The 12 Best Backpacks for Travel in 2024

Satisfy your wanderlust while keeping your hands free with the best travel backpacks. We found 12 excellent picks from top brands.

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Whether you thrive on adrenaline-fueled escapades to the peaks of the Pyrenees or simply find yourself in airports more often than most folks, any travel backpack is quickly put through its paces. Indeed, frequent flyers can attest that a reliable and versatile travel backpack is far more than just another piece of luggage; instead, the very best travel backpacks become an indispensable partner in the pursuit of exploration.

But with so many brands and styles to choose from, finding the best travel backpack can feel more daunting than making a 25-minute layover. So to help shoulder the burden of researching travel backpacks, we‘ve unpacked all the top brands, including which models are best for each type of traveler. That way, you can focus your energy on choosing and planning a destination, rather than scouring the internet for the best backpack for your journey. Here are our picks:

Our Picks for the 12 Best Travel Backpacks:

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L
• Best Travel Backpack for Men: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Backpack Purse for Travel: Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L
• Best Travel Backpack for Europe: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L
• Best Backpack for International Travel: Columbia Atlas Explorer
• Best Laptop Backpack for Travel: Patagonia Refugio Daypack
• Best Travel Backpack for Women: adidas by Stella Mccartney Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Carry On: Ogio Pace Pro Max Travel Duffel Pack 45L
• Best Travel Backpack for Air Travel: Osprey Fairview
• Best Lightweight Travel Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
• Best Small Travel Backpack: adidas Adventure Backpack
• Best Rolling Backpack for Travel: Osprey Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Pack

Best Overall Travel Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

Patagonia

Key Features:

• Capacity: 40, 55, 70 and 100 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop, polyurethane laminate
• Weight: 2.6 pounds (55 liter)
• Opening: Suitcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $169 (55 liter)

In a curious testament to the company’s ubiquity, mention of the Patagonia mountain range often prompts “Like the brand?” in response. Patagonia has been a premier outdoor brand for years (50 years, to be exact), and has perfected the art of the travel backpack with its Black Hole duffel bag line. The bag, ranging in size from 40-liter to 100-liter, offers a bright triad of benefits—huge volume capacity that’s easy to access and can be swung across your back. The bag boasts great word of mouth to back it up as well, averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars among over 350 reviews. Wrote one reviewer, “This is the best engineered small carry-on I could find for worldwide travel given its minimalist design but overall solid engineering—particularly the TPU exterior.” Another reviewer noted that the 55-liter falls right in the sweet spot for flying with a checked bag, with a full pack typically clocking in under 50 pounds. Getting the 55-liter by gate check isn’t unheard of, reviewers noted. However, Patagonia recommends the 40-liter model if you want a bag that’s safely small enough to carry on.

The pack opens like a briefcase (or clamshell, to use the industry term) rather than at the mouth like a traditional backpack. This style opening is excellent for the hyper-organized packer, allowing them to stash packing cubes efficiently and meticulously. There’s also an internal pocket and mesh pocket in the design, akin to other suitcases or duffels you’d see for travel. Obviously the big difference—and the reason you’re here—between the Black Hole and a traditional duffel are the backpack straps. Although if you want to use the Black Hole like a duffel, the straps are removable. One reviewer said the “Black Hole'' name was appropriate, as the capacity felt never-ending: “It ate whatever I put in it and feel like it wasn't even close to maxed out.” Another reviewer was “impressed by the ruggedness” of the Black Hole, despite its lightweight feeling. Make a statement or fly under-the-radar with the myriad of bold (purple, red, yellow and patterned) and neutral (black, blue, navy) color options.

Pros:

• Excellent range of liter capacity options
• Accessible duffle bag style compartment unzip
• Reviewers said backpack straps are comfortable
• Some of the most color options available
• Lightweight for its capacity

Cons:

• Some reviewers wished the back had more small pockets
• You may prefer the as of publishing time out-of-stock Black Hole MLC 45L, which has a thick hip belt for added weight distribution

Best Travel Backpack for Men: Osprey Farpoint 40

Osprey

Key Features:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Opening: Suitcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $185

