The best Backpack for travel ensures convenience, organization, and comfort for trips ranging from city breaks to global adventures. Our top 10 picks—Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40, tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L , Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, Nomatic Travel Pack 40L, Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack, Osprey Fairview 40L, Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L, Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45, and Bellroy Transit Backpack 28L—excel in carry-on compliance, durability, and versatility.
Key factors include capacity (28–45L), comfort (padded straps, hip belts), organization (laptop sleeves, pockets), water-resistant materials, security features, and prices ($100–$300). These backpacks suit urban, adventure, and business travelers based on real-world testing and user feedback.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Backpacking Backpacks For Travel
Why Choose a Travel Backpack?
Benefits of Travel Backpacks
Travel backpacks provide hands-free mobility, durability, and organization compared to suitcases, making them ideal for airports, cobblestone streets, or trails. They suit weekend getaways, long-term backpacking, business trips, and digital nomad travel with clamshell openings and laptop sleeves.
Advancements include recycled materials, lockable zippers, breathable back panels, and trolley sleeves for luggage attachment. Compact designs meet carry-on restrictions (22 x 14 x 9 inches) while accommodating clothes, tech, and essentials.
Top 10 Best Backpack for Travel
Below are 10 top travel backpacks, compared for capacity, comfort, organization, durability, price, and suitability.
1. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – Best Overall Travel Backpack
- THIS IS ONE PACK OF RANDOM COLOR SELECTION – ONE OF A KIND! Each Del Dia product is made proudly in the Philippines by a…
- Internal pocket configuration: 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small
- 3 grab handles: side, top, and bottom
$215.00
- Features: 35L, 22 x 12 x 10 inches, 1000D polyester, clamshell opening, 15-inch laptop sleeve, compression straps, water bottle pockets, 2 lb. 15 oz.
- Pros: Organized pockets, durable, colorful designs, carry-on compliant.
- Cons: No external compression straps, rubbery shell aesthetics.
- Best For: Versatile travelers needing organization and style.
2. Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 – Best for Comfort
- Large panel zip access to main compartment with dual front compression straps – 40L total volume
- Meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (22h x 14w x 9d in at 3.48 lbs.)
- Lockable zipper access to main compartment and quick access zippered pocket to padded laptop & tablet sleeve (fits up to…
$139.00
- Features: 40L, 21.7 x 14 x 9 inches, 450D nylon, clamshell opening, 16-inch laptop sleeve, lockable zippers, AirScape back panel, 3 lb. 5 oz.
- Pros: Comfortable straps, hiking-inspired frame, durable.
- Cons: No water bottle pockets, slightly heavy.
- Best For: Long-distance travelers and minimalist adventurers.
3. tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L – Best Lightweight Option
- Large Capacity & Organized: This Navigator-T66 carry-on backpack provides ample space for all your travel essentials. It…
- Convenient Storage: You can reach the main compartment from the quick access front pocket for easy reach of your travel …
- TSA Friendly & Flight Approved: The laptop compartment is friendly designed to be opened 90°-180° for security scanning,…
$87.99
- Features: 35L, 21 x 13 x 8 inches, 400D nylon, clamshell opening, 15-inch laptop sleeve, lockable zippers, 3 lb. 5 oz.
- Pros: Lightweight, spacious, durable.
- Cons: Fewer features than Pro model, no admin panel.
- Best For: One-bag travelers prioritizing weight savings.
4. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – Best for Digital Nomads
- TRAVEL BACKPACK 45L: Built for 1-bag travel, the 45L Travel Backpack offers intuitive organization, weatherproof protect…
- DESIGNED TO ADAPT: Expandable from 35L to 45L, this carry on approved pack adjusts to fit your load. Side pockets expand…
- DURABLE DETAILS, CLEAN DESIGN: A weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell with ultra-durable hardware stands up to …
$299.95
- Features: 35–45L expandable, 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches, 400D nylon, clamshell opening, 17-inch laptop sleeve, multiple handles, 4 lb. 8 oz.
- Pros: Expandable, organized, sleek, durable.
- Cons: Heavy, complex organization.
