europe travel day bag

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Best daypacks and day bags for europe travel.

Packing , Product Reviews

When traveling to Europe you’ll most likely have two backpacks:  

• Your main travel backpack which is designed to carry all your stuff from point A to point B.
• A smaller daypack (also called day pack or day bag) which is intended to be used daily as a means to carry the things that won’t fit in your pockets (i.e. maps, cameras, snacks, etc).

This guide will tell you what features are essential in a great daypack, and we’ll show you some of our top picks. If you’re looking for information about large travel backpacks be sure to check out our guide to  choosing the perfect travel backpack for Europe and our favorite travel backpacks . 

Many travelers spend so much time focusing on finding the right travel backpack that they forget about finding a good daypack. But if you think about it, you’ll be wearing your daypack for 6+ hours nearly every day, but you’ll only be carrying your large travel backpack while you’re changing destinations. Admittedly, fitting a travel backpack is much tougher than a daypack, but it does make sense to spend a bit of time choosing a quality daypack.

Click here to jump directly to our daypack reviews

What to Look For in a Daypack

Style is a personal preference, but you’ll find that daypacks tend to fall into two categories — urban and athletic performance. Urban bags are designed for everyday use, normally have a good organization system and they are usually a bit more fashionable. Performance bags are designed to be used for hiking or other athletic, outdoorsy activities. They tend to look a little ‘out of place’ in urban environments, but they tend to be more comfortable.  It is your choice to decide which you prefer.

Pickpockets are very common in most European cities, so it is important to keep that in mind when choosing a daypack. You can usually avoid becoming a victim by simply being aware of your surroundings, but sometimes you simply can’t avoid them — like crowded public transportation.

At the very least you’ll want zippers that can be clipped or locked together. This will deter 99% of would-be-thieves, but some companies also make slash proof bags that have a thin metal mesh sewn into the walls of the pack, if you want an extra level of security.

Lightweight

A good daypack should ideally be lightweight and easy to carry. Most backpacks aren’t that heavy, so this isn’t a huge issue, but you’ll probably want to avoid large and bulky bags.

Packability

While not completely necessary, it is really nice to be able to pack your daypack into your main travel backpack when you’re changing destinations. This feature also comes in handy if you plan to only carry-on when you fly since most budget airlines only allow one carry-on item.

Some bags are designed to be easily rolled up and compressed into the size of a book. They are ultra-lightweight, but this style of the bag doesn’t always have the best support system, so they’re not great if you add too much weight to the bag.

Don’t worry too much if you don’t have room to pack your daypack, as many travelers will simply wear their daypack on their chest and their backpack on their back. It is a bit awkward, but it works.

A good daypack should be just big enough to carry a few items — camera, maps, guidebook, snacks, light jacket/sweater, etc. The bigger the bag, the tougher it becomes to navigate crowded transportation and keep secure.

You’ll be wearing your daypack quite often, so comfort is key. Features like padded shoulder straps and ventilated backs greatly add to comfort.

External Pockets

I prefer a day bag that has a few external pockets that will allow me to have easy access to non-valuable items like notebooks, pens, maps, and other similar items.

OUR FAVORITE DAYPACKS AND DAY BAGS

We’ve divided this guide into multiple sections to best fit multiple travel styles.

Packable Daypacks

These packs are extremely lightweight and can be easily stuffed into your main backpack when you have to catch a train or a plane. They are good if you don’t plan on packing them with a lot of stuff because the lack of structure leads them to becomes uncomfortable when loaded with too much weight. They also tend to be the cheapest option.

Eagle Creek Packable Daypack  —Weighing in at only 8oz, this daypack gets a lot of praise for being durable and it will carry the basics while you’re roaming the streets of Europe. It isn’t the cheapest packable backpack, but it is probably the best quality of the three. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Price: Around $32 via Amazon.

Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Backpack Daypack  — This daypack gets positive reviews and it is about $8 cheaper than the Eagle Creek bag. It does have two water bottle pockets that a lot of people find handy. Price: Around $20 via Amazon

Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack — The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is another great bag that we’ve used. It only weighs 8.5 oz and it has wide shoulder straps to keep it comfortable. We also like the small outside pocket. Price: $39 via Tortuga .

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack — This bag is crazy light at only 2.4 ounces. It’s a super minimalist and no-frills bag but it’s a nice option if you’re into ultra-light travel. Price: Around $32 via Amazon . 

Most Fashionable Day Bags 

Sometimes you just want to look cool. We get it. These bags do a great job of being fashionable and functional.

1. Fjallraven – Fjallraven is a Swedish brand that makes super hip backpacks — they’re very popular in Europe so you’ll fit right in. There are multiple sizes and colors so simply find one that works for you. Prices start around $70. See styles and prices on Amazon .

2. Herschel Supply Co – Herschel Supply Co is another super popular and hip backpack. They also have multiple styles and colors to choose from. Prices start around $50.  See styles on Amazon .

3. Jansport – Jansport makes classic bags in multiple styles. And they’re affordable — prices start around  $25). See the styles on Amazon .

4. Pacsafe Slingsafe – Worried about theft but still want to look stylish? Check out the Pacsafe Slingsafe. Price: Around $70 via Amazon .

Best No-Frills Day Bags

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a quality daypack. These two bags are affordable, durable, and they’ll carry everything you need while exploring Europe.

1.  JanSport Superbreak Classic Backpack  — You probably used a JanSport backpack in grade school — I know I did. These bags come in a ton of colors, are super durable, and are big enough to carry whatever gear you have. Plus, these bags are popular with a lot of European college students and I remember seeing them for 100€ in Paris. Prices start at a little over $25, so this bag is great for budget travelers. JanSport also makes a range of other styles  so be sure to check them out. Price: Around $25-$40 via Amazon .

2.  High Sierra Curve   — The Curve is specially designed for women. It is made out of durable lightweight fabric. It has all the basic features you need from a basic daypack. These sell for about $25, so it makes a comparable alternative to the JanSport. Price: Around $25 via Amazon .

Best Minimalist Daypacks

These bags are streamlined and ready to navigate busy European streets. The style of these daypacks are smaller than a traditional backpack, so they won’t be able to fit a great deal of stuff. They should be able to pack everything you need, but not much else.

1.  Eagle Creek Luggage Travel Bug Backpack  — The Eagle Creek Bug is a great choice for travelers that don’t want much bulk and only want to carry the basics. It can hold an iPad, a small notebook, a light sweater, and a few other small items — and that is about it. This sleek and stylish bag is designed for women. Price: Around $64.  See Price on Amazon .

2.  Patagonia Atom Sling  — The Patagonia Atom Sling is a sleek and stylish bag that looks great in the city. It isn’t large, so it can only carry the basics. Another great feature is that you can easily swing it around to your front if you’re in crowded transportation. Price: $Around $60. See Price on Amazon .

3.  Deuter Speed Lite — Deuter makes three great minimalist daypacks in their Speed Lite series — Speed Lite 10 , Speed Lite 15 , and Speed Lite 20 . Each bag is lightweight, sleek, well made, and durable. The price ranges from $60-$90 depending on the size. See Price On Amazon .

4.  Osprey Daylite   — It is no secret that Osprey makes great packs — they are my bag of choice. The Daylight is a great minimalist backpack that is tough (lifetime warranty) and light. It is a great choice for urban travel. Price: $49. See Price on Amazon .

Best All-Around Backpack

Whether you’re exploring the green hills of Ireland or walking the cobblestone streets of Paris, these backpacks will suit your needs perfectly. They are big enough to carry any gear you’ll need for the day, but they’re small enough to allow you to travel with ease. With that said, these bags might be too big for the ultralight minimalist traveler. These daypacks are designed to provide extra comfort so your back won’t be hurting at the end of the day.

1.  Patagonia  — Patagonia makes some of the best outdoor equipment and a number of great bags. Their line up is always changing so take a look at these bags. And I think they’re pretty stylish. Price: $60-$120. See Amazon for full selection .

2.  Osprey Comet   — The Osprey Comet is another great pack by Osprey. It is a little bigger than the Daylight, but it has more features for increased comfort and usability. It has mesh padded straps and a vented back to promote airflow. It can also fit a 13″ laptop (maybe 15″) if needed. Price: Around $89. Visit Amazon for Price .

Best Anti-Theft Daypack

Pickpockets are a problem in nearly all major European cities — I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes. You can avoid most situations by being aware of your surroundings, but pickpockets are great at creating confusion. These daypacks are perfect if you are wanting that extra layer of security while traveling. 

1.  Pacsafe Luggage Venture Safe 25L GII  — Pacsafe is the king of theft deterrent products and the Venture Safe 25L is a great choice for those travelers who want to take their security to the next level — there is also the smaller Venture Safe 15L . It has a wire mesh embedded into the fabric which prevents would-be thieves from slashing the bag open with a knife. All the zippers are puncture resistant and they can be clipped or locked shut. Additionally, it has an RFID signal blocking pocket which prevents thieves from stealing information from your credit cards and passports that have RFID chips. The major downside to these bags is the price — which is about $119 for the 15L and $130 for the 25L.

Pacsafe has a wide range of anti-theft travel gear on Amazon so I suggest checking out their other stuff.

2.  Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack — Travelon is another company that makes a lot of great anti-theft travel gear. This bag has a lot of the exact features of the Pacsafe bags, but it is about half the price. This is a brand new bag so there are not a ton of reviews available yet, but it looks like a great option. Price: $60-$70. See on Amazon .

Our In-Depth Packing List

Not sure what to bring to Europe? We have a complete Europe travel packing list for men and a Europe travel packing list for women .

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The 15 Best Daypacks for Traveling Abroad in 2024 [Detailed Guide]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Why Buy a Daypack for International Travel?

Size and capacity, material and durability, straps and handles, compartments, water resistance, hydration compatible, 1. best for travelers on a budget, 2. a stable, secure, and sizable daypack for hiking, 3. stow and go with this foldable daypack, 4. best for bikers, hikers, and those on the go, 5. great daypack for tech-heavy travelers, 6. big brand quality for an affordable price, 7. quality daypack complete with built-in hydration, 8. one of the best for the fashion-conscious traveler, 9. a big backpack with additional safety features, 10. iconic backpack with award-winning design features, 11. light on both your back and your wallet, 12. slim, sophisticated, and great for digital nomads, 13. an anti-theft backpack with impressive all-around capabilities, 14. lightweight backpack with added storage, 15. an expandable backpack that will last, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Daypacks are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfectly designed for taking the essentials you need with you for a day out while traveling. From sleek and minimal single backpacks to perfectly primed cabin bags with lots of compartments and zippers, the most successful daypacks are a fantastic example of form and function at their finest.

Rucksacks, suitcases , and cabin bags are all excellent vessels for carrying your gear, but when it comes to day trips, excursions, and even urban adventures, you don’t need big heavy baggage weighing you down.

Usually offering somewhere between 10- to 30-liter capacities, daypacks do not usually have an internal frame to support them, making them perfect for slinging in your things and going. Designed to carry lightweight loads, they also often feature a range of zippered compartments to keep your essentials safe.

Different daypacks are designed for different days out, and what you buy will depend on your travel style .

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you working while you travel, and will you need a compartment for your laptop ?
• Will you be using it for hikes and need a hydration pack, too?
• Will this be your cabin bag or just something you fold in your main luggage and use on arrival?
• Are you looking for something budget or a statement piece to compliment your style?

There is a daypack to suit every need. Some are made to cater to the outdoor enthusiast and can be carried on your back while you bike, hike, or climb your way to your destination. At the same time, others are compact and convenient enough to be used for a day trip, an afternoon at the shops, or even just for day-to-day commuting.

Whatever your own personal preference, be aware that a travel daypack works best when it is completely commutable. Soft, light, and easy to fold away when not in use means you can throw it in your luggage for use on arrival. Weatherproof, wipeable options will stay dry and clean until you get back home.

Things To Consider With Daypacks for Travel

The perfect daypack will be big enough to carry everything you need on a day out, but not so big that it gets in the way or holds you back from bigger adventures. It should be able to sit comfortably on your shoulders and not hang down too far or prevent you from sitting.

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials, such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Those that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle , and other essentials close at hand.

You will want to invest in a daypack that is made of highly durable material, as there is nothing worse than a daypack that falls apart out on the open road. Ripstop nylon is tough but lightweight, as is ballistic nylon , while CORDURA-branded materials are also popular and practical.

The daypack should also feature YKK-grade zippers to keep the contents secure and strong nylon straps to hold your belongings safely on your back without the risk of breaking.

Hot Tip: Always look for a material that offers some protection against the elements and has been coated to offer some water resistance. They will also be easy to clean, too.

While wearing your belongings on your back is incredibly practical, it needs to remain a comfortable option, too. In order to prevent pain on your shoulders, neck, and the top of your back, daypack straps should be padded.

EVA foam is often found in the shoulder straps of the modern-day backpack — this high-density foam offers excellent levels of comfort and prevents chafing, rubbing, and skin damage on many of the most popular and best daypacks on the market today.

Enjoy greater flexibility with additional carrying options on your next daypack. Handles on the top and the side will allow you to carry it like a regular tote bag and will make it super easy to use when it is not on your shoulders.

You can also look for a daypack that offers additional straps to be used when you are wearing it. Sternum straps, chest straps, and other fixings keep the pack secure . These types of backpacks are perfect for high-octane outdoor pursuits, as well as offering an additional level of security in urban settings and on public transport.

Most daypacks offer a single large compartment for holding the majority of your gear and a selection of smaller ones for keeping individual items safe and well-organized.

When you are traveling, you will want to ensure that you can quickly reach your passport, wallet , cell, and other necessities, so keeping your backpack well-organized is essential.

Bottom Line: Laptop pockets should offer additional padding to protect your device, and anti-theft or hidden, theft-proof pockets are useful for keeping your money, passport, and other essentials safe on the go.

If you are keen to keep your gear safe, there are numerous built-in safety features that you can find in a daypack. These could include pockets lined with RFID-blocking material to keep your credit cards safe, lockable zips, no front access pockets, and reflective strips to ensure maximum visibility.

You’ll also want to consider an internal compartment for laptops and tablets.

Some of the very best daypacks are made from materials that offer some degree of water resistance. Made with a DWR coating that allows the water to roll off the daypack, you can be sure that your belongings will remain dry when the weather is damp or wet around you. These types of fabric can also be useful in exceptionally humid conditions.

Hot Tip: Note that water resistance does not mean waterproof. If your daypack is completely submerged in water, it may not be able to protect your belongings. If you’re going to get really wet you might want to consider a waterproof backpack instead. 

Some backpacks come complete with a built-in hydration system. These types of bags will provide you with liquids on the go and are especially well-suited to explorers heading off the beaten path or those looking to enjoy some serious outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and climbing.

Hydration compatible backpacks include a plastic or rubber “bladder” that can be filled with liquid. When the need arises, simply bite down on the valve and the water can be sucked from the pack to your mouth, keeping you cool and hydrated.

The 15 Best Daypacks for International Travel

There is a whole world of daypacks out there for commuters, urban explorers, and outdoor adventurers to enjoy. Here are some of the best daypacks for international travel.

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack  

The Amazon Basics range provides good quality luggage at affordable prices, and this laptop backpack is one of its best offerings. Good-size dimensions and a multi-compartment interior make this an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.

The padded sleeve offers protection for laptops measuring up to 17 inches , and it can also be used for keeping tablets safe. There are additional compartments designed to hold pens, keys, and even your cell phone, as well as zippered compartments that will keep your valuable essentials safe on the go.

Mesh water bottle holders can be found at the sides, and there is a quick access space for items you need to reach quickly.

Designed with comfort in mind, this backpack has adjustable, heavily padded shoulder straps to help you find the very best position to carry your gear with you. The material is water-resistant to protect against inclement weather and is also easy to wipe clean when you need to.

Much more than just a daypack, this is a workhorse that can be used as a diaper bag , an overnight bag, a school bag, a commuter bag, and so much more. Good looks, practical design, and a very affordable price tag make this an excellent choice for all kinds of travelers.

What We Like

• Padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop

What We Don’t Like

• No waterproof protection

Osprey Packs Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

Another of the world’s most popular lightweight backpacks, the Osprey Talon offers tons of exceptional features, including customizable fitting, superior comfort, and incredible versatility. Especially popular with the hiking community , this backpack comes complete with a BioStretch harness and continuous wrap hip belt to create an incredibly stable carry system.

For your ongoing comfort, the AirScape back panel will keep you cool on hot days, and the Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment and LidLock helmet attachment are useful for those who like to get out there by foot or by bike.

The simple design offers a large main compartment as well as 2 zippered hip belt pockets, dual stretch mesh side pockets, and even an ice tool loop with bungee tie-offs, making it great for ski trips and other winter activities.

There is a female-specific version, too. The Tempest 20 offers all the same great style and quality but with a smaller torso size that makes it both practical and comfortable on the go.

• Side mesh pockets to stash small items
• The hip belt is quite small

Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Hiking Backpack

This versatile and incredibly durable backpack is surprisingly spacious on the inside while remaining simple and chic on the outside. Made from superstrong nylon fabric, it is also well-protected against the elements with a good degree of waterproofing, meaning that your valuables will stay safe and dry no matter what the weather throws at you.

The roomy main compartment offers enough space to keep all of your belongings well-organized en route, and the top-loading zipper makes for easy access. There are also a further 2 front zipper pockets that are perfect for holding small accessories, 1 internal zippered security pocket for valuable items, and 2 side pockets for your water bottles or even your umbrella.

For your peace of mind and added security, the zippered pockets are all lockable.

Incredibly lightweight, even when fully loaded, this brilliant little backpack also folds up when not in use, making it easy to stow in your suitcase when you are not using it. With adjustable, mesh shoulder straps, the Outlander is comfortable to carry all day long, and the stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased longevity.

Available in a wide range of colors, and easy to carry in its very own pocket, this is a delightful little daypack that is more than capable of performing just as well as some of the more expensive backpacks from big brand names.

• Folds up neatly when not in use
• Material is incredibly thin

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

This popular backpack made by a well-established leader in leisure luggage is sure to impress hikers, bikers, and adventurers of all kinds. Offering a very acceptable 18 liters of storage space, the very best feature of this little backpack is the integrated 2-liter water bladder, keeping you hydrated on every adventure.

FDA-compliant and BPA-free, the 2-liter bladder also comes with a kink-free sip tube and an easy-to-use push-lock cushioned bite valve, making it perfect for adventurous types. There is even a small opening for ice, helping you to stay supercool and nicely hydrated in the great outdoors.

Made from high-quality materials, this backpack offers a fully customizable fit that suits all frames, and the foam stabilizer with mesh coverings will help to keep the backpack comfier for longer.

When it comes to keeping your gear safe and sound, the spacious main compartment has plenty of room for larger items, while the 3 further zipped pockets will keep smaller items protected.

There are also 2 mesh pockets for drinks and snacks, a bungee cord system for your bike helmet, a butterfly opening for jackets, and an integrated rain cover to keep your stuff dry. This is a daypack that offers premium features on a budget.

• Lots of pockets to stay organized
• Bladder screw top can sometimes leak

KROSER Laptop Backpack

Sleek and full of techie extras, this beautiful backpack is functional, practical, and perfectly formed for day-to-day use and further travels. The leather and nylon exterior looks super plush, while on the inside, there is plenty of room to hold everything you will need. The material is also water-repellent to help keep your valuables safe and dry.

Perfect for those who like to stay connected, this backpack comes with a built-in USB port that will help you to charge your phone conveniently ( power bank not included), and the padded foam compartment will keep your laptop well-protected.

The main compartment is large enough to carry a laptop measuring up to 17 inches comfortably, and there is plenty of additional space for your camera, headphones, tablet, or other travel essentials.

There is a selection of further pockets for credit cards, wallets, and passports, as well as a zippered front pocket for easy access and 2 side pockets to hold your water bottles. Designed with practicality in mind, this backpack has some other useful features, including a luggage strap that slips over your suitcase handle, a glasses hook on the side handle, and a top handle for carrying when necessary.

The breathable mesh back and padded shoulder straps help keep you sweat-free and fully comfortable while you carry it, and the sleek design is just right for the fashion-conscious traveler.

• Has a built-in USB port for easy charging
• Might be too big for smaller people

The North Face Borealis Men’s Backpack

As perfect for the urban hiker as it is for the outdoor adventurer, this compact backpack from one of the biggest brands in the market is a firm favorite with travelers, commuters, and students alike. It makes a great daypack for city travel.

The patented FlexVent suspension system makes it super comfortable to carry on your shoulders , and the back paneling keeps the bag supported at all times.

Be ready for anything with 2 decent-sized compartments that can house all of your essentials. The laptop sleeve is well-padded and will keep your tech truly safe on the go, and the second, fleece-lined compartment makes light work of looking after your camera, tablet, cell phone, and anything else you can think of.

Because The North Face really knows what you want from a daypack, it has also included a selection of smaller, zippered pockets, both inside and outside the main compartments. There is also a bungee strap system for storing easy-to-reach items and clever little drinks holders on each side.

The breathable padding on the back helps keep you sweat-free for longer, and the adjustable shoulder and sternum straps will help you to find the most comfortable position to suit your frame — a brilliant backpack, from one of the biggest and the best.

• Available in a variety of colors
• No padding on the hip belt

• Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack

As you would expect from the luggage giants at Osprey , the Daylite Plus Daypack really is one of the best of the bunch. Made from heavy-duty 210D nylon oxford and weighing a tiny 1.2 pounds, this versatile daypack can be used in town, in the air, and just about anywhere else you want to take it.

Designed with everyday adventurers in mind, this backpack comes with a hydration bladder sleeve just behind the back panel, and there is a hip belt for extra stability if you are hiking or biking your way across the country.

With a large panel-loading main compartment, there is plenty of room to take your essentials with you. If you really need to, you could even stash your laptop in there, too. With a further selection of side mesh pockets, a front pocket with a mesh organizer, and a key clip, this bag offers a lot of practical storage space.

Lightweight, durable, and incredibly comfortable to carry , the Daylite Plus is also one of the best-looking backpacks in the Osprey range. It can be used on its own or attached to some of the larger Osprey bags, including the Sojourn and Farpoint backpacks, offering even more flexibility for dedicated travelers.

• Breathable mesh back panel
• No top handle to grab quickly

The North Face Jester Backpack  

As popular with city slickers and urban commuters as it is with outdoor explorers, the Jester Backpack is a sleek and sturdy budget-friendly daypack that performs well in any environment.

Made from superstrong polyester and available in a wide range of colors, this backpack will shake off some heavy rain but is not entirely waterproof. Its simple design makes it lightweight to carry, and the adjustable padded shoulder straps and FlexVent support on the back panel keep you feeling fresh.

A large main compartment offers subtle padding and a thin layer of protection to laptops, while the secondary zippered compartment is fleece-lined and handy for holding all your travel essentials close at hand. There is also an external bungee storage system.

Good looking and with a cool name tag, this backpack works well for outdoor adventures, but can also cope admirably with the daily gym workout, after-work hike, or commute . An entry-level North Face backpack, this little beauty offers plenty of simple, usable storage space when you need it most.

• Front bungee cord for external storage
• Doesn’t stand up on its own

Thule Crossover 30L Laptop Backpack

A true all-rounder, this chunky but funky laptop bag from Thule bridges the gap between the needs of everyday commuters and weekend explorers. Packed full of Swedish style and practicality, you can be sure to find lots of compartments and storage slots, while padded straps and water-resistant fabric comes as standard.

The larger of the main compartments is designed to hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop and a tablet in the integrated, padded laptop compartment. The Crushproof SafeZone will also keep your phone and sunglasses safe from damage.

Designed with active wearers in mind, the padded and adjustable shoulder straps are extremely comfortable to carry, and the mesh covering and padded back panel helps air to breathe around you, keeping you cool no matter how active you get.

The water-resistant fabric and zippers will keep your belongings dry, whatever the weather throws at you, and the gusseted side pockets are perfect for keeping a water bottle or umbrella close at hand.

There are lots of other useful features, including an organization compartment to keep cords and accessories safely tucked away and a discrete slip pocket on the side. This is an excellent example of a backpack that has thought of everything.

• Has a protected top pocket for your sunglasses or other fragile items
• Zippers can be noisey

Peak Design Everyday Backpack  

This legendary backpack has a huge following and a heavy price tag but ticks a lot of boxes for commuters and adventurers alike. The award-winning design comes from a small company that started life making camera bags, and its continued desire to make the ultimate carry bags is what makes this one of the very best backpacks out there.

The MagLatch lid has a magnetic clasp that closes over the top and onto the front of the bag, making it supersafe yet easy to access. At the same time, the modular straps can be attached or removed as necessary, meaning you can carry it however you want to.

This backpack offers an incredibly cool organization system that includes Flex Fold dividers that can turn the main compartment into any shape you need to keep your camera kit or other stuff free from movement. There is also a tech pocket in the bag big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, a selection of side panel pockets, water bottle holders, and even hidden pouches for extra security.

This backpack is as comfortable to carry as it is easy to use, and the padded shoulders straps with pivoting joints move with you to keep your carry position on-point.

Made from a 400D nylon-canvas blend with a double DWR coating, this backpack is weatherproof enough to keep your gear dry, and the zippers all feature aqua-guards to ensure the safety of your belongings.

An investment piece, for sure, this incredible daypack is worth its hefty price tag and is bound to impress anyone who appreciates great design and superior quality.

• Gear can be accessed from the top or side openings
• The interior dividers could be better

Gonex 20L Ultralight Packable Backpack Handy Small Daypack

Foldable, storable, and incredibly usable, this lightweight backpack is roomy yet affordable and perfect for lots of different uses. In addition to a good-sized main compartment, there are also nylon mesh pockets on the 2 sides for storing your water bottles, an inner zip pocket for storing small items, and a large front pocket for keeping your most important items close at hand.

