If you’re a frequent traveler, whether it’s for business or pleasure, you need a travel backpack that has space for everything. And a durable design that’s comfortable and easy to use.
There are many different backpack designs out there, and some are better than others. Some feature lockable zippers, stowaway shoulder and hip straps, or compression straps to help organize the main compartment.
1. Thule Aion 40L
Thule is a Swedish brand that’s best known for bike and roof racks. But they also make sneaky-good backpacks like this 40L model. It’s built with a durable, PFC-free DWR coating and uses bluesign-approved materials.
This pack has a nice assortment of travel-ready features, including a removable TPU roll top bag that lets you store wet and dirty laundry without it getting on your clean clothes. It also has a zippered side pocket that makes it easy to access items you need quickly during a trek. One of the essential accessories for travel you cant miss.
It also has a front compartment that has ample storage for everyday carry items. There’s a zippered mesh pocket, two liner pockets, and a small mesh pocket with a pen holder in there.
2. Osprey Farpoint 40
Finding a travel backpack that’s comfortable, has just enough space and organization, is durable enough to last for years and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg can be one of the hardest parts of planning a trip.
Luckily, there are many brands that offer great options to suit your needs. The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a good example.
It’s lightweight, has a full-featured harness and is carry-on compatible for most airlines.
One of the best things about this pack is that it comes in both a male and female version, making it ideal for traveling with friends or family. It also has padded top and side handles, which can be used to help you load it on or off a bus, train, plane, or even in an overhead locker.
3. Peak Design Travel Pack 45L
Peak Design has launched a series of travel bags with a focus on mobile photographers, and the 45L Travel Backpack is their latest offering. Like most of their carry gear, the 45L Travel Backpack is designed with versatility in mind.
The Travel Backpack is designed for people who need to pack their camera gear, accessories, and personal items into one bag. It comes with a set of ‘Packing Tools’ that help you organize your gear and make it more accessible.
It is designed with a 400D nylon canvas for the main compartments and 900D nylon on the bottom. To help protect your gear from additional abrasions. Also features DWR coated polyurethane liners, Zoom zippers, and aluminum hardware. Its always good to have your backpacks when party is ready like the ones of pub crawl Barcelona that are everyday.
There are multiple access points to the main compartment, which makes it easier to find and access your gear. On each side of the bag, there are zippers that open down and around, which is a great way to access the interior of the travel backpack without opening it completely.
4. Db Travel Backpack 45L
The Db Travel Backpack 45L is an excellent choice for photographers looking to carry a decent amount of gear. Its 45 liter capacity is large enough to hold a lot of camera equipment, but not as large as you’ll need for a hiking backpack.
This backpack is also super durable, with sturdy 1000D Cordura construction, a bombproof laptop compartment, and plenty of extra padding in the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel. It’s also extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, even when packed full.
As with all Db bags, the brand’s patented Hook-Up system accordingly allows you to connect multiple pieces of luggage together to reduce weight and simplify airport transfers. It also comes with a heavy rain waterproof cover, so you can rest assured your gear will be protected when the weather turns bad.
5. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
With a focus on design and efficiency, Peak Design’s Travel Backpack 45L is the perfect bag for traveling light. It’s a great option for weekend getaways and longer backpacking trips alike, thanks to its incredibly comfortable and durable structure.
One of the most innovative features on the bag is its zippered dividing panel that can be split into two sections or kept as one. This allows for easier access to your camera gear.
The main compartment can also be expanded to a maximum of 45L, or compressed down to 30L for lighter carries. This feature is a huge advantage over its competition, giving you a lot of flexibility to fit whatever it is you need to bring with you on your next trip.
The bag also comes with an additional padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket, which isn’t something you’ll find on many other backpacks. It’s a great addition to the already impressive array of organizational options.
6. Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack
The Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack is a carry-on-sized bag with lots of compartments and thoughtful features for frequent travelers. It’s durable, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Founded by Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen, Topo Designs strives to combine the classic style of outdoor gear with modern additions. They’re headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado. With this kind of backpack, you will pack everything you need even for a big carnival in Madrid, they have a lot of space and compartments for anything you need.
This 30L backpack has a sturdy 1000D nylon exterior and #10 YKK zippers, and it’s made to last. It has an external laptop compartment, a padded shoulder strap, and plenty of internal pockets to keep your gear organized.
7. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a carry-on-compliant pack that offers a wide range of features and design elements. Its sturdy construction and durable materials make it a reliable, long-lasting option for travelers.
The 35L also meets airport carry-on guidelines and has a TSA-ready flap for a laptop and other electronics that separates easily for security checkpoints. It also has a padded hip belt and shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly, ensuring a comfortable carry.
The Allpa has a super sleek design, with no visible front zippers. This makes it very attractive and clean-looking, especially when compared to the other travel backpacks on this list.
8. Nomatic Travel Pack 22L
If you’re looking for a compact travel backpack that can be used as a carry-on in 98% of airlines, the Nomatic Travel Pack 22L is an excellent choice. It has plenty of features for traveling. Including a dedicated shoe compartment, top access points, and a zippered pocket that can fit a small bottle of water or some snacks.
It also has a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15″ computer and unzips completely. Ideal to lay flat for easy transport through airport security. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in wet weather without worrying about damaging your gear.
9. Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack 37L
If you’re looking for a travel backpack that’s stylish and multifunctional, the Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack 37L is a great choice. It has a retro look that’s easy to integrate with other travel gear. Can be carried in multiple fashions, and includes security features.
This bag is a hybrid suitcase-style pack that can be worn over the shoulder or on your back. It has a strap with attachment clips for shoulder carry. Handles on the top and side of the bag for briefcase style, or you can just wear it like a backpack using the padded straps.
There are plenty of organizational features, including a false bottom in the large laptop sleeve to protect your electronics. two water bottle pockets, external daisy chains for dirty climbing shoes, and PackFast clips to attach another bag from Topo Design’s line to the outside (sold separately). The Global also comes in a variety of colors: ballistic black, navy, and olive.
10. Osprey Porter 46
If you’re looking for a travel backpack that will allow you accordingly to pack your belongings efficiently. The Osprey Porter 46 is one of the best options. It can be used as a carry-on bag for most airlines, and features a stowaway harness and hip belt.
It’s also a very comfortable pack to wear, thanks to the suspension system and padded straps across the sternum. And with a weight held per liter ratio of 3.23 pounds, it’s no wonder that this backpack is so popular.
This backpack is great for digital nomads and those who accordingly like to travel light. However, it’s not a good choice for those who plan on hiking or camping with their backpack.