- Best For: Photographers and tech-heavy travelers.
5. Nomatic Travel Pack 40L – Best for Organization
- TSA Ready Travel Laptop Backpack: This TSA compliant bag serves as a carry on backpack with its luggage strap, making it…
- Travel Smart: With 20+ innovative features, find your things easily with pockets designed specifically for shoes, liquid…
- Versatile Everyday Bag: In need of a stylish business backpack, a functional backpack, or a versatile computer bag? This…
$246.49
- Features: 30–40L expandable, 21 x 14 x 9 inches, 1000D nylon, clamshell opening, 15-inch laptop sleeve, multiple pockets, 3 lb. 7 oz.
- Pros: Extensive pockets, sleek design, expandable.
- Cons: Pricey, slightly bulky when expanded.
- Best For: Organized travelers and business trips.
6. Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack – Best for Durability
- Maximized Carry-On Capacity – Travel size and designed to meet most airline carry on requirements (when compressed), thi…
- Easy Organization – Full-zip clamshell opening with anti theft lockable zippers, padded laptop sleeve and external toile…
- Comfortable & Ventilated – The AirScape backpanel and tuckaway padded shoulder straps offer exceptional support and brea…
$129.97
- Features: 45L, 22 x 13 x 9 inches, 900D ripstop polyester, duffel/backpack hybrid, 15-inch laptop sleeve, 3 lb. 10 oz.
- Pros: Rugged, water-resistant, versatile carry modes.
- Cons: Less structured, minimal padding.
- Best For: Adventure travelers needing durability.
7. Osprey Fairview 40L – Best Value
- Adjustable torso fit
- Large panel zip access to main compartment
- Dual front compression straps
$153.98
- Features: 40L, 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches, 210D nylon, clamshell opening, 15-inch laptop sleeve, daypack lid, 4 lb. 8 oz.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, versatile.
- Cons: Heavy, dated design.
- Best For: Budget travelers needing functionality.
8. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L – Best for Style
- ONE IS ALL YOU NEED: Pack it all and keep it simple with a single bag for your weekend or even week long trips. Multiple…
- CARRY-ON: No need to check this one, head straight to the gate – Carry on compliant size for US and global travelers, ke…
- ATTACHMENTS AND ADD ONS WITH EASE: 3-way carry (backpack straps, shoulder strap and grab handles), Internal mesh organiz…
$228.95
- Features: 40L, 22 x 14 x 9 inches, 1000D nylon, clamshell opening, 16-inch laptop sleeve, daisy chain webbing, 2 lb. 10 oz.
- Pros: Stylish, lightweight, durable.
- Cons: Limited for bulky gear, complex pockets.
- Best For: Urban travelers wanting aesthetics.
9. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 – Best for Security
- ANTI-THEFT – Compartments securable w/ puncture resistant, interlocking zippers (can be locked w/ padlock, not incl.). C…
- ORGANIZATION – 2* Lockable Main Compartments: Roomy main one opens suitcase style plus smaller exterior one for fast acc…
- LARGE & COMFY – Padded & adjust. shoulder straps (crossbody circum. 43.7″-57.9″) & adjust. hip belt (circum. 24.8″-58.1″…
$275.00
- Features: 45L, 22 x 14 x 9 inches, 210D nylon, anti-theft zippers, slash-proof materials, RFID-blocking, 3 lb. 10 oz.
- Pros: Secure, spacious, durable.
- Cons: Heavy, less stylish.
- Best For: Travelers in high-risk areas.
10. Bellroy Transit Backpack 28L – Best for Short Trips
- This large ready-to-go laptop backpack is optimized for work, travel and daily commutes.
- The large laptop pocket fits 16” devices. The zippable side pockets fit a water bottle plus go-to essentials. The top st…
- The dual-density padded harness and back panel stays comfortable for the long-haul, while the luggage pass-through keeps…
$259.00
- Features: 28L, 20 x 11.5 x 10 inches, recycled nylon, clamshell opening, 15-inch laptop sleeve, compression straps, 3 lb. 2 oz.
- Pros: Sleek, organized, lightweight.