Made from good quality, rip- and water-resistant nylon fabric, this backpack feels light as a feather , but is built and designed to last. It also comes with a durable 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zipper to keep your items safe and to remain rust-free and smooth running.

Large enough to carry magazines, books, or your iPad, this backpack folds up small enough to be kept in your purse or carry-on for use as and when you need it. This is a handy little backpack that can be used for day trips, vacations, hikes, camping, and even a trip to the shops.

• Water-resistant with a quick-drying exterior
• The zippers can get caught on the material

Thule Lithos Backpack

With its slim profile and clever design features, the Lithos is as practical on the subway as it is on a mountain peak. Nice-looking, good quality, and gimmick-free, this is a great backpack for everyone.

With a wide, top-loading main compartment, you can easily fit in everything you need for your trip. The padded and suspended tech pocket is perfect for keeping a 15-inch laptop safe and protected, and there is a further 10-inch sleeve for your tablet, too .

There are zippered interior pockets for smaller items and an exterior front organization panel for easy access to your essentials. Side pockets will also keep your drink close by.

For your carrying comfort, there is a padded back panel and straps that can be adjusted to find the perfect fit. Other useful additions include an attachment point for a bike light and strap management for excess webbing.

Functional, compact, and lightweight, this is the type of backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in a business meeting, yet be equally at home on the back of a bike. Available in a choice of colors, this is a sleek choice for the fashion-conscious adventurer.

• 2 side pockets for water bottles
• No sternum strap

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop

Made from strong and durable polyester, this sleek and functional laptop backpack is a great option for commuters and adventurers alike. Full of useful features, this comfortable and practical backpack will keep your gear safe on the go.

The anti-theft design comes complete with lockable zippers, cut-proof materials, and an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and ID safe.

With impressive internal dimensions, the backpack offers a padded and suspended interior notebook sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, 2 side pockets, 2 zippered interior pockets, and a key and wallet clip. This bag is more than big enough to comfortably carry your laptop, iPad, portable camera , and everything else you need on a day out.

The soft, durable external materials are water-resistant to protect your belongings against the elements, while also being easy to wipe clean. Complete with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty, this is a good mid-range backpack to suit every type of backpack user.

• Slash-proof straps for security
• The shoulder straps are too wide for those with a smaller frame

G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Daypack

Foldable yet formidable, this lightweight and compact daypack offers 20 liters of awesome storage space for urban adventurers and outdoor explorers alike.

The bag’s made from a water-, tear-, and abrasion-resistant coated nylon material reinforced in more than 14 places for extra strength. The S-shaped straps are made with a breathable mesh and are adjustable.

Inside, it boasts 3 zippered compartments: The largest can hold an iPad and clothes, while the outer pocket can secure key. The smaller inner pocket is designed for cash, cards, and passports. Side mesh pockets are the right size and shape for bottles and umbrellas.

Weighing in at under an ounce, it folds up into a built-in pouch the size of a sandwich . This is an awesome little bag for traveling abroad, since you can fold and stow it when not in use and the water-resistant material is easy to keep clean no matter how active you may be. Strong and durable, this is an affordable and easy-to-use addition to your lightweight luggage collection.

What we Like

• Small and lightweight to stash in your suitcase
• Thin material, so the contents can stick into your back

NOMATIC Travel Pack

The zippered laptop sleeve and mesh dividers will help to keep your electronics safe and separate from your other belongings, and the lie-flat design for your laptop is TSA-approved. There is also a charging cable pass running through all of the major pockets in the backpack.

Featuring an innovative strap system, you can add versatility to this backpack by unsnapping the back panel, tucking in the straps, and carrying it like a briefcase . Other upscale features such as a magnetic snap water bottle pocket and the retractable key leash make this a great choice for business travelers.

Made from durable waterproof materials and zippers, this backpack is spacious enough to carry everything you need for a few days away. Add to that the additional exciting features such as the RFID-safe storage, clamshell opening for easy access, and multiple hidden pockets, and you have an excellent alternative to a traditional cabin bag.

Perfect for the stylish traveler, the Nomatic Travel Pack expands to offer 20 to 30 liters of interior storage space, and sleek, sophisticated design on the outside.

• Lockable security pocket
• Zippers can sometimes break

Daypacks come in a variety of types and sizes, but by far, the most popular ones are those that remain lightweight and fully portable, no matter how much you squeeze in them. If you are in the market for a good quality everyday backpack, take some time to do your research and choose a specific daypack that suits both your needs and your budget.

From super-slim basic backpacks for bikers and hikers to fully-padded laptop bags or mini carry-ons, if you choose the right daypack, it will quickly become an integral part of your everyday use or next big adventure.

Looking for more travel products? Head over to our one-stop shop on travel product reviews .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a daypack.

A daypack is a type of bag or backpack that you use to carry just enough items to get you through the day. Daypacks have many uses , from commuting, hiking, traveling, or general days out.

How big is a daypack?

Daypacks vary depending on what you will be using them for. For the bare essentials and very little features, you can get daypacks as small as liters. Most daypacks will be around the 20- to 30-liter mark.

What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

Daypacks are a type of backpack. Backpacks come in all types and sizes and some have 100-liter capacities. Daypacks are simply backpacks that you only use to carry your daily essentials and can be anywhere from 10- to 30-liters.

What's the best daypack for traveling?

Some of our favorite day packs include:

• The North Face Jester Backpack
• KROSER Laptop Backback

What is the best size daypack?

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Daypacks that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle, and other essentials close at hand.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Home » Gear » What is The Best Backpack For Travel in Europe? EPIC Round Up (2024)

What is The Best Backpack For Travel in Europe? EPIC Round Up (2024)

Europe is a great destination for a burgeoning backpacker. Most European countries are accustomed to accommodating broke backpackers carrying their lives on their shoulders, and the continent sports some of the world’s best public transport networks, allowing travelers to roam freely without needing a car.

There are so many great stops and sights to see on any Eurotrip, but you won’t make it very far without the right backpack. Any old nylon duffel will get you through a week’s trip, but the best backpack for Europe will help keep you on the road for months at a time, all the while pushing you past the big cities of the continent into the heart of exploration.

If you want to see it all, you’ll have to manage the diverse landscapes and different weather patterns that make Europe so interesting to visit. The best bag for the endless summer of the Mediterranean coast might not stand against the changing weather of the Irish plains.

The good news is, modern backpackers can take advantage of Europe’s decades-old travel infrastructure with more great backpack choices than ever. With so many great backpacks on the market, it might be hard to narrow things down to the best bag for you. That’s where we step in.

Things have changed a lot since foreigners first started cutting costs and roaming through Western Europe, but one thing hasn’t: The best way to see this continent and get a feel for the rich range of cultures present is with your home on your back.

These Are The BEST Travel Bags for Europe

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

• Capacity (L) > 46
• Weight (G) > 1559
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 46x40x31
• Price ($) > 195

Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Capacity (L) > 30L
• Weight (G) > 1.8KG
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 20.5×12.2×7.5
• Price ($) > 325

Osprey Aether

• Capacity (L) > 65
• Weight (G) > 2267
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 81x40x28
• Price ($) > 315

Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

• Capacity (L) > 30
• Weight (G) > 1500
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 23x48x33
• Price ($) > 268

Farpoint 55

• Capacity (L) > 55
• Weight (G) > 1700
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 60x33x30
• Price ($) > 170

Nomatic Navigator 32

• Capacity (L) > 37-44
• Weight (G) > 2358
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 56x36x23
• Price ($) > 391

TropicFeel Shell

• Capacity (L) > 22-42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 50x30x19
• Price ($) > 290

Osprey UNLTD

• Capacity (L) > 68
• Weight (G) > 2812
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 81x40x38
• Price ($) > 700

WANDRD PRVKE

• Capacity (L) > 31
• Weight (G) > 1300
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 48x30x17
• Price ($) > 216

Osprey Sojourn

• Capacity (L) > 45
• Weight (G) > 4000
• Price ($) > 375

Monarc Settra

• Capacity (L) > 40
• Weight (G) > 2041
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 28x60x33
• Price ($) > 150

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Capacity (L) > 42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 55 x 38 x 24
• Price ($) > 300

Choosing The Right Bag For European Travel

How and where we tested to find the best backpack for europe, final thoughts on the best bag for europe.

European Travel takes on all sorts of forms. Unless you plan on renting a car, your bag will need to deftly navigate buses, trains, crowded sidewalks, and long walks to the hostel, all while storing everything you need for your trip. 

At the minimum, your bag will need to fit in a luggage rack and pack a week’s worth of clothes. The good thing about traveling through Europe is you’ll never be too far away from the nearest laundry machine, even in the alps, so unless you plan on doing some serious backcountry exploring you probably won’t need to haul around a 70 Liter monstrosity. 

Most passionate minimalists and one-bag travel experts like to set the bar around 35-40 Liters for their bag, which generally provides the maximum amount of storage while still fitting easily in overhead compartments and luggage racks. 

The storage capacity is just the first piece of the puzzle. Any European adventure will likely have a lot of stops. There’s just too many cities to see and cheeses to try. Unless you’ve got a year budgeted out for roaming and romping, you’ll be living out of your bag and packing it up quite a bit. 

I take ease of access incredibly seriously when considering any new backpack. Ideally, I’d like a bag that lets me live for 24 hours without ever having to open the main compartment. 

Anytime I’m settling down for more than a night or two I’ll unpack, but if I can find a backpack with enough easy access points to get to my toothbrush, a change of clothes, some snacks, and my electronics without having to dig around through the muck and mire of the main drag, I’ll take it.

Finally, a backpack for European Travel should consider safety. Backpackers are easy targets for scammers and thieves, and there’s no such thing as a modern city without a few ne’er do wells lurking near the bus stations.

Nobody wants to travel around with a giant target on their back, but a bright red backpack is the closest thing to wearing a sign that says ‘Hello criminals, I am slightly out of my comfort zone AND everything I own is right here in this bag.’ 

Some backpack makers are catching on and offering jet-black looks that reduce down and don’t give off the wrong impressions, while others are coming up with high-tech solutions like locking compartments and RFID-blocking pockets. There is no backpack that can completely reduce the risk of turning down the wrong corner at the wrong time, but a great European travel bag will keep everything close to the chest and out of access for any potential pickpockets. 

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Best Overall Travel Bag for Europe – Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

• Capacity (L): 46
• Weight (G): 1559
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 46x40x31
• Price ($): 195

At the Broke Backpacker we’re a bit more accustomed to bus rides than bellhops, but it can never hurt to bring your own personal porter on your next adventure. It serves as its own bagman and it just might be the most organized bag Osprey has ever made. 

They didn’t simply pump the dang thing full of pockets, but instead added clutch access points like a full U-zippered main compartment, a protected laptop sleeve, and stow-able hip belt and harness. These perks allow the bag to perform well in all sorts of use cases. 

Unfortunately, there is no bag that is perfect for everyone, and there are a few zones where the Osprey Porter falls short. You might want to look elsewhere if you need a bag to break ultralight records or long-haul walks in the woods. Instead, this bag serves as a perfect companion for anyone planning on spending the next few months wandering through the European Continent. 

The list would be a whole lot shorter if we talked about where we didn’t test it. This bag has seen the Tour de France, the Running of the Bulls , the Cooper Hill Cheese roll, Oktoberfest, and the Battle of the Oranges. Without a fuss, the Porter has fit on all sorts of crowded buses and managed draconian baggage policies to get us there with our gear. 

Best Carry on Backpack For Europe – Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Capacity (L):  30
• Weight (G):  1.8kg
• Dims (CM, HxWxD):  20.5×12.2×7.5
• Price ($): 325

The Tortuga Travel Pack is a serious piece of equipment. The revamped 30L version of the Travel Pack has been custom designed to be accepted for carry on all over the world.

As well as being globally carry-on ready, it’s also got a phenomenal design, great organization, and it has HUGE amounts of space. Tortuga might be the company that best knows how to create space within their bags so you can pack the compartments to your heart’s content.

Note that there isa 40L version available but in order to spare you all the wrath of European airlines like Ryanair, we suggest using the smaller 30L version.

I loved taking this pack around Europe as it was accessible, comfy to carry and fit all my gear. One thing I noticed about this pack is how durable and strong the zippers feel.

Best Backpack For Backpacking Europe – Osprey Aether

• Capacity (L): 65
• Weight (G): 2267
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 81x40x28
• Price ($): 315

This heavy-duty option is a great choice for packing everything you own on your shoulders. The Aether is one of Osprey’s more technically advanced backpacks, built for the backcountry and just as suitable for winding cobblestone streets.

Some of this backpack’s models come with a detachable daypack that works great for quick stops, carry-on, and city tours. This is one of the biggest game changers in the backpacking industry and instantly elevated this pack to a must-have in my own closet. You can bring everything you need for a month’s vacation in Europe , all the while storing it in the room with ease, while you take only the essentials with you on your next day trek.

Fully kitted up, Osprey’s flexible shoulder pads and air mesh backing help lighten your load. Although there is no such thing as a bag that makes 70 Liters feel lighter than air, the Aether might be the closest thing to it.

The Aether has been my go-to bag for trips where I plan to be on my feet for more than a kilometer or two. Every time the train station ended up being a few kilometers away from the hostel, or I missed the early bus and had to get walking, I tested the limits of this bag and it passed with flying colors.

Best Bag For Budget Flights In Europe – Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

• Capacity (L): 30
• Weight (G): 1500
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 23x48x33
• Price ($): 268

Anyone who has ever shown up to a Ryanair flight without a printed ticket knows those budget flights can be a trap. The initial tickets are a steal, but the charges can quickly add up. One way budget airlines look to make a bit of extra cash is by reducing the amount of luggage you can take with you.

If you want to take advantage of the cheapest rates out there, this Nomatic travel bag is the best bet to get it done no matter the airline. The travel bag fits regulations and allows you to store more than any other carry-on bag on the market, thanks to Nomatic’s wealth of curious pockets and space-saving maneuvers.

Not only is the bag a high-tech beast, but Nomatic rounded out the edges, protecting your gear in a fully waterproof shell and adding on a few anti-theft perks that make the travel bag pack well above its nimble weight. With a slightly smug grin of satisfaction, we slipped our fully loaded Nomatic Travel bag in between the bars at the airline check-in counter that proved indeed it fits, it flies, and it’s got a full week’s gear inside.

Best Bag For Interrail – Farpoint 55

• Capacity (L): 55
• Weight (G): 1700
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 60x33x30
• Price ($): 170

Europe is best seen by train . There’s a certain romance to zipping past the dry Portuguese countryside without your hands on the wheel. Our favorite train-friendly travel is an iconic travel backpack. The Farpoint series is one of the best one-bag travel choices in the world, combining a bit of trail magic with some convenient storage features to make an extraordinary kit.

Train travel means more lenient luggage regulations, that is unless you’re trying to travel with a surfboard on Renfre. That means you can opt for a slightly larger backpack and store it all. The Farpoint makes it easy to pack a month’s worth of gear with a nice U-shaped zippered opening and large hip belt pockets that will fit a few snacks and train tickets. What makes this bag unique is its versatility.

Osprey pumps plenty of hiking knowledge into all of their packs, so even backpacks made for urban wandering come with clutch comfort features, great rain protection, and the adjustability to fit on any set of shoulders.

Looking for a same sized bag with a few different features? Have a look at the Rei Flash 55 Backpack then!

Best Backpack For European Cities – Nomatic Navigator 32

• Capacity (L): 32-41
• Weight (G): 2358
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 56x36x23
• Price ($): 399

You don’t want to have to stop back off at the hostel multiple times during a grand day out in the city. That means ideally, your backpack will carry everything you need for the day, rain or shine, without being too uncomfortable. That’s the Nomatic Navigator’s specialty. 

This bag can expand and contract from 32 to 41 Liters so you can pack exactly what you need for the day without leaving a bunch of empty space. Even if you start the day with a full bag, the expansion helps you sneak in that op-shop find. We also love the laid-back look of the navigator for city travel. 

Anyone can spot a backpacker a mile away with most of the usual suspects. Bright-colored hiking bags loaded to the brim may have the locals treating you slightly different, or help you stick out in the crowd. The navigator stays lowkey while sneakily storing a whole lot of the good stuff to help you check out new cities like one of the gang. 

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Best Backpack For Hosteling Europe – TropicFeel Shell

• Capacity (L): 22-42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 50x30x19
• Price ($): 290

Your dorm room probably doesn’t include a walk-in closet, but this backpack will make any pod feel like a target for the bling ring. The TropicFeel Shell is trying to completely change up the game, and while there are still some kinks to be worked out, this is a fantastic option for certain travelers.

Anyone who likes to have a perfect place for everything in their gear kit will literally giggle at the number of options the TropicFeel provides .

Between a wardrobe system, detachable toiletry kit, kangaroo pouch, and optional camera cube, you’ll be more organized than ever. Each one of these organizational points is detachable, which means once you arrive at the hostel you can hang your wardrobe, send the toiletry kit to the sink, slip the camera cube into your locker, and hit the town with an incredibly light day bag.

The bag is not the best choice for people heading far off from paved roads, as all the extra detachment points don’t make an incredibly lightweight pack. For anyone whose wandering goals are to make new friends and see new places, this backpack is an easy choice for life going from hostel to hostel in Europe.

Best Backpack For Hiking in Europe – Osprey UNLTD

• Capacity (L): 68
• Weight (G): 2812
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 81x40x38
• Price ($): 700

From the Camino Del Santiago through the Tour du Mont Blanc, hiking in Europe can take you across epic mountains and bounce you along wild surf. There are a lot of bags out there that can get you through a controlled day hike, but the best backpack for pushing things up a notch is the Osprey UNLTD. 

This bag is the culmination of Osprey’s decades of industry dominance. Its starting point is a combination of features that make other Osprey bags great, like a detachable daypack, superior Airscape breathability, and loads of straps and external tool attachments. The UNLTD then takes things to the next level with 3D-printed foam back panels and a carbon frame. 

This immense Antigravity system is the brainchild of Osprey founder Mike Pfotenhauer, who threw it all into this pack. The pack lifts its weight a bit off your shoulders and spreads the load evenly around your body to stay comfortable when long-distance trekking. 

Best Bag For Photographing Europe – WANDRD PRVKE

• Capacity (L): 31
• Weight (G): 1300
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 48x30x17
• Price ($): 216

This tarpaulin terror is one of our favorite up-and-coming backpacks. WANDRD is a Kickstarter darling that has spent the last decade proving that backpacks can be more than large black holes with shoulder straps. 

The PRVKE is the model that finally pushed them over the top and into our hearts thanks to the combination of performance, protection, and cheeky special features. The 31 Liter bag spreads storage across 8 convenient pockets and a main compartment. WANDRD also sells a camera carry case that helps compartmentalize things even further. 

Pockets, protection, and aesthetics combine to create a photography bag that can do a whole lot more. The bag is a perfect carry-on size and has enough quality materials on the outside to keep your gear dry from a few surprise showers. The rolltop wide opening is the cherry on top, allowing you to condense and expand this bag to exactly the size you need. 

Best Wheeled Backpack For Europe – Osprey Sojourn

• Capacity (L): 45
• Weight (G): 4000
• Price ($): 375.00

Europe’s cobbled streets and winding corners are a real challenge for wheeled backpacks. You can’t expect to run any old bag through the Rua da Bica and get out unscathed. If you don’t feel like carrying your gear on your shoulders, you should absolutely splurge for a top-quality roller like the Sojourn. 

This bag does include shoulder carrying straps, but it’s a bit bulky to lift up off its wheels for more than a few meters. It blends the line between backpack and suitcase, providing an ultra-durable set of wheels with a high chassis that helps take this roller off-road. 

You can choose between 45, 60, and 80 Liters to make sure no matter what kind of journey you’re embarking on, you’ll always have some space for souvenirs. 

Best Hybrid Bag For Europe – Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack

• Capacity (L): 40
• Weight (G): 2041
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 28x60x33
• Price ($): 150

Young European travelers have forged ahead on a path of sustainable exploration. There is no bag better to confidently explore the European continent than one made out of recycled materials, like this Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack made from 50 recycled bottles. The Travel Duffel Backpack proves that sustainable materials can do anything polyester can, all without the carbon footprint. 

The pack walks the line between a duffel bag and an old-fashioned backpack, allowing you to easily maneuver your bag through crowded train terminals and throw it over your shoulder for longer walks. It’s one of the only duffel bags in the business with adjustable sternum and waist straps as well as a full-sized laptop compartment to truly toe the line. 

At 40 Liters, the Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack sits just on the edge of carry-on eligibility, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it into an overhead compartment and skipping baggage claim on your way to your next adventure. 

Best Overall Travel Bag for Carry-On Travel – Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Capacity (L): 42
• Weight (G): 1.7kg
• Dims (CM, HxWxD):  55 x 38 x 24 cm
• Price (£): 195

The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is possibly the most perfectly designed travel bag on the market right now. For those wanting to spend a few months backpacking around Europe, the size and features of this bag really work well.

The bag opens up in a clamshell fashion like a suitcase meaning you no longer have to root around a top-loading bag for a specific item. To go one further in terms of organisation, each half of the bag is divided up into several zippered compartments deep enough to store inside things like packing cubes and other gear. This really makes it easy when you’re moving from place to place every few days as it’s easy to live out of the bag.

In terms of capacity, when combined with its superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for backpacking around Europe. Bear in mind that in most European cities you’ll be getting around on public transport, so the smaller size of this bag as well as features like the hidden passport pocket make it perfect.

Want more Stubble & Co options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags .

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

To test these packs, we laid our mits on each of them and took them out for a test spin Over a period of time, various members of our team took these different packs on various trips to put them well and truly through their paces.

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry stuff and as such, top points are awarded for how packable one is. Any decent carry in needs to make sure it maximises the space it does have and facilitates effective packing and we tested this out by packing, and unpacking. Simple right? 

Equally though, we also paid attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to retrieve items quickly and easily bags a bag, bags of bonus points!

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable. Believe me on this, I have had more than my fair share of backpacks that just weighed an ounce or two, too much or perhaps had crappy straps that dug into my shoulders. 

As such we awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry-comfort.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose we used it for this purpose. For example, if it’s a carry-on pack then we took it along as carry-on and made sure it actually oasses the Ryanait test and fits into the ever shrinking over-head cabins. For cycle backpacks we strapped them on and got on our bikes. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well those people are fools because good gear can be both practical and cool. As such we also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks. 

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. Unfortunately though that is not entirely feasible so instead, we simply inspected the materials used and the build quality of the packs paying attention to things like the seam sewing, the traction of the zips and other pressure points that tend to break. 

Of course, testing out how waterproof a pack is simply a case of pouring a litre of water over it – any packs caught leaking, were promptly banned entirely from inclusion in our round-ups.

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What are you waiting for!? Plane tickets aren’t getting any cheaper. Now that you know the best bags for Europe, all that’s left to do is map out a plan for exploration and then throw it out the window. 

Your trip to Europe will be full of surprises, missed trains, foul weather cancellations, and hidden gems that make you stay a few extra days. Half the fun of a backpacking adventure is the wild places you end up when what you thought was going to happen falls through.

The wrong backpack will make winding up at the wrong bus station and finding out you have to walk another two kilometers sound like a death sentence. But the right choice will have you to saying yes and embracing the journey with open arms.

No matter which backpack you choose, rambling through Europe without a care in the world is a rite of passage for any broke backpacker, and as long as you choose a bag from this list, your exploration will be the beginning of a life on the road. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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How To Choose The

Best Daypack For Travel

The minimalist's guide to selecting the best travel daypack for one bag carry-on travel and beyond.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Considerations
• 03. Traditional
• 04. Packable
• 05. Expandable
• 06. Alternate
• 07. Packing It All Up

Think you know all there is to know about daypacks? Think again.

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Choosing the best Daypack for Travel and Beyond

The humble daypack: simple in form, but oh so valuable in function. Daypacks are the bread and butter of the backpack world, allowing us to enjoy all of what life has to offer while keeping the essentials handy.

Unlike travel backpacks —which are at home in airports, buses, and hotels—daypacks are found in nearly every facet of life and travel. From daily commutes to grocery store trips, coffee shops, and dog walks—daypacks are an essential part of most people’s lives. (Even if they might not realize it!)

In a travel sense, daypacks are ubiquitous with adventure and intrigue. From waterfall hikes in Thailand to exploring Portuguese side streets or relaxing with a few beverages on an Australian beach—daypacks are ready to hold all of your essentials as you live life to the fullest.

So, that begs the question… How do you choose the right one?

(Spoiler alert: You read this guide!)

Choosing the best daypack is a tricky—and loaded—question that doesn’t have one definitive answer. Much like travel backpacks, there are many different options that all get the job done. But in the end, we’re fairly confident there is no “best” daypack for everyone. It all depends on your personal preference and what you’re planning on doing with it.

If you want to skip ahead and just see some options already, check out the video below.

Here’s what you can expect

In this guide, we’re going to help you figure out how to choose the best daypack for your situation. We’re going to dive into all the different “categories” of daypacks and explain what you can expect with each as well as the pros, cons, and recommended use-cases.

We’re also going to provide some specific recommendations for each category, in addition to going over what you’ll want to look for and avoid in each case.

Finally, we’ll be going over some more general “pro tips” like how to efficiently pack a daypack, how to travel with a daypack and other luggage, and how to travel like a pro in a more general sense. (Although, we like to think that all of our content covers that last point.)

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Forget the “best” daypack. What kind of pack do YOU want?

