We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Nothing puts a damper on an adventurous spirit like dealing with an unwieldy backpack while in transit. On the other hand, a great one disappears on your back while you trek across new cities and acts as a functional closet while on the go, all without being overly bulky or conspicuous. And, unlike a traditional rolling suitcase, a travel backpack makes navigating public transportation and uneven streets fast and easy.
The best pack for most travelers is the Cotopaxi Allpa. It's comfortable to carry and has a closet-like mesh pocket system, making it easy to pack and live out of. The Aer Travel Pack 3 is the best backpack for those who love detailed organizational systems.
If you are on a tighter budget, it's hard to go wrong with the tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L. It's a spacious bag for a week-long trip, with just enough pockets to stay organized and decent protection for a laptop.
Since 2013, we've been traveling the world for work and play with the top carry-on backpacks. We've purchased more than 70 options and spent months taking every pack on overnight flights, navigating public transportation, and trekking through foreign cities. No matter where you go, there is a pack that is just right for every travel style.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on July 22, 2026, to include new award winners and re-tested old favorites.
Tight fit. Length and width are within most airlines requirements, but depth is 2 inches over many airline dimensions.
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers on main compartment, fabric loops to secure zipper pulls of laptop pocket, main compartment, and larger external pocket
Carry-On Sizes Available
35L, 42L
Carrying Options
Removable hip belt, 4 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a 35L backpack with a level of organization that hits the sweet spot for most travelers; not so much that you get lost in the pockets, but enough that you can separate, and easily stash and grab your essentials later. The interior layout is divided into three separate compartments that act as built-in packing cubes. This type of organization works great for everyday items like clothes, a pair of shoes, and toiletries, though for work trips, we wished for a more detailed admin panel to keep our tech in line. As our lead tester summarized: “I love the less-is-more approach from Cotopaxi with this bag for easy packing, though it still includes a hip belt for long walks across the city or airport terminal.”
The downside of this built-in organization system is that you have less wiggle room in how you pack. Other packs, like the Aer Travel Pack 3 offer a single large compartment that works better for flat packing or fitting bulkier items. We greatly appreciated the low weight of the Allpa 35L, but it's not as structured and doesn't offer as much support for travelers who tend to overpack. Fortunately, it's still comfy to carry loads of up to about 25 pounds, which is plenty of capacity for those traveling with the essentials for a week-long trip. If you don't love the idea of carrying your belongings on your back all the time, consider the Osprey Farpoint Fairview Wheeled 36L, which doubles as a roller bag. Besides these considerations, the Allpa 35 is a phenomenal companion for your next flight or road trip as long as you don't mind the lack of exterior pockets.
Yes. All dimensions are at/under the common U.S. carry-on maximum, so it should fit comfortably overhead.
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers on main compartment, hidden smart tracker pocket
Carry-On Sizes Available
28L, 35L
Carrying Options
Removable hip belt (sold separately), 3 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
If you like to have a home for everything in your bag, the Aer Travel Pack 3 might be the right fit for you. It has one of the best admin pockets we've seen on a backpack, offering an entire front panel dedicated to small items like pens, notebooks, charger cords, a pack of gum, or travel documents (and it keeps these items separate from your clothes and toiletries). It also hosts various exterior pockets that are easy to access mid-flight if you need to, though it might take a bit of time to learn where all the pockets are. The main compartment of the Travel Pack 3 is wide open, and large enough to fit a suit bag or two pairs of extra shoes, while still leaving room for socks and T-Shirts. For longer trips that merit two bags, the Travel Pack easily slides onto the handle of wheeled luggage, and the backpack has compression straps that can be cinched down if you need to squeeze onto a packed bus.