Many bags have a unisex fit, but the Osprey brand, a mainstay of big retailers like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods, manufactures bags with fits for men’s and women’s bodies. That’s key, since how a bag fits can be just as vital as how your walking shoes do. Thanks to torso adjustment features, men can get the fit even more fine-tuned with the Osprey Farpoint. Osprey designed the Farpoint 40 with domestic carry-on requirements in mind, optimizing its size for travel. Plus, a laptop sleeve and external toiletry pockets allow you to get your items out for security scanners quickly. One reviewer had this to say: “Love this bag. I've had it for about five years now, and I've taken it on numerous international flights and it holds up and is comfortable. So far no issues with zippers, or anything else. I always tell people to get this bag when they're looking for the largest carry-on backpack.” Many reviewers also said they loved to use the Osprey pack in tandem with packing cubes. And although men are fortunate to almost always have pockets to spare, a handy pocket on the hip is excellent for stashing a wallet or chapstick.

There are six attachment points on the Osprey Farpoint for bulky items that might not fit, like a puffer jacket or travel pillow, and the material “feels durable,” users said. “I really like how adjustable the pack is and the weight seemingly disappears even without using the hip belt,” another reviewer wrote. I also love that although the bag looks like a compact, traditional backpack rather than a duffel bag, you still get full compartment access that opens like a briefcase. And when you see the pack open, it’s much easier to grasp how someone could pack a few weeks of clothing, which reviewers said they accomplished. Straps inside the bag can help compress and hold your items too, and make every inch count.

Pros:

• Reviewers said the bag is highly comfortable and easy to pack
• Lightweight
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Some bemoaned lack of internal pockets for storage
• The design nudges you toward using both hip and shoulder straps, which some folks may not like
• One of the pricier backpacks

Best Backpack Purse for Travel: Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L

Lululemon

Key Features:

• Capacity: 25 liters
• Materials: Polyester outer shell, nylon lining
• Weight: Not listed
• Opening: Drawstring opening
• Price: $158

Active brand Lululemon is known as being one of the original power players in the fledgling athleisure space, or the idea of creating workout outfits that you can hit the town in. Similarly, Lululemon created a travel backpack that you can stow on the plane and then sling across your back on a night out in a new town, or bring into work the next day. Reviewers praised the backpack’s “chic” look while still being able to hold everything needed on the go. “This is the best backpack I have EVER owned! Comfortable, stylish and plenty of pockets. Fantastic carry on option too,” wrote one reviewer. Another described it as being the “perfect size” for travel, with a capacity comparable to a carry-on suitcase.

Reviewers were also big fans of the numerous organizational pockets, including a laptop sleeve, interior, side and exterior zippered pockets. The bag has an upper drawstring opening flanked by a buckle clasp cover for added anti-theft security. I will confess that the backpack isn’t exactly a “purse,” per se, but is about the closest option for a travel backpack that could comfortably get away with looking (and being) practical on a plane but still cute for a night out. The bag comes in four attractive neutrals: beige, tan, navy and black.

Pros:

• Stylish look that allows the backpack to double as a going-out bag
• Water-repellent fabric gives you some rain cover on-the-go
• Sleeve lets you slip the backpack over rolling luggage handles

Cons:

• Some reviewers said the straps lacked comfortable padding
• The side pocket was described as being too tight for many sizes of water bottles

Best Travel Backpack for Europe: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

Patagonia

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30 or 45 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop, polyurethane laminate
• Weight: 2.75 pounds (30 liters)
• Opening: Briefcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $199 (30 liters)

I knew I’d have to eventually circle back on this list to the Black Hole line from Patagonia, an infinitely effective backpack for travel. Less massive than the Black Hole Duffel, the Black Hole Mini still holds “an amazing amount, in true Black Hole style,” as one reviewer noted. And you’ll need a bag that does more with less for travel in Europe, where the carry-on requirements tend to be more strict.

Like the duffel, you get easy clamshell or briefcase access to the main compartment, where you can fit multiple packing cubes—I’m not a packing cube convert myself, but my partner is obsessed with how much space they save. Unlike the larger duffle too, the mini has a waist strap. You can also extend that strap to swing the Black Hole Mini across your body like a messenger bag. Another reviewer attested to the bag’s Euro-readiness, saying the bag was ample enough for a two-week trip and that “everything fit well and stayed organized.”

My only gripe with the Black Hole Mini is the lack of fun colors compared to other Patagonia bags. Instead, the bag is available in black and navy, although pictured on the website is a version in a steely light blue with vivid green accents. If that color ever becomes available again, I may find this bag impossible to resist.