Let’s get a few things straight before we dive into finding the best daypack for your situation. There are a few key considerations you should be thinking about when choosing a daypack, which we’ve outlined below. As we progress through this guide, we will continue to come back to these questions. If you can get clear on your answers here, we are confident you will be able to find the perfect daypack for your needs.

So, the first question you should be asking yourself is…

This is the most logical place to start in your quest for the perfect daypack. Choosing what daypack to buy will be most influenced by what you’re going to use it for! Here are some common examples of daypack-related activities that will require different types of packs:

• Traveling the world with a carry-on travel backpack and a personal item.
• Going on a day hike.
• Traveling with roller luggage.
• Bringing your laptop and tech gear to work every day (although we have a separate laptop bag guide for this).
• Holding groceries on your way home from work.
• Having a stylish accessory for travel or days out with friends.

The type of activities you plan on doing with your daypack will have a massive effect on what kind of bag is best for you. Obviously, there are many additional scenarios you may find yourself in outside of the ones on this short list, but we hope that by the end of this guide you’ll have the knowledge to make an educated decision on your own.

We should also mention that we are strong advocates for having multiple daypacks for different scenarios. As a bunch of self-proclaimed minimalists, we don’t tend to endorse consumption for consumption’s sake, but having two to three specialized daypacks can be enough to cover just about any scenario you find yourself in. You could get by with one versatile pack for every occasion, but you’re going to have to make some compromises. (But we don’t particularly like compromises.)

The next question you should be asking yourself is…

While your answer to the first question may heavily impact the answer to this question, we still think it’s worth discussing on its own. Think of this in more general terms—are you the type of person who likes to have everything they could ever need for a day out? Do you love being prepared for any kind of weather that may hit? Are you “that person” who is prepared to spend a night in the woods every time you go for a hike?

Walking With The Topo Designs Daypack

Additionally, consider how many people you tend to be around. If you’re more of a solo adventurer or if you need a bag for commuting by yourself, you can probably get by with a smaller daypack. But if you tend to travel with large groups of people or you’d consider yourself a “social butterfly,” you may want to consider going for a larger daypack. You’ll thank us when you become the hero of the group after carrying everyone’s water bottles and jackets. Hell, you may even get a free beer or two out of it if you play your cards right.

The gist here is that if you think you’ll be carrying a decent amount of stuff while you’re out and about, you’ll want to opt for a daypack that has a larger capacity and an ample harness system to handle that extra weight.

If you’re a bonafide minimalist or you hate the idea of carrying a pack over five pounds, you’ll want to opt for a smaller and lighter bag. In this case, you can also get away with a more minimalistic harness system. We’ll get into all that (and more) later.

Yes, yes—there are certainly more things you’ll need to consider when choosing a daypack. Here’s a quick run-down…

Budget: Obviously, you’ll want to consider how much you’re willing to spend. In a general sense, as you spend more, you can expect to see higher-quality materials, better craftsmanship, more accessories, and better styling.

Body Type: Your height and torso length will dictate what type of bags fit you best—and the fit is crucial. Some daypacks come in men’s (larger) and women’s (smaller) versions. Regardless of gender, you’ll want to make sure the pack fits your body type. Luckily, this doesn’t tend to be as much of a problem with daypacks as it is with larger travel backpacks.

Durability: This can change depending on personal preference or the type of activity you’re doing. Daily commuting is going to be tougher on your pack than quick trips to your neighborhood coffee shop. You’ll want to consider how often you plan on using this pack, and how long you’d like to have it.

Weight: If you’re concerned with the overall weight of your pack, certain types of daypacks will be drastically lighter than others. Drastically. Lighter.

Extras: Between hip belts, compression straps, water bottle pockets, laptop compartments, and a slew of other add-ons…there’s a lot to consider here. If there are certain backpack features that you feel like you can’t live without, it might restrict you to certain types of daypacks.

The daypack we’ve all come to know and love.

What is a traditional daypack?

The traditional daypack is just what you’d assume—a daypack that functions well for daily use. This is the O.G. daypack. Remember that JanSport pack you and everyone else brought to school as a kid? Well, that would fall into this category. Although we’re happy to say there are plenty of alternatives nowadays, and of varying qualities.

These types of daypacks function well and offer a ton of variety—this is actually the category where you’re going to see the most variety by far. We’re pretty confident even the pickiest gear nut could find something that fits the bill here. With a wide array of materials, color schemes, and styles—there’s something for everyone.

The Aer Pro Pack 24L is a prime example of efficient allocation of space. Whereas a lot of daypacks struggle with gear settling at the bottom of the main compartment (leaving the top unoccupied), the Pro Pack lets its other compartments fill that void. You can either use that otherwise wasted space by packing its valet pocket and admin panel or stacking as much gear as its roomy main compartment can handle—the choice is yours.

Traditional daypacks can come in a wide variety of sizes but, in general, most packs will have a capacity between 10 and 25 liters. Usually, you’ll find one large compartment with a few other smaller pockets around the bag. But there is a ton of variety in the traditional daypack department, so that’s not all you’re going to find—there are plenty of traditional daypacks out there that offer loads of organization. Really, you can find bags at any end of the spectrum—from zero organization to a boatload to a happy medium.

Now, we should clarify that while we love ourselves a good old-fashioned daypack, they do have their drawbacks. In fact, we’d argue that the drawbacks encountered on traditional daypacks are what eventually caused backpack manufacturers to start looking into other types of daypacks (like the ones you’ll find in the rest of this guide). More on that later. For now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Materials & Durability

These types of daypacks have by far the most extensive variety of fabrics and materials. In fact, you can find a traditional daypack made with just about every backpack material out there. Here are some common examples of fabrics you might encounter on a pack like this:

• And everything else under the sun…

If we had to recommend a few of these fabrics, we’d probably point out Ballistic and Ripstop Nylon. These are the heavy hitter backpack materials that we love to see because they’re incredibly durable over the long term, they’re rip- and abrasion-resistant, and they’re mostly weather-resistant. The CORDURA® name also tends to be a good one to look for, as it signifies that the fabrics have been held to a certain level of quality. In terms of specific CORDURA® materials, you’ll mainly find polyester and nylon.

We generally recommend avoiding polyester, canvas, and leather for travel. Polyester is lightweight but it lacks long-term durability, and it can rip and scuff easily. Canvas and leather can certainly be high quality, but they tend to be very heavy. Don’t get us wrong, we’ve seen great packs that use these materials, but if you’re looking for the “best” materials out there, we’d recommend opting for some of the other options on this list.

Outside of fabrics, you’ll likely find a variety of other hardware and zippers on these types of packs. We always recommend YKK or SBS branded zippers as they have long track records of providing high-quality zippers that stand the test of time. Zipper sizes range on a scale from one (small) to ten (large), and most of the packs in this category will have at least a #5. We’d recommend looking for something a bit higher, though—some of our favorite daypacks have #10 YKK zippers, which are super beefy. In general, anything between #8 and #10 will be sturdy enough that you won’t need to worry about anything breaking anytime soon. (By the way, this should go without saying, but avoid plastic and unbranded zippers at all costs!)

Additionally, you’ll find various types of hardware—in the form of buckles, adjusters, and straps—on these packs. Duraflex , Woojin , and ITW are good brands to look out for. If you don’t see a brand name on the buckles of a daypack, you might want to look elsewhere. The reality is that plastic buckles are one of the easiest things to break on a bag—you can easily snap one in half just by setting the pack down abruptly—so sticking with a high-quality, trusted brand here is absolutely worth the extra couple bucks you’ll likely have to throw down.

Curious about what other materials you can expect on a pack like this? Here’s a quick overview:

• DWR coating: This is a coating that can be applied to many fabrics which increases water-resistance. It will by no means make the pack completely waterproof, but it will help quite a bit by providing some added weather-resistance.

Who (and what) is it good for?

The traditional daypack is useful for people who need a pack for daily use and aren’t concerned about traveling light. We’re of the firm belief that any commuter or city-goer who does a lot of walking or regularly takes public transit should have a traditional daypack they love. Actually, scratch that—everyone should have a traditional daypack they love.

This type of pack is excellent at holding tech gear, groceries, clothing, and everything in between. It’ll hold everything you need for those longer-than-expected days at work, short hikes, weekend trips, and whatever else you may encounter in your day-to-day life.

As far as travel goes, this pack does hold some value, but it’s not exactly “optimized” for travel. If you’re looking for a pack that you can cram into your one bag travel pack, this isn’t going to be your best bet. It might be doable, but there are way better options out there (which we’ll get into soon).

However, if you plan on using roller luggage or a duffel, a daypack like this can be a perfect addition to your travel kit. If roller luggage is your style, we’d recommend grabbing a pack that has a luggage pass-through, like the Aer Flight Pack 3 , so you can toss your pack onto your suitcase and stroll through the airport like a total boss.

This is a pack that we think virtually everyone should have in their closet. Even if you don’t plan on using it regularly, it’s great to have for quick trips and days out of the house. It can replace totes, duffels, and reusable grocery bags while offering a whole lot more functionality because, like all backpacks, you can have both hands free while wearing it!

Once you grab one that fits your style and has some quality materials, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

This backpack is good at most things, but it’s not quite as specialized as some of the other packs we’ll highlight in this guide. Essentially, Traditional Backpacks are versatile packs that will function well in 8 out of 10 situations. But for those other two instances, you’d be better off with something else.

Traditional backpacks offer impressive materials and harness systems that allow you to comfortably carry heavy or bulky gear for long periods of time. They also offer the most purchasing options, meaning you can opt for a pack that provides a boatload of additional functionality, a pack that is sleek and minimal, or something in between. The same goes for style and size. One crucial point is that you’ll see longer-lasting and more durable materials on these types of packs because weight and bulkiness aren’t as much of an issue.

These bags also tend to have the most “structure,” which means they’ll be good for holding more valuable or fragile gear and you can easily organize the contents inside. Because they have more structure and lots of accessories, you’ll also find that these types of daypacks often have multiple carry options—allowing you to carry the pack in “briefcase mode” or “duffel mode” or some other mode entirely. That provides some nice versatility that can be good for some use-cases or specific situations.

And finally, the wide variety of packs in this category means you can spend as much or as little as you’d like. There’s something for every budget, which isn’t entirely true for the other categories on this list.

If you’re looking for something extremely lightweight and minimal, this type of pack isn’t going to be your best bet. You can find light daypacks here, for sure, but a packable daypack may suit you better. Traditional daypacks also tend to be a bit on the bulkier side, so if you’re looking for a pack that you can toss into your larger travel pack, there are better options out there.

As we’ve mentioned, the traditional daypack is king when it comes to versatility—but, by definition, that means it’s not king when it comes to specialized use-cases. As you’ll see later in the guide, there are a variety of packs for specific niches that will go above and beyond what a traditional daypack is capable of.

The Verdict

If you’re looking to carry stuff efficiently or you want a versatile pack that will last a lifetime, this is what you need. In fact, even if you don’t think you need this type of pack you should still probably have one on hand. It’ll come in handy more often than you think.

But if you have other, more specific considerations, you might want to keep reading…

Recommendations

The Aer Flight Pack 3 is a reliable and functional mid-sized daypack from a trusted brand. It’s got a sleek, minimal look and it uses high-quality materials that have held up well during our testing. If you’re looking for the ultimate daypack, you’ll want to check this one out.

The Topo Designs Daypack is a stylish little backpack that isn’t really so little. At 20 liters, it’s a reliable daypack that can handle weekend trips or bulky items with ease. Although it might look simple, there’s a lot going on inside this heritage style pack—including some high-quality, durable materials.

We love Tom Bihn because they put a ton of care, effort, and detail into the decisions they make when creating packs. The Synapse 25 is no exception. With some excellent organization, customization options, and great materials—this bag is a winner and could be a great option for longer trips.

Are packable daypacks the future of the backpack world? We’re not sure, but we’re definitely into them.

Video Overview: 9 Packable Daypacks For Minimalist Travel & Why You May Need One In Your Carry-On Backpack

Feel free to watch this guide overview in video format. We’ll go more in-depth in the written content and keep this page up to date.

Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube and never miss a video.

What is a packable daypack?

Packable daypacks are the latest, greatest, and most innovative item to hit the daypack market for some time. Over the past few years, we’ve seen packable daypacks explode in popularity, and for good reason. They’re ridiculously lightweight, super compressible, and they solve a problem that almost everyone has faced at some point in their lives.

YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack

If you’ve ever arrived in a new city with a big ole’ piece of luggage and thought, “If only I had a smaller bag I could use for the day,” then you are in luck. The packable daypack was built to solve that problem, and for that, we love it.

The way packable daypacks work is pretty straightforward (it’s also, like, in the name—but we’ll clarify). They’re usually built with extremely thin and lightweight materials, which allows you to compress the bag into a small ball, just like you might do with a plastic disposable shopping bag. But it’s not just thin materials we’re talking about here. Everything on a packable daypack is light—from the shoulder straps to the zippers to the buckles. It’s all purpose-built to compress, so you’ll rarely see thick shoulder straps, beefy zippers, or extra features on these bags.

Most bags compress into a pocket on the pack or a small compression pouch. Basically, you pack the bag into the pocket or pouch, zip it up, and you’ve just compressed a backpack down to the size of a soda can (or sometimes, even smaller).

From there, you can toss that can-sized pouch into your larger travel bag, your desk at work, your car, or just have some fun and play a game of catch with your friends! There are no rules when it comes to packable daypacks, people.

Packable daypacks can vary in size, but you can generally expect them to fall between 10 and 25 liters in capacity when expanded. When compressed, smaller-sized packs will take up less room, but the materials and design also play a significant factor. We’ve seen 24-liter daypacks that compress smaller than 15-liter packs. So it’s vital to do your research on each bag before you purchase and consider how important the expanded and compressed sizes are to you.

As far as compartments go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a packable daypack with more than two or three pockets. The majority of these bags have one large compartment with a small quick-grab pocket—and that’s about it. As you’ll see, these types of bags are pretty barebones (because they have to be).

When it comes to packable daypacks, thin and light is the name of the game. Everything on a packable daypack is purpose-built to allow the pack to compress to less than a quarter of its initial size. But let’s be honest, compressing is the easy part. After all, you can compress a plastic grocery bag or a Ziploc bag pretty easily.

The hard part is creating a bag that can do all of that while still holding up for years to come. Using a backpack to carry heavy or bulky items can put a lot of stress on it, but even more importantly, compressing a bag can put an incredible amount of pressure on the seams and materials. So, how do you create a backpack that is strong enough to hold up to all of that while still being extremely thin and lightweight?

Well, thanks to #science and years of fabric innovation, we now have a handful of materials that are up to the challenge. Here are some of the most common materials you’ll find on a packable daypack—and keep in mind that these materials are similar to what you’d find on other backpacks, they’re just going to be much thinner versions of the same fabric.

• …and that’s about it!

As you can see, there’s a pretty select number of materials that you can use when making a packable daypack. And really, all of these materials are incredibly similar—they’re all thin, lightweight, and have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio.

Now, with all this talk about super thin, super durable materials… we know what you’re thinking. “Okay, but how durable can these things ACTUALLY be?” Well, if you’re skeptical, you should be.

Here’s the deal. A packable daypack is likely never going to be as durable as a full-fledged, traditional daypack. With materials this thin, you’re always running the risk of creating small punctures, abrasions, rips, tears, and more. While 30D Ripstop Nylon is exceptionally durable given its weight, that’s just the thing—it’s so thin and light that it’s never going to be as durable as, say, 1000D CORDURA® Nylon.

What we’re trying to say here is that given the limitations of packable daypacks, they’re incredibly durable. Let’s not beat around the bush here—they’re certainly not the most durable packs money can buy. In fact, you’ll want to be careful with your packable daypack—even putting bulky items in can be cause for concern.

But as far as we’re concerned, as long as you put some thought into how you pack your bag and you treat it well, you’re going to be okay. And the pros of a packable daypack truly cannot be understated.

Packable daypacks are extremely small when not in use, but still quite functional when in use. As you can imagine, there are a lot of situations where this can be helpful!

We mainly use packable daypacks for travel. If you’re traveling with one large travel backpack, you can bring along a packable daypack to use once you arrive at your destination. The benefit here is that it takes up little to no space in your pack while you’re traveling, and then you don’t have to use your enormous travel backpack for a day out in a new city.

Some packable daypacks are even small enough where you can toss one in your jacket pocket and carry it around with you just on the off-chance you might need a backpack at some point during the day. Pretty awesome, right?

There are many uses for packable daypacks outside of travel, as well. You may want to keep a packable pack in your desk at work, in case you need to hit the grocery store on your way home. You could keep one in your car or a saddle bag on your bike. Or, for the ultra-minimalists and tiny apartment dwellers, you may want to just save space in your closet and use one of these as your only daypack!

Packable daypacks are great for anyone on the go. They allow you to be prepared to carry “stuff” (whatever that may be) at any moment, without having to lug around an empty backpack. They’re also great for minimalists, or anyone who’s looking to remove bulky items from their life.

Alright, this won’t take long (we promise).

Packable daypacks are thin, light, and allow you to be prepared for anything. …And that’s why they’re great! We really cannot understate how nice it is to have a backpack that compresses to the size of your fist. It’s truly awesome.

But, let’s be honest, there are some downsides…

Now that we’ve talked at length about why packable daypacks are amazing and everyone should have one, let’s get real for a minute. There are downsides to these bags—quite a few, in fact. And while none of them are necessarily dealbreakers, you should be aware of them.

A packable daypack is likely never going to have as much structure and rigidity as a traditional daypack or any of the other daypacks we’ll be mentioning in this guide. That is, unless some new, amazing fabric technology comes out. The reality is that because these bags are so thin and so lightweight, the material is not going to stand up straight or hold its shape like a regular backpack would.

As a result of this and some other factors, packable daypacks do not carry nearly as well as a traditional daypack. Because they have to be so thin and light, they generally have extremely minimal harness systems (although we’ve tested a few that excel in this department, they’re few and far in between). Usually, you’ll find extremely thin straps—which tend to get twisted as you’re using the bag—with minimal zippers and buckles. No matter how you slice it, packable daypacks aren’t great for carrying heavy loads over long distances.

As we mentioned earlier, durability is another thing to consider with packable daypacks. Super-thin ultralight materials are never going to be as durable as the thick, heavy stuff. You are far more likely to experience a puncture, tear, or rip with a packable daypack than with a traditional one. Although, if yours is made with ripstop nylon, those rips won’t get any bigger, which is nice. For this reason, they’re not the best for sustained, heavy use.

Packable daypacks serve a specific purpose, and they do it very well. They allow you to be prepared for anything—whether that’s in the travel context, at work, or on your commute. If you need something that will take up virtually no space when not in use while still being functional when in use, there’s nothing better. But all that comes with downsides. A packable daypack is not suited for heavy, daily use—and it’s not the most comfortable thing to wear, either.

As far as we’re concerned, those aren’t dealbreakers. In fact, if we could only choose two packs off this list, a packable daypack would surely be one of them. For one bag travel, they’re practically indispensable. And for everything else, they’re pretty damn convenient.

The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is a classic. It’s lightweight and compresses to the size of an aluminum can, but it’s still got a 19-liter capacity when expanded. It also pairs well with other gear in the Setout line.

This is the packable daypack that is the exception to the norm. Why? Because it looks and feels like a regular backpack! It’s got robust materials, a bunch of pockets, and some accessories that you just never see on packable daypacks. But it’s also heavy and bulky as a result.

Matador is known for making extremely packable gear, and the Freefly16 is just one of their packable daypacks. We like this one because it’s pretty versatile and offers a decent harness system without sacrificing space when compressed. That being said, we’ve had some durability issues during testing.

It’s a travel pack! No, it’s a daypack! No, it’s an expandable backpack! (And it’s the best of both worlds.)

What is an expandable backpack?

If you’ve been reading carefully, you may have noticed something different about this section. Here, we’re not going to be discussing a daypack, specifically, but an expandable backpack.

What’s the difference, you ask? And why is this thing that is supposedly not a daypack in a guide called The Daypack Guide?

Well, an expandable backpack is part daypack, part travel backpack. This is a bag that can function as either, and it does so by expanding or compressing accordingly. Does it compress as much as a packable daypack? No, not even close. And that is why it has its own category!

Expandable backpacks give you the best of both worlds (at least, in theory) by providing you with a fully-capable travel backpack that you can use for extended one bag travel. The idea is that you can use this bag for long journeys—like flights or train rides—and then remove the contents of the pack once you get to your destination.

Once you’ve removed a majority of the contents, you can compress the bag down to daypack-size and head out on the town. You won’t stick out nearly as much as you would with a massive travel backpack, although we’re not going to lie, it will certainly look a bit more cumbersome than a traditional or packable daypack.

These types of packs often have high liter-capacities, up to 35 or 45 liters when fully expanded and in “travel pack mode.” When compressed, the size can vary—but expect to lose between 10 and 15 liters of capacity. Some bags are built in a way that there are two different “modes” with different capacities and little to no wiggle room in between. These usually use some kind of compression zipper that will run around the length of the bag, allowing you to compress it by zipping up excess fabric.

Other bags may be built in a way where you can simply compress them down to whatever size you’d like. These usually use simple compression straps, meaning you can often compress the bag to be extremely thin, or compress it just a little bit from its fully-expanded size.

Expandable backpacks tend to have the same kinds of materials you’d find on a travel backpack because, well…they are travel backpacks! This means you’re going to encounter some pretty durable and high-quality fabrics.

Could you find similar materials on a traditional daypack? Absolutely. However, with expandable backpacks, you’re going to see higher-quality materials across the board, as opposed to traditional daypacks where you’ll find a ton of different materials of varying qualities.

The majority of expandable daypacks are going to be made with some kind of nylon. That might be Ballistic Nylon, Ripstop Nylon, CORDURA® Nylon, or some other version. These are all super durable fabrics that can put up with daily use and long term travel for years to come. And while you might notice that these are similar to the materials we mentioned in the Packable and Traditional Daypack sections, they’re generally going to be much, much thicker. A packable daypack might have 30D Ripstop Nylon, while an expandable daypack is more likely to have 1000D Ripstop Nylon.

You could still find a variety of materials here—anything from polyester to canvas, sailcloth, and more—but in general, we tend to encounter nylon on these bags. And quite frankly, given the wear and tear that is likely to occur with a bag like this, we’d recommend going for something strong like a Ballistic or Ripstop Nylon over pretty much anything else.

And just like the traditional daypacks we covered in the first section, you’ll find a variety of other materials on these bags. Here’s a quick run-down if you need a refresher:

• DWR coating

Expandable backpacks are great for minimalist travelers. They can fit everything needed for a year of perpetual one bag travel while still functioning well as a daypack when out and about in a new city. The general concept with expandable backpacks is very similar to packable daypacks, only in this case, instead of having a travel backpack and a daypack, you’ve got one that pulls double-duty.

One potential problem with this system is that you do need a place to store the extra contents of your bag when not in use. Presumably, you’d be able to toss most of your stuff into a dresser in your hotel or Airbnb, or into some kind of locker at a hostel. If you don’t have a place to store your stuff, that could be a bit of a problem—unless you’re cool with stashing the contents of your bag in an alley, or maybe under a bridge or something. (Sorry, we don’t have much experience with this.)

We should also mention that packing cubes can be a huge convenience here. If most of your stuff is packed into two or three packing cubes, you can simply pull them out, compress the pack, and you’re good to go. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a whole mess of clothes and other unorganized gear.

This type of backpack is fantastic for someone who is looking to travel minimally, or especially someone who’s on a budget. Most expandable backpacks are priced similarly to your average travel backpack, so you can save a good bit of money by buying just one expandable backpack instead of both a travel backpack and a daypack.

As we mentioned in the durability section, these bags are generally going to hold up longer and be capable of handling more wear and tear than your average daypack. After all, they have to function as a travel backpack and a daypack—meaning they’re going to see a whole lot of use. They also need to be able to hold up to the pressures of compression.

And because they need to function as a travel backpack, they also have more robust harness systems, meaning you’ll be able to carry heavier loads for long periods of time while remaining comfortable. Ultimately, the best thing about expandable backpacks is their versatility. And for that, we love them.

Throughout this section, we’ve been explaining how expandable backpacks can function as both a travel backpack and a daypack. But if you’re anything like us, you might be wondering how well they perform in both of those roles…

We’re not going to sugarcoat this—expandable backpacks rarely function as well in “daypack mode” as a bonafide daypack will. No matter how much you compress an expandable backpack, it’s still going to have the length and width of a travel backpack, meaning it’s going to look and feel pretty large on your back. While some packs handle this problem well, most expandable daypacks are going to look a little awkward when you’re wearing them. Let’s just say no one’s going to be fooled by your “daypack.”

Expandable backpacks are also heavy, but that’s to be expected when you’ve got a travel backpack and daypack in one package.

If you’re on a budget or you hate the idea of having two backpacks, an expandable backpack is an obvious choice. It will function well as a travel backpack and pretty well as a daypack once you get to your destination. As long as you can find a place to drop off your stuff, you’ll be all set for perpetual travel with one pack.

The Tortuga Setout Divide is built specifically to function as an expandable backpack. It has two capacities—34 and 26 liters—depending on which mode you’re in, and it compresses with one large compression zipper that runs the length of the pack.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is one of our favorite travel backpacks, and it also happens to work very well as a daypack. With a robust set of compression straps and a design that collapses well onto itself, it’s one of the few travel packs you can rock as a daypack without looking totally ridiculous.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is another travel backpack with a compression system that does a great job of converting the pack from travel mode to daypack mode. In fact, this is one of the more innovative compression systems we’ve seen—it uses a large compression zipper and several compression buttons instead of straps.

There are a lot of daypacks out there. Some would say, too many. We think that’s ridiculous.