The downside to all these pockets is that you can get lost in all the zippers and compartments, and it can be hard to remember exactly where you put that USB hub. We were also disappointed that Aer's hip belt has to be purchased separately, though we loved the cushion of the Travel Pack 3 across the shoulder straps and back panel, and found it comfortable to carry for moderate distances. If you want a hip belt included with your next travel backpack, check out the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L, which is super comfy to carry and also has a great admin panel that makes it great for work travel. Besides the hip belt asterisk, the Travel Pack 3 offers a clean exterior that will fly under the radar in a subway car and has a nice aesthetic for the office. As one of our travel experts concluded, “This luggage is bound to meet the needs of most travelers, even internationally, and fits within most airlines' carry-on requirements for overhead bins. Just remember, this is not a bag designed for simplicity.”
Update August 2026: Aer released the Travel Pack 4 during our testing period. We are planning to get our hands on the new version of this bag ASAP, but for now, our review of the 3 can give you a good idea of the functionality.
Whether using the Travel Pack when flying on a business trip or simply needing more tech organization for the road, this model had all the features we needed. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Aer Travel Pack 3 has a simple, large main compartment for suits, clothes, and shoes, while the rest of the bag offers lots of organization. Credit: Zach Lovell
Yes. All dimensions are at/under the common U.S. carry-on maximum, so it should fit comfortably overhead.
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers,
Carry-On Sizes Available
28L, 40L
Carrying Options
2 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
Travel backpacks are notoriously expensive compared to other bag classes, but the tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L is both affordable and capable for most trips. There aren't many organizational pockets or dividers in the Navigator, but it has a generous compartment that fits a week's worth of clothes. If you need to keep things separated, buying a a packing cube set can make it much easier to find that pair of swim trunks or button-up shirt while on the road, and you'll still spend less overall. It has external compression straps, and one of our reviewers commented, “I love how easy the tomtoc is to squish down, which was especially handy when cramming it into an already-full car or airport shuttle”.
The tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L has plenty of room, but it's only rigid on the back and bottom, and it's prone to sagging when it's only partly full. The material is also less inspiring when cramming the bag into tight spaces like the trunk of a car or an overhead bin on an airplane. The Navigator also lacks a hip belt, so when carrying, you'll feel all the weight on your shoulders, and it becomes less comfortable with loads over 20 lbs. Take a closer look at the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L if a hip belt is a priority; just be prepared to spend more money. The Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 is a similarly priced bag. It doesn't have a hip belt either, but it's a bit smaller, so it won't get as heavy when fully packed. Outside of a couple setbacks, the tomtoc Navigator is a phenomenal companion for your next trip and spares you cash for a plane ticket or hotel room.
If you can't seem to shorten your packing list no matter how hard you try, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L offers a cavernous amount of room. This is a generously sized backpack with larger-than-average dimensions, allowing you to pack more, from an extra pair of shoes to additional toiletries, or a mobile office. The Black Hole MLC also has a fully separate and spacious electronics panel that accommodates large laptops and even an extra tablet or travel monitor, making it suitable for work trips. A bigger bag typically means heavier loads, and luckily the MLC includes a wide padded hip belt, so you can keep some of the strain off your shoulders. The hip strap can also be converted into a cross-body strap if you prefer a duffel-style carry.
The MCL stands for Maximum Legal Carry, and true to its name, the Black Hole is a tight fit for some airlines' carry-on allotments. This can be a pricey gamble if you have to gate check your bag before your flight. However, it is a soft-sided bag with compression straps, helping you fit it inside a measuring cube if the gate agent is taking a close look at passengers' luggage. If you'd rather avoid the stress, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40 for a spacious alternative that is more carry-on-friendly, and also more comfy to carry. Ultimately, the Black Hole MLC 45L is a favorite amongst our team for space, as one tester put it best: “From European vacations to South American adventures, I love this bag's durability and ease of packing, making sure you bring everything you need.”
Yes. It fits within the standard 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on limit, though wheeled bags often get looked at more closely.
