backpack travel meaning

Last updated on December 15th, 2022 at 05:37 pm

What is Backpacking? A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Backpacking is an increasingly popular way to travel, especially among young people. There are many reasons for this: it’s relatively cheap, it’s a great way to meet new people, and it gives you a sense of freedom that you can’t get from other forms of travel. However, there are a few things you should know before you go. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what is backpacking and we’ll give you a few tips for backpacking success.

Table of Contents

What is Backpacking: A Beginner’s Guide

There is no single definition of what constitutes “backpacking.” For some, it may simply be a way to save money on travel costs by carrying all of their possessions with them. For others, it may be a more deliberate decision to travel lightly and immerse themselves in the local culture.

In general, backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel. It involves the utilization of a bag that is comfortable to carry for longer periods; making use of civic conveyance; low-cost accommodation for example boarding house; often an extended length of the tour as compared to traditional trips; and normally a curiosity to come across local community in addition to other explorers.

Why is Backpacking Popular?

There are many reasons why backpacking is popular. For one, it is a great way to see the world. Backpacking allows you to travel to far-flung and exotic places that you would never be able to see otherwise. Additionally, backpacking is relatively cheap and can be done on a shoestring budget . This is especially appealing to young people who may not have a lot of money to spare.

Backpacking is also popular because it is a great way to meet new people. When you are on the road, you will meet other travelers from all over the world. This is a great way to make friends and learn about new cultures. Additionally, many people find the independence and freedom of backpacking to be very appealing.

So why is backpacking so popular? There are many reasons, but these are just a few of them.

The Backpacker Lifestyle

The backpacker lifestyle is one of freedom and flexibility. It’s a way of life that allows you to travel and see the world while still maintaining a sense of adventure. Backpacking is an excellent way to see new places and experience different cultures. Moreover, it is also an excellent means to avoid extra expenses on tours.

If you’re thinking about adopting the backpacker lifestyle, there are a few things you should know. Backpacking can be a great way to see the world, but it’s not for everyone. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the physical and mental challenges of backpacking before you embark on your journey.

What are the Benefits of Backpacking?

Following are some of the key benefits of backpacking:

1. Backpacking is a great way to see the world on a budget. One of the best things about backpacking is that it is relatively cheap to do. You can often find hostels and other accommodation options for very reasonable prices, and you can usually get by on a tight budget if you are willing to cook your own meals and skip some of the more touristy activities.

2. Backpacking is also a great way to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. When you travel alone, it can be easy to feel isolated, but when you are backpacking, there are always others in the same situation as you who are looking to meet new people and explore together.

3. Backpacking can also be a great way to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. If you are used to traveling in luxury, then backpacking may force you to step out of your comfort zone and experience something completely different. This may lead to the backpacker’s individual growth and development.

4. Finally, backpacking is simply an incredibly fun way to travel. There is nothing quite like packing a few sufficient belongings and setting off into the sunset to discover somewhere different – it creates some wonderful memories!

How to Get Started With Backpacking?

Backpacking is a great way to see the world and explore new places. It’s a relatively cheap way to travel, and it’s a great way to meet new people and experience new cultures. If you’re thinking about getting started with backpacking, there are a few things you should know.

First, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment. A good backpack, a tent, and a sleeping bag are essential. You’ll also need to make sure you have enough food and water for your trip.

Second, you’ll need to choose a destination. There are endless possibilities when it comes to backpacking, so take some time to research where you want to go. Once you have a destination in mind, you’ll need to plan your route. Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore and see everything you want to see.

Finally, pack your bags and hit the trail! Start exploring and have fun.

What are Some Backpacking Tips?

If you’re planning a backpacking trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. First, you’ll need to choose the right backpack. Make sure to pick one that is comfortable and fits well, as you’ll be carrying it for long periods of time. You’ll also need to pack light , as you’ll be carrying all your belongings on your back. Be sure to pack essential items like a map, a compass, and a flashlight.

In addition to the physical preparations, you’ll also need to do some mental preparation. Plan your route ahead of time and make sure you have a good understanding of the area you’ll be exploring. Familiarize yourself with the local weather conditions and be aware of the risks of wildlife and plants in the area. By taking the time to do these things and preparing for a trip before you set out, you can make the experience much easier on yourself.

Also Read: How Do Backpackers Make Money?

We hope you enjoyed learning about what is backpacking . This activity can be a great way to see the world and connect with nature. There are a few things to keep in mind when backpacking, such as being prepared for the elements and being aware of your surroundings. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience.

What is Backpacking: FAQs

What does it mean to go backpacking.

Backpacking is a term that is used to describe a form of travel that is characterized by carrying all of one’s belongings in a backpack instead of using traditional luggage. Backpacking trips can last for days, weeks, or even months, and usually involve sleeping in a variety of places, including camping grounds, hostels, and couchsurfing arrangements. This type of travel is usually undertaken by young people or students who are looking for an adventure, and it is often seen as a more budget-friendly way to travel. Backpacking trips can be taken all over the world, and there are many different routes that can be taken.

What is the difference between hiking and backpacking?

The main difference between hiking and backpacking is that hiking is typically done for day trips or shorter overnight trips, while backpacking can involve multi-day trips or even extended trips of several weeks or months. Backpacking also typically requires more gear and supplies than hiking, as you need to be prepared for more self-sufficient travel.

What’s the difference between backpacking and camping?

Backpacking trips usually involve hiking into the wilderness for several days, where you will set up camp and sleep in a tent. Backpacking trips can be challenging, as you will need to carry all of your food and supplies with you, but they can also be very rewarding. Camping, on the other hand, can be done in a variety of ways. You can camp in a car-based camp, using a camping trailer, or even in your own backyard. Camping trips can be for a few days or even just one night. Camping can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, without having to worry about carrying all of your gear with you.

Where do people stay when backpacking?

There are a variety of accommodation options for backpackers, from hostels and camping to couchsurfing and home stays. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, your travel style, and your preferences. Hostels are a popular choice for backpackers, as they are typically cheap and offer a social atmosphere. You can also find hostels that cater to specific interests, such as arts or sports. Camping is another popular option for backpackers, as it allows you to experience nature and save money on accommodation. Couch surfing and home stays are other great ways to save money and meet new people.

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What is Backpacking – Who is someone called a Backpacker

So, what is backpacking? Backpacking can be described as an independent, often international, low-budget way of traveling. Someone who backpacks is called a ‘Backpacker.’ Backpackers generally travel for a longer period of time than most other tourists, and they tend to travel in several different countries during their time away. The number of countries ( Central America and South America for example) differs. A backpacker can be on the road from a few weeks to several years. However, that is the short way of describing it.

What is Backpacking?

Backpacking is a very loose definition. There are backpackers who go tramping in the forests sleeping in tents and on the beach, and hitchhike their way around the world. And there are those who backpack with roller-bag suitcases , sleep in hotels and rent a car to get around a country. These are two completely different types of traveling, but they both like to call themselves backpackers.

You can however separate these into 3 different backpacking genres if you like:

Ultralight Backpacking

• Flash packing
• Backpacking RTW Travel

The two later ones are newer styles in ways of backpacking.

Difference between backpacking and hiking

There is a difference if someone says they are going backpacking versus hiking. You are considered to be hiking when you are walking for a long period of time. You may drive somewhere scenic to go hiking while traveling. Or around your home, you may hike within a local park. Many people enjoy hiking in forest preserves and national parks. 

When you hike, you walk for long periods but that is relative to the person. You can take a mile hike or a 10-mile hike. When hiking, you will likely bring water and a small daypack for emergencies. This may include a first aid kit and snacks.

Backpacking is different than hiking. When you backpack, you are literally carrying a backpack on your back. As an example, people backpack while hiking down the Grand Canyon. They will spend the night at the bottom and then hike back up with their backpack. They will need to carry their food, water, emergency supplies, and sleeping gear  — all in their backpack.

You can go backpacking for an overnight or for up to months at a time while traveling throughout a country or countries. So while both involve walking, there is a difference between backpacking and hiking.

What does it mean to be a backpacker?

Think of a “backpacker” as someone who is traveling with a backpack. This is a person who is taking a vacation or traveling for whatever reason but instead of carrying a suitcase and luggage, is carrying everything in a backpack. A backpacker is likely someone who would be staying in a hostel rather than in a hotel. They will be more likely to take public transportation and walk than to rent a car.

Backpacking is considered to be an inexpensive way of traveling. You can also think of backpacking as in, “I’m going backpacking this weekend” to mean someone who will be hiking while carrying their belongings and food for a camping trip. This is different than someone who is a backpacker.

Ultralight backpacking is becoming more and more popular. Today the industry puts a lot of focus on making things ultra light. The backpacks are light like feathers, and the sleeping bags can be squashed down to the size of your palm. But is you really want to go Ultra, opt for a sleeping bag liner . This is definitely something for anyone to look into, as it could really help you ease some weight from your backpack.

These Ultralight backpackers go all the way, counting every ounce, cutting their toothbrushes in half to ease weight. Although if this is your first time on the road, you will never understand WHY people would ever want to travel like this. But trust me after over 6 months travel, with your back hurting you will start to consider this style of backpacking more and more. You find more and more Ultralight backpackers using smaller packs.

Travel towels:

Best Travel and Microfiber Travel Towel YOU Must Have 10 Best Microfiber Towels – Quick Dry Towels

I think in the future a balance between this style and Backpacking RTW Travel will become more and more normal.

Every ounce counts when backpacking

My son has been on several backpacking trips with his Boy Scout troop. As these boys quickly learn, ounces turn to pounds fast when you are carrying everything from food, water, toiletries, first aid supplies, swim trunks, quick-dry towel, socks, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, and more.

On my son’s first backpacking trip, he carried his backpack filled with 19 pounds plus he carried part of his tent. They hiked for 11 miles the first day, and nine the second. You can believe he cut his toothbrush in half before going, though they do sell travel toothbrushes.

On another backpacking adventure, he backpacked at the Grand Canyon. He hiked down / backpacked down — with his backpack and everything he needed — on a Friday. He backpacked back up on Sunday. 

What did he put in his backpack for this trip? He needed enough to eat, sleep, and protect himself from sun, cold and rain. He was a backpacker! His pack included snacks, food, water, a tent, rain gear, a winter hat, extra shoes and socks.

Flashpacking

Flashpacking is a new type of backpacking.

It is generally where you travel more expensively and with higher living standards.

Many people like to explain the definition of a flashpacker as someone who travels with a lot of tech gear like iPods and laptops and such, but I think that has become so common these days that nearly everyone carry an mp3 player with them, and laptops are hardly something expensive anymore.

So the view of a Flashpacker now is more of someone who has all the latest stuff, doesn’t have to save up for a trip, spends his money on drinking, partying and staying in nicer places.

Another way to define the flashpackers would be to say – ‘THEY BACKPACK IN STYLE.’

They prefer to go to the main guidebook destinations, do the main attractions, see what everyone else tells them to see.

They view backpacking more as an extending party than anything else.

The Changes of Backpacking…

Backpacking has changed considerably the last decade.

It has always been around, but today it’s easier than ever before.

The flight tickets are cheaper, in many places it’s safer, the communication is better etc.

Plus, you don’t have to take care of the boring part of traveling like plane tickets anymore, there are hundreds of organisations over the world that help you with that stuff.

Some people actually buy all their tickets to each country (including the one back home) before they’ve even left, through one of these companies.

All you do is to go into their office, tell them where you want to go, how long you’d like to stay in each place, and they’ll book all the flights you need for a trip round the whole world if that’s what you want.

Although, they obviously don’t work for free, and certainly won’t spend extra time looking for the cheapest flights.

There are also heaps of tours you can make.

How about hiking and biking through Africa or New Zealand  with your backpack?

These days everything is more easily accessible, so that is also why you start to see more and more people leaving their hometowns and exploring the world.

Which is such a wonderful thing, whatever way you do it.

What is a backpacker tourist – Backpacking RTW Travel

This is the type of backpacking that you will find the most information about on our website.

Backpacking in this term means traveling on a budget, usually for longer distances, seeing many different countries and for a longer time than normal holiday travelers.

These backpackers can be quite diverse, exploring different cultures and travel both in cities as well as on the countryside.

Some of them might make a short hike for a few days or do some volunteer work, and then continue their travels.

They view backpacking and travel more for seeing amazing new cultures and as a personal growth than as a party, or simply a short get away from the real world.

They see the whole world as their home, and don’t really feel a need to get back to the ‘real-world’ anytime soon.

Travel is their life.

For you who weren’t quite sure what the term backpacking means, I hope this made it more clear for you and that you are now interested in also going out there no matter what type of backpacker you are and start exploring the world.

It’s a real fun way to travel and it’s not just young people who do it… backpacking is for everyone!

If you’re already planning a backpacking trip, how to choose the right backpack for your trip .

Essential Gear for your Next Backpacking Adventure

If you’re sick of city life and looking for a brief sabbatical, it might be time to dust off those old hiking shoes, tighten the straps of your backpack and head out into the wild.

Before you go, however, there are certain things you should consider such as the terrain you’ll be encountering and the gear you’ll be taking with you.

After all, you’re likely to be far from any sort of town or settlement and trekking through some arduous terrain, so it’s important that you pack accordingly.

Below we’ll take a look at some essential items to pack in your backpack the next time you’re thinking of taking the road less traveled.

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Always spend good money on things that separate you from the ground, whether it be a bed, car tires or in this case hiking boots.

Since your feet will be bearing the weight of not just your body but your pack and gear too, it’s important to have reliable boots that will give you support and protection over long distances.

Choosing the Perfect Hiking Boots for Trekking the World

You might have to spend a bit of money to get a decent pair but it’s a worthwhile investment; better a slightly dented wallet than a broken fourth metatarsal.

Hiking Socks

Designed to keep your feet dry and warm when it starts to get wet, and cool when things heat up, hiking socks are almost as important as boots when it comes to taking care of your feet.

They should be able to dry quickly and be durable in the long run.

If you can get your hands on them, Merino Wool socks definitely check both boxes in this regard.

And if you’re looking for gifts to give a fellow traveler, backpacker, and hiker, then hiking socks should be number one on the list as they’re something that can always be put to use.

Military Watch

A military watch is one of the most long-lasting and robust watches out there.

The features from watch to watch vary, but in general, a military watch is water resistant, has luminescent hands and numerals, and is super lightweight.

Additional features include a scratch-proof watch face, power reserve for close to 48 hours capabilities and a moon phase calendar, all of which do wonders you’re trying to navigate in the wild.

You needn’t break the bank on these either.

Second-hand military watches of many different varieties can be found across the web on a number of sites such as Chrono24.

Lightweight and Waterproof Tent

While some trails such as the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails have simple shelters along the way to take refuge in when it comes to night time, getting space in one is never guaranteed.

It’s therefore vital you always have a tent to provide shelter from the elements.

Here is a very good list of the top 10 best 2 person backpacking tent.

There are various things to consider when choosing a tent, but above all else it should be lightweight and waterproof.

For a comprehensive list of tents check out CleverHiker’s best backpacking tents .

Things to Consider When Going on a Long Distance Hike

Rather than starting out with a backpacking trip, you may start with a hike.

People hike for a number of different reasons.

Some people are attracted by the allure of the great outdoors , a chance to reconnect with nature and spend a few days or weeks among the various flora and fauna that they have access to.

For others it’s a chance to escape the humdrum of big city life and take to the trails to experience some solitude and, in the words of Robert Frost, take the road less traveled.

However, this isn’t a task that should be taken lightly.

Long-distance hiking requires a lot of preparation and planning and, if not done correctly, can often be dangerous.

You need to think about the weight and durability of your kit, how long your supplies will last, and when you’ll be able to stock up on fresh supplies again.

Below, we’ll look at some of the most crucial things to consider before heading out on a long distance hike.

Resupplying

While not a physical item, resupplying is one of the most important considerations when hiking for a long period of time.

Food, a new pair of boots or some fresh clothes – these are all perishable in the long run and need to be replaced.

Thankfully for travelers, eCommerce has changed the game and we’re seeing a lot of online shops appear due to software like this, which means we can get some great items, for once!

There are many different online companies with an abundance of food and other products geared specifically towards hikers.

Don’t spend big money buying things last-minute at your local shops, instead, plan way ahead and get the best prices online.

Hiking Boots 

Often one of the heaviest items in your pack, these are also the most vital.

You cannot cut corners when buying hiking boots no matter how much they weigh.

They’re the first line of defense between your feet and the forest or mountain terrain.

And since you’re depending on your feet to get you through the hike come rain or shine, it’s really important that your feet are well supported and protected.

Your choice of boots should depend on the terrain you’re looking to tackle and how well maintained your trail is.

For a comprehensive look at the best boots on the market, switchbacktravel.com has a decent list here .

Food for hiking

Hiking all day is a full-body workout, and your body is going to expend a huge amount of energy to keep you going.

This means you’re going to need to eat a massive amount of calories just to meet the energy needs that hiking demands, as well as maintaining the proper balance of nutrients that your body requires.

You’re also going to want to have foods that you can eat on the go, as stopping to prepare meals not only requires heavy cooking equipment, it’s a waste of valuable light and time.

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables and prepackaged and freeze-dried foods are the way to go.

Businesses such as Greenbelly have created food specifically with backpackers in mind, meaning you can eat calorie-dense food without sacrificing on nutrients or stopping to cook food.

Clothing for backpacking and hiking

When it comes to planning on what clothes to bring, the thing to think about is versatility.

You’re going to need only a few changes of clothes to keep your weight down, but they’re going to have to be adaptable to all types of conditions.

Consider long  pants that can cover your legs when walking through long grass or cold weather, but that can zip off to become shorts when the weather is hotter.

You’re also going to want a wind or rain shell, a hat for the sun and a down jacket for the cold.

If possible, try to get most of your clothing made from synthetic materials that dry fast and don’t hold an odor. You’re likely not going to get to wash your clothes very often, so you want them to be as bearable as possible.

What is backpacking?

The act of backpacking means you carry all of your belongings and gear in a backpack.

You might be hiking while doing this or you may be traveling more conventionally making your way from town to town.

All the while, you will likely wearing hiking boots and other gear that serves multiple purposes. 

The goal is to carry as little weight as possible while having the essentials.

Backpacking tips for beginners

Before you pack your backpack and set off for a 3-month European trek, start small.

Take a weekend to go backpacking to see what it’s like. You may find it extremely challenging to pare your belongings down just to the essentials.

Start by visiting thrift stores to see what you might find.

You want to look for things that work well for layering. Before you purchase backpacking gear new, see if there are some things you can borrow from friends. 

Are you in shape? Think of the extra weight of a fully-loaded pack.

You may want to start off by hiking a trail without the weight of a full backpack.

Instead, pack a daypack to start conditioning yourself. Then you can start adding weight to your backpack.

You can work up to carrying your necessities for an overnight and then from there, try for two or more nights. 

Definition of backpacker 

Get fitted for your backpack and plan a trip.

You will soon learn the backpacking meaning and can call yourself a backpacker.

Enjoying the Outdoors Adventure Ideas You Might Like To Try

Sometimes the best vacations are about having new experiences, pushing the envelope a little and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Outdoor adventure trips are not high on some people’s travel list but they are an intriguing idea for any getaway.

Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly outdoorsy , there are many adventures and activities that are not that extreme or even difficult.

An outdoor adventure allows you to reconnect with nature and promotes inner peace.

Next time you’re itching to get away, buy your ticket, take care of your travel insurance, pack your bags and consider adding a little extra adventure to the experience.

Outdoorsy activities

Anyone can enjoy this type of thrifty adventure, tailoring the details or even the distance to fit your needs, preferences or even your physical limitations.

Hostels are available in many corners of the world, but so are luxurious resorts.