We’ve gone over the three main categories of daypacks. But there has to be more, right?

Yes! There are many other types of daypacks. In this section, we’re going to briefly run through some of the other daypacks you might encounter in the wild. These are packs that have niche use-cases or are slight variations of some of the other packs we’ve mentioned in this guide.

So, without further ado, let’s check them out.

Waterproof Daypacks

Waterproof daypacks are pretty self-explanatory. Unlike other backpacks that may be “water-resistant” or “weather-resistant,” these packs are truly impervious to water.

Waterproof daypacks usually use some type of nylon that has been coated with DWR, Hypalon, or some other waterproof coating. But what really makes these bags stand out is their waterproof zippers and closure systems. Truly waterproof zippers are much different than weather-resistant zippers, and they’re pretty hard to come by.

Most bags will opt for a rolltop closure system for the main compartment, and a few waterproof zippers for other areas of the pack (if there are other areas). If done right, a rolltop closure system will be completely airtight. All you need to do is keep folding it onto itself, and then buckle it up.

Submerging The Matador Freerain24 In Water

If you need a waterproof daypack for whatever reason, we’d recommend testing it out before you truly put it to use. Before you bring it into the wild, throw some paper towels or toilet paper into it, close it up, and submerge it in a bathtub for a few minutes. If the paper towels are still dry afterward, you know it’s totally waterproof.

Waterproof daypacks usually have just one compartment, although they may have a few smaller pockets with waterproof zippers. And we’re pretty sure we don’t need to tell you what these bags are good for, or who would benefit from them…right? It kind of goes without saying.

Matador is known for making a bunch of packable gear, and this bag pulls double-duty as a packable daypack that’s also waterproof. Well, it’s fully waterproof minus the front zippered pocket. And yes, we’ve tested this ourselves.

Mini Daypacks

There’s no getting around it—these little packs are super cute. We tend to think of mini daypacks as a more stylish and slightly less-functional alternative to packable daypacks.

These packs tend to just be miniaturized (cuter) versions of traditional daypacks. You’ll find similar materials, although everything’s going to be slightly more minimal. You can expect a minimal harness system and only a few pockets in addition to the main compartment (or maybe none at all).

The great thing about a mini daypack is that it looks great and can still be squished down to fit inside a larger travel backpack. But you’re sacrificing quite a lot with a bag like this. It’s still going to take up a lot of space inside your larger bag, it isn’t going to provide the best carry, and it won’t be able to hold many things.

That being said, if you want a stylish little bag and you don’t intend on carrying more than a few items on your days out, a mini daypack just might be the ticket.

This mini daypack is quickly becoming a classic. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini is stylish, cute, and comes in about a million different colors. We love the way it looks, and it functions well given its size. We’d recommend grabbing a pair of the shoulder strap pads for some extra comfort.

Lay-Flat Daypacks

Lay-flat daypacks are pretty much just traditional daypacks that you can lay flat at the base of your travel backpack or roller luggage.

We don’t usually see these types of packs explicitly marketed as “lay-flat daypacks”—they’re typically just traditional daypacks that happen to work well for this use-case. To lay flat, this type of pack needs to be made with somewhat “flimsy” or thinner materials. That also means that it’s not going to have the rigidity and structure of your average daypack.

These types of packs can be useful for people who don’t like the idea of a packable daypack or don’t like how they look/feel. The main issue is that it will still take up a significant amount of space in your pack, even if it lays flat really well.

If you are looking for a pack like this, we’d recommend reading some reviews (like ours) before you buy. It can be pretty hard to tell how well a pack lays flat without testing it yourself.

The Aer Go Pack is labeled as a “packable” daypack, but it’s really more of a lay-flat daypack. This pack is made with thin materials and has very little structure when empty, so it will take up minimal space when laid flat in a suitcase or backpack. You also have the option to roll it up, if you are so inclined.

A lay-flat daypack that will add a pop of color to your adventures, the Cotopaxi Batac 16L is a durable, ultra-lightweight pack you’ll want to show off. It has minimal features—but has a comfortable enough carry to work well for long days out and about.

Budget Daypacks

Budget daypacks are mostly just traditional daypacks that have been made with cheaper, lower-quality materials like polyester, canvas, or even cotton. You can expect a barebones daypack with a couple of pockets, and that’s about it. But that’s why it’s so cheap!

These packs are not going to last a lifetime, they may not look as fabulous as you’d like, and they’re not going to carry very well. But they’re cheap! If you’re on a budget and need to carry stuff while still using two arms—boom! These packs will do that. But be warned—you might encounter some issues in the middle (or beginning) of your trip.

Uniqlo is known for making low-priced clothing and accessories that are still stylish and fairly durable given the price. This 3-Way Bag, which can be carried in backpack, messenger, and briefcase mode, is no exception.

While not ideal for bulkier items, the Lefrik Handy Backpack is a lightweight and affordable everyday bag that will be right at home in the city. Plus this bag is made of 100% recycled polyester from discarded PET bottles—so environmentalists rejoice!

Camera Daypacks

Camera daypacks are built specifically for carrying cameras and all the accessories that come with them. From lenses to SD cards to tripods, photographers need to lug around a lot of stuff to their shoots.

A camera daypack is going to be a bit more minimal than a full-fledged camera bag, as the goal is to hold just enough stuff for a couple hours of shooting. You can expect a bag with plenty of organization, some internal padding, and enough room to hold a camera, one or two lenses, and all the batteries, cords, and memory cards you need for a day out.

In our experience, camera daypacks aren’t entirely necessary unless you’re dead-set on having a daypack specifically for shooting. We tend to use camera inserts—like the F-Stop Small Shallow ICU —to convert a traditional daypack into a “camera daypack,” or add a camera compartment to our larger travel pack.

Made of durable materials and full of features, The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) is a solid choice for all photographers and videographers. But its classic aesthetic and nice internal layout will also make digital nomads and one bag travelers pretty happy too.

Ideal for gearheads, The Chrome Niko F-Stop Camera Backpack has enough space and organizational features to fit a few camera bodies, a handful of lenses, and some additional accessories. Chrome is known for their quality craftsmanship—and their camera pack is no exception.

Secure Daypacks

Secure daypacks might look like a traditional daypack, but they’ve got a whole lot going on under the hood. These packs are built to repel any potential thief and keep all of your belongings safe and sound.

You can expect to see some pretty cool tech on these packs—from tear-proof fabrics to lockable zippers to metal cables that you can use to lock the bag to fixed objects. These bags are great for travel, where security is always an issue. Having an ultra-secure pack means you can doze off on that long train ride or walk through crowded markets without having to worry about pickpockets.

These daypacks will usually be on the heavier side, thanks to their additional security measures, and that’s fine with us. Knowing your stuff is safe is pretty damn valuable, and we’ll take that over a few saved ounces any day of the week.

The Loctote Flak Sack II is an extremely tough bag that’s slash-proof, RFID blocking, and lockable—both to itself and a fixed object (so you can leave it behind without worrying about your valuables). It is on the heavier side—but for a bag built for security, it really should be.

We’ve done our bit. Now it’s your turn! Let’s make this daypack thing happen.

Hooray, you’ve made it to the end of our guide! Congratulations, you are now a daypack expert. Hopefully, at this point, you have a good idea of what to look for in a daypack, and you’ve got enough knowledge to find the right daypack for you and your unique situation.

Now that you’ve got the daypack figured out, it’s time to put it to use. We’re not going to do an exhaustive guide on how to use a daypack (as much as we’d like to) because we’re pretty sure it’s self-explanatory. However, there are a few quick tips that we’d like to highlight before we close this thing out.

Next time you get ready for a day out in a new city, think of these tips when loading up your daypack:

• Use packing cubes for larger items: We recommend using packing cubes in most travel backpacks, and the same principles apply to daypacks. A few small packing cubes or pouches let you organize all the contents of your bag and give you easy access to whatever you need. The best thing about using packing cubes with a daypack is that, if you plan right, you can grab a fully-loaded packing cube from your travel pack and toss it in your daypack. These are great for clothing and medium-sized pieces of gear.

• Use pouches for smaller items: When it comes to tech gear, toiletries, and other small items you’d like to keep organized—pouches are a lifesaver. Unlike packing cubes, which tend to be one large compartment, pouches tend to offer plenty of organization for smaller items like thumb drives, SD cards, and pens that you might not find on your daypack. We love using pouches in coffee shops and coworking spaces to easily pull out all our tech-related gear for the day.

• Keep your laptop safe: We always recommend using a padded laptop sleeve to keep your laptop safe in transit. Even if your bag has a laptop compartment—and even if it’s padded—it’s always worth throwing it in a padded sleeve for peace of mind.

Hopefully, these tips will take your packing to the next level. And if you have any other pro tips you’d like to share, feel free to drop us a line! We’d love to hear about them.

Concluding Thoughts

So, here we are. We’ve finished our long tour through the world of daypacks. We’ve learned some stuff, seen some interesting packs, and had a few laughs. We hope this guide has opened your eyes to what kind of daypacks are available, and why you might want to opt for one style over the other.

But we’d like to close this one out by reminding you that choosing the “best” daypack is not only impossible but not a big deal. At the end of the day, you should go with a bag that will not only suit your needs but that you LIKE! There’s no point in buying a bag that you don’t actually like, no matter how many features and durable materials it has.

So whether you opt for an ultralight packable daypack or a retro leather bag, just be sure to get out there and use it while you enjoy the world—whether that means making your commute just a bit less stressful or enjoying a day in a new city.

Author: Aidan DiPrima

Aidan is a writer, editor, gearhead, and New England native that currently calls Boston, MA home. When he’s not mountain biking with his Aussie Shepherd or traveling around the states, he’s making sentences as concise as possible—a challenge he doesn’t take lightly.

Best Bag for Europe Travel: A Complete Guide

By: Author Hannah Cooper

Posted on Last updated: March 20, 2024

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What is the best bag for Europe travel? Actually – that’s a trick question. The type of daypack or purse you take on your European trip will depend on your specific destinations and what kind of itinerary you have in mind. 

Ultimately, the best purse for traveling Europe will be comfortable enough and roomy to see you through a whole day of sightseeing. It’s recommended to pick a bag with security elements to protect you from petty crime.

Seeing as residents of many European cities are known for dressing stylishly, you also want to choose a backpack or purse that helps you blend in. 

If you have a mixed bag of activities, you’ll likely want to take one or two bags that are easy to pack. This guide will match you with your perfect travel purse for Europe. 

What is the Best Bag for Europe Travel?

The season, climate, and weather conditions of your chosen destinations will play a big part when choosing your bag for daily wear. These are a couple of fundamentals that contribute to the best bag for Europe travel.

Lightweight material

All the best purses for traveling in Europe are made from light, breathable fabrics that are durable. Leather and faux leather are fine for city travel during the cooler seasons but summer calls for a canvas material or a woven textile. If you’re heading to a rainy place, such as London , consider a water-resistant bag or one large enough to stash an umbrella. 

Not too small, not too large

The best purse for traveling Europe will be small enough to accompany you in a museum (most museums in places like Italy and France don’t let you bring larger bags inside) yet roomy enough to store your daily necessities. In some cases, you might have to check your bag and it’s useful to have a smaller purse inside. 

Subject to where you are going and the season, you’ll want to consider carrying a spare sweater, sun hat, sunscreen, umbrella, notebook, camera, reusable bottle of water, and snacks. 

Paris is a beautiful city, one of my favorites in the world, but you definitely want to make sure you have the right bag when traveling around the city. Both for pickpocketing protection and to have enough space to carry all of your baguettes 🥖.

Theft-resistant

While an anti-theft bag isn’t essential, the best bag for Europe travel will at least have zipped pockets and secure fastenings.

Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas in Paris , Barcelona , and Rome , especially on public transport. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid gaping handbags, purses that don’t close securely, or satchels that are easy to snatch from your shoulder. 

What Luggage is Best for European Travel?

Before you decide on the best purse for travel in Europe, you’ll also need to consider your main luggage. Ah, the big debate: rolling suitcase or backpack?

If you are planning a multi-destination trip around Europe, you’ll want to travel as lightly as possible. The train is the best means of getting around Europe although sometimes flights are required. Single fares can be as little as $20 although budget airline providers may charge at least double that amount for a checked bag. Therefore, it’s worth sticking with a carry-on to keep costs low. 

Honestly, there are pros and cons to both types of bag and ultimately it comes down to personal taste. 

Best Carry-on Suitcase for Europe

A wheeled suitcase is far better in terms of packability and is more comfortable while transiting through airports and train terminals. However, they’re a hindrance on cobblestone streets, hills, and elevator-free accommodations – staples of many European towns.

Samsonite is the natural go-to for checked and carry-on suitcases. The Samsonite hardside spinner glides along the terminal floor with zero effort and only weighs 6.7 lbs (3 kg). It has a TSA-approved combination lock for security and is accepted as a carry-on by the majority of airlines. They also have a checked luggage spinner if you’re planning on checking a bag.

Suitcases aren’t always the best choice for traveling in Europe if you are going to be walking down lots of cobbled streets and taking public transportation. In that case, backpacks are a better choice.

Best Carry-on Backpack for Traveling Europe

Provided it fits right and isn’t overpacked, backpacks are more comfortable to carry around central neighborhoods. But it depends what you plan on carrying in your bag.

Photographers will want the best camera backpack for travel to protect their equipment. Meanwhile, minimalist travelers will want the best lightweight travel bag that fits the essentials and isn’t too large. 

There are lots of pedestrianized areas in European cities and backpacks are usually easier to heave up the stairs to a penthouse apartment. But the downside is that they’re pretty irritating to organize your things in. Using packing cubes will streamline the process.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is adventure-ready, carry-on approved, and has a weight-distributing system. It packs more like a mini suitcase and has lots of zippered pouches and compartments. The 35L pack is ideal for up to two weeks of light travel in Europe during summer but it’s available in larger and smaller sizes too. 

Best Hybrid Bag for Europe Travel

Any Osprey product is a splurge although these bags are designed to last. The Osprey Transporter 120L Wheeled Travel Duffel Bag has a neat pair of wheelers that tuck away when you fancy switching over to the stowable harness. Technically, it’s designed as a carry-on bag. However, you’ll need to double-check the size as per your airline as in some cases it will be sent as checked luggage. 

Best Bag for Europe Travel

Covering a variety of styles and purposes, this guide will help you find the best purse for travel in Europe. 

In Italy, France, and Spain there are tons of water fountains in the streets where you can refill your water bottle, so be sure to have enough space in your day bag.

1. Everyday Canvas Backpack – Best Bag for Europe Travel in Summer/Spring

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll always spot people sporting a nifty little Fjällräven backpack . These Scandinavian-designed bags were initially fashioned for Swedish schoolchildren and they do have a nostalgic feel. In terms of travel, they’re just the right size to carry your daily essentials.

The material is designed to be durable and water-resistant. As such, it’s one of the best overall purses for traveling in Europe across all destinations and seasons. However, it’s particularly appealing for summertime travel when you need something lightweight and large enough to store sunscreen and water. 

As Fjällräven backpacks are quite costly, you can always shop around for a similar canvas bag. This Fjällräven knockoff is much cheaper but works like a charm.

A satchel backpack is an alternative design. This vintage canvas backpack is stylish and versatile to wear with your European travel outfits. There are two pouches under the main flap for storing your wallet and phone although you’ll want to swivel the bag to the front of your body while traveling on the metro or in crowded areas.

2. Chic Leather Backpack – Best Purse for Traveling Europe in Fall/Winter

It has to be said that some destinations in Europe require a fancier dress sense (we’re looking at you, Italy ). When traveling in stylish capitals, a leather backpack might help you feel a little more stylish and less like a backpacker.

This Cole Haan backpack also converts into a crossbody bag or a tote bag. Therefore, it’s practical to carry during the day but you can opt to wear it like a classic handbag at night. It has lots of zippered pockets and compartments where you can stow away your valuables. As it has a laptop sleeve, it’ll get plenty of use back home as well. In terms of a cheaper option, this vegan leather travel backpack is an alternative. It’s not convertible but it does have plenty of pockets. 

The only thing about leather is that it’s uncomfortable during hotter weather and isn’t ideal for hiking.

London is a fantastic city to explore as a tourist, but make sure your bag is zipped up for those busy tube rides.

3. Small Crossbody Bag – Best Purse for Europe Travel at Night

A small purse for evenings is a must when packing for Europe. The last thing you want to do is lug a backpack around tapas taverns and rooftop bars. Crossbody styles are generally safer as you’re less likely to fall victim to opportunistic bag snatchers and pickpockets.

Travelon’s anti-theft Heritage crossbody bag has a five-point security system. This includes a slash-resistant mesh barrier on all four sides plus a lock-down strap and locking compartments. The size is perfect for evenings but you can also use this as a day purse if you travel light while sightseeing. 

But, if you literally just want something to keep your phone, debit card, and cash safe on nights out, this cell phone bag might suit you better. This way, you can sip your spritz without a care in the world. Either of these purses is an ideal addition to your packing list for Paris , Rome, London, and any other European capital. 

On the other hand, a beach vacation in Southern Europe calls for a fun, beaded crossbody bag that’ll accompany you for golden hour sundowners and seafood platters. 

4. Compact Sling Bag – Best Purse for Traveling Light in Europe

Herschel joins Fjällräven as another of the OG brands making travel-friendly bags for all destinations. This Herschel sling bag is a casual option that’ll work well for days when you’re not in the mood to cart a larger purse around. It’s also the best purse for Europe travel if you’re planning on taking tours as you can usually leave a larger daypack or tote on the bus and keep this one on your person. That said, while it looks small, this bag is large enough to carry a bottle of water and most 15″ laptops.

If the Herschel bag isn’t to your tastes, have a look at this Petunia Pickle Bottom sling bag. It was originally engineered for mums on the move but has become just as popular with vacationers and backpackers. The material is water-resistant and the design is super practical for city travel. It swings around to the front while you’re on the metro or perusing Christmas markets and has a zipped pocket for your passport and wallet. 

Greece is a magical place and if you are simply planning to island hop, you won’t need too much luggage or a very large day bag. Just big enough for your hotel key and a beach towel.

5. Functional Hiking Rucksack – Best Bag for Hiking in Europe 

If you’re planning on hiking in Europe then you’ll need a decent pack to take on the trails. The Jack Wolfskin Velocity Backpack is actually designed as a biking pack. It’s super lightweight and has an ACS TIGHT back system that avoids tugging your shoulder and keeps you cool.

As it’s a 12-liter capacity, it’s not a huge bag although you can just about fit a small laptop inside if necessary. You can easily squeeze it into your main luggage and use it for hiking in places like Scotland or Northern Itlay while sticking to a less athletic purse when you’re mooching around cities.

6. Packable Tote Bag – Best Bag for Souvenir Shopping 

If you’re planning on picking up a couple of mementos in Europe, it’s handy to have a simple cotton tote bag. These pack down super small in the bottom of your regular purse until you need them. In addition to using your tote for any souvenirs and impulse purchases, you can use it when picking up groceries for your Airbnb.  

Plus, they’re far kinder to the environment than plastic bags sometimes handed out in gift shops and markets. This corduroy tote bag packs nice and small and is sturdy enough to carry heavier items. It also doubles up as a personal item on the plane or a lunch bag for lengthy train rides.

On the other hand, the bags in this six-pack of washable totes are even lighter individually. Plus, they let you spread the load across multiple bags.

No trip to Paris is complete without a few souvenirs, even if it’s just the edible kind!

7. Beach Tote and Swimsuit Bag – Best Bag for Europe Travel near the Beach 

You’ll only need a classic beach bag if your European itinerary is focused heavily on beach days and poolside R&R. Whether you are traveling to somewhere like the Costa del Sol , a beautiful Italian beach town , sunny Nice , or over to a Greek island like Paros or Naxos , there are tons of great beaches in Europe to enjoy during the hot summer months.

In general, you could just use the same tote bag you’ve packed for souvenirs when heading to the beach. However, it’s useful to take a waterproof wet bag where you can stash your damp swimsuit after a swim. It doubles up as a laundry bag too!

If you do want something simple for carrying your towel and book down to the sand, a mesh beach tote bag is all you need for Europe. The mesh design keeps odors at bay and is tear-resistant. It packs down super small in your luggage and is machine washable. It’s the perfect addition to your summer packing list for Italy and the Mediterranean.

8. Laptop-friendly Backpack – Best Bag for Digital Nomads Traveling in Europe 

If you’re planning on working from the road in Europe, you might prefer to take a bag designed for tech gear. In fairness, the larger bags listed so far will work for carting your laptop down to the local co-working space. However, if you travel with extra gear such as a tablet, keyboard, and mouse, you’ll want something more pro. 

This convertible laptop backpack is one of the best digital nomad purses for traveling in Europe. It has a padded laptop pouch for devices up to 15.6″ plus zipped pockets for cables and gizmos. The material is waterproof, breathable, and lightweight with double padded straps for comfort. Plus, you have the option of carrying it as a backpack, shoulder purse, or tote. 

9. Discrete Belt Bag – Best Purse for Backpacking in Europe

A belt bag isn’t strictly necessary for European travel, especially if you’re planning on taking a crossbody bag for evenings out. However, if you’re backpacking and planning on spending a lot of time transiting through bus and train stations then it’s quite handy for hiding your passport and documents.

This four-zipper belt bag is designed to carry your smartphone, keys, cash, passport, lip balm, and other little essentials. It’s the best unisex, mini travel purse for Europe. 

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10 Best Travel Day Packs (2021 Edition)

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Never underestimate the power of a good travel day pack on a trip. These versatile day packs are perfect for any active vacation or even for a city getaway if a backpack is more your style than a purse. Plus, if you run out of space in your bag on the way home, they make for a great spare carry-on.

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack 27L

This hybrid tote/backpack is one of the best day packs for travel because of its dual functionality and lightweight material. Though it’s not heavy, it’s well made and resistant to both tears and wet weather.

The main compartment is zippered, and there are two mesh water bottle side pockets, as well as a large zippered front pocket, so it can hold all of your carry-on essentials . The 27-liter size makes it roomy enough for an overnight stay, but it folds into itself for easy storage.

Gonex Packable Daypack

Gonex makes a great streamlined pack that stuffs into its own small pouch. The material is a lightweight but strong nylon that’s resistant to rain and tears. It has one main compartment as well as a few smaller ones, making it one of the best travel day packs to keep you organized without adding a lot of weight.

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

This offering from Public Rec is a sturdy option for those looking to do some hiking or other outdoor activities. Even though the bag is made of strong polyester, it’s still lightweight and waterproof. It has a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, stretch-woven side pockets, a padded shoulder harness, and a zippered top pocket for essentials.

Matador Freerain24 Backpack

The Matador Freerain is the latest style in Matador’s compact packs range. This ultra-light style is watertight with waterproof rolltop construction, making it super durable for any type of outdoor activity. It has a 24-liter main compartment, dual side pockets, and a front vertical pocket for easy access to essential items.  

Osprey Daylite Backpack 13L

Whether you’re taking a city tour or a summit excursion, the Osprey Daylite is the perfect travel day pack. For hikers, it has a slot for a hydration bladder and is designed to be attached/removed from larger Osprey bags. For the urban traveler, it has a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets. At 13 liters, it’s on the smaller side, but it still fits everything you would need for a day.

Sherpani Camden Pack

This is a great travel day pack for urban travel due to its zipper locks, RFID-protected pocket, laptop sleeve, and flexible straps: It can be carried as a tote, worn as a backpack, or worn crossbody. There’s also a zippered luggage pass-through sleeve so you can put it over the handle of your carry-on at the airport.

Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mid Volume Backpack

This stylish travel day pack option holds a 13-inch laptop in the padded sleeve compartment and has internal and external pockets to hold your essentials. The main compartment zips shut, and the shoulder straps are padded.

Fjallraven Kanken Classic

I’ve been flying with my Kanken as my personal item for more than a year now and I love its size, durability, and shape. The Classic style makes for the perfect travel day bag as well, with a roomy main compartment and front pocket for your essentials. The simple design is stylish, and you can fit a surprising amount of clothing and gear inside.

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

REI’s Flash Pack is a travel day pack with dual functionality. Simply turn it inside out and the backpack doubles as a stuff sack for packing. This day pack is super comfortable to wear with a lightly padded back panel—which also slips out to double as a seating pad—as well as padded shoulder straps and a detachable hip belt and sternum strap. The sternum-strap buckle can also be used as a safety whistle. And at 18 liters, it’s the perfect size for day trips. What can’t this day pack do?  

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Packable Daypack

Cotopaxi makes a great lightweight travel day pack, perfect for hiking. The 18-liter pack has a large main compartment with an internal hydration sleeve, mesh shoulder straps, a front zippered pocket, buckled strap support, and a top drawstring closure.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Pack a Backpack: 5 Essential Tips
• 9 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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13 Best Bags For Traveling In Europe

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Bags For Traveling…

Beyond its charming appeal and sophisticated idea, Europe is not immune to crime. When you’re strolling around some of the most popular hotspots for tourists, you need to take precautions. Make sure that you equip yourself with the best bags for traveling in Europe too!

Apart from equipping yourself with the best bags for European travel, make sure you know places you shouldn’t miss. But there’s nothing wrong with exploring the lowkey sides of the country too. The experience can be very refreshing and so different from anything you’ve experienced before. For future references, check out these small towns in France worth visiting !

How to Choose the Best Bags for Traveling in Europe

With tons of models available, choosing your best day bag for travel in Europe can be difficult. To narrow down your choices, these are the three main features you should look for in a bag.