Pros:

• Has a waist strap, unlike the larger Black Hole Duffel, but all straps tuck away
• Laptop sleeve and lots of internal organization
• Made with recycled materials
• Meets smaller carry-on requirements

Cons:

• May be on backorder
• One reviewer said the shoulder strap could be longer for a comfier cross-body carry

Best Backpack for International Travel: Columbia Atlas Explorer

Columbia

Key Features:

• Capacity: 26 liters
• Materials: 100 percent polyester
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Opening: Traditional backpack-mouth opening
• Price: $75

You may want a smaller, more nimble bag for international travel, and it’s all in the name with the Atlas Explorer. Columbia built this backpack for exploration. “Perfect size for international flights,” wrote one reviewer, adding that the “quality is excellent.” Among the favorite features mentioned in that review included the bag’s ample-sized water bottle pouches, just-right number of compartments and padded laptop sleeve. Another purchaser wrote that the bag’s quality and feel were “perfect for some traveling in Asia!”

Having spent time abroad riding packed subways and buses, I know how convenient it is to have a small bag that you can quickly shift from your back to your chest. Keep in mind, this bag may be better as a companion to a bag with a larger capacity if you want something lightweight to have with you during the day; the 25-liter capacity is better suited for a weekend trip rather than weeks or more of travel. The bag is also affordable at $75 and furnished in unassuming color schemes. If you want to rock over-the-ear headphones that feed you directions, keep a low profile and avoid looking overly touristy during your day-to-day strolls, this is your bag. You can also wear the Atlas Explorer in bold colors if you want to make a statement strolling across campus with this backpack, since it’s also excellent for everyday use.

Pros:

• Great price for value
• Highly lightweight
• Excellent for both city and backcountry trips

Cons:

• Depending on the length of your travel, this backpack is probably more suited to be a personal item or carry-on

Best Laptop Backpack for Travel: Patagonia Refugio Daypack

Patagonia

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester, mesh/spandex side pockets
• Weight: 1.75 pounds
• Opening: Traditional backpack mouth opening
• Price: $129

I’ll note off the bat that almost all of these packs have a designated laptop compartment. But what I really like about Patagonia’s Refugio backpack is the removable aspect of the laptop sleeve: If you leave the laptop behind during a day trip, you can add space for other essential items. The laptop sleeve is also expertly designed, with smaller zip and mesh pockets for your cords. Many reviewers echoed a sentiment of loving the laptop sleeve and its removable nature, noting how it made the backpack excellent for travel, hiking and work. Another review called the laptop sleeve “the best part” of the backpack. The size is enough to fit “a few packing cubes,” one user added, making it excellent for an out-of-town excursion.

Rather than break the backpack up into many small compartments, the Refugio has a larger, spacious main compartment, with just a few side compartments. The external bungee cord also offers a lot of extra wiggle room for bulky items, and side pockets can house a water bottle. This is one of the slightly pricier daypack-style backpacks for the size, but the thoughtful design and craftsmanship seem to justify the upcharge. Side note: If your size needs are even smaller, you could also check out the more budget-friendly Atom Tote Pack 20L. The brand also makes the Refugio in stylish color combos, like a bold blue and tan or coral and mauve. You can get the pack in black or gray for a more subtle look.

Pros:

• Pack uses weather-resistant materials for some rain protection
• Padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel made long-term wear comfortable
• Made with sustainable and recycled materials
• Front pocket for quick access to small essentials

Cons:

• Size may be better suited for a weekend getaway than longer trips

Best Travel Backpack for Women: adidas by Stella McCartney Backpack

adidas

Key Features:

• Capacity: Not listed
• Materials: 100 percent recycled nylon plain weave
• Weight: Not listed
• Opening: Briefcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $170

When it came time for me to pack for a two-week trip to Argentina, I leaned heavily on adidas (and not just because they had the official three-star Messi World Cup jersey). I knew I could rely on adidas for solid craftsmanship. By partnering with renowned British designer Stella McCartney, adidas created a travel backpack geared toward stylish women who favor timeless elegance over fast fashion. “Solid, spacious and well-made. Great for outdoor activities and traveling,” wrote one reviewer. Another echoed that sentiment: “adidas Stella as always, with its amazing quality products. The color is amazing. Super stylish. The design and all the details in the interior are worth the purchase. Great for traveling.” I love that the bag comes in three well-curated colors: classic black, neutral blush or bold red and pink. You can secure bulky items like a yoga mat with the outer backpack straps, if you want to use the bag for yoga studio trips.