Backpacking

Backpackers can reward themselves for a long trek with a stay in a pricey resort and a massage.

Backpacking is one of the best ways to be able to interact with local folks too, it allows you to connect with the culture and experience new experiences.

Europe is a top destination for backpackers, particularly New Zealand as it gains popularity.

Hiking and trekking

Trails featuring gorgeous scenery can be found everywhere, and they vary significantly in duration and difficulty.

With so many options worldwide you can start with a short nature hike in the rain forest and work your way up to a rocky 14er.

No other adventure will give you the rewards and the views as hiking does, reaching a summit will give you a huge sense of satisfaction and will probably make you want to plan your next trip.

Experienced trekkers will make the hike the centerpiece of their trip checking off world-class hikes off their bucket list.

If you prefer distance over height, thru-hiking can be an option, two great examples are the many endurance hikes that make up trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail.

If you’re a winter nut, consider a day of hiking in one of the National Parks in the United States or Canada, locations suck as Rocky Mountain National Park or Banff will take you to breathtaking views and unforgettable hidden locations. Best Anti Theft Backpack 10 Cute Carry On Luggage You’ll Want for Your Next Trip Tips For Successful Mountaineering that You Should Know Why Working Remotely is Harder than You Think Best Apps for Traveling How Do I Get Internet While Traveling? Using My Cell Phone While Traveling to Europe Best Mobile Hotspot for Traveling to Europe and Overseas How do I get Internet While Traveling? Backpacking Food Cheap Healthy Recipes Options How to Avoid Getting Mugged While Backpacking Best Sleeping Bag Liner Rucksack – Choosing the Best Rucksack Backpack

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What is Backpacking? A Guide to Adventurous Travel and Exploration

Introduction: Exploring the World Through Backpacking

Traveling has become easier than ever, and a new way of exploring has appeared. It’s about the excitement of the unknown and the freedom to choose your own path. This exciting journey is called backpacking, a dynamic and immersive way to travel the world. As cities buzz with activity and wide landscapes stretch before us, backpacking has become incredibly popular. It attracts adventurers and wanderers who want more than just a regular vacation. In this article, we’ll dig into the heart of backpacking and explain its key features that have captured the interest of both young and old explorers.

Setting Out on the Self-Sufficiency Path: At the core of backpacking is a simple idea: carrying everything you need on your back. Unlike regular travel with heavy suitcases and detailed plans, backpacking is about keeping things simple and being self-sufficient. Imagine walking through old streets or hiking along tough mountain trails with only a reliable backpack. This bag holds not just your essentials, but also a feeling of freedom—to go wherever your curiosity takes you. By leaving behind unnecessary baggage, both physical and metaphorical, backpackers enter a world full of possibilities.

Discovering the Spirit of Adventure: Backpacking is more than just going to typical tourist spots. It invites adventurers to go off the usual path, to find hidden treasures far from the usual tourist guides. Backpacking isn’t just a way to get from one place to another; it’s a way of thinking that opens doors to exciting discoveries. Whether you’re exploring busy local markets, finding peaceful countryside getaways, or hiking to faraway viewpoints, each step adds to your unique and personal adventure.

what is backpacking?

Backpacking is a style of travel where individuals explore new places with their essentials carried in a backpack, emphasizing self-sufficiency, adventure, and immersion in different cultures and environments.

Diving into Different Cultures and Environments: Beyond the details of travel, backpacking invites you to really experience the diverse cultures and places that make up our world. Backpackers become temporary locals, sharing glances, smiles, and stories with people whose lives intersect with their journey. Language barriers become bridges, and trying new foods turns into delightful sensory experiences. By embracing this sharing of cultures, backpackers gain a deep understanding of the global community and their role within it.

As we begin our journey to explore the many sides of backpacking, join us as we dive into the core aspects of self-sufficiency, the adventurous spirit, and the joy of cultural sharing.

The Essence of Backpacking:

Backpacking is a special way of traveling that’s different from regular vacations. It’s about exploring the world in a simpler and more independent way. Let’s talk about what makes backpacking unique.

What is Backpacking and Its Important Traits: Backpacking is when people travel with just a backpack. They pack only the necessary things, not extra stuff. This lets them move around easily, whether they’re walking in busy cities or hiking in the wild outdoors.

Being Independent: The Key to Backpacking: In backpacking, people take care of themselves. They carry everything they need in their backpacks, like clothes, food, and sometimes even things to cook with. This helps them become more self-reliant and connected to nature and the places they visit.

Why People Go Backpacking: Seeking Adventure, Learning, and Making Friends: Why do people choose backpacking? It’s because they want to discover new things, have exciting experiences, and grow as individuals. Backpackers love exploring places that aren’t usually visited by tourists. They also enjoy meeting and getting to know people from different cultures. This helps them learn about the world and make new friends.

Backpacking is also about being mindful. Without too much stuff and rigid plans, backpackers can focus on the present moment and enjoy what’s around them. This can lead to better understanding themselves and appreciating the beauty of the world.

As we learn more about backpacking, we find out that it’s not just about reaching a destination. It’s about enjoying the journey itself. The simple way of traveling, the ability to take care of oneself, and the excitement of exploring all come together to create the backpacking experience. In the next parts, we’ll talk more about the practical side of backpacking, giving you useful information to start your own adventure of learning, growing, and making connections with different cultures.

The Adventure of Backpacking:

When you go backpacking, you’re in for a real adventure! It’s not just about going to a place, it’s about the exciting journey to get there. Backpacking brings a special kind of fun that regular travel might not have. Let’s talk about this exciting feeling and share some cool stories that show what it’s all about.

Going Where Others Haven’t: With backpacking, you can explore places that aren’t famous for tourists. You get to find hidden spots that not many people know about. Imagine being in a big, lush forest, finding old ruins hidden in the trees, or discovering a cute village between tall mountains. Backpackers are like modern explorers, always curious and wanting to find new things.

Being OK with Not Knowing Everything: When you go backpacking, it’s okay not to have everything planned out perfectly. You can change your plans and do things on the spot. Like maybe you decide to go to a cool village you didn’t know about, or you wake up early to see a beautiful sunrise. Backpacking lets you enjoy surprises and make fun choices as you go.

Cool Stories about Backpacking Adventures: Picture this: You’re in a busy market in Morocco, talking with sellers about colorful fabrics you want to bring back home. Or imagine sitting on a hill in New Zealand, looking at the stars in the night sky, far from the city lights. These are the stories that show how cool backpacking can be.

Here’s another story: A backpacker is walking in a busy place in Vietnam and finds a super cool restaurant by accident. They try new foods that taste amazing! Another traveler goes to a festival in India, where people are celebrating and having a good time.

These stories show how exciting and unexpected backpacking can be. They show that trying new things and meeting new people makes the adventure awesome.

Remember, when you go backpacking, it’s not just about the places you see. It’s about the fun things you do along the way—like changing your plans, facing challenges, and collecting stories. Backpacking teaches us that the most exciting adventures often happen when we try something different. So, whether you’re climbing mountains, walking in deserts, or exploring cities, always be ready for a big adventure!

Backpacking vs. Regular Travel: What Makes Them Different

When people explore the world, they can do it in two main ways: backpacking and regular travel. These ways are special and have their own good parts. Let’s look closer at what makes them different and why backpacking is cool.

Backpacking: The Special Way to Go

Backpacking is like an adventure. You put your things in a backpack and go to different places. It’s about the journey more than the end place. Regular travel is usually about suitcases, plans, and staying in nice hotels. With backpacking, you can be more flexible and choose where to go as you go along.

Regular Travel: The Usual Way

Regular travel is what most people do. You plan your trip, book hotels, and follow a schedule. You might go to famous tourist places and try popular things. It’s comfortable and organized, but sometimes it feels like you’re following a list.

The Good Parts of Backpacking:

• Adventure that Saves Money: Backpacking can be cheaper. You don’t spend a lot on fancy hotels or expensive food. You can stay in cheaper places and make your own meals. This way, you have more money for fun things.
• Real and True: Backpacking lets you see a place like a local. You can meet people from different countries, taste their foods, and learn how they do things. You get to know the real side of a place, not just the things tourists do.
• Learning More About Cultures: Backpacking helps you understand a culture better. You talk more with local people and learn how they live. You might even learn a bit of a new language!
• Being Flexible and Spontaneous: When you backpack, you can change your plans easily. You might decide to stay longer in a place you love or find cool spots that aren’t in guidebooks.
• Making Friends and Memories: Backpacking often helps you make great friends. When you stay in hostels or camp, you meet other travelers who also like adventures.

Conclusion: Finding Your Own Way

So, which way is better? It depends on what you like. If you like plans and comfort, regular travel might be good. But if you want a real adventure, where you can meet people, try new things, and make good memories, then backpacking is awesome. Both ways have good things, and you can choose what works for you and the kind of adventure you want to have in this big, amazing world.

What to Pack for Backpacking: Your Simple Guide

When you’re getting ready for a backpacking adventure, knowing what to bring is really important. You want to be ready for anything, but you also need to keep things light and easy to carry. Let’s break it down and give you some smart tips for packing well.

Clothes: Dress Wisely and Lightly

• Layers Help: Pack clothes that you can wear on top of each other. This way, you can add or take off layers if the weather changes.
• Mix and Match: Choose clothes that can work together in different ways. A few basic tops and bottoms can make different outfits.
• Good Shoes: Bring shoes that are comfortable for walking. A wide variety of pairs is unnecessary.
• Stay Dry: Don’t forget a light raincoat. In the event of rain, this item has the ability to ensure your protection from getting wet.
• Cozy Pajamas: Pack comfy clothes to sleep in so you can rest well.

Essentials and Gear: Be Ready

• Backpack: Get a good backpack that fits well and can carry all your things.
• Sleeping Stuff: Depending on your trip, bring a light sleeping bag and a small pad to sleep on.
• Find Your Way: Take a map, a compass, or a GPS device to help you know where you are.
• First Aid Kit: Always have basic medical things like bandages, medicine for pain, and any medicine you need.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle you can use again and again. Also, something to clean water if you need it.
• Cooking Things: If you want to cook, bring a small stove, a pot, and some light utensils.
• Light at Night: Bring a small flashlight or a lamp for when it’s dark.

Packing Smartly: Use Your Space Well

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes makes them take up less space and not get too wrinkled.
• Pack Neatly: Use special bags to keep your things tidy and easy to find.
• Don’t Bring Too Much: Just bring the things you really need, like toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a bit of soap.
• Small Toiletries: Pick small bottles of things to save space and weight.
• Wear Big Stuff: If you have heavy or big things like boots or a jacket, wear them when you’re traveling to save space in your backpack.
• Plan Your Clothes: Think about what you’ll wear and plan ahead to avoid bringing too much.
• Check Your Bag: Before you go, make sure your backpack is comfortable and not too heavy.

In Conclusion: Pack Well, Travel Light

Packing for backpacking is like solving a puzzle. You want to bring what you need without making your bag too heavy. Pick clothes that work together, important things, and good packing tricks. When you pack well, your backpacking trip will be easier and more fun. Now go on, pack your bag, and get ready for an amazing adventure!

Finding a Place to Sleep: Your Simple Guide to Backpacker Accommodation

When you’re backpacking, where you sleep is a big deal. There are a few choices that fit well with backpacking. Let’s see where you can stay and how to pick the best one for your adventure.

Kinds of Places to Stay:

• Hostels: These are like cheap hotels. You get a bed in a room with other travelers. It’s good for meeting people and saving money.
• Camping: If you like nature, camping is a nice option. You bring a tent and sleep outside. It’s fun and pretty.
• Budget Places: These are simple and not too expensive. You might get your own room or share with a few people.

Choosing and Booking a Place:

• Where is it?: Think about where you want to be. Is it close to cool stuff you want to do? Pick a place that’s easy to go from.
• What Others Say: Read what other travelers think about a place. Their stories can help you decide if it’s good.
• Price Tag: Decide how much you want to spend and look for places that fit your budget.
• Stuff They Have: Check what the place gives you. Do they have Wi-Fi, a kitchen, or other things you need?
• How’s the Vibe?: Think about the feeling of the place. Some are quiet, while others are more social. Choose what feels right.
• Booking: Once you find a place you like, book it ahead, especially when it’s busy. You can do it online or when you get there.

Being a Good Guest:

• Follow Rules: Do what the place asks. Be quiet when it’s time to be quiet and clean up your things.
• Make Friends: Backpacking is about meeting new people. Say hi to others and make friends.
• Stay Safe: Keep your stuff safe and lock your door when you’re not there.

In Conclusion: Your Home Away from Home

No matter where you stay, remember that your place to sleep is like a home during your adventure. It’s where you rest, make friends, and get ready for the next day. By picking the right place and being a nice guest, you’ll make your backpacking time even more fun. So, find your cozy spot, and get ready for some awesome adventures!

Understanding Other Cultures: How Backpacking Helps

Backpacking is more than traveling to new places. It’s also about getting to know the people and how they live. When you go backpacking, you can really become a part of the local community and learn about their way of life. Let’s see how this works and hear some stories that show how great it can be.

Getting Close to Local Cultures:

• Living Like Locals: Backpackers often stay where local people live. This lets you see how they go about their daily lives.
• Trying Local Food: When you go backpacking, you can eat the same food that locals do. You might taste foods you’ve never had before.
• Speaking Their Language: Learning a few words of the local language can help you talk to people and show that you respect their culture.
• Joining Traditions: Taking part in local celebrations, festivals, or customs can help you really experience the culture.

Special Moments with Different Cultures:

• Sharing Stories: Backpacking is a chance to meet people from different places. You can talk and learn about each other’s lives.
• Local Friends: Sometimes, backpackers become friends with locals who show them around and introduce them to cool things.
• Learning New Things: You might learn new skills or crafts from locals, like cooking their traditional food or making souvenirs.

Stories About Connecting with Cultures:

• Cooking Class in Thailand: A person backpacking in Thailand joined a cooking class with a local family. They learned to make traditional Thai dishes and had a fun time eating together.
• Dancing in Brazil: While backpacking in Brazil, someone joined a dance class with locals. Dancing together not only improved their dancing but also helped them understand Brazilian culture better.
• Staying in an Indian Village: One backpacker chose to stay in a small village in India. They helped with daily tasks, ate with the villagers, and shared stories, making lasting friendships.

In Conclusion: Bringing People Together Through Backpacking

Backpacking isn’t just about going on a trip. It’s a way to connect with people from different parts of the world. By doing things together, having heartfelt talks, and being open to new ways, you can break down barriers between cultures and make lasting friends. These experiences make your journey better and also leave a positive mark on the communities you visit. So, when you go backpacking, remember that the connections you make are just as important as the places you see.

Being Kind to the Environment: Responsible Backpacking

When we go backpacking, we’re not just exploring new places; we’re also taking care of our planet. It’s really important to be responsible and make sure our adventures don’t harm the environment. Let’s talk about why this matters and how we can be good backpackers while protecting nature.

Why Responsible Backpacking Matters:

• Preserving Nature: When we explore beautiful places, we want to keep them beautiful for others to enjoy. Responsible backpacking helps protect the environment.
• Respecting Locals: People in different places have their own ways of living. Being responsible means we respect their traditions and customs.
• Setting an Example: When we show others how to be responsible, they’ll do the same. This creates a positive chain reaction.

How to Be a Responsible Backpacker:

• Leave No Trace: Adhere to the Leave No Trace guidelines. This means not leaving any trash behind, not damaging plants, and keeping nature clean.
• Use Resources Wisely: Don’t waste water, electricity, or other resources. Use only what you need.
• Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to avoid harming plants and wildlife.
• Reduce Waste: Bring reusable items like water bottles and bags. Avoid single-use plastics.
• Respect Local Culture: Learn about the customs and traditions of the place you’re visiting. Be respectful and considerate.

Stories of Responsible Backpacking:

• Cleaning Up After Ourselves: A group of backpackers organized a cleanup in a popular hiking spot. They collected trash left behind by others, leaving the area cleaner than they found it.
• Learning from Locals: While backpacking in a foreign country, a traveler learned about the local way of life and followed their customs, showing appreciation for the culture.
• Sustainable Choices: A backpacker brought a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. They avoided using plastic and inspired others to do the same.

Conclusion: Our Role in Protecting Nature

Backpacking is an amazing way to explore, learn, and have fun. But it comes with a responsibility—to take care of the places we visit. By practicing responsible backpacking, we can make a positive impact on the environment and the people who call those places home. Let’s be conscious of our actions, leave nothing behind, and show the world that backpacking can be both adventurous and environmentally friendly. Remember, every small effort counts, and together we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of the world, just as we do today.

Summing It Up: Your Backpacking Adventure

In our journey about backpacking, we learned a lot. Backpacking is a special way to explore the world. It’s about being independent, discovering new things, and connecting with different cultures. Let’s remember the important things we talked about:

• What is Backpacking: Backpacking means traveling in an exciting way. It’s not just about going places, but also about understanding cultures and trying new things.
• The Exciting Part: Backpacking is like an adventure. It’s about exploring places that are not so common and being open to surprises.
• Backpacking vs. Regular Travel: Backpacking is different from regular travel. It can save money, let you experience real life, and help you make friends.
• Packing Smartly: We talked about what to pack for a backpacking trip and how to pack efficiently.
• Getting to Know Cultures: Backpacking lets you become a part of other cultures. You can taste new foods, learn about traditions, and make friends from around the world.
• Taking Care of Nature: We also learned about being responsible. It’s important to keep the places we visit clean and show respect for local customs.

Embracing Adventure:

Remember, backpacking is not just about where you go. It’s about the exciting stories you collect, the friendships you build, and how you become a better person.

Your Turn to Explore:

Whether you’ve backpacked before or not, think about giving it a try. Pack your bag, be ready to learn, and set out on a journey that will make your life richer and more interesting. As you travel, may your backpack be light, and may you discover the joy of backpacking.

Additional Tips: Backpacking Tips for Beginners

As you gear up for your first backpacking adventure, here are some extra tips to make your journey even smoother. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for the exciting adventure ahead!

• Start with Short Trips: If you’re new to backpacking, begin with shorter trips to get a feel for it. Weekend getaways or day hikes are excellent ways to ease into the backpacking experience.
• Choose Familiar Destinations: Opt for destinations you’re somewhat familiar with. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating and understanding the local culture.
• Break in Your Gear: Before your trip, wear your backpack and shoes around to break them in. This will prevent discomfort during your adventure.
• Practice Packing: Do a trial packing run at home. This helps you organize your stuff efficiently and ensures you’re not carrying unnecessary items.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack lightweight, energy-rich snacks to keep you fueled during hikes. Maintaining proper hydration is of utmost importance, thus it’s recommended to have a reusable water bottle on hand.
• Learn Basic Navigation: Familiarize yourself with reading maps, using a compass, or GPS apps . This skill can be a lifesaver in unfamiliar terrain.
• Safety First: Research the area you’re visiting and be aware of potential risks. Inform someone about your intentions and provide an approximate time of your expected return.
• Pack a First Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need. so pack your medications bag .
• Respect Nature: Always follow Leave No Trace principles. Be careful not to disturb wildlife, and stick to marked trails to protect the environment.
• Connect with Other Backpackers: Join online forums or social media groups where experienced backpackers share tips and stories. Valuable insights can be gained from their personal encounters.

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What is backpacking? The eternal travel debate

Jan 27, 2020 • 4 min read

Backpacking isn’t a new concept, but it is one with varied connotations. It can refer to low-budget globetrotting with little more than a passport, ticket stubs, and a little fear and excitement for good measure, often to relatively cheap, flavorful destinations like Thailand , Mexico , and South America . Backpacking can also refer to rugged forays into the backcountry, whether for a weekend or a longer trek along trails like the Pacific Crest Trail , the GR20 in Corsica , or the Inca Trail in Peru.