Size and Comfort

First and foremost, your bag should be comfortable enough for you to use it all day. And even better if it has enough room for you to store your necessities. Comfort can be a subject of individual matters, but the best bags for traveling in Europe should guarantee this quality. Bags with sufficient padding for your back and under the straps are usually the most comfortable. As for the size, it should be enough for you to store your passport, phone, wallet/credit cards, and a bottle of water. If your bag covers all these, you’re good to go.

Theft-proof Tech

Some of the best bags for European travel are now equipped with an advanced feature. The theft-proof tech is designed to protect your identity and privacy stolen. Usually, this comes in a form of a pocket with Radio Frequency Identification or RFID. It’s where you put your credit card since bringing your wallet with you is not practical. It’s more advisable to bring your cards, ID, and small cash for your best safety.

For some people, this is something that they first look for and notice from their bags. As you roam around the city, you really don’t need the extra weight from your bag. The best day bag for travel in Europe should be lightweight, adding extra comfort for you for the rest of the day. The best laptop backpacks for travel are for anyone who needs their laptop within reach anytime.

Should I bring a backpack or suitcase to Europe?

Unless you’re traveling for weeks, a backpack should be enough for you. A suitcase is harder to maneuver, especially if your accommodation is located in an old building where there’s no elevator. Duffel bags are also another great alternative, some are big enough and suitable for a week-long trip to Europe. They’re also fairly easy to carry if you’re only bringing some pieces of clothing and keeping things minimal.

Can you bring suitcase to hostel in Europe?

Yes, you can. There’s no specific prohibition on what kind of bags you can bring to a hostel. Some hostels also provide luggage storage services for their guests. Just make sure that never leave your most valuable items inside your luggage. Check out our list of the best luggage security locks if you need that extra peace of mind.

How can I avoid theft in Europe?

Here are some of the best ways to avoid theft in Europe:

• Bring as minimal items as possible. We think your most valuable items should be kept as minimal as possible. ID/passport, phone, hotel key, and a credit card are the items that you should always bring. It’s best to put them in the best fanny pack for concealed carry .
• If you’re wearing a sling or crossbody bag, make sure that it’s always in a place where you can see them. Put it over your chest or bring them forward.
• Be as lowkey as possible. Robbers and pickpocketers can easily spot how tourists look like and you surely don’t want to attract them. Stay close to your group or wear comfortable outfits if you’re traveling alone. Better safe than sorry!

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7 Liter

When you’re looking for the best bags for European travel, look no further than Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7L . The bag is made sturdy and has enough space to store your most valuable items as you travel. It’s also equipped with side pockets, making it easier for you if you can never leave the hotel without your water bottle.

People are satisfied with its safety system. The interior pockets are highly functional and make it easier for you to organize things. While it takes a lot of fiddling to unlock the pockets, that’s the whole point of having a secure bag. Some users also mentioned how Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7L is a touch heavier than other travel bags. But it’s not much of a big deal considering all the features it offers.

What We Love

A highly functional and decent traveling bag.

• Equipped with side pockets
• Plenty of compartments
• The front lap is only for decorative purpose

ArcEnCiel Tactical Messenger Bag

If you typically bring all the odds and ends as you travel, the ArcEnCiel Tactical Messenger Bag is the perfect choice for you. Suitable for travel and everyday carry, the bag holds plenty of rooms and is spacious. And that makes it the best day bag for travel in Europe. The bag seems to be well-designed and comes with plenty of pockets. It’s a relatively small bag but one user mentioned it fits his 13’ laptop.

The bag is also well-designed. You can put it over your shoulder or carry it with your hand. Whichever is more convenient as you travel. The bag is only available in black and comes at an affordable price.

Its sleek design and highly functional purpose.

• Designed with plenty of pockets
• Lightweight
• Comes with a very friendly price tag
• Incorrect dimension information on the product
• Lack padding on the shoulder strap

High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack

Although the High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack is more popular with college students, it still makes a great travel backpack. But we don’t recommend this backpack for you to use on a daily trip. It’s more suitable as your main carrier as you move from one hotel or hostel to another. And we have a couple of reasons why.

First, the bag has more than enough compartment for your belongings. The back compartment is large enough to hold your laptop, perfectly suitable for digital nomads out there. Second, it’s built sturdy with a cool design. Some users are also mothers with toddlers, they have testified how the bag is very much useful.

It’s lightweight and holds plenty of items. Suitable for a week or two long travel.

• Very lightweight
• Sturdy but not too bulky
• Zippered outside pocket
• No pocket for easy smartphone access

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

Having a lightweight bag that holds plenty of necessities without being bulky is a big win. Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag is one of your best choices. It’s enough to hold a bottle of water and plenty of more things. Some users even mentioned how an iPad Mini should fit into this bag just fine.

The interior pockets allow you to organize your items very well. Apart from your essential belongings, this bag still has enough room for sunglasses, maps, and even a small towel. The adjustable strap makes it suitable for anyone of all heights. For 40 USD, Osprey Dauliste Shoulder Sling Bag is a great choice of a compact traveling bag.

The perfect traveling sling bag for the left-handed.

• Stylish design
• Well-designed interior pockets
• Enough capacity for a water bottle and more
• No security system

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack

If safety is your number one concern while traveling to Europe, don’t look elsewhere. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack is the right choice for you. The bag’s safety system extends beyond additional features. The hidden slash-proof eXomesh, inter-locking zips, and stainless steel locking cable are more than enough to add confidence to your security. Making it one of the safest and best bags for traveling in Europe.

The bag size is very convenient for carry-on and hostel hopping, as well as train and bus trips. The design itself is interesting since you can turn it into a side suitcase. The padded handle and shoulder straps make both designs equally easy to maneuver.

Extended safety features for safe and sound travel in Europe

• Great material build
• Stylish and slim
• Padded handles and shoulder straps
• Equipped with slash-proof eXomesh
• Fitted with inter-locking zips
• Durability issues

Herschel Retreat Backpack 19.5L

The brand Herschel has been growing in the past couple of years for plenty of reasons. They make a high-quality backpack that comes with fantastic designs and colors, all in all, great bang for the buck. So if you’re looking for the best bags for traveling in Europe, check out Herschel Retreat Backpack 19.5L .

We love how this backpack is very optimal for a hiking trip. The excellent paddings on the back and shoulder straps make it super comfortable. Even if you have to bring plenty of items in its spacious main compartment, don’t worry about tiring your back. The bag also comes with a padded laptop sleeve, which you don’t always find in other best bags for European travel.

It is slightly more expensive than most travel backpacks. But considering what the bag has to offer and how well-made it is, this is one great backpack for traveling.

The backpack is exactly what it claims to be.

• Excellent back and shoulder straps padding
• Built sturdily
• Very spacious
• Cool design
• Thick material
• It’s a bit heavier compared to other best day bag for travel in Europe

Bull Captain Everyday Messenger

Leather bags usually come with their own weight. But some of the best ones, like Bull Captain Everyday Messenger , will leave you satisfied with its lightweight design. Wait until you figure out this bag offers so much more. That’s why we can’t skip on this bag as one of the best bags for traveling in Europe.

The bag’s leather quality is simply top of the class. For a bag that costs under 50 USD, this is something you don’t always find. The bag is also made sturdy and well-constructed. It offers plenty of rooms to fit your traveling essentials. Unfortunately, the bag doesn’t feature any additional security system. But this is not much of a deal-breaker considering you’ll easily notice if someone ever tries to unzip your bag. Overall, Bull Captain Everyday Messenger has everything it takes to be one of the best bags for European travel.

The classic leather design with high-quality leather will never disappoint.

• Great leather quality
• Sturdy and well-constructed
• Perfect size for travel
• Not the best shoulder strap

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Travelon is famous for making their anti-theft bag with lightweight features and an attractive choice of colors. The Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is included in the best bags for traveling in Europe for a particular reason. It has everything the bigger bags have to offer, without all the bulk. It’s compact, convenient, and most importantly, safe.

The strap is adjustable and suitable for people of all various ranges of heights. It also includes a large carabineer clip which you can wrap around chairs, benches, posts, and more. And then locked it for extra safety. The bag’s main compartment and its 4 sleeves of credit cards are equipped with RFID for extra protection. Note that RFID-blocking is only shielding your credit cards from card skimming. Which essentially makes your card more difficult to read.

All the best features from Travelon anti-theft bags, minus the bulk and weight.

• The main compartment is equipped with RFID
• Adjustable strap
• Tethered LED light

Herschel City Backpack Mid-Volume 14L

One of the least favorite things of a day bag is how most of them tend to be bulky. If you’re looking for a bag with a slim and compact design for a day trip, Herschel City Backpack Mid-Volume 14L is the perfect choice for you. It’s the best day bag for travel in Europe!

For daily commuters, the magnetic closure can be an issue as you need to fiddle more to open it. But this is an absolute advantage if you’re traveling to places known for their pickpocketers. You’ll definitely notice if someone tries to open it since they’d have to tug it with noticeable force. With sufficient padding on the back and shoulder straps, it’s very comfortable to use even if you spend hours with it.

As for the storage, the bag fits a 15” Macbook Pro if you adjust the leather belt strap on the front. That being said, most traveling essentials will fit into this bag. Making it one of the best bags for traveling in Europe.

One of the best minimalist backpacks you can find today!

• Very well-padded on the back and the shoulder straps
• Strong magnetic closure
• Sturdy material
• Lightweight and slim design
• No cons found so far

JanSport Superbreak Classic Backpack

So what is it that makes JanSport very popular for decades? The backpacks are generally cheaper than most stylish, compact backpacks. And although it’s popular among students, the Superbreak Classic makes one of the best bags for traveling in Europe. Particularly because pickpocketers will stay away from the super loud zippers. Although it’s far from slash-proof technology, the material is built thick and sturdy. You just have to make sure that your most valuable items are inside the main compartment and not in the front pocket.

Its water-resistant feature is also another plus point that you don’t always find in other best bags for European travel. There’s only one main compartment, big enough to fit a 17” laptop. The JanSport Superbreak is a cult classic for plenty of good reasons. And we can vouch for it.

Everything you need in the best day bag for travel in Europe and more!

• Plenty of color choices
• Perfect for day trips
• Lifetime warranty
• Thick and sturdy material
• Water-resistant
• Nothing significant

Tortuga Setout – Packable Travel Daypack (CU)

A packable travel daypack wins so many people’s hearts because of its obvious reason: it’s packable! It’s particularly convenient for anyone who loves a backpack without having to carry it all the time. That’s why we can’t skip on Tortuga Setout Packable Travel Daypack as one of the best bags for European travel.

One of the obvious features of the Setout Packable Daypack is its lightweight and compressible design. It weighs about 8.5 oz and to put it into perspective, the backpack is lighter than a can of soda. And it’s surprisingly durable and exceeding people’s expectations as it can take a beating. Its 19L capacity is great and very much suitable for your day trip.

Another thing that makes users very happy with this backpack is the high-quality zippers. They’re large, strong, and very easy to grasp. Some users mentioned that its lack of padding in the shoulder straps makes it a bit uncomfortable to wear for long hours. But that’s a reasonable trade-off once you get this packable daypack.

Super convenient design, lightweight, but very reliable.

• Super lightweight
• Equipped with padding for structure
• 2 water bottle pockets
• Good quality zipper
• Comfortable and durable
• Not enough padding on the straps

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack

Imagine the famous Kanken Classic Backpack has a little sister. And that’s Fjallraven Kanken Mini . In the past couple of years, this colorful and compact bag has been the talk of the town beyond its visible appeal. We have to put it on our list of the best bags for traveling in Europe indeed.

First off, the bag is lightweight and small, enough for you to pack up your travel essentials and more. To put it into perspective, the bag fits a 9.7” iPad and holds a 17oz water bottle. A larger 25oz water bottle can also fit into the bag but note that it will be a snug fit. And since the bag is smaller, it’s the best day bag for travel in Europe.

The advantages go beyond its design and storage. The bag is also very well-made and you won’t have to think twice even if you have to spend about 70 USD for the Kanken Mini. The bag will last with you for a good couple of years and more.

Everything you need in a traveling backpack with a very attractive design on top of its high functionality,

• Very attractive choice of colors
• Suitable for daily use and day trip
• Compact design
• Made durable

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack

The best day bag for travel in Europe should be safe and Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack passes with flying colors. It’s people’s favorite travel backpack for good reasons. Every feature of this backpack leaves you asking, what’s not to love? Apart from its high functionality, the bag is also cute to boot!

This backpack features slash-proof body panels and straps. All the compartments are also equipped with little locks for extra safety Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack falls on the medium size but you’ll be surprised by how many items the bag can actually hold. Being people’s and travel bloggers’ favorite, it’s definitely should be on the best bags for traveling in Europe list.

Extensive safety features. Roomy enough for long trips yet still cut for a day trip.

• Padded straps for comfort
• Surprisingly roomy

Author:  Emma Landa

I'm a traveler with a thirst for adventure and a passion for style. From the runways of Paris to the boutiques of Milan, I've traveled the world in search of the most glamorous and exclusive fashion experiences. I love nothing more than indulging in the latest designer collections and discovering hidden gems in the world of fashion. I've explored the streets of Tokyo, discovering unique and avant-garde styles that are pushing the boundaries of fashion. And in New York, I've attended the most exclusive fashion shows, rubbing shoulders with the industry's elite. But fashion isn't the only thing that I indulge in. I've also stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels and properties around the world. From the stunning resorts in Bali to the opulent villas in Tuscany, I know how to travel in style and comfort. Sharing my experiences and insights with others is something that I'm passionate about. Through my social media channels, I offer a glimpse into the world of luxury fashion and travel, inspiring others to explore the world of high-end fashion and indulge in the finer things in life. So, come along with me on my journey and let me show you the world of luxury fashion and travel like you've never seen it before!

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MOVING WITH THE MILITARY SOON?

Best Travel Bags for Europe: Our Top Picks for Families

If you’re looking for the best backpacks and travel bags for Europe when traveling with a family, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re a family of five (two parents with three kids ages 10, 8, and 6 at the time of writing this), and we’ve been Team Backpack almost since the first moment we stepped foot in Europe.

In fact, I highly encourage pretty much everyone I meet to ditch the suitcases and swap for backpacks.

Finding a great travel backpack for Europe can be challenging, though, and you may go through several before you find something that works for you and your family. (Been there, done that and I have the receipts to prove it.)

But the joy of finding something that works will make traveling in Europe with a family so much easier.

Why Traveling in Europe with a Backpack is Awesome

(don’t mind the little carry-on in the first picture. We went back to America for 2 weeks and brought things back with us. Sometimes a suitcase is necessary…like when it’s holding stuff from Target and Trader Joe’s.)

We’re big ol’ fans of traveling with a backpack around Europe for several reasons:

• Our hands are free to keep up with our kids as we navigate train stations and airports.
• We don’t have to lug suitcases up flights of stairs since a lot of European accommodations don’t have elevators
• It helps us pack lighter and more efficiently, like for a weekend trip to Finland
• They fit better in smaller European cars
• You can cram all sorts of things into the pockets

I was a backpack convert after a rough experience in Paris back in 2005 that involved climbing way too many stairs with my over-packed suitcase. It was miserable and the day after I got home I ditched my suitcase and bought a durable backpack to travel around Europe.

But I know it’s hard when it comes to finding the best backpack for Europe.

There are so many to choose from and they all come in different sizes, so hopefully this post will help give you an idea of what kind of travel bag you want for traipsing around Europe.

How to Pick Your Best Travel Bag for Europe

Before you run out to buy one or start clicking around online, think about what you want in a travel bag for Europe and your family.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you really need a heavy-duty hiking pack or will something a little simpler suffice?
• Are you looking for something that will hold a lot of stuff or something just for a weekend away while traveling around Europe?
• Does it need to have a locking feature?
• Do your kids need to carry all of their things or just a little bit of stuff?
• How big of a bag do you want?
• Would you like lots of pockets or just a main compartment?
• Do you want a bag that cinches at the top to close (meaning you stuff it all inside) or one that opens up, like a suitcase, so you can see everything in there?

I realize what I’m about to say may sound like crazy talk in this day and age, but if it’s possible, venture out and actually try some backpacks on . Not all backpacks feel the same when you actually have them on.

We’ve been to stores with walls full of travel backpacks great for European travel and inevitably walked out because none of them fit well for either of us, or they didn’t fulfill what we were looking for.

Our Favorite Travel Bags for Europe

Obviously, the following is our own opinion of the best travel bags for Europe, meaning that these are the ones our family of five actually uses for traveling.

We’ve taken these bags around Europe on everything from day trips and weekend getaways (like when I took the girls to Paris ), to two-week road trips and flights around Europe.

Have we tried all of the travel bags out there? Of course not. But these are the ones we’ve dubbed as our favorites and the best travel bags for families traveling around Europe.

Best Travel Bags for Europe: Anti-Theft Day Bags

Exploring European cities is all fun and games until you get pickpocketed. Yikes, right?

Full disclaimer: I’m not saying you for sure won’t get something stolen if you have one of these anti-theft travel bags, but it may at least make it harder for the person to get what they want.

If you need the best anti-theft day bag for traveling around Europe, these are for you.

Here are the main reasons I like these bags:

• There’s steel in the straps making it harder (impossible?) for a thief to slash and then run off with your bag.
• There are multiple ways to lock (clasp) the zipper which means one extra step the baddies would have to take before breaking into your bag.
• RFID Blocking capabilities for each bag.
• They look nice enough to use every day.
• They come in several colors and different sizes to fit whatever need you have.

I actually own all four (yes, four) of these anti-theft bags below. These travel bags are seriously perfect for traveling around Europe.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack

This backpack  is smaller than your average backpack but holds way more than you’d think it could, including my giant  water bottle , souvenirs, and inevitably one of my kids’ sweaters (or two…or three). ☞ See it here

Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Convertible Small Crossbody Bag

The  Convertible Small Crossbody Bag  is awesome when I don’t want a purse or something on my shoulders; I often use it as a fanny pack if I get tired of having something on my shoulders. ☞ See it here

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag

The one on the bottom left, the  Crossbody Bucket Bag , is an excellent bigger everyday bag; the inside pocket is huge and pockets on the sides hold a plastic water bottle or umbrella.  ☞ See it here

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

This  Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is another everyday bag (that I really do use every day). I like it because it’s small, so only my wallet, phone, and a few other doo-dads fit when I throw them in there.  ☞ See it here

I often have a really hard time deciding which one to take with me, because I love them all.

Our Favorite Travel Backpacks for Europe: For Grown-ups

My husband and I both tried on so many bags before settling on the two we bought. Some of them had so many hooks and straps and pockets that I’m certain we could’ve lost a child in one of them.

We also decided we really like the type of backpack that opens up all the way—it makes it easier to pack. We’ve had the top-fill kind of larger bag before, and the cinch-close top just doesn’t work for us.

The following bags also fit our packing cubes really well, which is a plus when we go for longer trips, like our ten-day trip around Eastern Europe .

My personal favorite is this  40-liter backpack from REI  (currently unavailable online and I really hope they bring it back soon). The size is perfect for me. At 40 liters, it’s not too big and the slim design means it’s not too bulky, either.

While this bag does not fit under an airplane seat, it does fit as a carry-on (yes, even on a RyanAir flight).

REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack – Women’s

My favorite bag. It’s sleek and slim and fits everything you need inside. ☞ See it here

My husband loved mine so much that he got the same one (almost; he changed the size and color).

His is this REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack in black, and it includes a smaller 20-liter day pack that clips onto the front, too.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack – Women’s

Slightly larger to hold even more, this bag does its job, and then some. ☞ See it here

Before you scoff at him for ordering a women’s bag, he has a smaller frame and this one fits him well. Plus he knew he liked the style after trying and using mine, so it worked!

The literal only thing that’s different between the two is the fit:

For the men’s 60-liter :

For the women’s 60-liter :

Since his is the biggest out of all of our backpacks for traveling around Europe, he often has the space to bring back extra souvenirs or any excess items we have during a trip.

One thing to note: the 60-liter backpack does need to be checked in for flights. It’s the only one on this list that can’t be considered a carry-on.

Favorite Adult Travel Bags for Europe Runner-Ups:

Even though we don’t have these, these are top-rated in the travel bag realm, so they could be worth a try:

Great Travel Bags in the 40-liter range:

Vancropak Travel Backpack

This bag is highly recommended by several friends . You wear it like a backpack, but it opens like a suitcase. Perfect for a long weekend, and there are tons of pockets to stash everything you need. ☞ See it here

Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack

Carry-on size, but will still fit ALL of your things. This bag has and does it all. ☞ See it here

Great Travel Bags in the 60-liter range:

Peak Design Travel Duffelpack – 65L

This is like the holy grail of backpacks . It’s pricy, but could be worth it. I love that it can convert from a 65-liter bag to a 45-liter. ☞ See it here

Osprey Farpoint Trek 55 Men’s Travel and Backpacking Backpack

This bag does and holds it all. It’s large, comfortable, and will be your best companion on your trip. ☞ See it here

Our Favorite Travel Backpacks For Kids

If you have really young kids, you (as the parent) may want a bigger pack so you can help carry their things.

In the beginning, when we were getting our toes wet in finding the right backpack for them, we used their “regular” school backpacks for travel with the kids.

Starting them out with a full-on hiking backpack around Europe or having them carry all of their things for a trip doesn’t benefit anyone. We wanted to ease them into the idea of carrying their stuff.

If a bag is too heavy for your child you’ll hear more complaining than it’s worth.

When ours were just starting with getting the kids to travel with their backpacks we’d let them carry their stuffies and activities in their bag.

Now that they’re older they carry their clothes in them, too.

*I won’t lie: using their school backpacks was annoying because we were constantly on the go so we were always cleaning them out. Getting dedicated backpacks for everyone made packing much easier.

Here are our favorite travel backpacks for kids:

For Younger Girls: Deuter Kikki Kid’s Backpack

First of all, this is just adorable. Second, you can pack a whole lot of stuff in this little backpack. Perfect as a first pack for little kids. Comes in several designs. ☞ See it here

For Older Girls: coowoz Large Travel Backpack

This one does and has it all, and it comes in lots of colors, making it a fantastic choice for kids. ☞ See it here

Since the girls used their school backpacks early on, we didn’t have a chance to get that cute one above. But if we were just starting out again now I’d totally get it. Having a backpack that they’d like would be half the battle of having them actually wear it!

As for the “older girl” backpack, not only do both of my girls (currently ages 8 and 10) love the bag above, but I owned it before they did because it’s great for an adult weekend trip. In fact, I got the same travel bag for my mom, too.

Even though it only holds 17 liters, the main compartment is big and roomy inside, and there are tons of other storage capabilities. My kids like putting their activities in the front zipper pockets and any books they’re taking go in the back pocket.

Not only that, but it’s water resistant, has compression straps to cinch the pack down, fits under the seat on an airplane, and the typical price is under $40 (but it’s on sale a lot, too)!

For YOunger Boys: Jack Wolfskin Kids Explorer

“Small but mighty” could be this little backpack’s tagline. Perfect for a little boy getting his feet wet with traveling. ☞ See it here

For Older Boys: REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack

Much like the grown-up version we have, this is a great pack for older boys ready to carry a little more with them on their trips. ☞ See it here

Truth be told: we don’t have the “older boy” backpack yet. Our son is still rocking the “younger boy” pack. But when it’s time for him to get a new one, we’ll most likely go for the 25-liter REI bag in the photo above. But back to the younger boy backpack that we have and love: This little pack is a great starter travel backpack for kids. It only holds 10 liters but I’m always shocked by how much fits inside.

We saw this one in person and my son (5 years old at the time) asked to have it. Knowing that he liked it and picked it out made him want to use it even more. In fact, we had to convince him that it was just for trips; he wanted to take it with him everywhere we went.

I’d love to hear about your backpack journey. Are you just starting out? Do you have one you love? Tell me all about it!

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Great website and article! Also, here in Germany (Stuttgart) and looking for a comfortable backpack to wear out to fests so I don’t end up carrying our purchases in the collapsible bag my wife keeps in her purse! Awesome pics! v/r Mike D.

LOVE the backpack recs- thank you! Any other suggestions for a smaller boy? My son is 6.5 but petite and the smaller bag you recommend is unavailable. TIA!

Practical and stylish choices for Europe adventure. Your insights make packing a breeze. Thanks for sharing.

Great article. Currently using a backpack I’m not completely sold on. looking for something more comfortable and practical. Thanks for recommendations!

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The Best Day Bags For All Types Of Travel 2024

Looking for the best day bags for travel? This guide has got you covered!

No matter if you are exploring the most romantic places in Europe or completing the ultimate Jordan road trip , having a good day bag is a must.

You never know what you might need for your day trips so it’s best to be prepared.

The best day bags for travel should be durable, comfortable and secure. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be stolen or damaged after exploring for a day.

There are so many options for day bags for travel available- but which ones are worth your money?

This guide reviews the best day bags for travel for all budgets and needs . It also answers the most commonly asked questions to help you find the perfect cabin bag for your next trip.

So let’s get started and take a look at the best day bags for travel, I’m sure there is one perfect for you on this list!

If you are in a hurry and want to know the best bag, I recommend and LOVE The Cabin Max 😍

The Cabin Max

✔️ Can Use On Budget Airlines

✔️ Budget Friendly

✔️ Fits So Much In!

Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

✔️ Waterproof

✔️ Great For International Travel

✔️ Strong Anti-Cut/Scratch Material

The overall best day bag for travel

There are so many day bags for travel out there, it can be tricky to find the best one.

If you are looking for a bag that is durable, budget airline friendly and great on any budget, there is one that outshines the rest.

The Cabin Max Manhattan is one of the best day bags for travel for so many reasons.

This day bag is so loved by travellers because of its fantastic quality and that you can fit so much in there. This day bag can be used for whole trips too so it saves you from taking 2 bags.