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable sliders on the main zipper, hidden valuables pocket
Carry-On Sizes Available
36L
Carrying Options
2 grab handles
The Osprey Farpoint Fairview Wheeled 36L is the ultimate travel companion for those who like the idea of one-bag travel but don't want the weight on their shoulders all the time. This backpack/roller hybrid has wheels that pull smoothly through cities or airports and stowable backpack straps and a hip belt that can be deployed when it's time to climb stairs or walk over uneven paths or cobblestones. The high structure of the bag keeps it from dragging on pavement, and the wheels are on the larger side to help you roll over gravel-laden sidewalks or curbs. Its 36-liter capacity is on the smaller side, but it was plenty for travel essentials. If you don't need all the space, it can be compressed easily with external straps across the front of the bag.
Beyond a couple of external pockets, the Farpoint Fairview Wheeled 36L is pretty much one big open cavern, and if you need organizational pockets or a laptop top sleeve, we'd steer you towards something else, like the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L. The Wheeled Osprey earned decent scores for comfort primarily because you don't have to carry it all the time, but the carry comfort is not on par with Osprey's other model, the Osprey Farpoint 40, which is a dedicated backpack with awesome padding and suspension rivaling that of a hiking pack. Our biggest gripe is that we sometimes felt the wheels poking into our hips in backpack mode. However, if you want to avoid hauling your belongings around on your back for any reason, but still want the option to tackle stairs with ease, the Farpoint Fairview Wheeled 36L is a good compromise.
Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is a high-capacity bag for work trips or for travelers who just want to stay organized and comfortable. This 40-liter bag has a simple, wide-open main compartment, but has a rich number of pockets in the front compartment, and it can fit a big laptop plus a tablet in the rear electronics sleeve. Its clean exterior is tear-resistant and even wards off the occasional drizzle, while still offering a nice minimal aesthetic for the office. The Tortuga is one of the most comfortable packs we've carried. The cushy hip belt on the Tortuga comes included, but can be easily removed via Velcro attachments. It also has a highly adjustable suspension system that can be tailored to fit different-sized torsos.
Something as robust and featured as the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro comes at a higher price. If you need a less-spendy model, consider the Aer Travel Pack 3, which offers similar features at a significantly lower cost. Though you might want to budget for the separately sold hip belt if you tend to pack heavy. Part of what drives up the price of the Tortuga is its incredibly robust materials and advanced adjustability, and while some travelers may appreciate these points, those who only travel a few times a year might not need them, so would be better off with a more affordable (but still good quality) bag. However, as long as it won't break the bank, put the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L on your contenders list if organization and buy-it-for-life durability are top priorities.
Update August 2026: Tortuga released the V2 version of their Travel Backpack. Changes include a redesigned admin panel and improvements to the hip belt padding and attachment style. We plan to test and update our review of this backpack in the fall.
Tight fit. Length and width are ok, but you'll need to keep the bag in compressed mode to meet depth requirements.
Anti-Theft Features
Three different types of theft-deterrent zipper pulls
Carry-On Sizes Available
30L, 45L
Carrying Options
Stowable hip belt, 4 grab handles, luggage pass-through loop
Whether you're an avid recreational photographer or it's how you make a living, the Peak Design 45 is a great backpack for camera gear. Even if you're not a photographer, this bag is worth looking into for its protection, with decent padding and water resistance that gives you peace of mind on the road. The main compartment of this 45-liter bag accommodates large lenses and camera bodies while still leaving space for clothes and other travel essentials. There are also several other pockets that make it easy to keep track of lens caps, brushes, memory cards, and charging cords.
As much as we loved the robust fabric and feature set of the Peak Design Travel 45, the bag was on the heavier side. The Travel 45 doesn't come with dividers, so you'll need to budget for them if you want better organization for lenses and camera bodies. If you'd like a camera bag with a more traditional suitcase opening, check out the well-made Wandrd Transit 35L. It's a little less protective, but lighter, and the design is more versatile for non-camera use. Both cost about the same, and sell camera cubes separately. Aside from a couple of considerations, the Travel 45 is a great choice, as our lead tester concluded, “I loved this camera bag just as much as a general-purpose model, with great organization and weight capacity serving many on-road needs.”