Reviewers said the main compartment is large, and the shoulder straps are supportive—an absolute necessity for traveling. There’s also a laptop pocket for secure device storage, alongside extra internal organization pockets. In the flat top, you can stash grab-and-go items like your keys and wallet. All in all, in a realm where it feels like you have to sacrifice your fashion sense to get sensible travel gear, the adidas-McCartney backpack is a genius combination of both.

The Pros:

• Designed by Stella McCartney
• Expandable details allow extra storage to fit in the side zip pockets
• Made with at least 60 percent recycled materials

Cons:

• On the pricier side for its smaller size
• May not be big enough for longer trips on its own

Best Travel Backpack Carry On: Ogio Pace Pro Max Travel Duffel Pack 45L

Ogio

Key Features:

• Capacity: 45 liters
• Materials: Polyester
• Weight: Not listed
• Opening: Briefcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $135.99

Ogio, bought by golf brand magnate Callaway in 2017, stands for “Our gear is organized,” and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Ogio Pace Pro Max. The brand also calls this bag the “ultimate carry-on” within its line of travel gear, and I can’t find a reason to disagree. For starters, at 45 liters the size is ideal: You can max out on capacity without risking exceeding domestic travel requirements. A side access compartment can also fit a robust 17-inch laptop, and nine zippered pockets add the aforementioned organization that the brand planted its name on.

Reviewers raved about the bag’s capabilities: “I went on my first trip with this pack over the last few days and was so happy with the ample space, tons of packing options and overall comfort. I've been looking for a good backpack that can also be a viable carry-on option and this one should serve me well for years to come.” The backpack owner added that the bag’s attractive aesthetics added an extra layer of appeal for business travel.

One reviewer said they were able to fit two pairs of shoes, a suit and “plenty of clothing options” for a five-day trip, calling it overall a “great travel system for the money.” If you’re ready to become a one-bag traveler, Ogio Pace Pro clearly fits the bill, and more than 75 percent of customer reviews left the bag 5 out of 5 stars. Another common refrain was how easy the bag is to stash in overhead bins as carry-on luggage, although side handles make the bag easy to grab off a checked luggage carousel as well. The backpack’s neutral colors were out of stock last I checked, although the brightly colored “blue mirage” and orange “desert” were available.

Pros:

• Excellent size for a carry-on travel backpack
• Can keep your essentials in an easy-access front pocket
• Water-repellent coating
• You can stash the backpack straps away when not needed

Cons:

• Lack of side water bottle pockets
• Smaller people may find the backpack unwieldy when fully stuffed

Best Travel Backpack for Air Travel: Osprey Fairview

Osprey

Key Features:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester, recycled nylon
• Weight: 3.41 pounds
• Opening: Fully opens briefcase-style
• Price: $185

You almost might wonder if Osprey too had golf connections like Ogio given its “Fairview” name. Instead, though, Osprey came up in the backpacking world. But don’t be fooled: Osprey Fairview is more than ready to be taken from the trail to the air with its lightweight build and clamshell-opening design. One reviewer said they traveled the world with the Fairview as both a solo carry-on bag and as an added pack. “It really distributed the weight evenly,” they wrote, adding, "I have thrown it around and it takes a beating well. Still looks great.”

The pack, which comes in teal, blue, red and black, is made with a gender-specific fit, so be sure you get the pack to match. The backpack opens like a briefcase, so it’s easy to use packing cubes and stay organized. Side handles will make pulling the bag from an overhead compartment easy, so you can grab the backpack from any angle even if it shifts during a turbulent flight. And one of the best perks of buying from Osprey: Its lifetime warranty, an industry rarity.

Pros:

• Gender-specific fits help the packs better align with your torso
• Longtime trusted brand for hiking backpacks with a lifetime warranty guarantee
• Excellent size for global travel needs while still being nimble

Cons:

• One of the priciest travel backpacks

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack: Black Hole Pack 25L

Black Hole

Key Features:

• Capacity: 25 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop, polyurethane laminate
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Opening: Top opening
• Price: $149

Many reviewers gushed that they had the whole Black Hole set, and the most petite and lightweight among them is the Black Hole Pack. Wrote one reviewer, “I use this backpack for work, coaching and traveling. I can arrange my items for each different activity or two together. The fact that it is rain proof makes it the very best for everything!” adding that it was their sixth purchase in the Black Hole line. Unlike the other Black Hole bags, you access the body of the backpack through the top, like a traditional school backpack.