✔️ Complies with all major airline hand luggage policies including Ryanair

✔️ Organiser pockets so you can store items safely

✔️ Fantastic value for money

✔️ Padded pockets to store electrical items

✔️ Plenty of space to take more than the essentials

❌ If you really overpack the bag it can become a bit uncomfortable

The best crossbody travel day bag

Crossbody day bags are great for travel. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they are also the ultimate way to know your essentials are safe.

Even though these types of day bags for travel are a lot smaller than most, quality is something that you shouldn’t compromise on.

With quality in mind, the Flintronic Sling Bag is one of the best day crossbody bags for travel.

This bag is popular with so many thanks to its water-resistant material, USB cable and great durability. It’s also a fantastic option if you are on a budget too!

✔️ Water resistant

✔️ Can charge your phone on the go

✔️ Perfect for keeping your days’ essentials safe

✔️ Compact and comfy to wear

✔️ Lightweight and great to wear all-day

❌ How to fit an external USB is difficult without instructions

The best travel day bag for Europe

No matter if you are exploring Europe’s best summer destinations or spending a few days exploring Europe’s best wine regions , day bags are a must.

With lots of exploring to do in Europe, you will want something that is lightweight, durable and comfortable to wear.

With this in mind, there is one bag that outshines the rest, the Osprey Europe Unisex Daylite . This is one of the best day bags for travel because of its great quality, it really lasts!

✔️ Great for using for exploring and adventure activities

✔️ Fantastic quality

✔️ Lightweight so easy to wear all-day

✔️ Bag is not too big but has plenty of room

❌ If you don’t adjust it, the straps can be uncomfortable

❌ Position of the handle means it sometimes rubs against your neck

The best day bags for women

The best day bags for women should have comfort and safety in mind with their design.

The bag should also be lightweight and easy to carry no matter how long you are out exploring.

With all these qualities in mind, one of the best day bags for travel is the Kono anti-theft backpack .

This super versatile bag can not only be worn in a few different ways but is perfect for day-to-day wear and brilliant value for money.

✔️ Has lots of space

✔️ Is completely handsfree

✔️ Lightweight and easy to carry

✔️ Keeps all your items really safe

✔️ Great value for money

✔️ Multiple pockets to store and easily find items

❌ Can become uncomfortable if you overpack the bag

The Best day bag for sightseeing

It goes without saying, the best day bags for travel have to be great for sightseeing.

Sightseeing days can be really long and involve a lot of walking, so your bag will have to be able to handle that.

There are so many day bags for travel that are great, but there is one that is amazing for sightseeing, the Bekahizar lightweight backpack .

Not only is it ultralight, comfortable to carry and extremely durable, but this day bag is perfect for long days of travel and sightseeing.

✔️ Super lightweight

✔️ Comfortable to carry for long periods of time

✔️ Multiple pockets and surprisingly spacious

✔️ Is really reliable and durable

✔️ Can be folded up when not in use

❌ Is water resistant, but not fully waterproof

❌ Perfect for day use but feels like it may break if you overpack

The best day bag for comfort

Comfortable day bags for travel should be lightweight and durable. It should also have a lot of space to store all your essentials. And last but not least, it should be something that can be worn all day long without any discomfort.

With this in mind, one of the best day bags for travel with comfort in mind is the QINOL travel backpack .

This is the ultimate day bag for comfort thanks to its adjustable straps, breathable sponge-like design and foam padding.

✔️ Great if you are on a budget

✔️ Perfect for travel and everyday use

✔️ Sturdy and durable

✔️ Comfortable for long days

✔️ Hidden pockets for extra security

✔️ Built-in USB to charge your phone safely

❌ Zippers aren’t the best quality

The best day bags for travel that you can use on budget airlines

Budget airlines are a fantastic way to explore Europe all year round .

All of them allow you to take at least a day bag on your travels for free, however, the size regulations of these bags can be really strict.

To find a great day bag you can take on your flight for free, pick your airline below for the best recommendations for all travel needs.

FAQs about day bags for travel

Finding the best day bags for travel can be a bit of a challenge, so I’m sure you have a few more questions you need answering.

To help you find the best day bags for travel for you, here are some of the more frequently asked questions travellers have:

What should you carry in your day bag?

The best day bags for travel are capable of carrying whatever you need in them. No matter what you are doing that day, there are a few essentials that should always be packed.

➡️ Your Phone

➡️ Cash and some sort of ID (usually a passport)

➡️ A bottle of water

➡️ Sun protection

➡️ Something warm

Do I need a daypack for backpacking?

A daypack is not the same as a backpack.

A daypack is smaller, has less space and is designed to be carried around during the day, while a backpack can carry more gear and is designed for multi-day trips.

So day bags for travel are great for anyone backpacking.

The size of your day bag should depend on what you usually carry in it. If you plan to use it for carrying lunch, then a small one will do.

But if you plan on carrying clothes and other items such as camera equipment or books, then you need something larger.

Daypacks are perfect for people who are exploring for a few hours and want to have their hands free during the day but don’t need much space or weight capacity.

Is a backpack good for your back?

A backpack is an excellent way to carry your belongings, but it can also be harmful to your back if used incorrectly.

If you are not used to carrying a backpack, it can put a lot of strain on your back and cause pain.

Some people prefer using day bags for travel because they are softer on the back and also don’t make you as sweaty.

So you can use your backpack for moving between hotels and locations but use a lighter day bag for daily use.

What size should a daypack be?

The size you will want for day bags for travel does totally depend on you.

Most daypacks are designed for carrying limited personal items during the day. They are usually smaller and slimmer than a traditional backpack, so are really lightweight.

As long as your daypack can carry what you need, any size should be fine. I do recommend using one that you can take easily on public transport to make your travels less stressful.

Day bags for travel sign off

Finding the perfect day bags for travel will make your trip so much less stressful.

No matter your budget, there are endless day bags for travel and adventure available.

If you are looking for the ultimate day bag that will keep all your things safe during your holiday, use this guide to help you find the perfect one.

If you are still undecided about which day bag is the best for you, try the budget-friendly and incredible value-for-money Cabin Max !

I hope you found this article useful! Here are some more relevant posts you may enjoy:

✔️ Annual Leave-How to make the most of your time off

✔️ The Best British Airways Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight

✔️ The Best EasyJet Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight

✔️ The Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel

✔️ The Best Luggage For All Types Of European Travel

✔️ How To Travel To Europe From India? The Complete 2023 Guide

✔️ Where Are The Best Places To Visit In April In Europe?

✔️ What Are The Best Greek Islands To Visit In September?

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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20 Best Travel Daypacks of 2024

You’re spoiled for choice when looking for the best travel daypack. These 18 options will help you navigate any adventure.

Looking for a new daypack to carry your gear in comfort and style? With hundreds of options out there, it can be difficult to sift through all the mediocre products to find the best travel daypack for you.

Your daypack will be your constant companion while you travel, so it’s essential to pick one that is comfortable, functional, and durable.

I’ve dug through the details on dozens of different packs and put them to the test in the real world. Read on for my picks of the best daypacks for travel across a wide range of categories. Whether you need a pack for hitting the trail, traveling the world, or commuting to work, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

Moment MTW 17L Daypack

This daypack is the best all-around backpack for ANY type of adventure, whether you’re hiking, commuting, or just exploring a new city! It comes at a great price, too.

• Best Daypack Overall: Moment MTW 17L Daypack
• Most Affordable Daypack: REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
• Best Lightweight Daypack: Osprey Daylite
• Best Commuting Backpack: Timbuk2 Parker Commuter
• Best Laptop Backpack: NOMATIC Backpack
• Best Camera Daypack: WANDRD PRVKE
• Best Hiking Daypack: Osprey Talon 22
• Most Versatile Daypack: Osprey Arcane
• Best Daypack for Travel in Europe: Able Carry Daily Plus
• Best Waterproof Daypack: Rains Backpack
• Best Women’s Daypack: Timbuk2 WMN Never Check Day Backpack
• Best Men's Daypack: Bellroy Venture Ready
• Best Tactical Daypack: Mission Workshop Rhake
• Best Daypack for a Classic Backpack Style: Fjallraven Kanken Classic
• Best Packable Daypack: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
• Best Packable Waterproof Daypack: Matador Freerain24 Backpack
• Most Eco-Friendly Daypack: Cotopaxi Batac 16L
• Best Roll Top Daypack: Stubble & Co Roll Top Mini
• Best Leather Daypack: Kodiak Katmai
• Best Anti-Theft Daypack: Pacsafe Eco 18L

Best Daypack Overall

• Sleek, minimal design
• Compact size
• Smart accessibility features

Most Affordable Daypack

Rei co-op flash 18 pack.

• Great hiking daypack
• Functionality

Best Lightweight Daypack

Osprey daylite.

• Very large lugs for wet/soft terrain
• Designed for excellent comfort
• Great for mud
• Very comfortable

Best Commuting Backpack

Timbuk2 parker commuter.

• Tons of exterior pockets and organization
• Great durability and lifetime guaranty
• Professional style
• Expandable storage space

Best Laptop Backpack

Nomatic backpack.

• Sleek minimalist style
• Fantastic organization
• Weather-resistant construction
• Expandable main compartment

Best Camera Daypack

Wandrd prvke.

• Fantastic organization for camera gear
• Tons of pockets
• Great versatility with removable camera padding
• Lifetime guarantee
• Plenty of storage space

Best Hiking Daypack

Osprey talon 22.

• Protected by Osprey’s powerful warranty
• Great comfort and durability
• Top pick for hikers

Most Versatile Daypack

Osprey arcane.

• Ready for almost anything
• Recycled materials
• Simple, intelligent features

Best Daypack for Travel in Europe

Able carry daily plus.

• Excellent fit and comfort
• Tons of organization pockets
• Easy-access exterior pockets

Best Waterproof Daypack

Rains backpack.

• Fully waterproof material
• Stylish design
• Great build quality and durability

Best Women’s Daypack

Timbuk2 wmn never check day backpack.

• Perfect fit for smaller women
• Great water resistance

Best Men's Daypack

Bellroy venture ready.

• Intelligent design features
• Comfortable pack panel and shoulder straps
• Awesome versatility

Best Tactical Daypack

Mission workshop rhake.

• Premium build quality
• Made in the USA
• Tons of well-designed organization for packing essentials

Best Daypack for a Classic Backpack Style

Fjallraven kanken classic.

• Very sturdy

Best Packable Daypack

Sea to summit ultra-sil day pack.

• Packs down to almost nothing
• One of the lightest daypacks on the market

Best Packable Waterproof Daypack

Matador freerain24 backpack.

• Accessible roll-top design
• Lightweight
• Great for trails

Most Eco-Friendly Daypack

Cotopaxi batac 16l.

• Cool colors
• Each bag is unique
• Great functionality for a day out

Best Roll Top Daypack

Stubble & co roll top mini.

• Excellent water repellency
• Sleek, intuitive design
• Secure and functional 16" laptop sleeve

Best Leather Daypack

Kodiak katmai.

• Beautiful real-leather style
• Great organizing pockets
• Durable materials and construction

Best Anti-Theft Daypack

Pacsafe eco 18l.

• Slash-proof material and straps
• Gives lots of peace of mind
• Comfortable shoulder straps

Moment MTW 17L Daypack : Best Daypack Overall

Moment started on Kickstarter with photography accessories and gear for smartphones. Now they’ve grown into a full-fledged marketplace for adventurous creatives.

Moment’s brand ethos is all about slowing down to find and savor real experiences. Their products are thoughtful, dialed-in, and minimalist, and are intended to let you focus less on your gear and more on what’s around you.

The Moment MTW 17L Daypack is a beautiful travel daypack with honed-in details, tasteful styling, and just the right amount of space (or lack thereof) in the main compartment for minimalist travelers and commuters.

At first glance, this bag is sleek, streamlined, and minimalist. No unnecessary straps, buckles, or zippers here to mess with the aesthetic. Seriously, this bag is stunning!

That clean, understated look conceals an array of functional and well-thought-out organization features. You get an exterior pocket for water bottles, side zip access that makes it easy to reach your gear, a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16-inch screen, and a fantastic array of organizational pockets. This bag is ready for whatever you’re bringing with you.

With its stylish design and streamlined build, this is definitely a pack oriented to urban travel and commuting. While it works as a hiking pack, if you’ll be spending a lot of time on the trail, you may want to look at something built more for that purpose.

The exterior is made of a recycled, water-resistant Cordura fabric. Combined with low-profile padding, you can be sure your belongings will be protected in this bag. Want a little more space? The MTW is also available in a 21L version that gets you more volume.

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Limited exterior pockets
• Heavy for a daypack
• No hip belt

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack : Most Affordable Daypack

This hiking and travel daypack has been for sale in various iterations since the mid-2000s and has never failed travelers and hikers looking for a solid travel daypack at a reasonable price.

The REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack has an 18 L capacity, which puts it in the middle of the range for daypack size. At 9 oz, it’s lightweight, and the frameless build also makes this daypack quite compact; it can roll up to about the size of a softball. This makes it the perfect companion on a long trek when you want to do a quick side trail. Its ripstop nylon build makes it tough and durable.

Where this day bag can really shine is in its simple functionality. It gives you everything you need without any unnecessary frills. It has one spacious main compartment that closes with a drawstring. There are no zippers to snag. You don’t get much in terms of organization, but for a simple bag on your back, it works really well.

There aren’t padded shoulder straps, which isn’t ideal for carrying heavier loads, but that’s not the purpose of this bag. As long as you aren’t overloading it, this simple daypack is actually surprisingly comfortable.

Overall, this is one of the best-value travel daypacks you can find. With its minimalist design and lightweight construction, this packable daypack is a fantastic option for hikers, but probably not the best choice for city travelers or commuters who may benefit from more organization.

• Great daypack for hiking
• Lighter than traditional backpacks
• Easily packable bag stows away for storage
• Mesh shoulder straps aren't padded
• Not good for cities

Osprey Daylite : Best Lightweight Daypack

Osprey is a huge name in the backpack world, and as someone who took one of the company’s 65L backpacks around the world, I can say they’re one of my favorite backpack brands on the planet.

Osprey’s Daylite bags were originally designed to attach to the back of some of the company’s larger travel backpacks to make them a convenient option for world travelers, but thanks to their popularity, they are now sold separately as well.

At just 13L, this is one of the smaller daypacks on the market. If you need a lot of space, you’ll probably want something different, but the compact size is perfect for people who are always on the go.

Comfort is where this travel daypack really shines. There’s plenty of padding on the back and shoulders, and the shoulder straps wrap comfortably around your back. You won’t feel weighed down by this bag on all-day hikes.

There are a bunch of extra pockets on this packable daypack, most importantly the water bladder pocket common to all Osprey bags, which is also a convenient size for a laptop or tablet. There are zippered compartments on the interior and exterior for keeping small items in place and accessible.

There are stretchy mesh water bottle pockets on the side, but they’re a bit tight for larger bottles. On a pack that’s otherwise great pack for hiking, I’d love to see bigger side pockets.

Put simply, Osprey backpacks are popular for a reason. They are comfy, and the Daylite offers a lot of pack for your money.

• Protected by Osprey's robust warranty 
• Comfy shoulder straps
• Compatible with other Osprey travel backpack systems
• Compression straps help cinch down the pack
• Lower capacity
• Small bottle pockets

Timbuk2 Parker Commuter : Best Commuting Backpack

Timbuk2 is a growing modern lifestyle brand that focuses on building sleek packs and bags for urban nomads. Their products are perfect for people who are always on the go.

A good commuting bag needs to focus on the essentials: a protective laptop sleeve, smart organization, and durability to survive your daily grind.

The Timbuk2 Parker Commuter is a travel daypack designed specifically for urban commuters, and it shows.

The first thing you notice about the bag is the abundance of pockets to keep all your gear organized and accessible. There are three (yes three!) zippered exterior pockets, stretchy bottle pockets on the side, a side- or top-access laptop sleeve, and more pockets on the inside.

You definitely won’t be running out of places to put things in this bag.

This bag has a clever expandable backpack design that lets you compress it down or open up more volume when you have more to carry.

You also get an integrated zip-away rain cover to keep your stuff dry when the heavens open up.

The Parker Commuter manages to offer all these features without looking cluttered or “tactical.” It has a clean, professional style that fits right in anywhere, from the office to the airport to just cruising around town.

It’s not perfect though. The laptop sleeve only fits up to 15″ screens, so if you have a big 17″ work computer, it probably won’t work. It’s also quite heavy at almost 4 lbs. This won’t be a huge issue for most people, but if you bike to work or have a long walk, you may want a lighter bag.

This everyday backpack definitely isn’t meant for hiking or other outdoor adventures, so it’s not really the best travel daypack for doing everything. If you want a dedicated daily driver for city commuting, though, it’s hard to beat.

• Organization may be overkill for some
• Sadly, it only comes in black

NOMATIC Backpack : Best Laptop Backpack

NOMATIC is a modern lifestyle and travel brand that aims to build products that look sleek and stylish while staying incredibly functional. Their packs and bags are designed for travel and everyday use in an urban environment.

Whether you’re commuting to work or cruising around campus, you need a durable and functional backpack that will carry your gear in style. The NOMATIC Backpack is perfect for anyone looking for a backpack with understated styling and uncompromising utility. It really is one of the best laptop backpacks out there.

The external of this pack is very simple and streamlined. There aren’t lots of unnecessary straps, zippers, and pockets, so it looks very clean and sleek. With a combination of waterproof fabric and coated zippers, the exterior is also very rain-resistant.

Inside the main compartment you get a ton of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized. There is a padded laptop compartment, a padded sleeve for a tablet, and a document sleeve, along with lots of small pockets for keeping items like charging cords, a phone, and sunglasses. The pack also has lockable zippers to keep it secure while traveling. In all there are 20 different compartments, so it’s easy to stay organized and have a place for everything.

The everything-but-the-kitchen-sink design comes at a weight cost though. This bag weighs a hefty 4 lbs. That’s heavier than most travel backpacks, so if carrying less is important to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

If you want the most organized pack possible, though, the NOMATIC Backpack has you covered with a design that’s optimized for urban travelers.

• Large compartment for a laptop
• Only one color (black)
• No good water bottle pockets

WANDRD PRVKE : Best Camera Daypack

WANDRD was started by two brothers who couldn’t find a quality camera bag that both functioned well and looked good. They set out to make their own camera bags for photographers who travel and explore the world.

A good camera daypack needs to be protective, offer fantastic organization, and make it easy to access your camera on the go. It also shouldn’t compromise on standard daypack requirements like comfort and durability.

The WANDRD PRVKE is their original camera backpack that started it all, though it’s been through many iterations. This bag was designed to work better than anything on the market while still delivering style and comfort.

It all centers around the camera compartment, which is padded and very protective for your expensive photography gear. The pack comes with an array of removable dividers that you can configure to hold your camera, lenses, and other accessories.

The best thing about the camera storage is its easy accessibility. There is a wide-opening zippered flap on the front of the pack that gives you access to everything inside, and a zippered side opening makes it easy to grab your camera on the go—perfect for getting those unexpected shots.

The entire camera protection system is also removable. This adds a ton of versatility and means you aren’t limited to using this bag as a camera bag only. Remove the padded camera storage, and you have a spacious everyday or travel daypack.

The downside is that you have to pay extra to have the padded camera cube included with the bag. It’s an expensive pack as it is, and the price with the full photography bundle is very high.

It seems like they’ve thought of everything with this camera daypack, and the design is top-notch. The high price puts it out of reach for many people, but for serious photographers, this is the bag to get.

• More complicated than most people will need

Osprey Talon 22 : Best Hiking Daypack

This hiking and travel backpack from Osprey has been lauded for its all-around utility and excellence, which you will find useful on the trail in just about any situation you come across.

The Osprey Talon 22 has been built with comfort as a first priority. This is a massive benefit for long days on the trail.

The form-hugging shape is designed to complement your body and distribute the weight of your gear evenly. It also has an aluminum frame to maintain that weight spread and make the backpack sturdier without weighing it down excessively.

This Osprey daypack clocks in at 1 lb 13 oz, with an alternative for smaller torsos weighing 1 lb 5 oz. This isn’t a lightweight bag, but the supportive frame, hipbelt, and padded shoulder straps make it much more comfortable than a lighter pack.

There’s an aerated padding system on the back to keep you well-cushioned and less sweaty. The nicely padded shoulder straps are very comfortable, and the system of internal supports means that weight is effectively transferred to the hip and chest straps instead of being totally on the shoulders. The side compression straps also help cinch this bag closer to your body to balance the weight.

There are three zippered compartments on the outside, some small, easy-access pockets on the chest and hip straps, two water bottle pockets, a large stretchy jacket pocket, compression straps, and a pocket on the back for a water bladder to use this as a hydration pack.

The only drawback I can think of for this bag is that it isn’t waterproof. If that’s a key concern for you, I would look into getting a rain cover for the bag before writing it off entirely. For any other situation, if it’s outdoors, this is the bag for you. Take it on a day hike, climbing trip, or mountain bike ride. This is the best travel daypack for outdoor adventure.

Click here to check out my full Osprey Talon review .

• Great range of zipper pockets
• Compression straps to secure your load
• Works as a hydration pack for hiking, biking, and more
• Doesn't come with rain cover
• Pricey (but worth it)
• Not good for commuters

Osprey Arcane : Most Versatile Daypack

We talk a lot about Osprey on TravelFreak, and it’s because they build seriously good packs. Between their emphasis on innovative carrying systems and their lifetime guarantee, it really is hard to go wrong with an Osprey bag.

So far this list has focused mostly on daypacks built for very specific purposes. The Osprey Arcane breaks that trend with a design that works for a little bit of everything. This simple and stylish backpack is meant for everyday use, and with a padded sleeve for a laptop, accessible exterior pockets, and a streamlined design, it’s ready for the office, the gym, and everywhere in between.

The carrying system has a lot of carry-over from Osprey’s dedicated hiking packs, and it’s plenty comfortable for all-day use. Although it’s not marketed as a hiking pack, it will work very well for casual day hikes. The front jacket pocket, side bottle pocket, and waterproof roll-top closure are great features for hiking.

The Osprey Arcane even works great as a travel daypack for trips around the world!

• No sternum strap or hip belt
• Only one bottle pocket

Able Carry Daily Plus : Best Daypack for Travel in Europe

Able Carry has a straightforward brand mission to “engineer the best everyday bags to supercharge your day.” They aim to do this by creating functional, durable designs that prioritize fit and performance for adventurous travelers.

I love that Able Carry puts so much focus on fit and comfort. It’s easy to geek out about features, materials, and organization, but in the end, if a bag is not comfortable, it isn’t going to work well for you.

If you’re planning a trip around Europe, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time with your backpack on your shoulders. Fit becomes even more important, and you need something that can take you from airports to train stations to the streets with ease.

The Able Carry Daily Plus is a bomber, reliable daypack that will stand up to the wear and tear of travel. It is designed to be comfortable and supportive even with heavier loads, so it’s perfect for longer trips.

This backpack has a somewhat tactical aesthetic that may not appeal to everyone, but it is definitely functional.

The main shell is made from X-Pac laminate fabric. This fabric uses multiple layers to get a unique blend of performance. The outer layer is a durable nylon, then there is a ripstop x-grid that adds structure and tear resistance, then a waterproof film, and finally a thinner fabric on the inside to protect the waterproof layer.

X-Pac is commonly used in high-end backpacking gear, so you can expect impressive performance from this fabric. It is tough, entirely waterproof, and should last a long time.

The interior organization of this bag is impressive. In the main compartment, it has a padded laptop sleeve and tons of internal pockets for keeping everything neat and accessible.

You also get good exterior pockets, including a concealed bottle pocket that zips closed to maintain the clean aesthetic. I personally like having my water bottle easily accessible at all times, but you may prefer this system.

The Able Carry Daily Plus is a well-built bag that is supportive and comfortable enough for longer trips and heavier loads.

• Highly water-resistant, so there's no need for add-on rain cover
• Spacious main compartment for all your travel gear
• High-quality materials
• Lacks external mesh pockets

Rains Backpack : Best Waterproof Daypack

Rains is a modern lifestyle brand that specializes in rainwear and waterproof daypacks for city use. Their packs use the same signature waterproof PU fabric as their rain jackets for fully weatherproof performance.

The Rains Backpack is a simple, streamlined design that combines elegant, minimalist styling with impressive water resistance.

This little daypack keeps it simple with a flap-opening main compartment, a single internal zip pocket, and a single external zip pocket on the back panel. This exterior pocket is great for keeping items like phones secure since it’s right next to your back.

The big thing that’s missing for me are side pockets for bottles. It really doesn’t make sense to put a bottle inside the main compartment, and I’m not sure why they left this feature out.

Some people may prefer having more pockets in general, but there’s definitely something to be said for simplicity. Less stitching also means better water resistance.

The shoulder straps are thin and not my favorite. They work fine as you’re carrying light loads, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to wear this packable daypack all day. For commuting or quick jaunts around town or across campus, it’s not a problem though.

Overall, this is a great option for a stylish day-to-day bag that offers waterproof performance. If you’re looking for waterproof daypacks that are more hiking and outdoor-oriented, the Matador Freerain24 on this list is another great waterproof option.

• Small capacity
• Thin shoulder straps
• Fewer pockets than other daypacks

Timbuk2 WMN Never Check Day Backpack : Best Women’s Daypack

This is the second Timbuk2 bag on this list—and for good reason.

They pride themselves on building products with legendary durability, and they stand behind their bags with a lifetime warranty and repair services. They even sell a full range of replacement parts, from buckles to luggage wheels, so you can do DIY repairs to keep your bag going the distance.