In either form, backpacking is really shorthand, an attempt to pin down an attitude toward adventure, a subculture, and a style of travel that’s challenging to articulate. So when we talk about backpacking, what do we mean – really? 

To some, backpacking evokes a montage of cities, beaches, hostels, and a few architectural marvels or UNESCO world heritage sites for good measure. Perhaps you’ll meet a new love from a distant corner of the globe, or realize a kindred spirit was in your orbit the whole time once the right adventure casts them in a brand new light . 

You might eat the wrong thing or step in the wrong place, adding illness or injury to your library of travel tales to pull out for friends back home or new acquaintances a few hostel common rooms down the road. There are new skills to learn, from scuba diving to the art of working remotely from whatever WiFi connection makes itself available. To backpack is to open oneself up to a host of new experiences.

The origins of backpacking

Backpacking also comes down to gear – the term, after all, refers to the piece of equipment on which travelers rely for relatively nimble movement from place to place. Originally designed for forays into the outdoors, a large-format backpack is constructed of rugged fabrics and outfitted with straps and clips and pockets to hold everything from ice axes and trekking poles to hair combs and slinky little numbers for foreign nightclubs, depending on whether you've got summits or swiping right in your sites.

The backpack as we know it is less than a hundred and fifty years old, dating back to a design out of Duluth, Minnesota designed for hikers who might also want to portage a canoe. The gear turned into a verb in the early 20th century, when outdoor recreation started to become more popular, especially with European alpinists. Backpacks kept evolving with new innovations like frames, zippers, and hip belts that made them comfortable enough to inspire more people to try long hiking treks, and eventually to take their packs on worldwide travels from country to country. 

By the 1960s, backpacks were synonymous not only with outdoor adventures, but world travel, aided by new guidebooks designed specifically for budget travelers packing light. And whether you’re walking for mile after mile with a camp stove, water filter, and warm layers in your pack or it’s stuffed with city maps, shower shoes, and maybe a souvenir or two, the essence of backpacking remains the same – how can you see as much as possible, for as long as possible, while stretching your dollars or rubles or yen as far as possible? 

Away from it all

From mountain peaks and hidden desert oases, tents and tramping far beyond the reach of the nearest cellphone tower to museums and piazzas, watching scenery unfurl out the window of a train car, backpacking is as broad in purview as there are places to explore. When it comes to what “true” backpacking might be, there really is no right or wrong answer. Backpacking is backpacking, from the Torres Del Paine to the Hon Khoi peninsula, from full moon beach parties to scrambling up Mount Kinabalu , from the taverns of Goa to powdery slopes of the Rhodope Mountains.

A backpack is nothing but a tool, it can help undo any twists and locks that have come up in life and need fixing. The pockets and compartments can be used however you like; just make sure, wherever you take it, you tuck away some memories. The world is waiting – how you pack for it is entirely up to you. 

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• Backpacking
• National Parks

What is Backpacking? A simple, straightforward definition

• by Jared Wilder
• July 1, 2023 July 1, 2023

Backpacking is a type of camping; the main distinguishing aspect of backpacking is that, rather than driving to a campsite, backpackers load all of their gear and food into a backpack and hike to their campsites. Backpacking is a great way to get exercise, practice wellness, and spend time in nature – it’s also pretty cheap (after you get all your gear, that is).

The absolute strictest definition of the word, often used outside the US, simply means choosing to travel out of a backpack. In Europe, backpackers take trains, stay in hostels, and do other things that US “backpackers” don’t do, but they still live out of a backpack. That definition isn’t as popular in the US, which I suspect is mostly to do with how obsessed we are with our National Parks System.

Below, I’ll get into a little more detail on where backpacking comes from, what it’s like, and how it’s grown over the last 100 years.

• The definition of backpacking
• Origins of backpacking
• Specialized equipment makes backpacking safer
• Trail systems bring more people
• Modern backpacking emerges
• What is backpacking like?
• What does backpacking mean in Europe?

Backpacking: Origins and Development

Ever wondered why people started putting tents, sleeping bags, and beef jerky on their backs and walking into the woods? I mean, sure – existentially, we have all dreamed of doing just that – but how did that desire become the backbone of REI’s business model?

The origins of backpacking as a recreational activity can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century. As a rapidly modernizing society, one that was also doggedly focused on worker’s rights (this was around the same time as the onset of the 40-hour work week and the end of legal child labor), people found themselves having a little bit more money and a little bit more free time.

For most of recorded history, the vast majority of people were either too poor, too busy, too focused on survival, – or all three – to be able to go on vacation. But, when you’re not working 80 hour weeks on a farm or in a factory, you start to look for ways to enjoy yourself. So, when the 20th century got into full swing and quality of life for everyday people in America started to shoot upward, so did the amount of free time people had. Naturally, many people wanted to spend that newfound time and money enjoying life outdoors.

The influence of people like John Muir and others who advocated for conserving America’s best landscapes inspired the general public to spend more of their time appreciating the great outdoors. The national parks system was growing at this time, as well. The first national park was designated in 1872; by 1920, there were 15 national parks, including some of the most famous like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Mount Rainier.

What’s all this mean? Basically, the early 1900s was a lot of things, and one of those things was a perfect recipe for the explosion of outdoor recreation.

The Emergence of Specialized Equipment Makes Backpacking Easier

In 1922, Lloyd “Trapper” Nelson developed the first backpack with a rigid external frame. The design allowed people to walk further, faster, while carrying more gear and experiencing less fatigue. The image below isn’t the same backpack, but it is a great example of the external frame pack:

As a result, camping trips began to extend far beyond the parking lot. Nature lovers could go as far and fast as their legs could carry them, and a new phenomenon was born. It would still take another 50-60 years before backpacking and backpacking gear started to resemble what it is today, but we can safely say that the 1920s was the dawn of modern backpacking.

1920s-1970s: Development of Trail Systems Makes Backpacking Accessible

• 1915: Mount Rainier’s legendary Wonderland Trail is completed .
• 1932: The first iteration of the Appalachian Trail was established.
• 1968: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) joins the Appalachian as America’s two most famous trails, codified into law by the National Trails Act
• 1991: After more than 60 years of planning, advocacy, and development, the PCT’s 2,650 mile route is finally complete. Large segments of the trail precede WWII.

1970- Present: Backpacking Grows Up

The 1970s were a period of innovation for all sports and outdoor pursuits as well – this was the decade in which Nike was mostly just an idea, Converse was reinventing the basketball shoe , and we had only just developed stopwatches that could accurately determine the winner of a race. As more people became passionate about recreation, more people became passionate about perfecting it.

In 1967, inventor and outdoorsman Greg Lowe invented the internal-frame backpack , the first direct descendant of the high-tech packs you can buy today from Osprey, Gregory, and other outfitters. From there, backpacking gear got better, more specialized, and more accessible with each passing year.

What is Backpacking Like?

I don’t want to simply say “it depends on who and where you are”… but it kinda does. There are many different types of backpackers, and many different types of backpacking trails, which means you can’t just make blanket statements about the feeling of backpacking. Bit, I’ll try anyway.

On backpacking trips, you’ll run through a range of emotions.

• A sense of freedom, being untethered from your phone, laptop, and email account
• A fear of bears (that one is a little more intense for me, even though I’m well aware of how irrational it is. Big props to bear spray!) that’ll have you thanking yourself for reading up on backpacking safety ahead of time.
• A cleared mind, dedicated fully to the task at hand – which is often simply taking in the environment around you.
• A discomforted frustration, wondering how Therm-a-Rest ever convinced you a sleeping pad felt the same as a hybrid mattress.
• A sense of sleep deprivation, very slight, brought on by a fact we all avoid: sleeping outside while backpacking is great , but it’s not quite as restful as sleeping in a bed.
• A sense of focus, that comes from having the required backpacking skills and awareness.

What Does Backpacking Mean in Europe?

East of the Atlantic, the word “backpacking” has a pretty specific definition, but in Europe, you’ll hear it used in two different ways. Think about how many times you’ve heard of college graduates saving their cash to “backpack across Europe” – that’s the other definition.

It might be helpful to think about the two different ways you can use the word like this:

• Backpacking in North America usually refers to overnight hiking trips on established trail systems in national and state parks/forest land.
• Backpacking in other parts of the world usually refers to extended travel wherein the traveler only brings what they can fit in a backpack.

What about hiking?

The main difference between backpacking and hiking is the backpack (and the stuff inside it). While hiking, at its most basic, only requires shoes and water, backpacking is much more involved. Oh, and the camping! Hiking does not mean you’ll be camping, but backpacking certainly does.

Read Also: The Jetboil Flash is one of the best backpacking products I’ve ever used.

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What Is Backpacking And 6 Reasons It Sucks

What is backpacking? Find out the definition and what it’s really like to backpack…Scroll down to find out why I hate backpacking

Often it can feel like everyone you know has either just returned from a backpacking trip or they are planning to embrace backpacker life for six months around South America.

From the school leavers to the career breakers, even your Auntie Debbie and her pet dog. It seems like everyone who’s anyone has experienced their share of backpacking.

A quick scroll through Instagram shows travel to be the holy grail for millennials.

The backpacker meaning leads you to believe that backpacking helps you to “find yourself.”

You will come back armed with a plan to start a whole new life. Eight months travelling around South East Asia teaches you what’s important in life – How to make memories not money. . . *eye roll*

Heck, you’ll probably end up retraining as a yoga teacher and spend your days drinking chai lattes while wearing Lululemon leggings.

OR . . . NOT?

READ MORE: WHAT IT’S LIKE LIVING AS A DIGITAL NOMAD

READ MORE: WHY YOU’RE SCARED TO QUIT YOUR JOB TO GO TRAVELLING

BACKPACKING MEANING – WHAT IS BACKPACKING LIKE?

Officially, backpacking means an extended trip where you travel destination to destination, staying in hostels and living out of a big backpack.

Backpacking life is essentially a chance to escape your problems for a few months, an extended holiday.

A chance to run away from your responsibilities and stretch your overdraft to the max.

You see, while you’re backpacking you are FREE to forget your real life. You are FREE to enjoy life, drink endless cocktails on the beach. 

However, the thing is, when you come back from your trip, all your problems will still be there. You won’t find yourself backpacking living the backpacking life you’ve seen in movies – full of spiritual experiences.

Instead, you will spend six months getting drunk four times a week.

You will meet people from all over the world but end up hanging out with people from your own country. Going to visit tourist attractions that you have no interest in but do it anyway because that’s what you DO.

Suddenly, six months have flashed by and you’re exactly the same. Albeit poorer and 15 lbs heavier.

WHY I HATE BACKPACKING

As much as I love traveling, there is a lot I don’t love about the concept of backpacking life.

Hang on, let’s be really honest here. I hate backpacking.

The thought of lugging around 17 kilos on my back, spending endless hours on a bus, sleeping in sweaty dormitories with drunk teenagers. Bleugh.

Let me outline just exactly why I hate backpacking and what backpacking life is really like . . .

1 The Bloody Backpack

It’s so big , so clumsy and so hard to walk around with .

NEWS FLASH – You don’t actually need a big backpack to be a backpacker.

Most backpackers nowadays arrive at their destination and hop in an Uber to the next hostel.  I switched to a wheely suitcase and never looked back.

Trust me – It is far easier to pull 20kg than try and walk around with it in on my back.

Plus when you get to the hostel, a suitcase is so much easier to pack and unpack!

2 Packing Lists

First aid kits, torches, sewing kits, special laundry soap . Most packing lists are just a whole bunch of stuff you will eagerly pack before never using it once.

The first time I went backpacking was to Australia, why I felt the need to pack a first aid kit and a sewing kit I will never know. Did I think they wouldn’t sell plasters and iodine in Australia?!?

Nine times out of ten, most backpackers choose routes that are firmly established as popular travel trails. The chances of you being somewhere without access to plasters and a washing machine are very, very slim.

Therefore I can guarantee that you will find all the essentials you might need as and when accidents happen.

3 Visiting Churches

Why does everyone who goes backpacking suddenly magically develop an interest in architecture?

I NEVER   go to look at churches back home so why do I suddenly want to go and look at them abroad.

Once, when I was 21 and backpacking around Mexico, I was in San Sebastian de las Casas . . . .and I woke up one morning with the decision to try and see all THIRTEEN churches in one day.

I think it was probably mainly to do with the whole idea that I SHOULD go see these beautiful examples of architecture. It didn’t seem to matter that I had no burgeoning desire to study architecture, more societal pressure telling me to be interested in something that I am not.

The backpacking meaning does not mean looking at castles, it means discovering cultures and experiencing new things.

Like cooking? Take a traditional cooking class of the country!

Love dancing? Find a dance school teaching the national dance!

Instead of doing what the guidebook tells you, do what you want to do!

4 Unpacking and Packing

Aside from taking showers and watching Newsnight, there is nothing I find more boring than unpacking and packing every three or four days.

It seems like such a pointless exercise to take all my stuff out of my suitcase before having to cram it all back in again. 80% of backpacking life seems to consist of trying to stuff 50 liters of clothes in a 30-litre space.

Especially when I seem to accumulate new clothes every three to four days! Packing is a nightmare! 

5 I ‘DID’ South America

Can we clear this up for once and for all?

You didn’t do a country, you visited a country. The phrase ‘I did . . . X, Y and Z. . . countries’ is wrong.

When I hear someone tell me how they ‘did’ South America, I want to vomit in the first aid kit that they undoubtedly packed.

How can you do a country?

How can you possibly have gotten to know a whole country in 3.5 weeks?

All you did was visit tourist attractions with an English-speaking guide. You could have just popped down to your local museum in the morning visited a theme park in the afternoon and ordered a Chinese takeaway for dinner and you wouldn’t have known the difference.

If you’re planning on being an ‘I did’-Backpacker – then, please, just don’t bother. Find a good photoshop app for your phone and paste your picture next to Iguazu Falls.

Your work colleagues will never know the difference and you can save your money.

6 Not Meeting Locals

Hanging out with people from your country is an easy trap to fall into during your backpacking life. You’re alone in your country surrounded by people speaking a foreign language.

As soon as you find someone who speaks the same language as you, or even better, is from the same country as you, you become best mates. This is something I am guilty of 100%.

It is so much easier to form a bond with someone who shares the same culture as you, finds the same jokes funny, etc. 

But this is such a waste of time if you are backpacking. Why?

Because you are staying in your comfort zone. 

THE MEANING OF BACKPACKING IS MEETING PEOPLE

People who AREN’T like you.

Meeting locals, talking to them and listening to their story – THAT IS WHAT BACKPACKING IS. Sharing experiences with people who have a different view of life, a different way of thinking, a different moral code to you.

And to do that, I don’t need to find myself on a bus every 72 hours flitting from one exotic beach to another.

RELATED: HOW MUCH DO DIGITAL NOMADS MAKE?

RELATED: THE GOOD AND THE BAD ABOUT LIVING AS A DIGITAL NOMAD

SLOW TRAVEL OVER BACKPACKING

For my purpose of travel. I can stay in one place for months on end. I love meeting people and making friendships. Love learning a new language to able to chat to the locals. I love finding the authentic places to eat, the secret spots to view a sunset.

These kinds of experiences require more than three days in a place. Other cultures think in ways different to me and help me open my mind to seeing things from an alternative point of view.

Learning from others and really getting to know a culture different from yours is priceless.

Forging connections with people is one of life’s great pleasures and to do that a relationship needs to be formed. And relationships take time to build. Months are needed.

LEARNING FROM OTHERS 

There is nothing more I love than talking to different people and asking questions.

One can learn so much more by listening to others without interjecting your opinion every other sentence. Let the other person talk and stay silent.

When they realize that you are listening that is when they will open up.

At the start of this post, I told you that I hate backpacking. My intention with that was more to grab your attention than anything else. I still want you to go abroad and make crazy unforgettable memories.

But the most important memories come from the people you meet. That’s when the backpacking life becomes something worthwhile.

Otherwise, I hear Centerparcs has some great deals during term time?

RELATED: TOP 5 DIGITAL NOMAD JOBS FOR TRAVEL

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08 Sep What Does “Backpacking” the World Mean and Why Do It?

“Backpacking.” 

You’ve probably heard this term thrown around by someone coming back from a gap year talking about how their life is changed and urging you to do it too (guilty lol). But you’re either not really sure what the hell backpacking even entails, or you think you know what it looks like based on a lot of popular assumptions. But those assumptions are not always true, and based on them you might have already decided it’s not for you but – you might be completely missing out!

So let’s break it down: what backpacking means, what people think it looks like, what it is today, and why some people (and maybe you someday) do it!

What does Backpacking mean?

Well, to be honest, the term is used rather loosely. It can refer to hiking long distances, carrying everything you need (tent, food, etc.) on your back so that you can set up camp anywhere. But the term has also evolved into a popular way to travel.

Used in this way, backpacking essentially refers to low cost traveling done by someone living minimally out of a backpack. It’s usually done for a longer period of time than a vacation would be, and because of the length of time, people usually travel to many places or countries in one trip.

Although this is the general gist of it, backpacking can look different for everyone. For example,  keeping the low cost of travel has a different limit person to person, usually based on comfort. The length of time also varies, s ome people backpack to one country for a month, or some people take a world tour for several months or even a year+.

“So…backpacking is basically only for teenagers during a gap year or hippies hitchhiking and staying in grimy hostels, right?”

Uh..WRONG. For someone who’s never done backpacking or done research on it, you may have a lot of assumptions about what type of person does it and what it looks like. While many young people do backpack during a gap year before school, and some people do choose to hitchhike and live very frugally in simple accommodation with little resources, that is not necessarily everyone’s experience .  Modern day backpacking can look different for everyone. 

Breaking down the Assumptions

1. who is backpacking for.

Now I say this because I personally have met many types of people travel backpacking and I believe it should be an inclusive experience. 

Unfortunately though, this is not to say there are not demographics that are a minority in the space. This is also not to say that everyone has an equal opportunity to go or that everyone has an equal backpacking experience. Depending on a person’s demographic and who they are, they may be treated differently, have to take different precautions, avoid some places altogether, or may not even be allowed into some countries. 

While this may not always be the case and it totally depends, it is important to mention because unfortunately, it is a reality of the world and not everyone has the same opportunites and experiences.

if you have assumed backpacking isn’t for you based on the lack of representation in media and misconceptions of what a backpacker looks like, think again!

That being said though, there are so many people who despite the challenges, judgments, or stereotypes still backpack! I’ve met a man is his 60’s backpacking, solo black female travelers, a nervous introverted person pushing themself out of their comfort zone, a girl who was an amputee, and so many others. 

So if you have assumed backpacking isn’t for you based on the lack of representation in media and misconceptions of what a backpacker looks like, think again!

2. LOW-COST TRAVEL = CRAPPY ACCOMMODATION

The second big assumption that people have about backpacking is that low-cost travel means staying in grungy, uncomfortable accommodation. And don’t get me wrong, sometimes that could be the case. If you’re in a less-traveled area, then you may have to settle for the one hostel there that might be shitty. At other times you might even find yourself staying with locals in a homestay (which can actually be really awesome!). 

However, if that’s not your cup of tea and you’re not too desperate to spend the least amount of money, then there is a middle ground between the lowest cost accommodation and a hotel. In fact, in most well traveled places, even the cheaper options can be more than nice – even hostels!