A reviewer who said they used the bag for international travel wrote that it’s the “perfect size, especially for extended weekend type journeys.” They also loved how easy it is to access the internal pockets, and that the bag easily fits under the seat on an airplane. Keep your water bottle or shaker bottle close too with side mesh pockets. Another reviewer said that after three years of heavy use traveling planes, trains and automobiles, the bag showed “zero signs of wear.” And all that durability is packed into a less-than-two-pound bag. The bag comes in a neutral black or blue, or a bold green or purple.

Pros:

• Sustainably made with 100 percent recycled materials
• Sternum strap for weight distribution
• Some weatherproof qualities, thanks to TPU coating

Cons:

• Some may not like the top-loading style, which diverges from the clamshell-loading style of the other Black Hole bags

Best Small Travel Backpack: adidas Adventure Backpack

adidas

Key Features:

• Capacity: 15 liters
• Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop
• Weight: Not listed
• Opening: Traditional backpack mouth opening
• Price: $50

A small backpack that can serve as a daypack while traveling is an absolute must in my experience. The black adidas Adventure Backpack is a backpack that will keep you looking like a local while stashing all the touristy souvenirs you collect. The gear is made partly with recycled materials, and features a roomy main compartment and front and zip side pockets. Compression straps help you make the most out of the small 15 liters.

The straps have foam padding for added comfort—there’s nothing quite as uncomfortable as the chafing you get from unfriendly backpack straps. Many reviews echoed the same praise along the lines of this feedback: “Excellent product, small and very handy to use for traveling.” Another buyer added that the bag isn’t “overly bulky” but has ample room within.

Pros:

• Competitively priced
• Made with some recycled materials
• Has a classic adidas look

Cons:

• 15 liters is on the smaller side, even for a daypack

Best Rolling Backpack for Travel: Osprey Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Pack

Osprey

Key Features:

• Capacity: 36 liters
• Materials: Recycled nylon
• Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Opening: Suitcase-style main compartment access
• Price: $300

You know what they (and by “they,” I mean Limp Bizkit) say: Keep rolling, rolling, rolling. But if you’re here for the best travel backpack, luggage with wheels might lack appeal. Those wheels can be a much-appreciated feature though, and since the Osprey Fairview 36 is a backpack with wheels, you can elect to embrace or skip out on the wheeled experience. After all, even with the best straps and nifty weight-distributing waistbands, the burden of a full pack can be heavy. Rolling, when possible, will help you save much-needed energy when traveling. Reviewers described the bag as “the perfect companion” that was easy to both tote by hand with handles and straps, and roll through airport terminals. You can also add additional cargo space by attaching a day pack to the wheeled Fairview. And although the wheels add a little extra weight to the bag, the backpack is still sized to be carry-on friendly—always double-check the specific airline policy though.

Pros:

• Hybrid design lets you roll or rock the pack on your back
• Sternum and hip straps for weight distribution
• Large front panel access for grab-and-go packing
• Multiple lash points to attach bulky external gear

Cons:

• One reviewer said some of the external pockets aren’t accessible if the pack is stuffed, including the water bottle pocket
• You pay a premium price to have wheels and backpack straps

How To Choose The Best Travel Backpack For You

Here’s the big notion when it comes to choosing the best travel backpack: There is such a vast array of features, it’s practically pre-destined that you’ll have to sacrifice at least one of the preferred features on your list. Instead, prioritize what aspects of a travel backpack are your deal breakers and what aspects you can let slide. Because ultimately, the likelihood is pretty slim that you’ll find one travel that checks every box, given there are so many criteria out there.

Size is probably the most important factor to keep in mind, especially if you’re trying to take one bag on your travels. How the bag opens (briefcase, or traditional backpack mouth opening) is another key aspect when it comes to packing, unpacking and organizing the bag. And asking for advice from seasoned travelers is where you’ll get some of the best tips and recommendations for finding a travel backpack.