Yes. Fits the exact size of most airline bag dimensions requirements.
Anti-Theft Features
Lockable zippers on main compartment
Carry-On Sizes Available
40L
Carrying Options
Permanant hip belt, 2 grab handles
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a hiking-inspired travel backpack that's incredibly comfy, even with heavier loads. The Farpoint uses Osprey's fabled suspension system and back panel to create a breathable backpack that places the weight on your hips, with load lifters making it easy to adjust where that weight is felt on your back. However, it has a few upgrades that make it more usable for frequent travel, like compression straps and the option to stow shoulder and hip straps for air travel. “Packing this bag is simple, as most of its storage is just in the main compartment, though it still includes a laptop slip against the back that fits my computer easily,” our testing lead shared.
The outdoorsy aesthetic of the Farpoint 40 might not appeal to some travelers, but its biggest setback is the limited organization. This bag has very few exterior pockets for headphones, a charging block, or a passport, and you'll need to buy your own packing cubes if you need more separation from your belongings. Ultimately, the draw of the Farpoint 40 is its comfort, especially if you travel with heavier gear. As a bonus, it's also less expensive than many travel backpacks and also comes in a women's-specific fit called the Osprey Fairview 40.
If you like the support and looks of a hiking backpack, the Farpoint 40 might be just what you need for your next trip. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
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 most for living on the road. We used them everywhere we went, whether to far-off lands or neighboring states, in our day-to-day lives at home, around town, and on work commutes. For weeks at a time, we live out of these bags, both at home and while traveling, which lets us gauge how easy it is to grab the clothes and other items we need without disrupting the pack's organization. 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 usefulness in a variety of scenarios all contribute to 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)
Testing the waterproof capabilities of both the bag and its zippers. Credit: Hale Milano
Zach is a year-round Mountain Guide who spends as much as half of his year on the road. Some years, Zach travels to as many as 9 countries across Europe, Asia, and Central America, and still logs several inter-US trips in the same year. He loves the detailed world of backpack reviews and loves testing each of these travel-minded models across planes, cars, trains, and buses.
Zach spends about as much time on the road as he does at home, frequently leaning on air travel as his primary mode of transportation. Credit: Zach Lovell
Hale has explored over 35 countries on foot, by plane, by boat, and by car. He used to travel for work, flying frequently with just a few clothes and a computer, so he values an efficient, functional travel bag. His passion for gear, especially bags, gives him a fresh perspective on our travel backpack testing team.
Hayley, a van dweller, travels almost perpetually to new climbing, biking, and skiing destinations. She never hits the road without a trustworthy backpack that's protective and functional.
These bags traveled with our test team on numerous trips to various destinations to help assess their real-world performance.
Why Use a Travel Backpack?
From the outside, many of these packs look similar to a regular backpack. So what makes them so special (and expensive)? Travel backpacks typically have a different layout than a typical gym or hiking bag, and the organization system feels more similar to the inside of a suitcase. Most of these bags also open clamshell-style, unfolding completely to give you a wide-open view of your belongings. All this makes them better suited to carrying clothes and shoes than books and pens. In fact, these bags are built to replace a traditional roller bag, but are much more convenient if you need to take your carry-on up stairs or across uneven sidewalks. This is a huge plus if your travels frequently take you off the beaten path, as rolling luggage is limited to cleaner pavement and short flights of stairs.
We selected backpacks in the 35L-45L range, which should fit into carry-on limits on most airlines, but travel backpacks are usually made with more robust materials meant to withstand baggage-claim abuse in the off chance that you have to check the bag. This size is large enough to carry enough belongings for as long as a week. For extended trips, these bags can still come in handy, but you'll either need to visit the laundromat or pair them with a piece of larger checked luggage.