Bali, Indonesia : The Farm Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Farm Hostel Canggu (@thefarmhostel) on Jan 17, 2018 at 4:10pm PST

Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA : KL Skyline & Rooftop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAROLINE ROSE | TRAVEL (@carolinerosetravel) on Aug 8, 2019 at 5:42am PDT

Marrakech, Morocco : RODAMÓN RIAD

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tripadvisor (@tripadvisor) on Nov 15, 2019 at 7:16am PST

REYKJAVIK, Iceland : GALAXY POD HOSTEL

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Galaxy Pod Hostel (@galaxypodhostel) on Feb 8, 2017 at 6:06am PST

Lisbon, Portugal : Lisb'on Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisb'on Hostel® (@lisbonhostel) on Mar 22, 2019 at 3:54am PDT

Bangkok, Thailand: The Yard Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Yard Hostel Bangkok (@theyardbangkok) on Dec 18, 2019 at 1:43am PST

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA : MEDELLIN VIBES HOSTEL

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗 𝚅𝚒𝚋𝚎𝚜 𝙷𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚕 (@medellinvibeshostel) on Jul 9, 2020 at 11:36am PDT

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN : THE JUMBO STAY

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jumbo Stay Arlanda (@jumbostay) on Jan 16, 2017 at 6:34am PST

Super cool right?!

But the best part of hostels are usually the community. You will meet travelers from all around the world and it’s truly a unique experience.

However, if you’re still not sold or prefer some alone time here and there, another option remains: Airbnb.   Airbnb has changed the game when it comes to budget travel. Around the world you can find places to stay for under $50 or even $25. And some of these places are luxury stays! Especially if you’re traveling with a friend/partner, this is definitely within the backpacker budget.

3. Living Out of A Backpack is impossible

4. Backpacking takes so much planning and coordination

Now, honestly, this assumption is 100% accurate. However, that’s not to say that anyone couldn’t do it. It used to be that backpacking meant hitchhiking, talking to strangers to find a place to stay, having a map, etc. etc. And while you can still travel this way, coordinating your backpacking trip is easier than ever. You have the internet to thank for that!

Blog posts and Pinterest will help you find cool places to see; Hostelworld , Airbnb , and Booking.com will find you a place to stay; Rome2Rio , Google Maps , and Maps.Me   will tell you how to get somewhere; translation apps will help you communicate with someone; and countries now even have transportation booking websites like UBER and 12go.asia to get you around. So yes, it’s a lot of planning, but anyone who has a smart phone can do it.

READ POST: 10 Best Resources for Planning a Trip On Your Own

WHY GO BACKPACKING?

Hopefully by addressing some of the assumptions surrounding backpacking, you’re asking yourself why not? But if you’re still wondering why anyone would do this, here’s the answer to your question…

Backpacking is a low-cost way to travel which means it is more accessible to people. It means that you don’t have to be rich to see the world!

Keeping accommodation and other travel costs low, means that your money can stretch and you can explore for longer. The price of backpacking for a month is often times equivalent or cheaper to that of a week of vacationing.

Backpacking for long periods of time allows you the opportunity to see many places. Many people see more of the world during one backpacking trip than most do in their entire life.

Traveling in low cost ways means you are more likely to have authentic experiences and learn about the country in which you are visiting.

Backpacking will change you. It could be a spiritual journey, a reset from life, a source of inspiration in your career,  a journey of self-growth, an opportunity to meet people from around the world, a push out of your comfort zone, whatever! Everyone’s experience is different, but from every experience you will grow.

It might be the most adventurous thing you do in your life!

…So let me be that cliche person coming back from their gap year just for a minute…

BACKPACKING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER!!! And it could for you too. 

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Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

What is Backpacking: Reasons to get Started Today

Travel Tips Last Updated · Feb 12th, 2024 · Daniel James

So, what is backpacking really?

How I’ve put it in my previous articles is that it can be a tool to really grow yourself and become a better human being .

Wait, what do you mean you’re going on holiday alone?

That makes no sense.

Content in this guide:

What is backpacking?

People will think you’re crazy, I mean, isn’t backpacking for students?

You have a point, but growing as a person is a lifelong mission:

Allow me to explain…

Backpacking by definition is to be traveling or hiking with your belongings contained in a rucksack! You’ve probably done this at some point, right?

Did you know: one of the first-ever backpackers in the world is considered to be Giovanni Francesco I personally don’t believe this but he was among the first Europeans to tour the world.

In a nutshell Backpacking is:

• Independent travel
• Low cost (but not limited to it)
• Not a holiday
• A means of education
• Using Public Transport

Understand : Backpacking requires an element of research and planning. Try reading on of the many backpacking books out there for further reading on the topic.

Now you have the backpacking definition. You’re likely considering going backpacking or starting to plan for your first time backpacking.

I have a handful of tips to share that will help you become a more conscious and confident traveler along with your backpacking trips.

Even if it’s not your first time backpacking, there’s one concept alone I have that can make you a wiser and more rounded person.

First Time Backpacking: Handling Yourself

Whether it’s your first time backpacking or you are backpacking with friends I’ll show you basic tips I wish I had known when I first started.

In fact, there are so many lessons that I won’t fit them all in this article.

What I’m going to do is pick 5 of the most important to get you started.

Do you already know this?

If you’re already experienced with backpacking then maybe you can contribute by adding some of your tips to the comment section.

As an introduction to backpacking, I want this article to help you with backpacking for the first time. So if that’s you, you’re in the right place.

Before we get into my learnings, I wanted to say how important it is to have a mentor as a way to go travel and grow as a person.

Having a mentor or guide has been one of my keys to personal success . Not only in travel but in life. Yes, you can be a savvy backpacker.

Getting a mentor may not sound obvious, and note, a mentor does not have to be a person with whom you physically interact.

What is a Backpacker?

Do you want the long or short answer? The truth is every backpacker has their own style or, must learn to develop your own style.

In this guide I’m writing for you on how to start backpacking I’ll talk more about having a travel mentor, and how important they are if you’re going backpacking for the first time – later on in this article.

So, again, what is backpacking?

Plus, how can we take its definition and apply it to practical tips you can take with you when backpacking the world?

Take a look below at some of these tips for backpacking for the first time:

First Time Backpacking Tips

Before I set off backpacking South America I had no idea what it would be like, I would also ask myself questions like:

What is backpacking going to do for me?

I had traveled to places before without reading any backpacker guide whatsoever and thought, I know what to carry – this is easy.

Only to find myself struggling to get on a chicken bus with a big 80L backpack.

Apart from being overexcited, I was naive to think I wasn’t carrying too much stuff. The number one mistake of all backpackers new to the road.

Backpacking for beginners is something we all have to consider If we want to develop our own style of travel.

Like many people, I thought I knew it all when I started. Bare with me and get a hold of the tips below which will show you what I learned.

Do not overpack

Believe it or not, this is one of my number one backpacking tips for beginners.

I am totally guilty of doing this also. Not just on one occasion, but many.

Knowing what to carry backpacking is one of the things many people new to backpacking struggle with.

We’re talking about living out of a backpack here – imagine!

It’s not easy and taken me years to learn how to go backpacking whilst refining what I carry.

The good news is that there are so many backpack types on the market.

If you’ve seen my backpacking checklist page you’ll see all the things I carry in my backpack.

Now I feel the weight of every extra little thing I put in my backpack.

One trick that I used to be able to start to travel with less in my backpack was to pack everything I’d like to carry. Fit it all in my backpack, then split it by 50%.

When I traveled with 50% for the first time I felt so much lighter.

However, I still managed to fill my backpack with things along the way.

Which, kind of defeated the object. How silly of me…

That’s when I realised I had to get a smaller backpack and now I only travel with a 45l backpack.

What is backpacking really, if you can’t travel light?

I challenge you to try backpacking light, it’s not as easy as it sounds .

I’d start by looking for some of the best travel backpacks to suit your personal needs.

The benefits of traveling lighter far outweigh the benefits of traveling with more. You feel lighter, more agile and actually have less chance of losing things, forgetting things, or even getting robbed along the way.

It is worth getting yourself a GPS luggage tracker if you’re constantly worried about losing your luggage or getting it stolen on the road.

If you’re a first-time traveler, you can take this advice and implement it immediately whether you’re hiking + camping or just plain-old sightseeing. As you get more advanced you’ll save money too.

Not to mention, you’ll soon get bored of listening to the rest of friends and travel companions moan about how heavy their backpacks are and how they can’t lift, carry or walk any further with it.

Learn the Language

If you want to know not only how to be a backpacker but how to be a savvy backpacker, learn how to communicate in any given culture.

Whether you are learning about landmarks in El Salvador or volcano boarding in Nicaragua, it’s impossible to learn everything you need before you go, you really have to learn to live the adventure.

What is backpacking going to do for you if you’re not in an open mode? I like the idea of having richer experiences that I can learn from.

The type of experiences that will stay with me for life.

You can get by in most places without speaking a word of another language, I have before. That was the time I felt the most disconnected from the culture.

If you are thinking of backpacking South America or any place in Latin America it would be almost rude not to brush up or learn Spanish or Portuguese.

You know, for those times when you’re ordering food. Or, asking for directions.

Walking around with phone-in-hand looking at Google maps is an invitation for someone to rob your phone , even in the best of places.

I took this to the next level and made my whole backpacking trip about learning Spanish.

You don’t have to do this of course not, but you could take some lesson if Guatemala for example of even buy a simple phrasebook.

It’s the least you can do…

Why go backpacking if you’re not going to be able to communicate with the locals?

Plus, if backpacking with friends you’ll be a bit of a local celebrity if you are the only one in the group that can order everybody’s food.

You’ll find yourself developing a new set of skills while having fun and discovering new things. In my case, I have found the best way to learn Spanish.

The main tip here is not to be naive and think everybody is going to speak or understand English.

As long as you know this and respect it you’ll find yourself picking up new words and phrases without even trying.

If you are not familiar with the idea of cultural travel you can read about how I’ve managed it.

Don’t over plan

Way before the days of solo travel bloggers and the influx of travel inspiration – I did not know this.

Whether you are backpacking for one-month or for a whole year, not over planning is my number one rule for beginner backpacking trips.

Don’t get me wrong, I love trip planning and checking out places I’d like to visit. Looking at all the best Airbnb’s, hotels, and hostels that I can find.

Without trip planning, we can arrive in a place, that we might only have the opportunity to spend 3 days in and miss the key landmarks.

What is backpacking Latin America without visiting a church?

Come on, I know there are many churches in Latin America.

But imagine the best restaurants, the ultimate viewpoint, the interesting people you’ll meet, and all the cultural events you’ll engage yourself in.

Forget everything you think you know. Would we want to miss out on experiences just because we didn’t do our due diligence or trip planning?

It’s happened to me, sometimes I get lazy or overwhelmed by the size of places and it’s a fruit salad of activities.

One more than one occasion I have missed out on some of the best cuisines.

I’ve missed meet and greets with celebrities and even found myself feeling lonely in a random city in Latin America. All because I didn’t plan properly.

What is backpacking if you don’t know how to organize yourself?

I’ll create another article specifically how I do trip planning but here the message is simple.

Try not to under plan and do not over plan your first backpacking trip.

Always leave some room for the unknown but don’t do arrive in a place clueless.

Trust me on this one!

My best advice for you is to find a happy medium between the two extremes.

Questions like:

• How do we get from the airport to our accommodation?
• How long can we stay in this country for?
• Can we walk around the street drinking beers

Are the type of questions you should be able to answer on arrival.

A little bit of planning goes a long way. Too much planning can lead to disappointment and unexpected flaws in your itinerary.

I remember when I was searching for hotels in Buenos Aires not knowing how many nights to pay for.

My thoughts on time and how long I should stay in one place have really changed over the years.

One thing I recommend that you start to learn as a first-time traveler, is, to look for backpacking locations that are popular.

That way, you’ll feel comfortable without having to plan so much.

Especially if doing solo travel in South America , Europe or even Asia.

Keep gadgets to a minimum

This one is related to overpacking. It may be a year-long world tour or even a quick 2 weeks in chile itinerary you’ve drafted up.

It doesn’t really matter. If I want to take a little trip somewhere, what I’ve found is that once I’ve loaded all my essentials into my backpack, we are often left with more than one device we’d like to carry with us.

In the past I’ve found myself carrying:

Which sometimes I felt is too much, but have been able to fit this in my new improved overnight backpack.

Always think about what to bring backpacking before you start packing all your luggage. Avoid filling up your travel allowance with cheap backpacking gear.

If you work online or need to carry your laptop and other gadgets other than your smartphone when it’s your first time backpacking alone I’d consider this before going all out.

Although you may be able to squeeze everything in, it can add more stress and worry to your adventure.

Especially when you’re leaving your beloved gadgets in hostels or having to leave your backpack on top of buses.

Today, backpacking around the world with all your gadgets is the norm. However, remember while ever you are looking at your screen you could be potentially ignoring somebody else who is right in front of you.

The message with this tip for first time backpacking is that you consider which gadgets you’ll really need.

Don’t just carry an extra device because you can fit it in your backpack.

From experience, and for me, this is has become a lesson and it really is backpacking 101 at its finest.

Connect with Locals

One of my favorite things to do while backpacking and always will be.

What is backpacking without connecting with local people?

Depending on where you travel you’ll need language skills for this. I learned Spanish in just a few weeks whilst in Guatemala and you can too.

To do this properly you’ll have to learn how to travel slower but it’s not necessary. One of my best tips for first-time backpackers is to start to learn how to connect with new people.

But not just any old folk that you meet on the road.

Local people! It’s those local encounters that you have whilst backpacking that are the ones that you’ll cherish the most in later years.

This is why over-planning can be counterintuitive. You need to leave room for random.

In other cases, there are specific methods that I have tried and tested to be able to connect with locals.

I have listed the exact methods in my Travel Bible Latin America guide.

If you want to know a few of the best places to backpack in Latin America check out the following guide:

• Central America – Backpacking Guide For Beginners

There you’ll get more ideas on locations that may interest you and more backpacking basics more relevant to each specific place.

If it’s your first solo backpacking trip learn how to connect with locals. You can start doing this before you even arrive at your destination.

Connecting with locals is how I have become so familiar with Latin America and gotten to know certain cities and towns more than others.

You know when you’ve had a rememberable experience in any one place because it’s usually when you’ve made some kind of deep connection with local people.

Before you know it they’ll be inviting you back to share more memories. My experience in Latin America has been that way inclined at least.

Getting a Travel Mentor

I never asked anyone to be my mentor directly.

However, I’ve learned that I need mentors for all areas of my life. Especially areas I want to improve, not just learning how to speak Spanish.

To be honest in the past I always imagined a mentor to be some kind of god that had all the answers to my questions about life.

Some mentors are good for some things and terrible for others. This is why it’s a great idea to have more than one mentor at any one time in your life.

The best mentors are the ones we don’t realize are our mentors.

Way before this, I started this travel blog, Paul Rand was one of my greatest design mentors throughout my design education at my university. I didn’t realize it at the time but I learned a lot via his book Thoughts on Design .

Paul Rand is no longer with us, so if you think about it, how else would I have gotten the answers I needed from him at that crucial point in my formal education.

Think about it, you can access the most prolific people in history whether in your field, role, or industry just by studying their content e.g. books, designs, lectures, and even YouTube videos.

Reading a book is like having a personal meeting with the author. When I first read the book Think and Grow Rich I was blown away by what Napoleon Hill said.

He literally opened up conversations with people by imagining they were in the same room. By studying their content he visualized their answers to his questions.

Potentially that method is one of the fastest ways of getting the right advice at the right time. I’m not suggesting having a mentor in the flesh is better or worse than reading a book.

It’s important to be present with people, however, this mode of thinking is very powerful especially when you’re unable to connect with great people in person.

Got Travel Insurance for your trip?

So, What is Backpacking?

Now you have all these ideas, tips and tricks and a real frame to get started, ask yourself… what is backpacking going to do for you?

Do you consider yourself a bit of a Giovanni or do you prefer to stay in one place?

Actually, now, you should be able to tell me how to backpack!

I know what backpacking has done for me, let’s hear what it will do for you.

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

“ Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behaviour of a group of people. You can Read All About Dan if you're interested in learning more.

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What is backpacking? We shine a light on the popular pursuit and its various forms

What is backpacking? We consider how (and if) backpacking differs from hiking and trekking, and delve into the many forms it can take

What is backpacking? The clue is almost certainly in the name. But just because I set out from the comforts of my home carrying some form of backpack on my shoulders doesn’t mean I’m backpacking. If that were true, every kid who hops on the school bus would be backpacking, so there’s more to it than that…

Backpacking can be taken to mean the act of travelling – not necessarily on foot – to new parts of the world with all your provisions and staying in relatively cheap accommodation. However, this definition of backpacking isn’t really what we're concerned with here. What we're interested in this feature in is the hardy brother of hiking, trekking and mountaineering. We’re delving into the pursuit of backpacking that entails beaten-up hiking boots , soaring mountains, crinkled topographical maps, spectacular wild camps and memories to last a lifetime.

What is backpacking?

This form of backpacking is the one where you set off on foot into the wilderness, carrying everything you need to be self-sufficient for at least a couple of days. Typically, this would include all your clothing, your food and drink, your one-person tent or 2-person tent – or alternative shelter (such as a camping tarp ) – and your sleeping system. The appeal for many is the glorious sense of adventure and a return to life’s bare essentials. Backpackers discover the kind of natural wonder hidden from roads, away from the tourist trails and out the reach of the day hiker. There’s luxury in simplicity. “The richest person isn’t the one that has the most, but the one who needs the least,” so goes the famous saying.

You will need a mixture of the hiking essentials as well as many items on a standard camping checklist when you head out on a backpacking expedition. Part of the fun is in the planning, working out your food requirements, calculating how much fuel to take and working out your optimum route through the backcountry.

How is backpacking different from trekking?

So how does backpacking differ from trekking? A trek is an arduous and challenging journey, often over difficult terrain – hence 'trekking' poles – and usually lasts for many days, weeks or even years. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that a self-sufficient trekking journey is also a backpacking journey. It might be argued that a backpacking trip doesn’t necessarily have to be as strenuous as a trek, though many classic backpacking expeditions are. On the other hand, many of the world’s greatest treks don’t demand the same self-sufficiency as a backpacking journey. On a trek, you might stay in comfortable accommodation, have porters or mules who carry your equipment and have chefs who cook your meals every night. In short, while a trek is usually a challenging expedition, backpacking in its purest form always demands self-sufficiency.

Types of backpacking: multi-day hiking

Probably the most normal way for people to experience the highs and lows of backpacking is on a multi-day hiking trip. Starting from the trailhead, on the edge of civilisation, you haul your pack onto your shoulders and stride out into the wild. Regardless of the length of the expedition, this kind of approach usually starts and finishes at the same point, often embarking on a circuit of a mountain range or region. Beginners may just head out for one night, cook up a camping meal , enjoy a wild sleep and return to normality the next day. More experienced hikers revel in testing themselves on longer escapes from the everyday world.

Types of backpacking: thru-hiking

As pleasant as a circuit of a region is, there’s something undeniably special about a linear journey across vast swathes of wild land. A thru-hike is an end-to-end long-distance trail that can take days, weeks or even months to complete. The great thru-hikes represent journeys of a lifetime and rites of passage for serious backpackers. Quintessential thru-hikes in the States include the incredible Pacific Crest Trail and spectacular Appalachian Trial. The term originated in American but could just as easily be applied to classic European routes like Scotland’s rugged Cape Wrath Trail, Sweeden’s remote Kungsleden or the evocative Camino de Santiago in Spain.

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Types of backpacking: mountaineering expeditions

The most extreme form of backpacking is probably a mountaineering expedition. If you ever manage to conquer the summit of a Himalayan giant, congratulations. However, if you do this with the support of the legendary Sherpas, you won’t have done with a pure backpacking approach. As has been stated already, it is the self-sufficient nature of backpacking that sets it apart from other forms of adventure. A backpacking approach to mountaineering entails you and your team carrying everything you need to survive. In short, it’s the most challenging approach there is.

What is backpacking? New variants...