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many backpacks out there designed specifically for women’s frames. That means you often have to compromise with a bag that is either uncomfortable, or lacking in features, functionality, and quality.

The Timbuk2 WMN Never Check is a perfect daypack if you’re petite woman who has struggled to find a backpack that fits right. The compact size, tailored fit, and impressive array of features mean you don’t have to compromise on anything.

This bag is small, with just 13L of interior space, but it has fantastic organization that makes it easy to bring everything you need day-to-day. The padded laptop sleeve, inner dividers, and exterior zippered pocket keep your belongings organized and easy to access.

The backpack is built with a high-denier water-resistant fabric that will stand up to a lot of abuse. Paired with waterproof zippers, this exterior protects your belongings from splashes or unexpected downpours.

For women looking for a stylish, well-fitting travel daypack that still offers maximum durability and functionality, this backpack is a fantastic choice.

• Built-in luggage strap to secure pack to rolling luggage
• Only one color option
• Limited storage

Bellroy Venture Ready : Best Men's Daypack

Bellroy is dedicated to building packs and bags that have a positive impact on the world. They are a certified B-corp, and put a lot of emphasis on using renewable and recycled materials.

They also just build stunning, highly-functional products.

For a men’s daypack, you want something streamlined, durable, and versatile enough to do everything you need. The Bellroy Venture Ready is a capable pack that can carry your laptop to work, a change of clothes to the gym, and your gear for a hike.

It’s obvious that ease-of-use was a high priority when this pack was designed. The wide zipper opening makes it super easy to get into the main compartment, there are plenty of easy-access zippered pockets for organization, and stretchy pockets on the side can hold your water bottles.

I love that the designers paid close attention to little details, like the clever interior pocket that can be opened without spilling stuff out in any position.

The styling of this pack is spot-on, with just the right balance of rugged and sophisticated. It looks at home in the office, on the streets, or out on the trail.

• Only one water bottle pocket

Mission Workshop Rhake : Best Tactical Daypack

Looking for a pack that is loaded with features and is constructed like a tank? Mission Workshop has a range of bombproof packs that use high-tech materials and incorporate smart design.

If any daypack is ready to survive the apocalypse, the Mission Workshop Rhake is it. It is built tough in the USA, is totally weatherproof, and has all the organization you could wish for. Sound too good to be true? Well, it comes at a cost. This bag has a price tag that’s more than triple most of the daypacks on this list.

It is built of X-Pac, a 4-layer material that was originally designed for yacht sails, but also works great for packs because of its durability and waterproofness. You can count on this bag to keep your gear dry in downpours.

A highlight of this bag is its incredible organization system. It has tons of zippered interior and exterior pockets designed to hold your phone, keys, tablet, sunglasses, cables, laptop, and more. Seriously, there’s no way you’ll run out of pocket on this thing.

The Mission Workshop Rhake isn’t for everyone—it’s a bit heavy, very expensive, and overkill for most people. If you want a tactical backpack that has every feature you could wish for and incredible build quality, it’s worth checking out.

• Very expensive

Fjallraven Kanken Classic : Best Daypack for a Classic Backpack Style

You’ve probably already seen this iconic but unpronounceable name adorning travelers’ backs almost everywhere in the world. There is a reason for its popularity: it is an excellent travel daypack. (Also, it’s pronounced fyell, reven if you were wondering!)

The styling of the Fjallraven Kanken Classic makes this everyday backpack stand out. It’s clean, simple rectangular design gives this bag a timeless look that’s hard not to love.

It’s not just about the looks though. This is a very well-built and durable travel daypack. The main pack material is made from vinylon F, a synthetic fiber that behaves like many natural fibers. When it gets wet, the fibers expand, naturally sealing out water without the need for chemical coating. This is also a very durable, hard-wearing fabric.

At 13 L this is a smaller packable daypack, but its easily packable shape will surprise you with how much it can fit in the main compartment. The external zippered pocket is great for keeping small essentials within easy access.

While there are pockets on the sides, they are too small to really be used for bottles, so that’s one downside to consider.

I’d also love to see padded mesh shoulder straps, though that may interfere with the aesthetic. The simple webbing straps you get on this bag look good, but they can dig into your shoulders on long days.

Another drawback in my mind is security. With the lack of an inner zippered pocket , I don’t see this as a very secure place for your valuables. Besides that, this is an excellent travel daypack that I highly recommend.

And of course, we can’t forget that beautiful Scandinavian aesthetic—utilitarian, but with a timeless style. I don’t think you could find a more stylish travel daypack if you tried.

• Versatile travel daypack
• Lower security for your things 
• No real water side pockets for bottles

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack : Best Packable Daypack

This offering from Sea to Summit is aimed at the traveling hikers out there. With its form-hugging shape, spartan aesthetics, and ultra-lightweight compact design, this is a packable daypack designed for the trail.

This bag is very focused on its purpose as a secondary smaller daypack for backpackers on longer treks or minimal travelers touring the globe. It’s meant to stash inside your main bag until you get to camp or to the hotel. Then you can whip it out for fast-and-light side trail hikes or day trips in a new city.

For it’s intended purpose, there’s nothing like it, but if you want a nice all-around daypack, it is probably too minimal for most people.

One of the first things you’ll see on the product photos for this Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is a tennis-ball sized sack attached to a keychain—that’s how compact this thing is. It weighs in at a frankly extraordinary 2.5 oz. I’m pretty sure I own socks that are heavier than that! It’s all made of water-resistant nylon material, and with a 20 L capacity, you can fit a fair bit in there.

On the comfort and convenience side, there isn’t a lot to talk about in this packable bag. There are no extra straps, no pockets beside the one main pocket, no padding on the shoulder straps, and no side pockets. It’s not weatherproof , although the bottom is water-resistant.

This is a purpose-built packable daypack that’s meant to be as light and compact as possible, so you sacrifice some comfort and convenience.

Basically, this bag is a straight shooter. It’s light and compact and that’s what it does best. If you are hitting summits or thru-hikes and want to shed as much weight as possible, this is the best packable daypack you can buy.

• Incredibly lightweight
• Great daypack to store in a main bag
• Spacious compartment for such a lightweight bag
• Not very durable
• No padding 
• No external storage

Matador Freerain24 Backpack : Best Packable Waterproof Daypack

This is another light, packable daypack that will work well for travelers who like to hike. It is a little heavier than the Ultra-Sil, but that extra weight comes with extra functionality that some travelers might find useful.

First and foremost, this daypack is packable! It rolls down into a pouch that you can easily throw into your main bag. On top of that the Matador Freerain 24 is a completely waterproof backpack . This is a huge selling point of the bag!

The bag is very light at 5.5 oz, but with 24 L of space, it’s still plenty big enough for your travel gear.

Comfort-wise, given that this is a lightweight, packable daypack, there is not much in the way of padding. The shoulder straps are made of a lightweight breathable mesh, and they’re well-shaped. As long as you aren’t carrying heavy loads, it should be comfortable enough.

Overall, this is a great compressible daypack if you want a waterproof, lightweight, and packable daypack but don’t want it stripped down to the bone.

• Great for day trips on trails
• Not good for commuters 
• Small water bottle pocket

Cotopaxi Batac 16L : Most Eco-Friendly Daypack

I have never seen a packable daypack quite like this one. Trust me: No one else will ever have one quite like yours! That’s because the Batac 16L daypack —part of the Del Dia range from Cotopaxi—are all crafted from recycled scraps and cutoffs leftover from creating other products. That makes this one of the most eco-friendly daypacks on the market.

And they don’t stick to a single-color scheme. Scraps that match the right material specifications are stitched together in a color riot to make a series of unique bags that help Cotopaxi cut down on waste. The bags’ sales page literally has a photo gallery of different examples of individual bags that have been made. A fantastic innovation if you ask me!

At 16L, this is one of the smaller daypacks on the market. It has a long rectangular shape that makes it easy to pack and make use of the small space. The materials are mesh and nylon, which make it very light and compact. This backpack folds into its own pocket so you can throw it in your suitcase without taking up extra room.

It has an easy-access zippered pocket reachable from the outside and an internal sleeve divider that can fit a laptop or water bladder.

One major downside of this packable backpack is that the mesh pockets on the sides of the bag are not really suitable for larger water bottles such as Nalgenes. Depending on the water bottle you use, you may look for a bag with a bigger mesh pocket on the side.

As for comfort, the thin shoulder straps on this packable daypack don’t have a ton of padding, and there’s no hip belt, which could be a concern for some. That said, this bag will likely not be carrying a massive amount of weight unless you’re carrying a lot of water.

There is an adjustable sternum strap for a bit of extra support in the front. The shoulder straps hug the body well and have plenty of room for adjustment.

Overall, if you’re after the best small packable daypack that combines the basics of functionality with the funkiest look, this is the ultimate daypack for you. It would do well on a day trip, a commute, or a short hike.

• Compact compressible daypack for easy storage
• Convenient internal pocket
• Not weatherproof
• Not much padding

Stubble & Co Roll Top Mini : Best Roll Top Daypack

Stubble & Co’s Roll Top Backpack blends sleek minimalism, functionality, and intuitive design.

The roll-top access is a unique feature that I’ve loved having on this backpack. The G clip ensures quick and secure access perfect for travel, and this expandable backpack can add extra room with the roll top for longer trips.

Its 20L capacity can accommodate all your daily essentials, electronics, and more—great for digital nomads like myself!

The padded sleeve for a laptop is accessed externally from the back panel, which I love. You don’t have to reach inside the bag and move things around to get to your computer! It is also very secure, because the laptop is closest to your body and nearly impossible to pickpocket.

Two side pockets offer external space for water bottles, snacks, sunglasses and other small essentials. There is even a small zippered pocket flush with the front of the bag for easy access to things like documents, credit cards and keys.

The interior pocket helps keep you organized while still offering a spacious main compartment for bulkier items.

With padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap for optimal weight-bearing, I haven’t experienced any discomfort while wearing this backpack for several hours at a time.

Made from water-repellent recycled materials, this is a perfect roll-top daypack for those on the go!

• Heavier than many other packs

Kodiak Katmai : Best Leather Daypack

Kodiak Leather is a brand that’s been making a name for itself with premium-quality leather packs, bags, purses, and wallets that come in at an approachable price.

The Kodiak Katmai is a beautiful leather daypack that is designed for all-around everyday use. It is built with high-quality top-grain leather and has a timeless style that will only improve as you use it.

I love the feel of good, quality leather, and this bag is definitely well-built. It should handle the wear and tear of everyday use without any problems. Just be aware that, as a leather product, it will require some additional care to keep it in top condition.

While this pack has an internal sleeve on the back, it isn’t really padded, so I definitely wouldn’t use it as a laptop bag. But overall, the Kodiak Katmai is a great pack for anyone who loves the timeless style of quality leather gear.

• Smaller capacity
• Leather requires more care than other materials

Pacsafe Eco 18L : Best Anti-Theft Daypack

Pacsafe is a globally trusted brand focusing on anti-theft backpacks . It was founded 20 years ago by two guys who had some of their stuff stolen on a trip and vowed to help people never have that same experience.

Everything in the design of this travel daypack is meant to keep your belongings secure. The main pack material has a slash-proof wire mesh built in. The lockable zippers make sure no one is getting into your bag. The straps also feature wire reinforcement so a thief can’t cut the straps and run.

There’s an interior padded laptop compartment, an RFID-protected passport, and a credit card pocket at the back where it’s hardest to reach. There aren’t any easy-access exterior pockets beyond some mesh pockets for water bottles.

Finally, there’s a strap-locking system that allows you to lock the bag onto heavy furniture without it getting snatched; very handy for a night in a dorm room or extra peace of mind in a cafe.

Overall, while this travel bag probably isn’t versatile enough to be taken seriously as a hiking bag, it is absolutely the best travel daypack if you are worried about security on the road.

• Heavy for its size
• Overkill security for many people

Buying Guide for the Best Travel Daypacks

There are some serious factors you’ll want to keep in mind in order to snag yourself the best travel daypack for you.

Comfort and Fit

In my opinion, comfort and fit are the most important considerations when searching for the best daypacks. You may find the most durable, feature-packed bag on the market, but if it rubs your shoulders wrong or leaves your back aching, it isn’t going to work for you.

Comfort and fit are largely personal: what works for someone else may not work for you. Your height, build, and personal preferences all play a role in finding a pack that fits. Whenever possible, I recommend trying a pack on before buying it, ideally with some weight in it. If you’re shopping online, you should buy from a retailer with a good return policy so you can return a bag if it doesn’t fit.

There are definitely some general features you should look for that contribute to a pack’s comfort and carrying capacity.

Well-padded shoulder straps will definitely help eliminate pressure points and distribute the load more evenly. A sternum strap across your chest will help dial in the fit and pull some of the weight off your shoulders.

If you need a pack for a longer day hike, I’d definitely recommend getting a pack with a hip belt. This can make a big difference in your comfort after hours on the trail. Some sort of built-in frame or framesheet will also help distribute more of the load down to your hips.

Daypack Size

This is a pretty obvious consideration with any travel backpack. But with a daypack, you have slightly different considerations than with a trekking pack . To find the best travel backpack, you need to think about what you will be using this bag for and how much stuff will be inside it.

Most daypacks have somewhere between 10 and 30 liters of storage volume, and the specific size you get will depend on your use case and personal preferences.

Smaller travel daypacks are excellent if you’re someone that travels light or in warmer conditions. A bag with a 10 L to 20 L capacity is great for many situations. This size range works for carrying your food and water on a day hike, carrying your camera around a new city, or taking your essentials to work.

A compact travel daypack is great for air travel because you can use it as your under-seat personal item without any extra baggage charges.

A small packable daypack, like many of the options on this list, is fantastic for bringing inside a larger bag. A lightweight travel backpack like this can carry everything you need for day trips while stowing away when it’s time to move on.

Larger bags are better for people who often have to carry more stuff. If you are lugging a lot of textbooks to university, going on a longer trip, or hitting a trail during the colder months, a 20-30 L capacity is what you should aim for.

Larger bags also tend to come with more organizational features to help you stay organized.

The downside is that they are bulkier, and when they are less full, the weight won’t sit as comfortably. I’ve also found that a larger pack can lead to a tendency to overpack; I’ll bring things I don’t really need just because I have the space for it.

Whether you are traveling around the world or going on a long hike, you’ll spend a lot of time wearing your daypack, and cutting down on weight can help reduce fatigue after long days. Some of the packs on this list come in close to half a pound or less, meaning you won’t have any unnecessary weight on your shoulders.

Lighter isn’t always better though. A flimsy, poorly-built travel backpack can actually feel heavier and less comfortable than one with a frame and well-padded shoulder straps, especially if you need to carry heavier loads. Lighter packs are also typically less durable.

Rather than looking for the lightest possible pack, I recommend focusing on functionality, comfort, and durability before trying to cut weight. It usually isn’t worth saving a few ounces if it means getting a bag that doesn’t carry as well or wears out quickly.

Pockets, Storage and Organization

Keeping things organized can streamline the travel experience because your essential items will be on hand when you need them. This is particularly important in airports, where knowing where your passport and valuables are at all times can reduce your stress while traveling. This convenience is also great for a commute when good pockets will help keep important stuff like laptops from rattling around.

The pockets and features you need will depend you your use case. For city travel, you’ll probably want a padded sleeve for a laptop and zippered pockets for keys, charging cables, and other small items. For hiking and outdoor adventures, you’ll probably want a front stuff pocket and stretch mesh pockets for bottles on the side.

If you are traveling by air a lot, you also may want to look for features like a luggage strap, multiple grab handles, and lockable zippers to make your time in airports easier and more secure. An expandable backpack design can also make a daypack more versatile for different trips.

Most daypacks for travel these days are made from some variety of coated synthetic fabric, but there is a wide range of different options in this category, and pack fabric will have a big impact on the performance, comfort, and weight.

A travel daypack will typically be made of either ripstop nylon or polyester. While there are some differences between the two materials, in my mind they are similar enough that you don’t need to worry about which one you get. The biggest difference will be in the specific weave, weight, and coating of the fabric.

Fabric thickness is typically measured in denier, which indicates how many individual fibers are in each thread. A higher denier number will make a thicker, stronger, and heavier fabric. A travel backpack will typically use a fabric somewhere between 100-denier and 600-denier. If cutting weight is more important to you, look for a lower number. Higher denier fabrics will be more durable.

Most travel backpacks that claim to be weatherproof will not be fully waterproof, so you can’t go wading through rivers with them and expect them to stay dry. However, if you do find yourself in an unexpected downpour, a weatherproof bag will give you enough time to find shelter without putting your belongings at risk of getting soaked.

A travel daypack is a very visible piece of equipment, so for many of us, the aesthetic will be as important as anything. Some daypacks are made for the trail, and are more utilitarian, while more city-oriented packs definitely focus on styling.

The best daypacks for travel manage to combine style and function. You can wear them around town without looking like a lost tourist but also hit the trail with the confidence that they will take a bit of punishment.

Final Thoughts

Your daypack will be your constant companion while you travel, whether you’re hopping between airports or cranking out miles on the trail. It’s important to find one that has the features you need combined with comfort and durability.

The packs on this list have been chosen because they are the best daypacks for travel within their specific niche. Whether you need a school bag for college, a hiking pack, or a daypack for long-term travel, hopefully, you can find the perfect daypack for your needs.

• The Best Travel Backpacks for Every Adventure
• The Best Carry-On Backpacks For One Bag Travel
• The Best Carry-On Duffel Bags for Travel
• The Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking

Travel Daypacks FAQs

What is the best day bag for travel.

The Moment MTW 17L Daypack is our top day bag for travel and everyday use.

What is the best size daypack for travel?

15-25 liters is a good size for a travel daypack.

What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

A daypack refers to a backpack that is designed specifically for day trips (as opposed to multi-day travel). Daypacks are usually under 30 L.

What is a daypack for flying?

When flying, a daypack will usually count as your personal item—meaning it fits under the seat in front of you.

Should a daypack have a frame?

Small daypacks don’t need a frame, but larger bags designed to carry heavy loads need some sort of frame.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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Experts Reveal the Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe

Best Suitcases , LUGGAGE

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If you’re traveling Europe and looking for ideas on the best carry-on suitcases, read on to find out what the travel experts recommend.

Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe

Table of contents.

There are various things to consider when choosing the best luggage for Europe including a difference in carry on size, strict weight restrictions, mobility on the cobblestone streets, and long flights of stairs.  Scroll down to the end of this post for tips on choosing the best suitcase for Europe travel to suit the needs for your trip.

Below you’ll find the most popular Europe travel bag styles according to our readers along with their tried and tested reviews. Keep reading to choose the right one for you:

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry On

Delsey Hard Side Suitcase

The best suitcase to have when traveling Europe is a rigid trolley case, ideally with four castors. The trolley should be divided into two compartments (not just one big compartment) for easy packing. As Kelly Hadous, CEO and founder of Win The Room , says, “you can really pack it full.”

This Delsey trolley case features two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets allow easy access and organization for all of your items. There’s also an easily accessible front compartment with a padded sleeve for your laptop, tablet, or other items you reach for at the airport or mid-travel. If you’re looking for European luggage, this Delsey suitcase fits the bill for easy organization and travel. Buy it here!

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack

Ranked as one of the best travel bags for Europe, the Osprey Farpoint is perfect for carry-on travel, RTW trips, and backpacking. The daypack conveniently attaches to the main harness of the Farpoint pack to provide easy access to gear essentials, while the sleeping pad straps allow for quick, external gear attachment. They can be fully removed to save weight, while the adjustable sternum strap deploys quickly for any path or trail.

One reader says, “ I carried the Osprey Farpoint on Ryanair with no trouble! I used the small detachable backpack as my hand luggage that went at my feet. The larger bag fit fine into the Ryanair sizing bins.” Buy it here!

Osprey Packs Porter 30 Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter Carry-on Backpack

For a European carry on size bag, a backpack is always a safe option. It’s also the perfect fit for those of us who prefer to travel hands-free.

Jackie Laulainen, travel blogger of TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com , always travels with her REI backpack, sharing, “I was able to pack ALL of my belongings into this backpack (including my purse). Not only is it comfortable, with great pockets and compartments, but it also fits perfectly into the Ryanair overhead bin. This is very important, because they pulled others out of line and made them check bags at the gate, which can cost up to 60 Euros. No thank you!”

While her beloved REI backpack is an older model, we found a similar style. The Osprey Packs Porter 30 travel backpack sets the standard for deluxe duffels. It features padded sidewalls, convenient organization, and a substantial suspension for backpack-style carry. This bag also features a dedicated zippered laptop and tablet pocket with multiple access points. This bag gets two thumbs up from us! Buy it here!

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible bag is the perfect carry-on size backpack. We love this for European carry on luggage because it features countless organizational details along with a laptop compartment.

The full expansion zipper adds 10% more packing space for all those souvenirs you pick up along on your European travels. We love how many zippered compartments there are, making it easy to pack and organize your gear. Buy it here!

Looking for a perfect hands-free carry-on convertible backpack? Try this  eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior !

Lite Gear Travel Pack

Perfect for an overnight trip or an outdoor adventure, the Lite Gear carry-on case features a convertible design that you can use as a shoulder bag or a backpack. Made from durable polyester, it features a lightweight design in an airline-friendly carry-on size that makes it perfect for all types of European travel. The bag also has a zip down front pocket, a side water bottle pocket, and a vertical front zipper pocket for easy and organized storage.

As one reader says, “I use a Lite Gear convertible backpack and love it!” Buy it here!

Samsonite Omni PC 20″ Spinner

Samsonite Spinner

For long travels, you need a durable traveling suitcase, like the Samsonite Omni PC Spinner . One reader says, “ I am happy with my Samsonite spinner! If you are the kind of person who only has a few pieces of luggage and then uses it for years, this investment is absolutely worth it.

This luggage won’t weigh you down but can also survive even the most rigorous of travel. Four, multi-directional spinner wheels offer easy mobility, and the bag rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm. Most impressive is the texture. It’s lightweight yet durable, so you don’t need to worry about tears or rips. This is the kind of luggage that will last you for years and years. Buy it here!

Travelpro Platinum Elite International Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Travelpro International Carry-On Suitcase

Expandable carry-on luggage is the perfect fit when you need to size your bag up or down. European budget airlines have stricter size regulations for carry-on luggage, which means your suitcase needs to be smaller. This Travelpro suitcase is sized right, making it among the best carry-on luggage for international travel. You can expand it incrementally up to 2 inches.

Additionally, this classic design luggage has self-aligning magnetic dual wheel spinners, which help keep it rolling in a straight line. The extension handle has three stops, so you’ll find the perfect height for personal comfort.

It is made with high-quality, durable nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating to help protect against stains and scuffs, and it features leather top and side carry handles. Travelpro designed this bag with frequent flyers in mind, for business or pleasure. You’ll find it a stylish choice when looking for the best suitcase for Europe. Buy it here!

Away Carry-On Travel Backpack

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack

Backpacking in Europe once meant you had to carry big, bulky packs. Now, with choices like Away’s Carry-On Travel Backpack , you’ll be able to tote your capsule wardrobe in style in the best backpack for Europe. We love that this travel backpack is convertible in style; removable padded strap so you can convert this backpack into a carry-on suitcase or duffle anytime.

It has two handles and a trolley sleeve so you can carry them easily — wherever you go — on planes, trains, buses, or even on foot. This versatile backpack has dual interior and exterior compression systems that help you pack more in and multiple pockets systems that securely stash valuables and keep them within reach. Stay hydrated with an exterior water bottle pocket that fits up to a 32 oz water bottle — making it a best travel backpack for Europe! Buy it here!

Deuter Transit 50 Carry-On Travel Backpack

Deuter Transit Backpack

The Deuter Transit 50 Travel Pack  features a U-shape zip allowing you to access the main compartment on a whim, keeping you from holding up the security line and on time for your flight. This bag meets airlines’ size guidelines for carry-on baggage and conveniently fits inside overhead compartment bins so you never have to check it.

Featuring a padded removable carry strap, two sturdy grab handles, breathable padded shoulder harness, and luggage stabilizing straps for extra comfort, this backpack is easy to travel with, making airline transit a breeze. Buy it here!

IT Luggage 22″ World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner

IT Lightweight Luggage

A number of our readers rave about IT luggage for the best carry on luggage for Europe. Their collection features a wide range of colors to suit your personal sense of style. This revolutionary lightweight design features a fiberglass handle that is built into the frame, which allows for a flat packing bed for crease-free packing. Each case has two smooth wheels and a wide soft grip non-locking handle.

Mary Chong, a travel blogger of Calculated Traveller , swears by IT luggage, saying “I use the 4-wheeler carry-on by IT Luggage Brands, which weighs 4.07 lbs. I LOVE IT. I go carry-on only and sneak more on the plane by using a backpack as my laptop bag/purse.” Buy it here!

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 4-Wheel Bag

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior

When you travel to Europe, you want the lightest carry-on luggage to grab and go. The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior meets that challenge at 7 lb 15 oz. This durable carry-on bag has reinforced corners to prevent fraying and a water repellent exterior.

A top compartment would be perfect for travel liquids or anything else you need to keep handy. Eagle Creek suggests the large pocket can be used for dirty laundry or gear you want to keep separate from other items in the main compartment. Use the compression straps in the main compartment to keep your packing cubes or clothing secure.

The oversize wheels have treads for greater grip when you use the adjustable handle with the unique equipment keeper. If you travel with gear, you can use the equipment keeper to strap gear to the top of the bag — or it doubles as a bottle opener. Durable and lightweight, the Eagle Creek Warrior is among the best carry-on luggage for Europe. Buy it here!