Whether for work or for fun, one-bag travel is possible with a travel backpack. Credit: Hale Milano
Over the years, we have also seen these bags adapt to the new wave of digital nomads and business travelers. Most modern versions have well-protected laptop sleeves and dedicated admin panels that let you pack your entire work setup (laptop, tablet, charging cables, mouse, you name it), plus a few changes of clothes and a spare pair of shoes. Some models can even fit an extra travel monitor.
How big can my backpack be?
The short answer is that 40-45 liters is the maximum size you can carry on most US flights; however, each airline has its own restrictions. Maximum carry-on dimensions are listed in inches, and some also have weight limits on hand luggage — particularly international carriers. Be sure to check the specifics for your airline before traveling, to avoid paying additional fees or having to check your bag.
Amongst duffel bags and roller luggage, travel backpacks are typically more portable, especially on rough ground or stairs. Credit: Zach Lovell
Analysis and Test Results
We put each pack through rigorous testing under a very critical eye. 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 traveled with us on adventures both near and far, from overnight stays to multi-week journeys around the world.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
In the travel bag category, the most significant price differentiator is typically the material and build quality. Some budget bags offer many of the same features as more expensive ones, but durable materials with reinforced seams and straps tend to cost slightly more than less protective and heavyweight materials.
This is a notoriously pricey backpack category, but we've included a wide range of price points in this lineup to accommodate shoppers' budgets. Credit: Zach Lovell
The tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L is a very affordable option that makes it much more accessible to own a travel backpack. It has plenty of space for travelers on longer trips and still offers essential features like a padded back panel and a laptop compartment. It doesn't have a hip belt, but we were happy with its padded shoulder straps as long as we weren't carrying more than roughly 20 pounds.
The affordable tomtoc is spacious and can be carried on your back or slid onto roller luggage. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Osprey Daylite combines the high-quality materials and design of our top-scoring bags with a price point that's much friendlier on the wallet. It has a simple no-frills design, but the Daylite boasts high-end fabric and a quality build.
The Osprey Daylite balances quality materials and necessary features at a budget-friendly price point. Credit: Hale Milano
Storage & Protection
First and foremost, what can you fit in your travel backpack? If you can't fit the essentials or your items arrive damaged, it can set back an entire trip. To assess our lineup of bags on this metric, we evaluate the storage volume, weather protection, and padding. 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 investigated each backpack's suitability for longer trips.
The Aer Travel Pack 3 blends space and organization effortlessly, striking a balance between number of pockets and usability. While any bag featured here requires some time to learn, our testing team quickly developed their own packing system with the Travel Pack, utilizing all of its pockets for international travel within an hour of playing with it. It also has some cushioning for your electronics, while the outside of the bag is wrapped in a thicker, abrasion-resistant fabric.
The Travel Pack 3 makes it easy to organize clothes, electronics, and important travel documents.
The Cotopaxi Allpa takes a simple approach to storage, offering a classic clamshell design and a few voluminous compartments to keep shirts, pants, shoes, and toiletries separated. It doesn't have a ton of tech storage, but its computer sleeve has enough space for a laptop and a tablet or a book. Without an “administrative” pocket to keep chargers or a computer mouse separated, this is a bag that works best for personal travel. Its tough, tear-resistant exterior fabric wards off light rain, and the back panel provides some padding for your electronics.
The Allpa offers plenty of storage for recreational travel and has a tough exterior that can handle some precipitation.
The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is another great option for protecting your travel essentials. This bag boasts an RFID protective pocket to keep your payment cards and IDs safe. In addition to comfortably accommodating all your gear, the Nomatic's water-resistant fabric and zippers kept all contents perfectly dry during our rain tests.