As outdoor gear becomes lighter and more and more innovative, new twists on the pursuit of backpacking are being born all the time. Fastpacking is a combination of ultralight backpacking and self-supported trail running. It usually implies carrying all the gear you need to stay out for at least one overnight, though some athletes are smashing long-distance records by adopting this approach over weeks and weeks.

Bikepacking is rapidly growing in popularity and merges backpacking with mountain biking, enabling you to delve deep into the wilderness at speed. As well as the storage provided by your backpack, dry bags can be lashed below your bike seat and cinched to your handlebars, meaning you can carry quite a bit on your trusty two-wheeled steed. Sticking with the alternative transportation theme, packrafting is also becoming more and more popular. With a highly portable inflatable raft and a tent in your pack, you can hike and paddle your way to awesome wild camping sites.

Alex is a freelance adventure writer and mountain leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He's the former President of the London Mountaineering Club, is training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and is always keen to head to the 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps.  www.alexfoxfield.com

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23 Different Types of Backpacks and Their Names (Guide)

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Looking for a new backpack, but don’t know which type to choose? Well, we don’t blame you. There are at least 23 different backpack types, each one intended for a slightly different purpose.

That’s why in this article, we’ll give you a short description of all backpack types, so you can find out which one is right for you. We divided them into five main groups: everyday backpacks, travel backpacks, hiking/camping backpacks, sporting backpacks, and multi-purpose backpacks.

Everyday Backpacks

1. traditional college (school) daypacks.

A traditional college daypack  is probably the most popular backpack type. That’s because they’re affordable, spacious, and incredibly versatile. You can use them for school, college, the office, hiking, and even traveling.

Usually, they’re quite simple but spacious. The main compartment is front-loading, and they’ll be around 20-40 l in volume. Some may come with additional pockets for organizing your smaller items, but for the most part, you’ll get a spacious main compartment and one or two exterior pockets.

The only disadvantage with this type of backpack is that it doesn’t retain its shape when packed half-empty. Also, they usually aren’t waterproof. Besides that, they’re not the most comfortable backpacks out there because the padding on the backside and the shoulder straps is minimal.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: VASCHY classic school backpack

2. Laptop Backpacks

In the last few years, many tech-savvy people have been replacing their regular backpacks with laptop backpacks . Some of us need to carry our laptops with us everywhere we go, so having a tech-friendly backpack is essential. These backpacks have a dedicated, padded laptop compartment that keeps your laptop safe. They also come with many pockets and compartments for organizing chargers, tablets, headphones , keys, pens and notebooks, sunglasses, and other everyday items.

That said, laptop backpacks usually have a slightly smaller main compartment compared to regular college backpacks. They’ll fit around 5-10 l less than a similarly sized college backpack. Most laptop backpacks are specialized for everyday use in the office. Because of that, they have padded straps and soft back-side panels for comfort, they’re minimalistic and professional-looking, and they retain their shape when half-full or empty. Since they’ve gained popularity, many Chinese manufacturers have started offering solid options in the $20-50 range.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Matein 15-inch laptop backpack

Read Next: Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2022 Compared

3. Mini Backpacks

Mini backpacks  are more intended for fashion, not practicality. They’re great for girls who don’t carry around a lot of stuff and don’t like to carry a hand-held/shoulder-strapped purse. With some outfits, mini backpacks also look better when compared to handheld purses.

Because they’re so small, they’ll usually only be able to fit around 10-20 l of items inside. Many mini backpacks are made from genuine or faux leather, making them retain their shape when empty or half-full. That said, they aren’t intended to be used for long periods because they aren’t too comfortable or durable. They’ll be great for short day trips, though, or laid-back everyday use.

4. Crossbody Sling Backpacks

Some people just don’t like the way that regular backpacks look. That’s where crossbody sling backpacks  come in. They’re a great alternative for those who are looking for something unique.

Instead of having two straps, they have only one, which goes around your right shoulder and wraps around your left-side hip. Some people prefer sling backpacks because they’re more comfortable. Not for long-distance hikes, but for everyday use in school or college.

That said, sling backpacks have less space inside compared to regular backpacks. The main compartment will be quite roomy, but you won’t get many pockets for organizing smaller items, and the bag won’t retain its shape when empty.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Outdoormaster sling backpack

5. Leather Backpacks

Here’s another backpack type that has recently gained a lot of popularity – leather backpacks . Although genuine leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars, they’re insanely durable, and the signature vintage style looks just amazing, which is why they’re so popular. Compared to regular backpacks, leather backpacks are heavier, have less space inside, and aren’t as comfortable.

However, many people still prefer to use them over regular backpacks, mainly because of their good looks. If you decide to go with a leather backpack, make sure to get one that’s made out of real leather, not faux. The faux leather will last a year or two, while genuine leather can last decades. Another solid option is to get a leather/canvas backpack, which looks similarly good but will be more comfortable and practical.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: VELEZ full-grain leather backpack

Read Next: Top 20 Best Vintage Style Suitcases Compared

Travel Backpacks

6. carry-on backpacks.

Carry-on backpacks are great for people who don’t like suitcases. They’re made in a perfect size to fit the overhead compartments on airplanes. The most common restriction for carry-on’s is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, meaning most carry-on backpacks will be under this size limit.

These backpacks are usually used by digital nomads, business travelers, and in general, everyone who travels frequently. Carry-on backpacks will come with many smaller compartments for organizing all the smaller items, they’ll be quite spacious inside, and sometimes they’ll also come with a laptop compartment. They’re also quite durable and comfortable, with heavily padded backsides and padded shoulder straps because they’re meant for traveling.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Matein carry-on backpack

7. Personal Item Backpacks

Essentially, personal item backpacks  are similar to carry-on backpacks, just smaller. They’re small enough to be used as a personal item , which has to fit under the front seat in an airplane. Most personal item backpacks won’t be larger than 17-18 inches in length. They’re intended for traveling, as well as everyday use.

This means that they’re comfortable, spacious, and are built from durable materials. Some more expensive options from Osprey, Samsonite, Fjallraven, or Eagle Creek will also be semi-waterproof and offer quite a few built-in pockets and compartments for organizing all the smaller items.

Personal item backpacks are great for people who use them in addition to a carry-on suitcase. Just make sure that the backpack comes with an additional strap on the backside that wraps around the suitcase’s retractable handle, so it can be stored on top when you’re walking long distances.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Rangeland travel backpack

8. Wheeled Backpacks

Some frequent travelers prefer to use a wheeled backpack  as their carry-on instead of a regular suitcase. The reason is quite simple. When you’re going through airports, stations, and paved cities, you can pull out the retractable handle, and roll it behind you, which puts less strain on your back. And when you’re walking on stairs or rugged roads, you can just push the handle back in and use it as a regular backpack.

Wheeled backpacks usually are pretty spacious, retain their shape when they’re empty, and offer many pockets and compartments for organizing your smaller items. But because wheeled backpacks have a built-in handle and wheels, they’ll be heavier than regular backpacks. That said, they’re still slightly lighter than regular suitcases. If you get one, make sure that it’s within the carry-on size limits ( 22 x 14 x 9 inches. )

Our recommended pick on Amazon: High Sierra rolling backpack

9. TSA-Friendly Laptop Backpacks

Essentially, TSA-Friendly laptop backpacks  are identical to regular laptop backpacks, only with a slightly different laptop compartment. You see, when you’re going through airport security, your laptop has to be taken out and placed inside a separate bin. That’s because the x-ray machines can’t see through them.

On TSA-approved backpacks, the laptop compartment unzips all the way around, which lets you open up the laptop compartment by 180 degrees, as seen in the picture above. Because the laptop doesn’t cover the rest of the backpack, you won’t have to take it out, which makes going through the security slightly easier.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: SwissGear SA6752 TSA-approved laptop backpack

10. Lightweight Foldable Daysacks

Some people travel only with a carry-on suitcase and their purse, tote, or duffel. However, purses, totes, and duffels aren’t very convenient if you’re planning on hiking or walking long distances. Packing a regular backpack inside your suitcase only for that reason seems unreasonable because it takes up a lot of space and often it quite heavy. So instead, you should get a lightweight foldable daysack , which doesn’t take up almost any space or weight.

Of course, foldable daysacks aren’t as durable or comfortable as regular backpacks. However, they’re usually really affordable, which makes up for it. Some people don’t like how “cheap” foldable daysacks look, but you can find ones that look just like regular backpacks if you look around.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Venture Pal foldable backpack

Trekking/Camping Backpacks

11. frameless trekking/camping backpacks (rucksacks).

Frameless hiking backpacks  are great for shorter trips when you’ll be carrying less stuff with you. As a general rule, frameless rucksacks shouldn’t be used when you’re carrying over 30 lbs . If you’re planning on carrying more items, the bag won’t evenly distribute the weight, and you’ll carry too much weight on your shoulders. However, if the bag is under 30 lbs, they’re a better option than framed trekking backpacks because they’re much lighter.

When getting a frameless hiking backpack, you should make sure that it’s large enough, that it has a comfortable hip belt, a comfortable chest strap, and that it’s water-resistant/waterproof. It’s a good idea to get one from a well-known manufacturer, like Osprey, North Face, Rei, or Eagle Creek, because they’re durable and having a well-made backpack is essential.

Lastly, you’ll have to pay more attention when packing a frameless hiking backpack. It has to be packed smartly, and the heaviest items need to be placed in the middle or downside. Also, no items should “stick out” on the backside. Otherwise, you could develop back problems.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Granite Gear Virga 2

12. Framed Trekking/Camping Backpacks (Rucksacks)

Framed trekking rucksacks  are great for long-term hikes ( for instance, when hiking the Pacific Crest Trail ) and for people who carry more stuff on their hikes. They come with a rigid internal or external frame that distributes the weight more evenly, and as a result, they put less strain on your shoulders and more on your hips.

When packing a framed hiking rucksack, you don’t need to pay that much attention to how and where you’re placing the items because the frame helps with evening out the weight. Framed backpacks are also better for your back because less strain is put on your shoulders. That said, the main disadvantage is that they’re heavier than frameless backpacks, which is why they don’t perform that well on shorter hikes when you’re carrying just the essentials.

If you decide to get a framed backpack, make sure that it’s roomy enough and that it’s either waterproof or water-repellant. It should have a comfortable hip belt and a chest strap, and that a well-known manufacturer makes it.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Teton Sports Scout 3400 internal frame backpack

13. Military Tactical Backpacks

Some people prefer to use military tactical backpacks  for hiking. They won’t be large enough for long-distance hikes, but they’re perfect for ones that take only a few nights. They’re great because they’re durable, practical, and have that rugged military look. Mostly though, people choose them over other backpacks just because of their signature looks.

Tactical backpacks are pretty spacious and have various compartments for organizing all of your smaller survival items. They’re also water-repellant or waterproof and very comfortable to wear. When you compare them to regular hiking backpacks, they’ll be heavier, slightly less comfortable, and smaller in size.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Hannibal tactical backpack

Sporting Backpacks

14. drawstring gymsacks.

Drawstring gym sacks  are very, very simplified versions of backpacks. Essentially, it’s just a fabric bag with additional ropes attached so that you can carry it as a backpack. They’re very cheap, and you can easily get one for $5-$10. As the name suggests, they’re mostly used for carrying your training gear on your way to the gym. That said, if you’re carrying too much stuff, a gym duffle might be a better option.

15. Hydration packs

Hydration packs  are great for running, cycling, and for very short mountain climbs. Some don’t even resemble a backpack, but rather a vest. They’re made that way, so they’re more comfortable to use while sporting.

Usually, hydration packs will hold around 2 l of water inside. You can drink the water through a plastic tube that’s attached to a shoulder strap, so you don’t have to stop running or cycling every time you want to have a sip. Hydration packs are pretty cheap, especially the Chinese options on Amazon. They work similarly well to more expensive options, but they just won’t last as long.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Teton Sports Trailrunner 2 hydration pack

16. Running Backpacks

Running backpacks  look very similar to hydration packs – instead of resembling a backpack, they look more like a vest, which is much easier to wear when exercising. The only difference is that running backpacks can also hold 5l -10 l of additional items inside, not just a hydration pack. These are great for mountain runners and cyclers who need to pack more items inside, not just water. A lot of running backpacks will also have a built-in hydration pack. They’re also great for shorter one-day hikes because they’re comfortable and will fit all the essentials inside.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Salomon Active Skin running backpack

17. Cycling Backpacks

If you’re a serious cycler or biker, and you’re not afraid of riding in the rain, then you seriously need to consider getting a cycling backpack . They’re large, comfortable, and, most importantly, waterproof. If you’re no stranger to cycling in the rain, you need a backpack that doesn’t get wet inside and is easy to clean off.

These types of backpacks are more expensive but well worth it. You get one large main compartment and no additional pockets for organization. They’re top-loading, instead of front-loading, and don’t have any zippers on the outside, so water can’t get in.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Earth Pak Waterproof backpack

18. Skiing/Snowboarding Backpacks

Snowsport backpacks  are great for skiing and snowboarding. They’re slimmer and taller than regular backpacks, and they’ll also come with a ventilated backside and padded shoulder straps, which makes them comfortable to wear while sporting. They’re also water-resistant or waterproof, which ensures that the contents inside won’t get wet.

Snowboarding/skiing backpacks come with a large and spacious main compartment, and they don’t have too many built-in pockets and compartments. They’re equipped with additional attachments for your helmet, poles, or an additional jacket on the outside. Most will have a hip belt and/or a chest strap that keeps the bag secure while sporting.

They’re also great for shorter day-hikes in the winter. If you’re considering getting one, you should choose a reputable brand, like Osprey, Dakine, or Burton.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Dakine Helipack skiing backpack

19. Hunting Backpacks

Hunting backpacks  are very similar to tactical military backpacks, only slightly different. Tactical backpacks have a more square-like shape, and the camo isn’t always great. On the other hand, hunting backpacks will usually have excellent camo, so they’re harder to spot, and some of them will be much larger compared to a tactical backpack.

Hunting backpacks are comfortable to wear because they have padding on the backside and the shoulder straps, and they come with a chest strap and a belt strap, so the weight is more evenly distributed. Most hunting backpacks have dedicated compartments for hydration packs and many other compartments for organizing all the survival gear. They usually come with various attachments on the exterior, where you can hang/attach additional items. They aren’t only great for hunting – they’re also wonderful for shorter camping trips and hikes.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Tidewe hunting backpack

Multi-Purpose Backpacks

20. duffle backpacks.

Essentially, duffle backpacks  are regular duffle bags, only with two additional straps on the backside. Carrying a duffle by the shoulder strap or by the top handle is much harder than wearing a backpack, which is why the duffle-backpack concept is quite clever. These backpacks are much easier to pack into because they’re much more spacious and usually larger than regular backpacks. This makes them a great choice for hockey/soccer players and people who regularly go to the gym.

Read Next: 8 Best Convertible Duffel Bag Backpacks in 2022

Our recommended pick on Amazon: G4Free travel duffel backpack

21. Tote Backpacks

In a few words, tote backpacks  are just regular tote bags with two shoulder straps attached on the backside. Most commonly, people choose them only because of their unique looks, not their practicality. Although the main compartment is quite spacious, you won’t get too many smaller compartments and pockets for organizing all the smaller items.

Compared to regular backpacks, tote backpacks are less comfortable because the shoulder straps don’t come with much padding. It’s also worth noting that most tote backpacks are made only for women.  Tote backpacks are a pretty solid choice for an everyday backpack. They’re really affordable, good-looking, and quite spacious inside. Our staff member’s girlfriend uses a tote backpack, and she’s thrilled with it. That said, she uses it quite rarely, and she mostly bought it because of the unique look, not usefulness.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Osprey Arcane tote backpack

22. Messenger Bag Backpacks

Backpacks just don’t look good with some outfits. For example, if you’d be dressed in a classic suit, most backpacks wouldn’t look very fashionable, would they? That’s where messenger backpacks come in. These squared backpacks can transform into regular messenger bags when you hide both backpack straps and attach a single shoulder strap.

Messenger backpacks  aren’t as spacious and comfortable compared to regular backpacks. The shoulder straps and back panels usually aren’t padded, and the bag itself is thinner because a large messenger bag wouldn’t look stylish. They’re great for everyday use in the office because most will come with enough smaller pockets for organization, and the bag will retain its shape when empty or half-full.

Our recommended pick on Amazon: Mygreen crossbody backpack

Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Backpacks

What’s the difference between a rucksack, a backpack, and a knapsack.

Most people don’t know the difference between a backpack, a rucksack, and a knapsack. Although all three terms are very similar (a nd quite often, they mean the same thing ), there are some differences you should know about.

The term “backpack” is used for all types of backpacks, regardless of the size, usefulness, and materials. Obviously, this is the most popular term that people use all over the world.

“Rucksack” is a term used to describe larger backpacks intended for hiking/camping/trekking. Rucksacks are top-loading, weatherproof, over 40 l in volume, and usually have lots of attachments and straps on the outside for hanging water bottles, sleeping mats, tent poles, e.t.c. The term rucksack originated from Germany in the 19th century and literally meant “back sack.” This term is still used quite often today.

The term “knapsack” describes a waterproof backpack made from canvas, leather, or nylon and is usually used for hiking or military purposes. This term originated in Germany in, 16th century . Today, it’s rarely used in Europe, such as Germany, Holland, UK, and Denmark.

Which Are the Best Backpack Brands?

Although there are a lot of good backpack brands, only a few stand out among the crowds. Osprey, Noth Face, Patagonia, Rei, Marmot, Eagle Creek, Herschel, SwissGear, Dakine, Burton, High Sierra, Fjallraven, and Quicksilver all make really solid backpacks. That said, each of these brands specializes in different backpacks at various price points, so you really have to do some research to find out which brand is right for you.

Read Next: 15 Best Luggage Brands in 2022 Compared

Which Backpack Types Are the Best for Your Back?

If you’re looking for a hiking/trekking backpack and you have back problems, you should definitely get a backpack with a built-in frame. These are much better for your back compared to regular, frameless backpacks. It’s impossible to single out a specific backpack type that’s better for your back because it really depends on the model itself. Aside from the internal frame, there are a plethora of other essential factors that determine how good the backpack is for your back.

Other factors that you should look out for are:

• Does the bag come with a chest strap?
• If it has a chest strap, does it also have a hip belt?
• Is the padding on the backside and shoulder straps thick enough?
• How heavy is the backpack? Try to get a backpack that’s as light as possible.
• Taller and slimmer backpacks are better for the back when you’re comparing short, square-like backpacks that “stick out” because the weight is spread out more evenly.

Which Types of Backpacks Are the Safest?

Backpacks have many factors that make them safe, and there are even some “anti-theft” backpacks on the market. These backpacks will usually come with puncture-proof zippers. You’ll also be able to lock the zippers with TSA-approved locks. Additionally, these backpacks may have anti-theft pockets for your wallet and passport hidden under the backside of the backpack , and RFID-blocking electronic compartments that block all the incoming and outgoing electric signals, so no data gets stolen.

Can Backpacks Be Used as Personal Items, Carry-Ons, or Checked Luggage?

Backpacks can be used as personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage , as long as they fit the size, weight, and a few additional requirements.

Personal items: Must fit under the front airline seat. The exact size requirements vary from airline to airline, but generally, Backpacks used for personal items shouldn’t be above 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Sharp objects, such as tent poles or pocket knives, can’t be packed inside .

Carry-on backpacks: Must be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches in size. The limit varies between airlines, but this is the most common one. Sharp items, such as tent poles or pocket knives, can’t be packed inside.

Checked backpacks: Must be under 62 linear inches in size ( width + height + length). Also, there mustn’t be any straps or attachments hanging on the outside, so they don’t get caught up in the conveyor belts. A good practice is to wrap hiking rucksacks ( the ones that come with lots of hanging straps ) in plastic wrap before checking them in.