How We Chose The Best Travel Backpack

Roughly in order of importance, these are the factors we weighed when selecting the best travel backpacks:

• Size and Capacity: We leaned toward backpacks that had robust capacity without exceeding carry-on requirements, since many travelers prefer to avoid airline fees by taking one bag. Note that you should always check with the specific airline regarding carry-on capacity if you don’t want to be stuck with a last minute gate check.
• Organization and Accessibility: We sought backpacks with ample and useful organization. Think: Dividers, pockets, external straps, etc. Although more isn’t necessarily better for everyone, since it can also be nice to sacrifice smaller divisions for a spacious main compartment. We also were sure to note if a backpack opened traditionally at the mouth, or like a briefcase or clamshell.
• Customer Reviews: Real-world insight on the backpacks in action was a key consideration, especially from those who had traveled with the backpack.
• Weight: You never want to bring dead weight on your travels in the form of a bulky backpack. The packs we picked are all highly resourceful with their size and weight, to lessen the load.
• Versatility: Can the backpack pull double duty as a suitcase and daypack? Would you look chic or silly bringing the pack to your workplace? Is the pack water-resistant for outdoor outings? All these questions speak to the backpack’s versatility beyond its ability to fit into an overhead compartment.
• Brand Reputation: We looked at reputable brands carried by the biggest outdoor and active retailers. Outdoor bags especially tend to be the most rugged and durable.
• Price and Budget: Most of the packs fall in the $100 to $300 range, which is pretty reasonable, especially when you consider that a pricier pack should potentially last a lifetime. Osprey, for example, has a lifetime warranty on its bags.

Backpack vs Duffle Bag

Backpacks and duffle bags aren’t mutually exclusive concepts. Sometimes, a bag can be both. And indeed, both are popular choices for travel. A duffle is popular for its capacity, while a backpack is popular for its ability to free your hands. A backpack duffle is the best of both worlds. Here are a few other things to keep in mind about a duffle versus a backpack:

• Weight distribution: Unless expertly packed, duffle bags can be quite taxing to tote versus a backpack, especially one that has adjustable straps across the chest and hips.
• Organization: Duffle bags are great for bulky items, since they typically have one large packing area, while a backpack is more divided usually, which can also be great if you want to separate items like dirty laundry, your laptop, snacks, etc.
• Usage: Duffle bags are popular for the gym, sports and yoga studio, whereas backpacks have near-infinite everyday uses, like travel, work, running errands, school and treks outside.

FAQs

What size backpack is TSA approved?

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: You must check with the airline regarding carry-on bag requirements. Many of the biggest gripes with backpacks have to do with the bag being denied as a carry-on for a specific airline, something could have been surmised in advance. Although TSA is the agency searching the bag, the size is less of their concern (unless it’s too large to fit through the scanner, I suppose).

Is it better to carry a suitcase or a backpack?

There is no “better” here in terms of carrying a suitcase or a backpack. Instead, it’s a matter of preference. Many people do prefer to keep their hands free by wearing a backpack, even if it means carrying the added load. On the other hand, wheels, especially bags with four wheels, can be quite nimble compared to older suitcases, so there’s less reason to shun them than in the past.

What is a TSA friendly backpack?

You know the drill: Unless you’ve got TSA pre-check, you have to remove all your electronics and “3-1-1” liquids. Although it won’t spare you having to take your shoes off, a backpack that allows you to have easy access to these items can make going through security much less painful.

How do I keep my travel backpack organized?

To keep a travel backpack organized, especially one with a large main compartment, packing cubes are the go-to accessory. Packing cubes keep your clothes folded and separated how you’d like, and tend to also save a great deal of space. Packing cubes are typically small, rectangular and made from water-resistant materials like nylon, which makes them great to pack and keep toiletries organized as well. To keep your pack more organized too, try to keep the items you’ll need most immediately on the top of the pack, so you won’t have to dig through immediately upon opening.

Is a 45 liter backpack carry-on size?

Again, it’ll depend on the specific airline and you should always check, however 45 liters will typically make it onto most domestic flights’ carry-on bins.

Final Thoughts

Working from home has turned even the most previously provincial types into so-called digital nomads. And to embrace the nomadic lifestyle, a high-quality travel backpack is a key commodity whether you’re stomping on city streets or trekking winding creeks. A travel backpack is also an excellent tool for commuters to have all the valuables they need on-the-go. When making your choice, don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Unless you’re a professional travel influencer whose every accessory from walking shoes to backpack has to look just-so, you’ll be filled with regret when uncomfortable, unpadded straps are digging into your collarbone. Instead, keep the safety of your items and personal comfort top of mind, then dive into what else is most important to you in a travel backpack.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.