From the Nomatic to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35, several backpacks kept our clothing and electronics protected, but none of them are recommended for heavy rains. Credit: Hale Milano
The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 is a great choice if you need to fit as much as possible in your travel backpack. It has wider dimensions than much of the competition, so you can easily fit bulkier belongings, whether you need to bring a hair dryer or a suit bag. Its laminated exterior is robust and keeps your gear dry as long as you aren't in a heavy downpour.
The MLC 45 can fit more clothes and gear than most, especially if traveling with clunky shoes or a hair straightener.
The Peak Design Travel 45 is a very protective bag, which makes sense coming from a company known for their camera bags. The Travel 45 has a large capacity and is great for both photography and all-purpose travel, with a deep main compartment that's easily accessed from the back panel and lots of organizational pockets. It's generously padded and can handle more rain than most other bags in the lineup.
Peak Designs offers separately sold camera gear dividers for the Travel 45, but even without it, there's lots of efficient storage on this bag.
Comfort and Fit
Active travel days can be the most exhausting of the trip, and the fit of your backpack can make it 10x better or 10x worse. A great travel backpack carries comfortably when weighed down with all your belongings, and some have extra features like hip belts, load lifters, and adjustable back panels to help you dial it in to your body. We test each bag's comfort under a heavier-than-average load and evaluate the padding and effectiveness of these features.
The Osprey Farpoint is the most comfortable by far; no backpack in our lineup matches the comfort and fit of the hiking-inspired suspension and padding. In fact, the Farpoint wears more like a hiking backpack that has been modified with features like stowable straps and a few extra internal pockets, and is great for travelers who need more weight capacity or enjoy on-trail days on the road. The Tortuga Pro 40L is a close second in comfort, with a height-adjustable back panel and a wide, well-padded hipbelt, but the Tortuga has a decidedly more urban feel. It has a sleek exterior, and the hip belt can be removed for lower mileage days.
From the airport to the trail, the Farpoint 40 has best-in-class weight capacity and comfort.
The Thule Subterra 2 is another standout in this metric. 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 Subterra has a few different carry options. We preferred the backpack straps the majority of the time, but the crossbody can be useful when using the removable laptop case.
The carry/roll hybrid design of the Osprey Farpoint Fairview Wheeled 36L earned it above average comfort scores simply because you don't have to carry it the majority of the time. In roller mode, the handle is ergonomic and extends long enough to keep you upright when wheeling across an airport. We didn't expect much from backpack mode, but we were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of this bag, which includes Osprey's top-notch back panels paired with a plush hip belt and shoulder straps. The wheels did push on some of our testers' hips while walking, but we still found it carryable for going up stairs or walking across gravel.
Pushing or pulling the Fairview Wheeled was a breeze thanks to its easy-to-hold handle. Credit: Zach Lovell
The shoulder straps of the Fairview were similar to Osprey's comfy hiking packs. Credit: Zach Lovell
The wheels of the Fairview do occasionally push against testers' hips and backside, but for stairs or a section of gravel, it wasn't a comfort issue. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Cotopaxi Allpa is another well-liked travel backpack for comfort, with a lightweight construction that still offers a decently padded hip belt. For hostel-to-hostel trips in Europe or a New York, New York vacation, the Allpa is great for long days on the feet, but it doesn't have much back panel rigidity, so it's better for loads under about 25 pounds.
The Allpa is an excellent model if keeping your load on the lighter side, and we loved its wide hip belt. Credit: Zach Lovell
Ease of Use
Having a travel backpack lets you move faster on foot than with a rolling suitcase, but it should also be easy to use during your downtime so 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. Many of these backpacks have convertible carrying options, and we try each one. Some also have unique features that just make life easy.
One of our favorite bags to use is The North Face Voyager. Though not as feature-heavy as other models, its thoughtful simplicity makes it pleasant to pack and live out of. The main pouch holds its shape well when empty, making packing items a breeze, and we are big fans of the removable internal divider that segments the compartment into two folded-shirt-sized areas. Outside the bag, pockets for accessing items are heavily featured and well-organized.