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Backpacking

Backpacking Concept and definitions: In the literature backpacker concept is interpreted by various academicians, researchers and industrialists in various ways. There is lack of consensus among them about its actual meaning. Pearce (1990) first introduced the term ‘Backpacker’. Later the various researchers define the term ‘Backpacker’ and its derivations – “backpacker,” “backpacking,” and “backpackers” – can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

One can be a backpacker, can backpack, can choose backpacking as a form of travel, can stay at a backpacker or stay at a backpackers’ accommodation. One never need own a backpack to backpack.

*‘Backpacking’ is a type of tourism opposite of mass tourism. It has been a way of travelling.

*‘Backpacker’ is a type of tourist of the qualities of drifters, wanderers, adventurers and explorers. 

*‘Backpackers’ means low budget accommodation for a backpacker.

Definitions of backpacker:

• Brown et al (2011) explains backpacking or youth tourist are generally having little luggage, are on a budget, want to experience adventure and excitement, tend to travel independently, enjoy meeting other traveler, and have flexible travel schedules. A group of young tourists on a weekend walking tour in the mountains, or a student touring around the country by bus are examples of this group of tourists.

Characteristics of Backpackers

Backpackers are different from other types of tourists. They have their own independent specific driven motives for longer travel at distinct places for exploration with limited budget with informal and participatory behavior. 

Pearce (1990) asserted that backpacking is best defined socially rather than in economic or demographic terms. Being a backpacker is an approach to travel and holiday taking rather than a categorization based on dollars spent or one’s age. Pearce believes that backpackers are primarily defined by:

• Young Travelers: The basic characteristic of age that differentiates a backpacker from the other travelers. The researchers confined the age of backpackers from 18 to 30 years in their various studies. So, young generation travel to meet his/her desires is considered as backpacker. 
• Budget Accommodation : A backpacker always prefer a low budget accommodation, not staying at one particular for longer time and go for informal accommodation units that are provided by the local community so that they get chance for close interaction with the hosts and able to understand and learn about their culture. For example Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI) is an associate member of the Hostelling International, U.K., earlier known as the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF), a premier international NGO promoting the youth hostelling movement, with a widespread network in 90 countries worldwide with more than 4000 unique hostels.
• Social Interactions : It is one of the basic characteristics of backpackers to travel only for to make friends. They are independent travelers and their plans of travel are very flexible. They are highly interested in social interaction not only with the local community but also with the co travelers who are staying in the same accommodation units. For example YHAI believe in ‘ Wandering, one gathers Honey means backpackers travel with the sense of learning and gathering knowledge by gaining real experiences with the world, its people and the nature.
• Independent and Flexible Plans : Backpackers are not organized travelers. They possess the characteristics (novelty, spontaneity, risk, independence, and a multitude of options) of drifters, wanderers, adventurer and explorers. They are risk averters who travel independently and with flexibility in their plans. The features of independence and rigid less plans distinct the backpackers from the other types of tourists.  
• Prefer Longer Holidays : A backpacker is one who travels for longer period of time say more than a month to meet his desires of novelty, learning, exploring and social interaction. Since he is travelling for a longer holiday that is also one of the reasons that he prefers low cost accommodation with in which he can meet the expense of his long travel. 
• Informal and Participatory Holidays : The desire for social interaction with travelling peers is second only to the desire for budget accommodations as a motivator for backpackers (Murphy, 2001). The backpackers’ goals are to party and have fun rather than understand and interact on any significant level with their host country and communities. For Example activities like trekking, mountaineering, nature study; family camping, sailing etc. organized by YHAI is a great opportunity for backpackers for informal and participatory holidays. 

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The Best Travel Backpack

By Geoffrey Morrison

A travel backpack easily carries all your stuff while letting you navigate airports, subway stations, and city streets. After traveling with travel backpacks for years across dozens of countries, we recommend the new versions of Osprey’s Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 travel packs.

These bags fit everything we need for trips ranging from just a week to months of continuous travel. They come with a sizable daypack and are even airline-carry-on friendly.

They’re also highly adjustable and well padded, meaning that not only can you get a perfect fit, but the packs will also remain easy to carry and comfortable to wear for long treks, even if there are stairs, cobblestones, or narrow alleys in your way.

Everything we recommend

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Buying Options

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s)

Larger, for people with longer torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this pack just as comfortable and easy to fit as any other we tried for people with longer torsos. However, it’s too big to carry on a plane.

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

Larger, for people with shorter torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this pack just as comfortable and easy to fit as any other we tried for people with shorter torsos. However, it’s too big to carry on a plane.

Upgrade pick

Salkan The Backpacker

More stylish, with more padding.

This attractive but expensive travel backpack has customizable straps and great, cushy padding. It comes in only one size, however.

I traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time. In 2023, Osprey released new incarnations of the Farpoint 55  and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 .

These new versions mostly kept what we liked about the previous ones and fixed what we didn’t. Best of all, they’re among the least expensive travel backpacks available. After several years as runner-ups, the packs are once again our top picks.

The front of the main pack still unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

The best change: The main packs are now overhead-bin-sized for most airlines. (You’ll have to use the daypack as your underseat bag.) Other notable updates include height-adjustable shoulder straps and big exterior pockets on the daypack. Previous versions of these bags used ripstop nylon. The current one uses a heavy-duty recycled polyester, which held up well during a six-week trip across Europe.

Osprey offers a lifetime warranty.

If you want something a little larger than the Osprey packs, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Men’s (for travelers with longer torsos) and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Women’s (for travelers with shorter torsos) are just as adjustable and comfortable. The Ruckpacks had been our top picks for several years—we now prefer the new Ospreys because they’re carry-on sized.

The Ruckpacks have a smaller daypack than the Ospreys, which isn’t as good for photographers and digital nomads, but the main packs are larger, which can be good if you’re carrying bulkier items like a heavy jacket. While not carry-on-sized, the main pack’s overall dimensions are still manageable. The Ruckpack 60+ is also a little cheaper than the Osprey packs.

The Ruckpacks are made from a tough, recycled ripstop nylon that stands up to wear. REI offers a return period of up to a year if you’re a member (90 days if you’re not). However, if the problem is a manufacturing or materials defect, the packs are covered by REI Co-op’s warranty, which has no specified expiration date.

The Salkan The Backpacker looks and feels like a higher-end travel backpack. The polyester cloth feels extremely rugged, and there’s extensive padding in every place the pack touches your body.

Available in black and lightish green, The Backpacker has nine color options for its exterior compression straps, so you can mix and match based on your preferences—or even change them up. This gives The Backpacker the most customizable palette of any of our picks.

While looking more stylish on TikTok and Instagram isn’t generally a primary consideration for us, overall The Backpacker feels well made, and it has many of the same thoughtful features as our top and runner-up picks, including lots of pockets, smooth zippers, and height-adjustable shoulder straps.

These are offset, however, by a much higher price. Also, the main pack is technically too large to be a carry-on for most airlines, and the bag comes in only one size. (Salkan says it’s best for people 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-4).

The research

Why you should trust me, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: osprey farpoint 55 travel pack and fairview 55 travel pack, runner-up: rei co-op ruckpack 60+ recycled travel pack, upgrade pick: salkan the backpacker, the competition.

I’ve lived, worked, and visited 60 countries on six continents, as well as all 50 US states. I spent the majority of 2014 through 2020 traveling. Over the last few years, I’ve done a mix of extended road trips and multi-month international adventures. For all those years, I lived out of a backpack while abroad. I’ve also traveled in Africa, China, and throughout Europe with a variety of terrible backpacks and luggage, so I know what’s best to avoid.

In addition to covering travel gear here at Wirecutter, I write about travel and tech for CNET , Forbes , and The New York Times itself, and I have my own YouTube channel . My first travel book, Budget Travel for Dummies , comes out in January.

A travel backpack is for people who want to travel around the world unencumbered by heavy, slow-moving wheeled luggage. An internal-frame backpack in the 50- to 65-liter range has more than enough room for all of the possessions you need to travel anywhere for an indefinite amount of time—as long as you’re okay with doing laundry once you get to a destination. (If you’re going to carry heavy jackets, going-out clothes, multiple pairs of footwear, or other bulky gear, you may want something a tad bigger .)

A travel backpack is not for business travelers who’d like to maintain appearances, nor is it for outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend six weeks hiking in Patagonia. If you prefer something that rolls, check out our guide to the best carry-on luggage . And if you want something that you can carry on your back for shorter periods of time, that’s business-casual-friendly, and that you won’t ever need to check, see our review of the best carry-on travel bags .

Based on my experience and research, we looked for travel backpacks with the following qualities:

• Fifty to 65 liters, including a daypack: We looked at bags between 50 and 65 liters (including an integral, removable daypack). Packs this size can easily hold everything you need for any length of trip, while being small enough to remain manageable while you’re wearing it.
• Clamshell opening: For extended travel use, backpacking backpacks have annoying qualities, including that they tend to load only from the top and are sealed with a drawstring. This design saves weight and means there’s one less thing to break. But it’s a total hassle when you want something from the bottom of the bag because you have to unload and reload the entire pack. We looked for bags where the front zips fully open like a suitcase, making it easy to pack or repack and find things during your trip.
• A well-framed structure: A fully loaded backpack, even a small one, can easily weigh more than 20 pounds. My old Farpoint 55 usually hovered in the mid-30s, though that included a DSLR, three lenses, a battery pack , a laptop, a 360 camera , and other work-related gear. A fully supported internal-frame pack distributes the weight onto your hips, which are much stronger than your back and shoulders. If you’re going to be doing a significant amount of walking, you’ll want something with a frame.
• Durability: We looked for features to help the pack last, like some sort of cover to contain the straps (for easier storage on planes and trains), as well as lightweight and water-resistant materials.
• Plenty of storage (and separation): I’ve done all of my traveling in the past five years with a 55-liter backpack (which includes a 15-liter daypack). I tend to overpack a bit, but 55 liters lets me carry everything I need (the full list is below) for weeks, or even months, at a time.

Here’s what I usually bring for any length of trip (and this is our standard kit for testing):

• main pack (the command module , if you will)
• daypack (the lunar excursion module )
• pair of walking shoes or sneakers (along with the shoes I’m wearing)
• five shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of jeans (not shown because I wear them in transit), one merino wool underlayer
• warm hat (because my head lacks insulation)
• five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, one extra T-shirt for laundry day, one bathing suit (I really recommend packing cubes )
• rain jacket in an Eagle Creek bag
• various adapters , camera batteries, chargers, etc.
• various toiletries, vitamins, etc.
• Osprey rain cover
• razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• well-worn flip-flops
• travel towel
• portable Bluetooth speaker
• prescription dive mask
• merino wool jacket
• inflatable pillow
• smartwool half-zip midlayer
• sun hat (because my head hates sun)
• extra travel adapter for daypack (when the daypack is my carry-on)
• pen (vital!)
• a small laptop (a 15-inch MacBook fits in all of our picks)
• GoPro batteries and filters
• earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones
• Writer Emergency Pack
• USB battery pack #1
• USB battery pack #2
• backup headphones
• iPod Classic (because you can’t always stream music)
• USB charger
• Sigma 30 mm f1.4 (with a wireless mouse to its right)

For our first version of this guide in 2016, we narrowed our choices to 11 possible contenders. For that initial round of testing, I poked and prodded the different packs to sort out whether they had any obvious flaws or issues. I had adults of various sizes try each pack to get a sense of what short and tall people preferred.

For each subsequent update, including this one, I tested with similar methods whatever new or substantially redesigned packs were available. In between updates, I took one of our picks on some extended travels.

The Osprey Fairview 55 and the nearly identical Osprey Farpoint 55 have been one of our picks since the first version of this guide came out in 2016. (The Fairview is for people with 15- to 19-inch torsos, as measured from the top of your hip bone to your C7 vertebra, the one that sticks out when you press your chin to your chest. The Farpoint is for those with torsos from 17 to 22 inches long.) They’re now our top picks again, and here’s why.

You can carry them on the plane. Once you detach the daypacks, the main packs are now carry-on-sized, making them the most versatile travel backpack we’ve tested. Interestingly, the total capacity remains roughly the same as those of our other picks—that is, we were able to stow the same amount of clothing in this bag as we could in the REI Co-op packs and the Salkan . The daypack, in this case, would count as your personal item—on most airlines, this would mean you couldn’t also bring a large purse or a briefcase.

Or check your bag—your choice. The shoulder straps can be secured behind a zippered panel, so if you want to check the bag or put it in a packed luggage compartment on a train or bus, they won’t catch on anything. Doing this essentially turns the main pack temporarily into a duffle bag, complete with sturdy and well-padded handles on the top and side.

They’re adjustable. Like our other picks, the main pack has height-adjustable shoulder straps. This crucial feature lets you get an all-important personalized fit that makes carrying the pack for any length of time far easier. The straps were padded enough for our testers’ comfort (though not as cushy as the Salkan’s, and slightly less so than the REI Co-op’s).

They have comfortable, easy-to-use daypacks. The daypacks are roughly the same size, or a little larger, than those of our other picks, something travelers who plan to cart lots of camera gear or other daily essentials will appreciate. The top of the shoulder straps connect to form a sturdy handle, which is extremely, ahem, handy. Each daypack easily holds a 15-inch MacBook and is comfortable to wear over long treks. There are two large exterior mesh pockets for water bottles . Though the daypack is a little short on organizational slots and pockets, its comfort made it the best overall.

The backpacks are tough. The Farpoint and the Fairview are made from 450-denier recycled polyester, which feels thick and sturdy, though more “plasticky” compared to the Salkan. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) I put the Farpoint through six weeks of train, bus, and airplane trips across Europe, and it didn’t show any signs of wear or breaking.

You can attach a lock, if you want. Unlike the Salkan The Backpacker, both the main pack and the daypack’s main zippers are lockable.

The backpacks come in more color options than our other picks. Currently, the Farpoint comes in black, green, blue, and grey. The Fairview comes in black, green, red, and purple.

The packs include a lifetime warranty. Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers repair of any damage or defect for life—or replaces the pack, if repair is impossible. If you just want to return the pack unused, you have 30 days.

It’s been a pick in this guide for seven years—and counting. I have put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. After testing this 2023 pack, I liked it so much that I bought one for myself, replacing an Osprey Farpoint that had been my go-to pack for years of travel.

It comes in additional capacities. If you already have a daypack that you like, the Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 are just the main pack from the 55 (they’re also picks in our guide to carry-on travel backpacks ). You can add the daypack later if you want. If you want more space and don’t mind checking your luggage, the Osprey Farpoint 70 and the Osprey Fairview 70 are slightly larger versions of their Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 counterparts—anything we’ve said about the Farpoint 55 and the Fairview 55 also applies to them. They would work well for those who want to go with the Osprey but need more room in the main pack for, say, clothes for multiple climates, bulky items like ski parkas, and the like.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The U-shaped opening of the daypack is surprisingly small, restricting access. You can’t easily spot things at the bottom or carry bulky items. On the other hand, this does limit what might spill out of the pack if you forget to fully close it, something that has happened to me several times with the old half-clamshell design.
• Previous versions of the Farpoint and the Fairview had large zippers that basically fused the daypack to the main pack. With this version, the daypack hangs off the back, secured only by the nylon compression straps. The straps loop through reinforced parts of the daypack, so it seems reasonably secure, and this new design does let you stuff more things in both packs—but as someone who carries a lot of expensive gear in the daypack, I’m less than excited about it.
• The pack isn’t as comfortable as the heavily padded Salkan. Osprey seems to have prioritized weight and breathability over padding. In warmer climates, though, this could be a good thing.
• Unlike our other picks, the Farpoint and the Fairview don’t include a rain cover. One is available separately, however. Osprey recommends the large size for the 55 L packs.
• The new design is slightly smaller than the old one, as well as being a little smaller than the REI Co-op and Salkan packs.
• Lastly, while looks are entirely subjective, the Farpoint and the Fairview are very much “backpack-looking backpacks.” The dark color choices are safe, to put it mildly.

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Men’s and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Women’s were previously our top picks, until they were replaced this year by the improved Osprey packs.

It’s easy to get just the right fit. The Ruckpack has well-padded and height-adjustable straps, closer in size and padding to those of the Salkan than those of the Osprey . Like the Osprey but unlike the Salkan, the Ruckpack comes in two models, one marketed toward men and the other toward women. The men’s model, available in black or blue, is for people with torsos between 17 and 21 inches. The women’s model, available in black or reddish orange, fits torsos between 15 and 19 inches.

It’s sturdy. The Ruckpack uses a recycled, 210-denier ripstop nylon. It feels similarly sturdy as the Osprey, though not as sturdy as the Salkan. Previous versions of the Ruckpack have held up well over time, and we’ll continue testing to see how the 2023 version wears.

It’s bigger than the Osprey, although the daypack is smaller. Capacity wise, there’s a bit more room in the Ruckpack’s main pack than in the slightly smaller Osprey’s. The daypack, however, is a little smaller. Which backpack works better depends on what gear you carry and how you want to carry it. If you have a lot of things you want on your person at all times, the Osprey is better. If you have more or bulkier clothes, and no camera or less-bulky daypack gear, the REI might be better.

It has more pockets than our top pick. These pockets are on the inside (three are accessible via external zippers) and the outside (on the hip belt, for instance). This is especially convenient if you want to quickly stash items or get to them without having to open the main compartment. And, unlike the Osprey packs, the Ruckpack includes a rain cover.

You will have to check it. The Ruckpack’s dimensions make it too large to qualify as a carry-on, even if you detach the daypack from the main pack. The main pack’s straps can be stored behind a zippered panel when you check your bag.

The main pack’s zippers are easily lockable. However, the daypack’s zippers don’t have the standard holes for easy locking. Instead, you have to thread the lock through the holes in the pull tabs. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s an odd oversight.

REI has a good return policy. REI has a one-year “ 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ” return policy if you’re a member (90 days if you’re not). This is not quite as epic as Osprey’s lifetime guarantee, but you should have enough time to determine whether or not you like the pack. However, if the issue is a manufacturing defect, you should be able to return it any time.

The Salkan The Backpacker is a higher-end travel backpack for people who want the comfort of our top pick but are willing to pay more for swappable design options and more organization.

It has more organization than our top pick. The capacity of the main pack is 45 liters, basically the same as that of our main picks . It has more organization and compartments than the Osprey packs, however. There are two large water-bottle compartments on either side and a laptop compartment inside, as well as several other small, zippered compartments. In addition to the main zippered hatch, the top opens with a drawstring like a hiking backpack, allowing fast access or storage. This drawstring design does allow you to stuff a bit more into the pack than the Osprey or REI Co-op packs. However, the main pack is technically too tall to be a carry-on for most airlines.

It has the best padding. The shoulder straps are well padded—the best I’ve seen—and height adjustable. The back panel and hip straps are generously padded, too. All this does make the pack nearly twice as heavy as the Osprey, though we’re talking only a few pounds (under 8 pounds compared with the Farpoint’s 4-plus pounds). For reference, the Farpoint, fully loaded with all my clothes, heavy camera gear, and so on, was around 35 pounds, including the bag itself.

You can customize it. The pack is available in two main colors: black and light green. In addition, the straps have complementary color options, including orange (shown above), pink, and maroon, plus five other choices. This allows for more personalization and flair compared to the Osprey and REI Co-op packs. Salkan also sells several accessories to go with The Backpacker, such as packing cubes, water bottles, and a laundry bag that attaches to the inside of the main pack.

