The backpack straps were well-padded. The shoulder sling lacked enough padding to support the entire bag when full; however, when used for the laptop attaché, it was more than adequate. The Thule does lack any sort of waist belt, though we think that's only necessary if you tend to pack very heavy.
We preferred the backpack straps for comfort, but the Thule shoulder strap will work in a pinch.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Peak Design backpack has ergonomic shoulder straps, a thickly padded adjustable hip belt that can be tucked away when not needed, and excellent overall structure. The Patagonia Black Hole is designed a bit differently than your standard travel backpack. Because of this, it lacks the support and structure of other top backpacks in our lineup, but its straps and padding are still quite comfortable to wear when loaded up with gear, and we don't have any major complaints.
The straps and belt on the Peak Design bag slide away behind magnetic flaps.
Credit: Hale Milano
Two final bags worth mentioning for their carry comfort are The North Face Voyager and Topo Designs. Both of these bags provide above-average features that make them more comfortable than most. The Voyager's back panel padding is on the firmer side and is quite supportive when stuffed with 3+ days of clothing and toiletries. The Topo bag's straps are very pleasant; however, the lack of structure in the back panel means it can rub your body just a little too much when fully packed.
The firm padding is comfortable, though the straps on the Voyager are unable to be stored away when not in use.
The straps on this bag are very comfortable, though it lacks support.
The firm back panel of The North Face Voyager (left) supports the weight well, and the straps on the Topo (right) are quite comfortable.
Versatility
The ideal travel backpack can facilitate seamless transitions from one leg of your trip to the next, encouraging a fun travel experience and helping transportation go smoothly. It should function well on any of the various trips that fit into your lifestyle, whether it is filled with bathing suits for the beach vacation of a lifetime or formal clothes for a business trip. We looked at the versatility of each bag by examining its usefulness and practicality for different types of travel and uses — can it double as a daypack or hiking pack — as well as available color options, size options, and style. Be sure to read between the lines of the numerical ratings and award winners to find your perfect pack.
For the most part, our backpack lineup features bags that are designed to excel as your primary travel bag and still fit within the size restraints of a carry-on. They are feature-rich in areas that support livability, access on the go, and comfort. What helps some of the top contenders stand out over others are the style and color options for the bag, as well as its useability as an everyday carryall when you're not off galavanting around the globe.
The Cotopaxi comes in a variety of vibrant colors.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
One of the travel backpacks with the most potential for versatility is the Thule Subterra 2. The removable attaché and sleek design of the Thule helped earn its high versatility score. We'd just as soon grab the Thule for a carry-on bag for our next backpacking trip abroad as we would for a weekday work trip wearing business casual. That said, the Thule remains a dedicated travel bag. It's too bulky for daily wear into the office or around town and lacks the suspension systems that might help it pull double duty on the trails in a pinch.
Sliding out the Subterra laptop bag helps make a quick transition between transit and the office.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Farpoint is another versatile bag that has the potential to do double duty, especially if you are bound and determined to bring only one bag. The fully equipped harness, suspension, and compression systems make it an ideal pack if you want to leverage the Farpoint for heavier loads, such as hiking trips, if needed. Visually, it has a more rugged design, but we think that style can appeal to a variety of individuals, whether you are a dirtbag climber or just dipping your toes into gorpcore fashion.
The Farpoint can double as a crag bag if you don't want to take multiple bags on your international climbing trips.
Credit: Hale Milano
Several other bags in our testing have proven to be reasonably versatile. At the very least, they are all significantly more versatile luggage options than what you would get with a traditional suitcase or duffle bag. The North Face Voyager is small enough that it can be used for a daily commute into the office, packing it with a laptop and binders. The Osprey Sojourn's muted color palette and daypack-compatible design help boost the appeal for both business and pleasure trips. The impressive 21 color options of the Coowoz combined with its compact design mean you can easily transition from the airport to the office without looking like you're dragging a suitcase behind you. The Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On and Asenlin 40L Travel backpacks, with their small size and plethora of color options, respectively, are quite versatile bag choices for travelers looking to maximize the use they can get out of their bag.
We packed binders and some publications in the Voyager for a trade show. It was a little roomy, but did the job!
Credit: Hale Milano
How to Pick the Best Travel Backpack for You
Here are four key considerations to help narrow down your next travel backpack selection. See much more detail in our full How to Choose A Travel Backpack article.
What Size Works Best?
With the array of size options for backpacks, it can feel overwhelming to hone in on an appropriate size. Identifying your travel needs, such as the usual trip duration and the activities you partake in, are key considerations to help narrow down your choice. A bag under 30 liters is typically suitable for day trips and carrying essentials. A 30-liter to 50-liter pack is more applicable for weekend trips and multi-day adventures and is capable of packing extra clothes, toiletries, and electronics. 60 Liters plus is great for extended travels when you need a lot of storage, but won't fit in carry-on size requirements. Finding the sweet spot between size and weight will help you avoid running out of room or having too much room on your next trip.
How Important is Comfort?
While comfort is often a high priority when shopping for a new backpack, people will have different preferences and needs to accommodate them. Considerations to look for include shoulder straps, back panels, and waist belts. Choosing a comfortable backpack is partially subjective but also comes down to key aspects such as the amount of padding, adjustability capabilities, and proper ventilation. Identifying your needs and looking at backpacks with these desirable features will help avoid discomfort and pain.
A well-padded backpack with adjustability can make all the difference.
Credit: Matthew Blake
What Features Do You Need?
A trusty travel backpack will provide key features to make your trip that much easier. Organization systems, hydration pockets, and waterproof zippers are some examples of nice-to-have accessories. Your packing preferences also factor into the features that may benefit you the most. If you're an “everything in its place” kind of person, consider bags with plenty of internal organization pockets. On the flip side, bags with large compartments and compression straps can be better if you're a “it'll still close” kind of packer. If you travel in wet climates, a water-resistant bag and zippers become critical to protecting your belongings. For those who travel frequently while working, having access to electronic compartments and protective features is a high priority. Consider your personal needs and what features make the most sense to you.
What Material Should You Choose?
Travel backpacks come in various materials, each with pros and cons. If you plan to travel in a hot climate area, a backpack made of mesh and nylon will provide better breathability than a bag built with a fabric such as canvas or leather. It's also important to note what type of activities you will partake in and whether a more durable fabric, such as ripstop nylon, would be appropriate. Padded and rigid bags offer more durability at the expense of their overall size, whereas bags with softer materials can compress down easier but might sacrifice on protection.
Different features like protective zipper flaps, reinforcement layers, and DWR fabric all help protect your contents from the elements.
Credit: Hale Milano
Conclusion
Finding the right travel backpack can be almost as tricky as finding your ideal travel companion. Everyone has a different reason to travel, and there is a huge variety of travel backpacks available today. The common theme is their ability to help you move fast and light on your travels while carrying all the gear you need comfortably on your back. Some of these carry-on packs highlight storage and organization, some function like a deluxe duffel, and some specialize in carrying heavy gear comfortably. We hope that with the help of this review, you are able to match the best travel backpack to your specific uses and preferences.
We packed all of these bags dozens of times to help you find which bag is best for your next trip.