We kept all our frequently used items like headphones and a magazine in the external pockets of the Voyager. Credit: Hale Milano
The internal divider on the Voyager makes it incredibly easy to pack clothes neatly, and it can be removed if you want to use the space differently. Credit: Hale Milano
The Cotopaxi Allpa also has a simpler design with three internal and integrated mesh pockets, like built-in packing cubes. This can be great for when you're destination hopping and don't have time to constantly reorganize. Beyond the bag's easy packing, we appreciate that the waist belt is removable. We prefer this over hide-away storage, where you have to stuff the waist belt into a tight slot. For quick trips, we would forgo the hip belt entirely, leaving it at home to keep our load that much lighter. The Allpa doesn't have quite enough pockets for those traveling with a ton of electronics, but it's great for a single laptop, a tablet or book, and a couple charging cords.
The side pocket design is effective for holding a laptop, though your computer can slide out if you don't have the bag tilted on its side. Credit: Zach Lovell
The rigid material of the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible makes it easier to pack, and a mesh pouch inside the main compartment is ideal for smaller items, though we would appreciate one or two more for optimal organization. The dual-zip closure keeps the contents of your main compartment secure while allowing access to the built-in laptop pouch and removable attaché case.
The Subterra is another intuitive model that boasts quick access at the airport or bus station.
For shoppers who like features, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is a great choice, blending space and organization together for a user-friendly travel backpack. It's also easy to pack, with ample dimensions that allow it to fit a suit bag and dress shoes.
The Tortuga can accommodate bulkier items like a suit bag and fancy shoes, and the electronics compartment still affords lots of pockets for electronics organization. Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
The right bag should suit multiple trip styles, from flying to Italy for vacation or hopping on a train for a one-night work stay. We tested every model by using them in different applications and taking careful notes along the way. While many backpacks were designed with a specific priority in mind, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of options that served travel needs beyond their intended uses. Top-scoring models kept up with our travel testers on both work and personal trips from 2 days to 10 days.
The Wandrd Transit 35L is the highest scorer in this metric. It has a sleek matte exterior that blends in any environment, and a wide open main compartment that works well for typical loads of clothing and shoes but is also compatible with Wandrd's camera cubes or packing cubes. This bag has other photography specific features, like a tripod slot and rainfly cover, but the designers of this bag took special care to ensure these pockets were useful for non-photography travel as well. In short, the Transit is less customized as is, which allows you to take the customization in any direction you want, the only caveat is that all of Wandrd's cool accessories are sold seperately, adding to the cost of an already expensive bag.
Features like a hidden passport pocket allow this bag to transition from photo shoot to international travel without skipping a beat. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you want one bag for business or personal travel, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is worth careful consideration. This is more usable if you buy its separately sold hip belt, but it has enough space in the main compartment for formal clothes and dress shoes, and a well-laid-out admin panel at the front of the bag can hold novels or work manuals, and the electronics sleeve at the back protects your personal laptop or work computer. We love that the exterior of the bag is understated enough to fit in at the office or on a weekend city break. And the overall size of the bag doesn't feel too bulky to carry to a coffee shop for a morning work session.
We didn't have an issue fitting the Aer Travel Pack in any of the overhead bins during our testing process. Credit: Zach Lovell
Whether you're traveling for work or for fun, the Aer is comfy to walk around town or at the boardwalk. Credit: Mark Lovell
The Osprey Farpoint 40 can double as a daypack for more outdoor-focused trips. The fully equipped harness, suspension, and compression systems make it an ideal pack for heavier loads 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
While there are several bags that can be used for work, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L was one of our favorites. Its capacity for formal wear and electronics was great, but it also offers a clean aesthetic if you need to take the Tortuga into an office. The best part is that the Tortuga is also a highly functional bag for personal travel, with its removable hip belt and adjustable back panel offering hugely improved comfort, making it more enjoyable to hike through a city before hotel check-in. The only downside is that the Tortuga is quite large and boxy, and doesn't blend in as well as the similarly styled Aer backpack.