It’s sturdy—but has not-so-great attachments. The bag’s 900-denier polyester fabric (even stronger than our top pick’s 450-denier fabric) is extremely strong and should resist rips or tears. What zippers The Backpacker has run smoothly, but the design oddly eschews them in key places. While the main compartment has a zipper, as do multiple smaller compartments, the main and daypack’s top openings do not, using drawstrings and a flap instead. These flaps are secured with aluminum “G”-shaped hooks (Salkan calls them buckles) that slide into nylon straps. The hooks feel nice in your hand and could well last longer than the plastic clips on the Osprey and REI Co-op packs. However, connecting them takes a few moments longer than using a clip or zipper would—time that adds up. They also feel less secure, like they could slide loose under load and movement. (These hooks are also what connect the daypack to the main pack.)

It has a great warranty. Salkan has a “ ‘No Landfill’ Lifetime Guarantee ”: “If there is something wrong with your backpack that shouldn’t be, then we’ll try to repair it, and if we can’t, we’ll replace it.” In addition, the company has a 100-day trial period within which you can return or exchange the pack if you don’t like it.

But it’s pricey. The Backpack costs much more than the Osprey or REI Co-op packs. While it’s arguably better-looking than either, this doesn’t add much functional difference. The pack’s comfortable, but so are the others. It’s adjustable, but so are the others. It comes with a rain cover, but so does the REI Co-op pack, and Osprey’s is $40. Is the Salkan’s extra cost and organization worth the better aesthetics? That’s not for me to say.

And we couldn’t attach a lock. There’s no way to lock either the main pack or the daypack. There’s no way to attach a lock to the “G” hooks. The nylon drawstrings at the main pack’s top opening, as well as the daypack’s, offer no practical way of attaching a lock. For such a well-designed and feature-rich pack, this is a surprising oversight. Is this a dealbreaker? Probably not, at least for most people. With the daypack buckled and the drawstring closed, it’s highly unlikely someone could reach in while you’re wearing it without you noticing. However, I frequently leave my pack in luggage rooms at hotels or the occasional hostel without lockers, and not being able to lock it when it’s out of sight would concern me.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide—just what’s still available.

During our research, we checked out a number of companies that make great packs, but none of those packs met all of our criteria. In most cases this was because the company specialized in top-loading bags, bags with wheels, bags that were too big, or very large bags that didn’t include daypacks. These companies included Black Diamond, Berghaus, Dakine, Eagle Creek, eBags, EMS, Ferrino, Gregory, High Sierra, Kathmandu, Kelty, Minaal, MEI, The North Face, Ortovox, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Rick Steves, Thule, Timbuk2, and Victorinox.

The Deuter Aviant Access Pro has many of the features we liked, but its daypack is too small. The pack’s also more expensive than our top picks.

The men’s and women’s Thule Landmark 60L are well-made, sturdy packs, with a wide main-pack opening and most of the same features that we like in the other packs. They’re more expensive, though, and the daypacks aren’t as comfortable.

The Tropicfeel Shelter Backpack is a highly customizable pack to which you can add “modules” that expand capacity or change its use. It’s a cool idea, and the pack seems well designed, but it’s extremely expensive and doesn’t really add that much practical use over our main picks.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Camera for Your Dream Vacation Isn’t a Smartphone

by Ben Keough

Packing for the vacation of a lifetime? Don’t forget to put a good camera in your bag. We have picks for travelers (and vacations) of all kinds.

The Best Tripod

by Erin Roberts, Arriana Vasquez, and Phil Ryan

If you want to shoot sharp photos while using a slow shutter speed, we think the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 tripod is the best choice.

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

by Brent Butterworth

The UE Wonderboom 3 is the all-around best portable Bluetooth speaker because it sounds good and looks cool, and it’s the most rugged model we’ve tested.

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 Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether weekend road-tripping or jet-setting around the world, you’re going to need a pack to toss over your shoulder. Here are the best travel backpacks for every adventure.

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on March 20, 2024 to add the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L — a supremely nice commuter-style travel pack, as well as the Thule Aion 40L and Osprey Archeon 30L .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Dakine Campus 33L Backpack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 to 35 liters.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

Dakine Campus 33L Backpack

• Capacity 33 L
• Weight 1 lb., 10.6 oz.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 8"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material Depending on print type, can be 600-denier recycled polyester, 420-denier recycled nylon, 630-denier recycled nylon, or 1,200-denier recycled polyester

• Cheap price
• Available in many different fabric prints
• Unique insulated cooler pocket
• Not many travel-specific features
• Straps don’t pack away

Even at the regular price, the Dakine Campus 33L Backpack ($75) is a great deal. And considering you can grab one on sale for $45, it’s a must-have budget travel backpack.

It has everything you need to keep your travels organized, without getting too big or complicated. This design has a padded laptop sleeve and a fleece-lined top pocket to keep your sunglasses safe. There’s an organizer pocket that’s perfect for pens, a phone, and easy-access essentials. We love pockets, and this backpack has plenty.

And if that weren’t enough, it also has an insulated cooler pocket to keep your snacks fresh on the go, plus double side pockets keep drinks handy. We found the straps comfortable during long travel days. Be sure to use the sternum strap when carrying a heavy load for the best fit.

While this bag does excellent at travel, it isn’t quite what the bag was designed for, thus it’s missing a few travel niceties like a compression system or the ability to pack away the straps. We didn’t find that we missed them desperately, but they would have been nice for a few instances. For similar-sized backpacks with more of a travel bend to them, look to the sleek Timbuk2 Never Check, or the uber-customizable Tom Bihn Synapse 25. But prepare to shell out some more for them.

If you’re looking for a sub-$100 backpack (under $60 during sales!) that does the basics, then the Dakine Campus Backpack is for you. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available in a 25L capacity .

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and compliments the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack. This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously. “It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½ inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions.  And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the pack. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”) the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 14.5 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 12" x 9"
• Compartment access Drawstring top-entry
• Material N400r-AC² nylon ripstop

• Tough and waterproof exterior fabric
• White interior for easy viewing
• Floating laptop sleeve
• Not very much interior organization
• Simple webbing waistbelt

Made for moving through the city over the concourse, the commute-ready Arc’teryx Granville 25 ($220) takes travel backpacks to the streets in a sleek and tough design that we couldn’t keep from grabbing every day.

Crafted from the same N400r-AC² nylon ripstop as Arc’teryx’s high-end climbing packs, the mountain DNA is strong in the Granville, with fully taped seams that make the pack highly weather-resistant. In our impromptu “rain” test, a garden hose fired directly at the pack wasn’t able to get a drop past the tough exterior.

On the front of the pack, a single water-resistant zippered pocket was practically made for your keys, and could accommodate a few other essentials for when you’re on the go. Tossing back the shaped lid, a single drawstring entry leads to the interior space, which is mainly one large pocket, with a few zippered and drop pockets to separate smaller items. If you’re looking for the same style pack, but with a bit more organization built-in, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 divides up its space well.

The padded interior laptop sleeve will accommodate up to a 16” laptop, and is suspended within the main compartment in a way that leaves us feeling confident in slinging our computer across a shoulder. Compared to other more airline-focused travel packs, the Granville 25 has its feet more firmly planted on the ground, and excels at bus, bike, or foot travel.

Whether your commute is just across town or across the country, the Arc’teryx Granville 25 makes for a good-looking carry-all that’s bound to be around for a while.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check and Arc’teryx Granville packs (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like it’s all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions. In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones. Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend-Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30 liter range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the Dakine Campus 33L will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 liters, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snuggly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Commuters will find drawstring entry bags the most appealing, and the Arc’teryx Granville 25 has become one of our dedicated laptop toters for everything from remote work stints at the coffee shop to jumping on a ferry for work.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150. These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the Dakine Campus ($75) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which at 24 liters compressed easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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How To Choose The

Best Travel Backpack

The minimalist's guide to selecting a carry-on backpack for one bag travel.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Our Picks
• 04. Function
• 05. Aesthetic
• 06. Conclusion

Fitting your life into one bag is no small task. We’re here to help.

Connect in a new country with an eSIM. Check it out →

Best Travel Backpacks

Click to learn more about why we love these top picks.

• 9.2/10: Aer Travel Pack 3 (Best for one bag travel)
• 9.1/10: GORUCK GR2 (40L) (Best for rugged adventures)
• 8.9/10: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L (Best for travel photographers)
• 8.8/10: TOM BIHN Synik 30 (Best for built-in organization)
• 8.6/10: Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L (Best for suitcase-like organization)
• 8.5/10: TOM BIHN Techonaut 30 (Best for multiple carry modes)
• 8.3/10: ULA Equipment Dragonfly (Best for lightweight carry)
• 8.3/10: Able Carry Max Backpack (Best for daypack-like feel)
• 8.2/10: Osprey Farpoint 40 (Best for budget travelers)
• 8.2/10: Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag (Best for business travelers)
• 8.0/10: EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) (Best for carry comfort)
• 7.6/10: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L (Best built-in packing cubes)
• 7.5/10: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack (Best for showing a little personality)

See all reviews: Travel Backpacks

How to Select The Best Backpack for One Bag Travel

There’s something so freeing about traveling with only one bag. All of your important stuff is within arm’s reach, and it forces you to cut down on many of life’s seemingly necessary consumer goods that you can probably live without. With one bag, you easily glide from location to location, always having just enough but never too much.

Choosing the perfect travel backpack for one bag travel can be a challenging endeavor. There are so many brands and models to choose from with varying degrees of durability, price, and try-on-ability (we made this word up for trying something out before buying it online). Add varying views and opinions into the mix from folks with different values, needs, and body types—and you’ve got a veritable clusterf*ck of options to wade through. Whether you’re a new traveler gearing up for your first trip, a digital nomad going through a “sell-all-my-stuff-and-put-it-in-a-backpack” phase, or somewhere in between, it’s essential to have the best travel backpack that works for you.

Here’s the bottom line: There is no “best” backpack that is perfect for every traveler in every scenario. However, we believe everyone can find a pack that’s perfect for their unique needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors we think are most important when choosing the ideal one-bag travel backpack for you.

This guide is written and informed by Pack Hacker staff, many of whom are frequent travelers and digital nomads. That means we’re using and testing these products every day to better understand what’s available out there and how each bag may appeal to different types of travelers.

If you’d rather skip all this info and get straight to the backpacks we’ve reviewed, you can take a look at our highest-rated travel backpack list in the next section, or all of our Travel Backpack Reviews . We’re constantly updating this list as we review and rate new bags frequently.

Is It Better To Travel With a Backpack or Suitcase?

We’ve found that backpacks give you much greater mobility. You can breeze through airports. You’ll never stand around a baggage carousel after a long haul again. And as long as your pack is carry-on size compliant, you’ll never lose your luggage, ever. Depending on your travel style and what you’re hauling, it comes down to your personal preference—both roller luggage and backpacks can be good options. In this guide, we’ll focus on travel backpacks for a couple of reasons:

They Feel Freeing

You’ve got both of your hands-free, and you’re not constantly dragging something behind you. No matter what terrain you’re walking on, you’ll never have the annoyance of loud or unsteady wheels behind you from standard travel luggage. Sure, roller bags work like a charm on smooth airport and hotel floors, but how about the winding cobblestone roads of Paris or a sandy beach in Ko Pha Ngan? You can traverse almost any terrain when you’re wearing a backpack.

Best Travel Backpack | Traveling with the Osprey Farpoint 40 in India.

Travel Backpacks are Versatile & Usually Lightweight

If you pack light enough, you can comfortably have all of your belongings with you at once . Did you arrive earlier than your hotel or Airbnb check in? No problem, just take your pack around with you for the day—no need to stop by and drop your luggage off. Versatility at its finest.

We can’t necessarily guarantee the pack will be lightweight if you fill it up with a bunch of heavy stuff (like camera gear), so we made a Travel Camera Guide too 🙂.

They Provide Flexibility

You’ll take up less room on the airplane or in public transit. You’ll generally feel more agile vs needing to drag around rolly luggage, with the added benefit of not looking like an out-of-place tourist. It caters to a more adventurous lifestyle by always being ready to go. And, you can easily catch that train that’s about to depart without awkwardly side-running with a roller bag or two.

Utilizing a Backpack in Travel Contexts

In this guide, we’re going for travel versatility. We want you to look good carrying these bags around in an urban environment and have the flexibility to head out on a hike for a couple of days of camping without having your backpack ruined by the elements. If you’ve got a piece of roller luggage, it’s going to be hard to do that spontaneous half-day trek on the trail to the neighboring city you’ve been wanting to check out. Likewise, if you’re going to post up at a coffee shop for a day of office work, you’re going to look out of place with a bulky, multi-colored hiking bag. The packs mentioned in this article will blend into most city environments and are durable enough to withstand the abuse of longer excursions.

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Some of our top-rated bags for your travel backpack consideration.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 takes some of our favorite travel backpack features and puts them into one bag: helpful load lifters, easy-to-engage compression straps, and easy access to different compartments. It has Aer’s sleek signature style and is made with quality materials like CORDURA® ballistic nylon and YKK zippers, which add a ton of durability and make this a reliable bag that can withstand extended travel. In fact, this is one of our highest-rated bags and a Pack Hacker Pick because of how it’s held up on trips across the U.S., Thailand, South Korea, and more.

The organization is streamlined for easy packing, and it even includes a hidden pocket where you can tuck a smart tracker—a great feature for keeping track of your bag if it’s stolen or gets lost in transit. The harness system is super comfortable even when the bag is fully loaded and includes wide, cushioned shoulder straps with keepers to cut down on dangling. We also like that there’s an option to add a hip belt because it helps take a ton of weight off your shoulders when the bag is loaded. If you don’t need as much liter space, we recommend the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small because it takes key features from its bigger sibling and puts them in a smaller package built for shorter trips and smaller frames.

Why We Like It

• It has just-right organization and open space
• Compression straps don’t impede access to the compartments, so it’s easy to grab gear quickly

What You Should Know

• Magnetic compression buckles sometimes come undone on their own
• There isn’t a huge false bottom to the laptop compartment, which impacts tech protection—more of a nitpick, as we’ve found it’s still reliable

If you’re looking for a durable pack that can handle any adventure you throw at it, look no further than the GORUCK GR2. It’s a little on the heavier side (courtesy of the CORDURA® Nylon and beefy YKK zippers), though we think the durability is worth the weight sacrifice. We’ve fit its boxy shape under the seat in front of us on some budget airlines, which is great if you’re trying to avoid fees while you travel the world (who isn’t?). In fact, this is the bag that Pack Hacker’s founder Tom used to travel the world for over 2 years.

Though the organization inside is simple, there’s still plenty of room for packing cubes and pouches. It’s covered in PALS webbing, which we use to attach MOLLE accessories like pouches that we fill with items we want quick access to on the plane or while exploring. The customization options mean you can make the pack fit your specific needs, whether it’s Digital Nomad travel or a weekend fishing trip with your family. Plus, GORUCK has one of the best lifetime warranties in the business and a killer repair program, so if you have any issues, contact their customer service.

• The external fabrics are some of the most durable we’ve seen—it even held up when we dragged it behind a car
• Plenty of PALS webbing, so it’s easy to add modular MOLLE attachments to customize your organization
• The rugged materials and hardware add a lot of weight to the pack
• It has a tactical look and feel that’s hard to disguise if that’s not your style

Since this is a bag from Peak Design, it has some great camera features. There are plenty of attachment points inside and out for your photography gear. However, it’s an excellent travel backpack even if you don’t take a DSLR on every trip, thanks to its clean lines and clever design.

The main compartment has well-structured sides and opens clamshell to make it easy to pack, although we’ve noticed that anything we store on the bottom blocks built-in mesh pockets, so you’ll have to choose between gear storage or smooth access. They’re useful for gear you won’t need until you reach your destination, and side pockets help you get to things that you need as you travel, like your passport. There’s a well-padded sleeve for your laptop, and the front pocket has organizational features for tiny gear, which is great for getting to your essentials while sitting in your airplane seat or waiting at the gate. For times when you’re not packing as much, the compression system does an excellent job at holding gear in place.

If you find that 30L isn’t enough space or you want bring more of your photo kit, we recommend the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which has the same great features and added room for your gear. It expands to 45 liters if needed and has compression snaps to lock it down if you want to use it as a daypack.

• It has a comfortable harness system, with a sternum strap that won’t slip out of place
• Structured sides and clamshell opening create a bucket shape that’s easy to load with gear
• ID pocket on the back panel is easy to overlook, so a stranger may not see it if they find your misplaced bag
• Some main compartment pockets aren’t as accessible as we’d like, which slows you down when searching for gear

Going with a lower-capacity pack reduces size and weight, meaning you can even use it as a daypack once you arrive at your destination. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be short on features. Enter the TOM BIHN Synik 30. It’s a smaller version of the Synapse and features the same top-notch and customizable organization we’re used to seeing from TOM BIHN. That means it has multiple exterior pockets for storing gear and numerous attachment points on the interior for attaching modular pouches. While we like the ballistic nylon options because they’re sleek and durable, you can opt for a different material if you want (TOM BIHN has a ton to choose from).

The style won’t be for everyone, and its round shape can make it more challenging to pack some packing cubes and pouches, causing you to lose out on some storage space in the corners (or lack thereof). However, once you’re used to the internal organization, this is one of the smartest-designed internal layouts we’ve seen in a travel backpack.

• The internal organization is great for both travel and daily carry
• Plenty of options to add modular pouches to customize gear organization
• Has a heritage look that may not be everyone’s taste
• Rounded edges can make it harder to pack with some organizers and pouches

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L has a thickly padded harness system, from the shoulder straps to the hip belt and the back panel, along with vertical height adjustment and load lifters for extra support. All of these features together make for a comfortable carry even when the backpack is completely full. There are plenty of places to pack your gear, including water bottle pockets on each side, a top pocket for small items like keys, a front pocket for wide but flat items, and smaller pockets on the hip belt. You can stash your tech accessories in a well-organized admin panel, and there’s a dedicated laptop compartment as well. It includes a zippered pocket for accessories, which we love for the trips where we don’t need to bring a separate tech pouch.

The large bucket space of the main compartment is simple, with no dividers to get in the way. This means you can pack however you please, whether you load up on packing cubes or fold your clothing into neat piles—though we recommend packing cubes so that things don’t get too jostled. A mesh compartment hinges along the main compartment opening for some built-in segmentation, and you’ll find a similar feature on the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L . While the 30L is great for smaller frames, we think the larger version is excellent if you want more space to pack. It’s even a Pack Hacker Pick !

• The smaller size means this travel backpack doubles as a daypack if desired
• Simple organization in other pockets while the main compartment is open to organize as you see fit
• Can be slow to access the large mesh pocket in the main compartment because it opens toward the inside of the pack, not the outside
• The harness system can feel a bit overkill for a bag of this size if it’s not full

The Techonaut 30 is a classic example of what makes a TOM BIHN bag great. There are a ton of durable fabric and colorway options—we like the 525D ballistic nylon because of its strength-to-weight ratio, though there are stronger and lighter-weight options available depending on your preferences. Plus, it has clever, functional organization that’s easy to load with all your gear. When we need to keep even more small items in check, we add TOM BIHN pouches to the included O-rings around the bag (we’re partial to the Ghost Whale pouches because of their size, but almost any will work).

You can carry the Techonaut 30 like a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, although you’ll have to get a separate strap to carry it as a messenger. We prefer backpack mode because the back panel is supportive even when all 30 liters are fully packed.

Inside, it has a variety of pockets, including an integrated water bottle pocket and two quick-grab pockets, which work in either horizontal or vertical orientation, meaning you can store gear based on the way you’re carrying the bag. Briefcase mode? Use the top pockets. Backpack? Go for the sides. However, if you need to carry some hydration, we find that the integrated water bottle pocket can cut into the main compartment, so you’ll have to trade some storage space. Though the main and bottom compartments are separated, you can expand the former via a collapsible floor, which is handy if you need a bit of flexibility with the available space. This is great if you like traveling with shoes but don’t want to buy a separate shoe pouch.