- Cons: Smaller capacity, pricey for size.
- Best For: Weekend trips and commuters.
How We Chose the Best Travel Backpacks
Criteria for Selecting Top Travel Backpacks
We evaluated backpacks based on:
- Capacity & Size: 28–45L, carry-on compliant (22 x 14 x 9 inches).
- Comfort: Padded straps, hip belts, breathable back panels.
- Organization: Laptop sleeves, multiple pockets, clamshell/duffel openings.
- Durability: Water-resistant materials (400D–1000D nylon), robust zippers.
- Security: Lockable zippers, RFID-blocking, anti-theft features.
- Performance: User feedback from Amazon, Reddit, and expert reviews (Travel + Leisure, Wirecutter, Pack Hacker, CN Traveller).
Comparison Table of Travel Backpacks
| Model | Price | Capacity | Weight | Laptop Sleeve | Features | Best Use |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | ~$$$ | 35L | 2 lb. 15 oz. | 15-inch | Clamshell, Compression | Versatile travel |
| Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 | ~$$$ | 40L | 3 lb. 5 oz. | 16-inch | Clamshell, AirScape panel | Long-distance travel |
| tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L | ~$$$ | 35L | 3 lb. 5 oz. | 15-inch | Clamshell, Lockable zippers | Lightweight travel |
| Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L | ~$$$ | 35–45L | 4 lb. 8 oz. | 17-inch | Expandable, Multiple handles | Digital nomad travel |
| Nomatic Travel Pack 40L | ~$$$ | 30–40L | 3 lb. 7 oz. | 15-inch | Expandable, Multiple pockets | Organized business travel |
| Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack | ~$$$ | 45L | 3 lb. 10 oz. | 15-inch | Duffel/Backpack, Water-resistant | Adventure travel |
| Osprey Fairview 40L | ~$$$ | 40L | 4 lb. 8 oz. | 15-inch | Clamshell, Daypack lid | Budget travel |
| Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L | ~$$$ | 40L | 2 lb. 10 oz. | 16-inch | Clamshell, Daisy chain | Stylish urban travel |
| Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 | ~$$$ | 45L | 3 lb. 10 oz. | None | Anti-theft, Slash-proof | High-risk area travel |
| Bellroy Transit Backpack 28L | ~$$$ | 28L | 3 lb. 2 oz. | 15-inch | Clamshell, Compression | Short trips |
Benefits of Travel Backpacks
Why Invest in a Travel Backpack?
Travel backpacks offer hands-free travel, durability for rough handling, and organization for quick access, all while meeting airline carry-on rules. Features like trolley sleeves, stowable straps, and multiple carry modes enhance convenience. Priced from $100–$300, they cater to budget and premium travelers with long-lasting designs.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
What Travelers Say About These Backpacks
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Amazon (4.7/5, 3,000+ reviews) praises organization, some dislike rubbery shell (Reddit).
- Osprey Farpoint 40: REI (4.8/5, 1,500+ reviews) loved for comfort, water bottle pocket absence noted (X posts).
- Tortuga Lite: Tortuga (4.6/5) valued for lightweight design, lacks Pro model features.
- Peak Design 45L: Amazon (4.5/5, 2,000+ reviews) appreciated for organization, heavy when packed.
- Nomatic 40L: Nomatic (4.4/5) lauded for pockets, pricey for some (Reddit).
Concerns include weight, capacity, and aesthetics.
Tips for Using Travel Backpacks
Maximize Your Travel Backpack Performance
- Usage: Use packing cubes for organization, place heavy items near the back, secure valuables in hidden pockets.
- Setup: Adjust straps and hip belt for weight distribution, use lockable zippers in crowded areas.
- Maintenance: Clean with damp cloth, store flat, check zippers regularly.
Conclusion
The best backpacks for travel in 2025 cater to diverse needs: Cotopaxi Allpa for versatility, Osprey Farpoint for comfort, Tortuga Lite for lightweight travel, Peak Design for tech, and Nomatic for organization. Match your backpack to your travel style—capacity, comfort, or security. Shop now on Amazon, REI, or direct from brands to travel smarter in 2025!