From the boardroom to the vacation, the Tortuga is a highly capable bag that can be used for a variety of trips. Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Pick the Best Travel Backpack for You
Here are four key considerations to help narrow down your choice of next travel backpack. See much more detail in our full How to Choose A Travel Backpack article.
We chose to include travel backpacks that fit within an airline's carry-on measurements, typically between 35 and 45 liters in volume. With this size, it's possible to pack enough clothing and toiletries for a one-week trip if you go light, but it depends on the type of packer you are and whether you have access to laundry at your destination. A safer bet is to use a single travel backpack for a four-day trip. This will give you plenty of space to bring a change of clothes for each day, extra shoes, and a few toiletries. If you need to bring formal wear, a hair dryer, bulky jackets, or boots, you'll probably want to swap out one of these backpacks for a checked bag, or even use them together as a travel system.
Comfort should be a key part of any purchase decision, but if we were to rate the importance of comfort in the backpack world, we'd put it highest when looking at backpacking backpacks that will be used to carry heavy loads for days on end, and lowest when looking at casual school packs, that will be used to commute to campus with the day's essentials. Travel backpacks fall somewhere in between. You will likely load these packs up with 4-5 days' worth of stuff, and possibly wear them for a few hours at a time on active travel days. However, once you arrive at your guest house or hostel, you can drop your bag and forget about the weight. We'd prioritize storage and livability above comfort, but best-case scenario, you find both. Comfort features to look for include densely padded shoulder straps and back panels, as well as a waist belt. Ventilation in the back panel is also a big plus if you're traveling in warmer climates.
We consider good organization a baseline feature for a travel backpack. From there, each model comes with its own set of additional features. Expandable water bottle pockets, compression straps, waterproof zippers, and adjustable harness systems are a few examples. If carrying more tech gear, a front admin pocket with a bunch of sleeves is handy for keeping track of cords, chargers, a computer mouse, or memory cards. If you have more specialized interests, like photography or hiking, consider a backpack that can adapt to either activity. For vacation travel, you can skip the fancy features and go for simpler organization to carry some clothes, flip-flops, and a tablet.
Most domestic airlines operate on a two-bag carry-on system: one larger piece for the overhead bin (carry-on) and one smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you (personal item). Many people choose to use a laptop backpack as their personal item, but the travel backpacks in this review are on the larger side, and when fully packed, they will not fit under the seat in front of you. If they have to go in the overhead bin, an airline will count them as your carry-on luggage.
Different features like protective zipper flaps, reinforcement layers, and DWR fabric all help protect your contents from the elements. Credit: Hale Milano
Other Notable Travel Backpacks
Able Carry Max: The Able Carry Max is a well-designed 30L backpack made from premium materials with excellent organization, and it keeps its shape even when half-full. It's ideal for travelers who want a sleek, comfortable travel bag and are okay with a bit of extra weight.
Matador SEG45: The Matador SEG45 is a 45-liter travel bag designed with segmented organization and external compartments that function like built-in packing cubes. It is a durable, carry-on-compatible hybrid that can be carried as a backpack or a duffel, adapting to the length and style of travel you'll be doing.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 40: The REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 is a versatile 40-liter bag that's great for the airport terminal or the trail, especially for travelers who like a more outdoorsy look. It features carry-on-friendly dimensions, a handy laptop sleeve, a comfortable hipbelt, and a ventilated back panel to make carrying it all day a breeze. It's a smart, all-in-one bag perfect for anyone who wants the support of a hiking pack but still needs good organization for commuting or one-bag trips.
There are hundreds of travel backpacks on the market today, but one of the models in this lineup is bound to meet your needs. Credit: Zach Lovell
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 can find the best travel backpack for your specific needs and preferences.
We packed all of these bags dozens of times to help you find which bag is best for your next trip. Credit: Hale Milano