Lipault Original Plume Spinner 55/20 Carry-On Luggage

Lipault Original Plume Spinner

This carry-on from Lipault Paris makes our list for the best lightweight luggage for Europe thanks to its ultra-light weight fabric and unique collapsible 2-wheeled trolley that comes with a matching zipped storage case. One reader raves about this bag because it’s the perfect size and weight for a week’s worth of clothing.

She says, “I’ve taken the Lipault 21″ two-wheel rolling carry-on bag on three big trips with me. I had to check it once because of tour, not plane, restrictions. It’s held up pretty well. The plastic part of the retracting handle cracked last year, but I fixed it with electrical tape and it made it through this year’s trip with flying colors. It’s very lightweight and fits easily in overhead bins.” Buy it here!

High Sierra Freewheel 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack

High Sierra Wheeled Backpack

Another popular Europe travel bag is the High Sierra 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack . Its large, multi-compartment design features a roomy main zippered compartment, an organizer and media pocket, a zippered pocket, and several open pockets for quick access.

It also has an easy-access zippered accessory compartment with headphone port and a fully padded cushion zone laptop compartment. This carry-on wheeled backpack has a molded kick plate which gives extra protection from abrasion. Buy it here!

Samsonite Nylon Spinner Tote

Samsonite Wheeled Tote

We love the versatile shape of this wheeled tote by Samsonite . You can use it as a stylish shoulder bag or tote it like a suitcase with its handle. The bag has a sleek nylon exterior and water resistant coating. The large main compartment features a laptop pouch, organizer, and zip pockets to keep all of your belongings separate and organized.

As one reader says, “what a great bag! It fits so many travel essentials, including a laptop, comfortably.” Buy it here!

Shop:  Paravel

Paravel Aviator Carry On

Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that’s been getting praise from travelers for its gorgeous luggage that’s designed with sustainability at its core. The  Aviator carry on  is not only a stylish piece but is made from extremely durable polycarbonate, aluminum handles, and tough zippers, all of which are recycled. Travelers highlight the effortless spinner wheels, interior organization, including a laundry bag, scuff-hiding finish, and vegan leather details.

This carbon-neutral carry-on weighs 8.2 lbs, and at 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9”, it’s a compact option that’ll easily fit into the majority of overhead bins, even on international flights and smaller planes.

You can also grab a slightly bigger version called the  Aviator Carry On Plus , it measures 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ and weighs 8.5 lbs.

Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe Comparison Chart

Still can’t decide? Here’s a quick review about each of these carry-on suitcases:

Things to consider when shopping for the best traveling bags for Europe :

When you choose the best travel bag for Europe, remember that you might be taking a variety of transportation methods on your trip such as trains and buses.

Aside from small luggage racks and tight storage spaces, you need to be able to move quickly and easily maneuver your suitcase on and off the train. There are sometimes even wide gaps between the train platforms and the trains so it’s helpful if you can lift your own bag with ease.

Being able to carry your own luggage is a must! Forget having to lift your own suitcase on a plane, in Europe you have to be able to lift your own bag and more through train stations, steep historical streets, and also through narrow staircases to get to your hotel room.

Unless you’re staying in a major hotel, many buildings don’t have elevators, especially if you’re staying in a small guesthouse or Airbnb .  Plus, when you’re in a rush. …it helps if you can move quickly without being slowed down by your bag.

Weight and Size restrictions : If you’re traveling with one of Europe’s budget airlines such as Easyjet, RyanAir, or Jet2, one of the things to consider is baggage restrictions that are different than what’s allowed on large international carriers. Choose a lightweight suitcase to maximize the amount of space for your belongings!

The key to traveling light is to c reate an   interchangeable capsule wardrobe !

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

PRO PACKING TIP:

Use luggage organizers such as  packing cubes  to maximize the space in your bag so you can fit in all your belongings in an organized and efficient way using minimal space.

If you’re not already traveling carry-on only, this might be the game changer you need!

Unsure how to use them? Read  this post  to find out everything you want to know about packing cubes!

What do you think are the best carry on suitcase for Europe? Share in the comments!

For more suitcase recommendations, please read:

• Suitcase Recommendations: 20 Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands
• This Packing Video will Change the Way You Travel
• How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
• How to Choose a Suitcase

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If you found this post on the best carry-on suitcases for traveling Europe useful, please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

34 comments.

Well balanced article. I own the Delsey,and the Motherlode. Just bought the Bento bag v 4. Hoping I can figure a good combo with that as a personal item with one of the other bags.

Thank you for all of your great advice! I recommend your site to my family and friends when they are planning a trip. One thing to note about carry-ons in Europe: some of the airlines over there have ridiculously low limits for size and weight. One of my flights (I am with a group tour) will require a carryon no larger than 15.7″ X 7.87″ X 9.8″. I had a very hard time finding a bag that small. Word of warning to anyone traveling in Europe in 2023.

Good advice, thanks for sharing Julia. And I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you sharing TFG! ❤

Hi Alex, thank you for the reviews. Your site has changed the way I travel! My next carry-on will likely be the Omni PC, if my current Samsonite ever bites the dust. Would love it if your packing cubes returned. Hopefully there is enough interest to bring them back.

Hi Alex, Any idea when your packing cubes and other anti theft products will be available? I am interested in buying all of them.

Thank you, Kelly

Hi Kelly, sadly we’re still recovering from 2020 and unfortunately our Compass Rose product line has been massively impacted and at this moment in time we’re not sure when or if we’ll be making our bra wallets or packing cubes again.

And sadly, apart from the giveaway, we don’t have any available at the moment.

Lots of choices and things to consider. Thank you Alex!

Thank you for such a great article. Very helpful.

We are going to Italy in May for six weeks. Part tour, part on our own. My neck and back will not allow me to carry more than a purse like backpack. I’m looking for recommendations for a carry on with as much space as possible while still conforming with the strict size and weight restrictions. Of course ease of rolling over varied surfaces is a plus. I could also use a recommendation for a secure day pack that I can use as my personal under the seat purse/extra stuff bag. Thanks so much.

Hi Darlene, thank you for reaching out. The best advice would be to check with your airline to see what measurements they allow for their carryon luggage and then check these against the measurements of the carry-on suitcases featured in this article. This article features our readers top recommendations! For your second question, check out this post for ideas for your day pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-day-bag/ . For an under the seat bag you may prefer something from here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps you with your question. Have an amazing trip to Italy! ?

Just back from 15 days in France. Used my AWAY Bigger Carry-on & a tote bag for all my things. The suitcase has a (removable) built in battery which allowed me to charge my I-everythings sans adaptors. Packing cubes are a must for organization and ease of deciding what I wanted to wear on a daily basis. The main thing to remember is how you are traveling(train, bus, car etc) and who/why you are traveling- business trip, total vacation or a combo of both.,

Hi Carole-Lee, thank you for sharing your great packing tips with us. Hope you had an amazing trip to France! ?

Alex, I wondered if you tried luggage from Biagi? Their suitcases expand in size. (Underseat /overhead; carryon/check, e.g.) their backpacks convert to suitcases. I didn’t know about quality, etc, but thought it was a great concept.

Hi Carrie, thank you for sharing Biagi with us! Happy travels! ?

I was curious about that luggage as well so I bought it for my river cruise on the Rhine. I bought 2 large and 1 small. The large starts out as a carry on and expands to a full size. I used the large for my clothes and checked it. The other large I used as my carry on without expanding it and the small I used as my personal item that fit under my seat. Returning home I expanded the 2nd large for all the things I purchased and checked it as well and I expanded the small to make it a full size carry on for all the things I didn’t want to check. I loved them! I was worried about the fabric getting messed up or torn so I ordered plastic covers on Amazon (the 26” fits perfectly) and my luggage still looks brand new. I definitely recommend them!!

So glad to NOT see the Tom Bihn 30 on this list. Oh sure, it allowed me to be more organized then my Porter 30 and hold more. BUT, the straps on the TB30 were improperly positioned. I backpacked for 3 weeks with my cousin this summer, we are both small framed women, tall, but small. The Tom Bihn caused so much back pain at the neck and shoulder area, even when caring the Porter 30 without using the waist strap, the pain wasn’t comparable. The Porter 30 without question or being weighed made it onto: Norwegian Air and WOW.

Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing your review of the Tom Bihn suitcase with us! I am sorry to hear about your terrible experience with the bag 🙁

I love my Tom Bihn Tristar. It only holds about 15 pounds so doesn’t exceed my ability to carry on my back.

most of the european airlines (not only the low cost lines) only allow carry ons with a max weight of 8 kgs (they often check the weight before boarding ), so better invest in a jacket with lots of pockets 🙂

Hi Gudrun, great advice, thanks for sharing!! 🙂

Try Scottevest travel jackets, vests, and more for good-looking travel clothing with LOTS of pockets. I have no connection to the company, just a happy customer.

I love my Eagle Creek 20 inch Load Warrior (International carry-on size). I just returned from a three week trip to Amsterdam and Italy (Milan, lake Como, Verona, Venice, Florence, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. I needed a bag that would meet the strict carry on size and weight limits of the international regional airlines (Vueling) and would also make getting on and off trains, going up stairs and navigating cobble stones as effortless as possible. The Load Warrior was durable, lightweight, easily navigated the cobblestones and held an amazing amount of stuff. I didn’t even need to use the expander. So I would also consider it as a great option.

Hi Erynn, thank you so much for taking the time to share your interesting review of the Eagle Creek bag, so happy it worked so well for you!! Hope you had a fantastic trip, your itinerary sounds amazing!! 🙂

I did two weeks in Italy out of a duffel bag! I wanted something lightweight and easy to carry. I just carried it like a big backpack!

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this with us! Hope you had an amazing trip to Italy! 🙂

I love the Osprey Porter 30L. I keep looking for a new roller since mine is 24 in and not many airlines allow it. But the link for the IT 20 inch goes to the bigger size (32.4). You might want to update the link.

Thanks Dawn!

Love my 22″ Lipault Spinner in Duck Blue. It is SO LIGHT! Simple yet sturdy and does its job perfectly. Retail is $199 usd but I found mine for 50% off at $99usd! The bag fit wheels straight into the overhead bin on a SW plane. Several men tried to help me with my bag, but I insisted on grabbing it because it was very easy to lift. This was my first time carrying-on (post 9/11 restrictions) and will never go back to checking bags. I packed my daughter and I for a weekend trip using packing cubes and an ebags small hanging toiletry bag. We attended a symphony concert, so both of us needed dressy clothes and shoes. She wore heels, I wore tieks (foldable leather flats). I brought the ebags Savvy laptop tote as my *personal* item and as long as you don’t completely cram it full, it fits beautifully under the seat in front of you. We needed an umbrella for rain during our trip, snacks for the plane (3hr flight + 30min flight) a water bottle, novel, tablet, 3/1/1 bag, and phone, wallet, bag of chargers for our carryon. The spinner glided along the floor in any direction we needed it to go and the ebags tote fit perfectly on the top, hooked over the handle. The bag was full, but not crammed to the point of stressing the seams. The belts inside really help squeeze your items down to compress everything. I LOVE this combo: 22″ Lipault Spinner + Ebags Savvy Laptop Tote for travel

One of our airlines, Jetstar, has very strict carry-on baggage weight restrictions. It stipulates a total combined weight of 7kg.

Unfortunately, that will probably be even more common soon so we’ll have to come up with even more packing hacks 😉

I was really hoping to see some 2 wheel carry on bags – for all those cobblestones! Spinners just won’t do it, and I hate to admit, but I’m getting too old to lug a backpack. Any suggestions?

Hi Alison, the wheels of a regular suitcase brand are a bit too flimsy for cobblestones so I use one from an outdoor brand like Osprey: https://travelfashiongirl.com/wheeled-backpacks-osprey-meridian-review/ I just bought their lightweight Ozone and I LOVE IT! http://amzn.to/1BXpJPm I can’t use a backpack either so a rugged wheeled option is my choice for all terrain 🙂

I love my Red Oxx Sky Train in Amethyst! Extremely durable, made in the USA (Montana), lifetime warranty, and multiple ways to carry. And did I mention that Amethyst is a gorgeous shade of purple?

Thanks for sharing!

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Jetsetting Fools

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Day Bags: What Is The Best Day Pack For Travel?

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

A good day bag is essential when traveling. As full-time travelers, our daypack bags are one of the most important items we carry. We never explore a city or go on a hike without them. As we prepared for our initial Around the World Trip in 2014, we were tasked with finding the Best Day Pack for Travel.

We were overwhelmed by the numerous choices of travel daypacks – there are so many styles and sizes to choose from! However, before we could determine the best daypack for travel, we had to seriously consider how we would use it.

Why Use a Day Travel Pack?

Before we talk about why you would use a small daypack for travel, we should answer the question, What is a Day Bag?

A travel daypack is a small bag that is carried while sightseeing, hiking or adventuring on day trips. For many travelers – ourselves included – a travel day bag also doubles as carry on luggage for both buses and long haul flights . 

A day travel bag is responsible for containing all of the things you would typically want (or need) while out exploring or sitting in a seat while enroute.

We use a small travel daypack anytime we leave our accommodations . In it, we carry necessities – like a wallet, DSLR camera , phone, keys, a small notebook, pen and a water bottle . Additionally, there are specific pockets in my bag where I stow hand sanitizer, hand lotion, sunscreen and lip moisturizer. In another compartment, I store toilet paper, tissues and feminine products. Odds and ends – like a bottle opener, safety pins, band-aids and extra hair ties – reside in my day pack as well.

Get our 14 Everyday Items for Traveling !

Depending on where I am – and where I am going – there is also room in my travel day pack for a foldable bag (if I’m going to a market), a guidebook (if I’m in a new destination), a scarf or light hoodie (if it might get chilly) and my laptop (if I need to go somewhere to work).

Basically, day bags for travel are a catch-all, carry-all for travelers – yet, they are small and compact. The best travel day bag will provide organization so that tourists can sightsee at ease knowing everything they need is within easy reach.

Features of The Best Travel Day Packs

While almost anything could work as a daypack travel bag, the best travel daypacks are designed with a few specific elements. These features hold true whether you are looking for the best daypack for travel in Europe or if you are seeking the best day trip backpack for hikes. 

Compartmentalized Travel Day Bags

A key feature for the best travel day pack is that it has internal compartments (and sometimes, external ones, too!). Yet, the best travel bag will have at least one large main compartment for stowing bigger items. 

Using a day pack for travel that only has one or two compartments is not sufficient. There should be several zippered or separated sections inside the bag. You don’t want to have to dig your dirty hands through your entire bag to locate your hand sanitizer. It should be kept in a compartment that is easy to get to.

Furthermore, segmented compartments help to keep items from spilling out of your bag. When you want to quickly grab your camera, you don’t want to inadvertently pull out other items like your wallet. Compartments keep everything in place and make it a cinch to find whatever you are looking for.

Having external water bottle pockets and an internal padded laptop sleeve are two common day bag travel pack features that you might want to consider. 

Protection from Pickpockets

Another trait of a good day pack travel bag is an anti-theft design. Unfortunately, some of the most popular cities in the world (like Barcelona , Rome and Ho Chi Minh City ) are crawling with pickpocketing thieves that target tourists. Therefore, the best travel daypack for Europe and Southeast Asia (or anywhere pickpockets are a problem ) is one that is specifically designed to deter thieves.

Top anti-theft elements include RFID blocking panels and slash-resistant straps. That said, zipped bags (or zippered compartments) should always be used to ensure pickpockets don’t get their sticky fingers on your belongings and valuables. 

Keep in mind that money, credit cards, wallets and cell phones should never be kept in an open area.

Durable and Water-Resistant 

The best daypacks for travel are made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Ideally, your day pack travel bag will be constructed with durable fabrics designed to withstand inclement weather conditions. Additionally, the material should be stain-resistant – and it also helps if it is washable.

Water – in the form of rain, sea or even splashing by the pool – is also something to be concerned with. It can ruin expensive electronic devices, like phones and cameras. That can put a big damper on your trip!. However, a water resistant or waterproof travel daypack can keep that from happening.

Beyond all of the technical aspects of a well-designed day pack, one thing to seriously consider before purchasing a travel bag is comfort. Not only does the bag itself need to be comfortable to wear physically (padded shoulder straps are a must!), but it should be a pack that you are also at ease with regarding accessibility and style.

For example, a travel day backpack (rather than a sling bag) may not be the best bag for sightseeing if you are someone who is constantly reaching for contents. While a fanny pack for travel is suitable for some tourists, if it is simply not your style then you should choose a different type.

Types of Day Bags

Before choosing the best day bag for travel, think about what type of day pack best fits your style, comfort and needs. There are 3 distinct styles of day packs to consider: Backpack, Cross Body Bag and Fanny Pack.

Backpack Daypack

A backpack is one of the most popular options for a small daypack. Top reasons to use a day backpack is that the weight is evenly distributed over both shoulders. Because of this, it is possible to carry more items with ease. This could include a pair of comfortable travel shoes to switch into after a long day walking or hiking. A backpack is not only balanced, but it stays out of the way when sightseeing and hiking. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to even the best day backpacks for travel. As already mentioned, accessing the contents of a backpack can be cumbersome to the wearer. Anytime you need something – your camera, Chapstick, a map, a sip of water – you have to take the backpack off to reach it.

In addition to that, carrying day backpacks on your back leaves you vulnerable to pickpockets, especially in crowded attractions or on public transportation.

Pro Tip : If you opt to carry a small day backpack, you can always wear it backwards – on your front – in overcrowded places where pickpockets might be lurking.

Cross Body Daypack for Travel

Cross body bags – or sling daypacks – are one-strap bags, like messenger bags and women’s travel day bag purses. These are worn across the body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Travelers who use a cross body travel day pack do so for a couple of really good reasons.

First, there is less threat of pickpockets, because your hand naturally falls on the bag, making it easy to grasp onto. Second, items are literally at your fingertips; there is no need take it off to access the contents.

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages regarding sling day bags that might not make them the best day bag for sightseeing. The weight of the bag lands squarely on one shoulder. While this might not be bothersome for some travel activities, it can cause neck and shoulder pain if you spend long days wearing it while sightseeing. This is especially true if you carry a lot of heavy items.

Pro Tip : A crossbody day pack is ideal for travelers who carry backpacks (rather than suitcases); the sling pack can be worn across the body, under the backpack on travel days. 

Fanny Pack Day Bag for Travel

A Fanny Pack is a waist pack for travel that is fastened around your hips outside of your clothing. A waist pack travel bag is a mini day pack, which can be absolutely freeing, but also limiting.

The pros of using a fanny pack travel bag is that it is attached to you – ideally to the front of you – which is well out of range of thieves. Because it is worn at the waist, it eliminates carrying weight on your shoulders. It is now fashionable to wear it across your shoulder as a chest bag. Although small, even the best fanny packs for travel have organized, zippered compartments.

That said, the downside of only carrying a fanny pack travel waist pouch is that space is limited. There should be plenty of room for essentials, but cameras and most ‘just in case’ items will likely not fit. However, some fanny packs do include a convenient water bottle compartment.

It should be noted that, if traveling to the UK, NZ or Australia, it is best to refer to your Fanny Pack as a Bum Bag…as the word fanny has a completely different meaning there!

Pro Tip : A daypack backpack and fanny pack can be worn at the same time. Items in the hip pack are within easy reach and larger items can be carried in a small backpack. 

Concealed Day Packs for Travel

A concealed sightseeing bag is meant to be used in conjunction with one of the best daypacks for traveling. 

A flat fanny pack for travel – also called a  Money Belt – is an item that is ideal for securing items beneath your clothing. Cash, credit cards and possibly even your passport are all items the can be carried in the multi-zippered bag.

In our opinion, money belts are the best travel bags to wear to ensure your money and important travel docs stay secure. Likewise, a bra stash is the best small bag for travel for women.

In addition to our day packs, we wear money belts (or a bra stash) in cities notoriously known for pickpockets.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that money belts and bra stashes are only useful to deter pickpockets if you, in fact, keep them concealed under your clothing!

The Best Day Pack for Travel

As full-time travelers, we actually travel with all three styles of day packs: Backpack, Messenger Bag and Fanny Pack. That said, most travelers will only need to choose one small day bag for a one- or two-week long trip. 

Choosing the best day pack for traveling is an important consideration for any trip. Because small travel daypacks come in so many different styles, we are featuring our personal favorites – as well as those highly rated by fellow travelers.

Backpack Style

When it comes to the best backpacks for day travel, they can be sporty, casual or ultra-lightweight. One thing these small daypacks for travel have in common, however, is that they are all functional.

Osprey Daylite Plus 

The reliable travel luggage brand, Osprey, makes an entire line of day backpack travel bags. The Osprey Daylite Plus, however, is a small lightweight backpack that ranks supreme. With a spacious 20L volume, multiple interior and exterior compartments (including a water bottle pocket), padded mesh shoulder straps and a ventilated back, it is clear why many travelers claim that it is the best backpack for day travel. Buy it!

BACKPACK WITH DAYPACK – Osprey also offers full-size travel backpacks with a detachable daypack. The Osprey detachable day pack that comes with the Farpoint Backpack is similar to the Daylite Plus. One of the many benefits of a removable daypack is that it can be secured on the back of the full-size pack or over the chest by attaching it to the shoulder straps. If you are looking for backpack luggage for your trip, we highly recommend the Farpoint Osprey backpack with daypack combination!

North Face Backpack 

There are two different styles of North Face day bags. The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack and the North Face Jester Backpack. The Borealis Mini is a small 10-liter bag that has Flex Vent technology and organizational pockets. However, it is on the small side. Especially if you intend to use it for day trips or need to carry larger items. See the Specs.

The North Face Jester Day Bag was designed with school in mind – but it works well as a travel day bag, too. Top features that rank it as the best travel day backpack are the segmented interior compartments and padded sleeve for laptops. Plus, with 27 liters of space, it is excellent to use as a carry on and a bigger travel day pack. Buy it!

Modoker Vintage Backpack

We like the look of vintage backpacks. But, what we love about the Modoker Vintage Backpack day pack is that it is loaded with key features for travelers. Multiple zippered pockets, convenient USB charging port and cushioned straps make this pack the best urban daypack (and one of the best travel daypacks for Europe). See More!

G4Free Foldable Daypack

Highly rated as one of the best packable daypacks, the G4 Free 20L only weighs 6 ounces and easily folds to the size of a sandwich. Made of scratch- and water-resistant material, the daypack is designed with 2 zippered compartments and 2 open pockets. Which is why we believe it is the best foldable daypack for travelers.

The bag can be packed in your luggage and used as a day trip backpack during your vacation. It can even be worn as a carry on for plane travel and then packed away on arrival to your destination. Buy it!

Pro Tip: Need more organization in your day pack? The Grid It Organizer is a fabulous way to keep all of your small items arranged!

Sling Style Bag

Just like backpacks, cross body day packs come in a variety of styles to suit every traveler!

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Although the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is designed with bike messengers in mind, I think it is the best day pack for travelers. I started using a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag as a day pack in the early 2000s. And it has been my travel day pack since we became full-time travelers in 2014.

Featuring numerous interior zippered pockets and compartments, there is a place for everything. The quality is top-notch (the bag I currently use is nearly 20 years old) and the airmesh strap makes it comfortable to wear. See more!

Travelon Essential Anti-Theft Bag

When it comes to anti-theft bags, Travelon is the trusted brand. Keeping your contents safe is at top of mind for their line of stylish daypacks. The Travelon Essential Crossbody Messenger Bag has two large zippered compartments with locking zippers. Plus, internal compartments for storing smaller items. Buy it!

Gootium Canvas Cross Body Bag

The rugged Gootium Canvas Sling Bag is fantastic day bag for Europe and worldwide destinations. The casual travel bag has a large capacity main compartment that can fit a laptop or large camera. Plus, there are several smaller zippered compartments and pockets. Read Reviews!

If you are looking for a small and ultra-lightweight daypack for travel, then a fanny pack may be the perfect style for you. I personally think hip packs are one of the best day bags for travel for women.

ENGYEN Fanny Pack

Similar to the fanny pack that I own, the ENGYEN Hip Pack is convertible and has multiple zippered pockets. This fanny pack even has room for a water bottle, so it is excellent for all day sightseeing or taking on the trails. 

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Classic, simple and functional, the JanSport Fifth Ave Waist Pack gets rave reviews as the best fanny pack for travel. With an adjustable waist strap and two easy-to-access zippered pockets, it is all that minimalist travelers will need. 

SoJourner Stylish Fanny Pack

SoJourner fanny packs are not only fashionably fun, they are functional, too – which is why it ranks as the best waist pack for travel! Designed with the traveler in mind, the SoJourner Bum Bags have three high-quality zippered pockets and are made of water-resistant materials. 

Tips for Finding the Best Bags for Travel

Finding the right bag for your trip is both important and personal. As full time nomads, we have spent ample time searching high and low for the best day travel bags. We feel we have succeeded in finding day packs that fill our needs. 

As we have shared our top picks for the best small day pack for travel. However, if our choices are not exactly they style or function you are looking for, there are many more to choose from.

If you are still on the search for the best day bag for travel in Europe or the best bags for sightseeing on USA Weekend Getaways , find more top choices online . We believe it is the best place to buy travel daypacks for the wide variety of options!

More Travel Packing Tips

• Travel Hacks: Get all of our Best Travel Hacks For Packing to make sure you have everything you need for your trip!
• Join The Debate:  Backpack Vs Suitcase ? We break down the pros & cons and share which works best for what we pack !
• There Is No Debate:  Packing Cubes are like little magical packing helpers that always contain everything on our packing list !
• Checklist : Grab your FREE Packing Checklist ! 

Start planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be—the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. But if you think you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Spring Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for spring break travel can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your spring travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your next trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $150

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $144

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.