• Bottom pocket unzips to merge with the main compartment for even more storage space
• It can be carried three ways, and all of them are comfortable
• It’s tricky to see inside the top pocket because of its sideways opening
• The dedicated shoe pocket struggles to fit large shoes, which isn’t ideal for those with large feet

At less than 2 pounds, the Dragonfly is one of the lightest travel backpacks we’ve tested (and we’ve tested hundreds), yet it’s not lacking in features. The reason it’s so light is the Ultra 800™ Fabric. It’s 15 times stronger than steel by weight, twice as abrasion-resistant as nylons of the same denier, and waterproof to 200 psi, so you don’t have to worry about a rainstorm ruining your gear. The bag also has quality YKK AquaGuard zippers and Duraflex hardware. While it’s missing a ULA logo on the front, we appreciate the minimalist aesthetic.

As for gear storage, there’s a built-in carabiner and leash for your keys in the top quick-access pocket, and there are both internal and external UltraStretch™ mesh pockets to organize your gear, including large water bottle pockets. In fact, they’re so large that we’re even able to hold things like a travel tripod. Inside is a sleeve that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop or a hydration bladder, depending on what you plan to do that day. Once you’re all loaded up, internal compression straps help to hold your clothing or packing cubes in place.

However, you sacrifice a little in the harness system in the name of weight. A sturdy back panel has thin padding with aeration, and the shoulder straps have similar aeration but not as much padding. The sternum strap is also thin but helps take a little weight off when the pack is full. Plus, there are a lot of attachment loops all over the pack, which is great for modularity.

• The oversized bottle pockets fit a variety of bulky gear and up to 64-ounce bottles
• It has a quite spacious main compartment
• It can be hard to zip when fully packed
• The shoulder straps aren’t overly padded, which may not be suited for all body types

The VX21 X-Pac material on the Able Carry Max Backpack gives it a sporty look that we like, and there’s also 1000D CORDURA® nylon on the underside for durability. You won’t have to worry about the sturdiness of this bag, as it’s well-constructed, with reinforced stitching in key areas. There is plenty of room in the laptop compartment for up to a 17-inch computer and organization for your tech gear. Loops and strips of webbing around the bag give you the flexibility to pack it however you wish, and there are two quick-grab pockets for gear you want to get at as you travel. You can even get a third quick-access spot if you use the internal bottle pocket instead of the one outside the bag for hydration.

The Max Backpack is really comfortable to carry and easy to adjust. The shoulder straps have dense padding and breathable mesh undersides, with X-Pac on top for durability and style. While the tablet pocket is a bit shallow, we don’t have too many problems during regular use.

• It’s easy to customize organization thanks to webbing and loop attachment points
• The durable fabrics are held together with equally-sturdy stitching
• The X-Pac material may not suit everyone, though you can always opt for CORDURA® nylon
• A rear pocket is a bit narrow and tricky to access

This durable bag is made with recycled and bluesign® approved polyester and a PFAS-free DWR coating, which is great if you’re an eco-friendly traveler. It has a bit of an outdoorsy look, which is to be expected from Osprey. However, the external storage is hard to beat if you’re the adventurous type. A large front stash pocket holds a water bottle or damp gear like a rain jacket or towel, and there’s also a decent-sized top pocket for smaller accessories. We like that it’s big enough to tuck your 3-1-1 bag inside to keep it within reach through the security line at the airport. The main compartment opens fully clamshell, and is easy to pack since you can see all the space at once. A couple of mesh pockets inside help organize your gear, and compression straps hold clothing or packing cubes in place as you travel. The large laptop compartment is accessible from the outside of the bag, so you can get some work done as you wait for the plane to board.

What’s really great, though, is how comfortable you’ll be while carrying this bag. The breathable mesh back panel keeps things airy, and the harness shifts higher or lower so you can adjust it to your height and torso length. If you have a more petite frame but want to carry the same amount of gear, try the Osprey Fairview 40. As opposed to coming straight over your shoulders, these curve in and around, making it easier to carry for more petite users of any gender.

• The harness system is comfy even when the pack is fully loaded
• An ample-sized main compartment makes this a great pick for one bag travel
• You can’t remove the bulky hip belt even if you don’t need it
• There aren’t any dedicated bottle pockets, and the front pocket can be tight for larger bottles

The 35L Minaal Carry-On 3.0 for one bag travel is aesthetically sleek and has smart features to improve quality of life on your trip. If you carry a lot of tech, you may appreciate that the laptop compartment lays completely flat, making it easy to load and access on the go. It has a suspended laptop sleeve that you can adjust to different sizes, so your 13-inch MacBook Air isn’t drowning in a pocket designed for a big gaming computer. Plus, the shoulder straps hide away behind a zipping panel, which we find makes it easy to slide this backpack into an overhead bin.

The main compartment opens clamshell for easy packing and includes some built-in organization. However, unlike most other backpacks, you load the bag into the “scoop” section (the front of the bag) instead of the back. This takes a little getting used to, though it’s easy to use once you do. While we recommend taking advantage of packing cubes for most of your gear, there is a large mesh pocket at the top, along with a nylon pouch below it where you can pack shoes. Two external pockets give you quick access to your wallet, phone, and small accessories, and there’s also a security pocket behind the back panel for your passport. Just be careful when using the water bottle pocket, as they can slip out even when the bungee is tight.

• It’s great to be able to securely carry devices of different sizes in the adjustable sleeve
• Excellent accessibility since both compartments open fully clamshell
• You have to pack it “scoop side down,” which can get unwieldy without packing cubes
• The bungee designed to hold a bottle in place doesn’t always work as intended, and some bottles slip out

Some packs are designed with a specific use in mind, and others are designed to be as versatile as possible. Every once in a while, you’ll come across a bag that does both (and does it well). The features on EVERGOODS’ Civic Travel Bag 35L, or CTB35, make it one of the most versatile travel backpacks we’ve seen on the market.

There’s plenty of organization to choose from without going over the top, meaning there’s a spot for large and small gear alike. The main compartment has ample space, so we’re able to fit everything from a camera cube to bulky shoes inside, and it even has a few zippered pockets for small items like tech. As for external storage, there’s a built-in yoke pocket on the top and a vertical zippered pocket on the front that we like to use as a dump pocket for our phone, wallet, keys, and more while going through airport security. Plus, there’s an easily accessible laptop compartment if you work on the go. The harness system is contoured nicely, which makes this backpack incredibly comfortable to wear even when fully packed, so we have no problem carrying it all day long.

We like the 35-liter option because it’s big enough to work for long trips. However, if you’re into the organization but want something smaller, it also comes in a 26-liter size (which we like equally as much).

• The harness is well-padded and comfortable even when the pack is completely full of gear
• It strikes a balance between built-in organization and empty space, so you’re not pigeonholed into packing your gear a specific way
• Since the organization is so minimal, you’ll need to find a way to manage things like clothing—we recommend utilizing packing cubes
• We find it difficult to stow the hip belt without it twisting a bit, so it takes a bit of finesse to get right

We like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag so much that we chose it for the first iteration of our Vacation Packing List . The large size makes sense because you can fit more gear; however, there’s a smaller 30-liter size that we find is better for smaller-framed folks and people who want to save space. Why do we like it so much? We’re happy you asked!

These packs have built-in organization options inside the main compartment, including a divider with zippered pockets that we use to stow smaller items like socks and underwear, but it’s also great for tech or miscellaneous gear. There’s also a large second compartment, a dedicated laptop compartment, and a quick-grab pocket on the front that’s handy for gear you’ll need throughout the day. While all of this organization is great, it’s worth mentioning that all of these zippered pockets are pretty shallow, so you’ll have to pack strategically to ensure your bag will zip up when everything is loaded in. On the plus side, the liner is brightly colored, which makes finding your stuff that much easier!

If all of that space isn’t enough for you, there are attachment points on the front of the bag where you can attach an additional daypack. The harness system isn’t our favorite because there’s no frame sheet to add structure and it can feel pretty heavy when it’s all packed out, but the hip belt does a good job taking some weight off your shoulders.

• There’s ample organization to segment your gear, making it easier to find
• The bright liner material adds a ton of visibility when we’re looking for our stuff in the multiple zippered pockets
• Can be difficult to slide a laptop into the dedicated compartment when the bag is fully packed because of how it starts to bulge
• It’s not the most comfortable bag we’ve worn for extended periods because the back panel lacks significant structure

While some travel backpacks fit best in an urban setting, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack works as a hiking or work bag as well as a travel pack. However, just because it can serve other purposes doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the travel department. It has a refined design and ample space that make it easy to pack for vacation, with mesh dividers and organizers inside to help you keep your gear sorted. While the exterior materials aren’t very structured, you’re unlikely to reach for this large of a bag unless you plan to pack it out, so it’s not always noticeable. The polyester is coated with TPU for water resistance, so your gear is safe as you walk in nearly any weather.

If you’re getting started on your journey into one bag travel, you can get the Allpa with an accessory bundle that includes mesh laundry bags, a nylon shoe bag, and a snap-on mesh water bottle sleeve. You also have the option to add-on Cotopaxi’s Batac Daypack, so you can have a complete travel system ready with just one click. And in case you needed another reason to consider Cotopaxi, you should know that their bags are made in the Philippines in a factory committed to fair labor and environmentally-sound practices, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.

• It’s a ruggedly durable backpack if you’re a more adventurous traveler
• The bag feels roomy and conveniently-placed pockets for small gear storage
• Hip belt isn’t removable if it doesn’t fit, and the pockets often feel too snug when wearing the bag
• It’s on the heavy side for its size

Decisions, decisions… Navigating the not-so-clear world of travel packs.

Video Guide Part 2: Form

Feel free to watch this guide section in video format. We’ll keep the written content on this page up to date.

Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube and never miss a video. We also have these videos in a series playlist format on YouTube so you can watch them easier.

Best Backpack Size & Weight for Carry-On Air Travel

We favor smaller bags that fit in the overhead bin. Yes, it can be a challenge to fit your entire life into a 40L bag, but wow, is it worth it!. Trust us—you can fit your entire life into an 18L backpack if you’re disciplined, and we highly recommend staying under 50L for one bag travel. Life is just easier with a smaller & lighter backpack. If you want to cheat a bit and get some extra space, you can also go the sling bag on the front, backpack on the back route.

Airlines can get pretty stingy around the amount of weight you can bring on board. It’s essential to make sure your backpack itself isn’t too heavy, or you won’t be able to fit in as much clothing and other travel gear. We’re all for less clothing and gear, but we are not for getting hit with extra fees if your carry-on is overweight. Starting out with a bag that’s already too heavy before you’ve packed it is just setting yourself up for failure! We calculate a carry-on compliance score for every travel backpack reviewed on our site using its dimensions and data we collect from most airlines worldwide.

True Volume

It’s easy to get caught up in all this talk around liters of a backpack. There’s really no “industry standard” around this, and the liter size of a pack can vary from brand to brand. What’s more important is the “True Volume” of a backpack and how usable the space is. Some weird, trapezoid-shaped backpack will certainly be more of a challenge than something with a larger, rectangular compartment. The thickness and flexibility of the material matter as well. A thin, strong material will leave you with more space inside of a backpack than something with thick padding in the liner. However, a rigid material—Dyneema, for instance—doesn’t have much additional flex and isn’t very forgiving when you’re trying to pack your bag to the brim. The efficiency of space can make or break the usefulness of a pack.

Pack’s Exterior Profile

The slimness of a pack can help out quite a bit. Not only does it seem less heavy because the weight is close to your back, but it has the added benefit of giving you a smaller, slimmer form factor. With this, you won’t be taking up too much room on public transit or smacking people in the face when you’re boarding the airplane—it’ll be a better experience for you and everyone around you.

Max Legal Carry-On

Otherwise known as “MLC,” Max Legal Carry-On size covers the largest acceptable backpack size for carrying on most airlines. Make sure to check with your airline before arriving at the airport, though—size limits can vary based on the airline you’re flying with.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a well-executed travel bag from a company with an excellent track-record of bringing innovative and unique designs to the backpack world. This maximum legal carry-on can easily handle one bag travel, photography, or digital nomading with ease—and it will be a joy to use for any of those activities.

Top-loading vs Panel-loading (Clamshell) Backpacks

There’s a big debate around clamshell and top-loading packs. We’re personally a fan of clamshell for one-bag travel, as it gives you more open space to work with. Clamshell functions more like a suitcase and opens literally like a clam. You can easily open it up flat and see everything inside, so it tends to be easier to organize all your travel gear.

The Able Carry Max Backpack is a clamshell-style backpack that opens to give you easy access to a spacious main compartment—this works great for packing cubes or rolled up clothing—whichever you prefer! Also, it’s got a large but low-profile water bottle pocket.

Top-loading packs are great if you’re on a long, multi-day trek or participating in other outdoor-focused activities as there’s no main zipper that can fail you (which could be catastrophic if you’re halfway up Mt. Everest).

The Thule Subterra 34L is a top-loading backpack with a roll top opening. A top loader’s usual pitfalls are fixed by an easy to access side zip that allows entry to the main compartment. This zip comes in handy when you don’t have time to mess around with the roll top, or you want to grab something located at the bottom of the bag.

Weather Resistance

Best Travel Backpack | The GORUCK GR2 features “weather resistance” but it’s not “waterproof.”

Weather resistance is another key component to consider for one bag travel. With all your tech gear and expensive possessions in your pack, you don’t want it to get wet. We look for packs with some great weather resistance that’ll easily get you through light rain and ideally through 20 minutes of a monsoon in Southeast Asia. There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant bags. We’re mainly focused on the latter, as this will be plenty in most situations. Sure, waterproof is more secure, but unless you’re leaving your pack outside in a torrential downpour for hours on end or plan to go snorkeling with your laptop on your back, there’s no need for that extra tech.

The Mission Workshop Fitzroy VX utilizes weatherproof materials and weather-resistant zippers. We’ve found it to hold up decently in a downpour. Even if you’re caught in a pretty torrential rainstorm, you should be okay with the PET waterproof membrane.

Got something that needs some additional weatherproofing? Consider picking up a DAKA Pouch . It’ll give your valuables that extra layer of protection without requiring you to purchase an entirely waterproof bag—plus, these pouches double as organizers, separating your precious gear from the rest of your loadout with some additional protection to boot. It’s a win-win.

Durability and Quality

Whether you’re traveling for a week, a month, or a year plus, your backpack is pretty much your home, so you don’t want it to break. Take it from us—the last thing you want is to find out that you lost your phone charger because your zipper broke during the journey to your next accommodation. Investing in a good backpack will prevent loss and damage to your gear, and higher quality products will last for several years. It can be a challenge to tell if a backpack is durable right out of the box, which is why we test bags as much as possible to notice any faults. Higher durability usually means higher weight, but not always. Here are a couple of key considerations we’ve found when it comes to durability.

When it comes to durability, the Topo Designs Travel Bag 40L doesn’t mess around. The 1000D nylon, beefy YKK #10 zippers, and simplistic design all come together to create a bag that won’t let you down.

YKK zippers are some of the best around, so naturally, the best travel backpack brands tend to use them. They’re super strong and have different weights depending on the area of the pack they’re used. A YKK #10 will keep a main compartment secure, whereas a YKK #5 may be suited for smaller side pockets that don’t receive as much use or tension.

YKK is obsessed with quality, and they do everything in-house. They smelt their own brass, forge their own zipper teeth, and even make the machines that make their zippers and the cardboard boxes they ship in! Needless to say, you probably won’t end up with any broken zippers with YKK on your side. YKK zippers also account for about half of all zippers in the world, so that says something. Although less popular, RiRi zippers are pretty great too. Both RiRi and YKK are superior to any other zipper made in-house by a bag manufacturer, and Zoom Zippers are climbing up on that list as well, though we still find intermittent issues with them.

Backpack Fabric and Material

There are a ton of fabrics and materials out there, too. When looking at fabrics, you’ll often see a number followed by a D—250D, 950D, 1500D, etc. The D stands for denier, a term used to measure the fabric’s thickness and weight—specifically the yarn. The formal definition is the mass (in grams) per 9,000 meters of thread, so lightweight fabrics (like silk) have a very low denier, while heavier fabrics have a higher denier. When it comes to backpacks, a higher denier is not necessarily better. In general, a higher denier will be more durable (depending on the fabric & weave) but also heavier. While the denier can tell you the weight and thickness of a material, the type of material, weave, and manufacturing involved will ultimately tell you more about its strength and durability. Here are some materials you’ll come across when selecting your pack, along with the pros and cons of each one.

Ripstop Nylon

Pretty close in property to standard nylon, “ripstop” nylon has a unique square weave that prevents further tearing from happening after a puncture. It has an incredibly high strength-to-weight ratio, and, as the name implies, it is highly resistant to rips and tears. The reason why it’s so strong is that additional fibers are sewn into the weave. Ripstop Nylon was developed in World War II as a more robust alternative to silk parachutes and is currently used in ejector seat parachutes for fighter pilots!

Ballistic Nylon

Ballistic Nylon refers to any nylon fabric with a “ballistic weave,” a variation on the simple basketweave. This gives it excellent tensile and tear strength—especially when layered—and makes it heavier than a lot of other materials. Keep in mind that ballistic nylon almost exclusively comes in black. Why is it called ballistic? It was initially used on flak jackets for World War II airmen to protect them from artillery-shell and bullet fragmentations. PSA: We do not recommend the use of backpacks for protection in war zones.

CORDURA® Nylon

CORDURA® is not a fabric in and of itself—it is a brand covering a whole host of different materials, from cotton to nylon to polyester. What they do is take fabric from various mills, inspect it to make sure it’s up to their standards, and then slap that CORDURA® tag on it. Yes, it’s a bit deceiving, but they do put out some high-quality stuff. You’ll mostly always see a “®” next to “CORDURA” (in all caps) because #branding and #lawyers.

Kodra Nylon

Kodra is virtually synonymous with CORDURA® but made in Korea. Peak Design opted for this in V1 of their Everyday Backpack.

Polyester is one of the most common fabrics on the planet. It’s made from plastic fibers, and you can find it pretty much everywhere—in clothing, pillows, seat belts, upholstery, rope, the list goes on… Oh, and backpacks. Polyester is not the most durable fabric, so you’ll usually find it on lower-end packs (think of those classic Jansport backpacks everyone had in high school). It’s really not the most suitable choice for a travel pack—as it just won’t hold up through the years. Besides lacking in durability, polyester is also fairly heavy compared to other fabrics like nylon. If you’re looking for a low-budget day pack, polyester is fine. If you’re looking for something more serious, stay away from it.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a polymer that is used to make fabrics. This stuff is seriously everywhere—it is the world’s second most widely produced synthetic plastic! It’s used to make ropes, carpets, labels, plastic lids on tic-tac containers, plastic chairs, long underwear…basically, if you see something made of plastic, there’s a solid chance there’s some polypropylene in it. You’ll find it mostly in minor backpack components, but it’s also used to make drawstring bags and totes like the ones that are handed out for free at a college fair or festival. Polypropylene fabric has a few things going for it. It’s cheap, it’s a good insulator because it doesn’t transfer heat very well, and it won’t absorb water since it’s hydrophobic. The major problem with polypropylene is that it is not very UV resistant. If it’s repeatedly exposed to sunlight, the fabric will fade and break down over time. This is not great for backpacks. You may, however, see polypropylene used as a liner on the inside of some packs as it won’t be affected by UV light and adds some additional protection.

You could say that canvas is the OG backpack material. Back in the day, canvas was just about the only thing you would use for a “backpack,” outside of maybe a burlap sack thrown over your shoulder. In World War II, GI’s carried all their equipment around in canvas packs and slept in canvas tents. Canvas very thick and sturdy and was historically made from cotton, linen, or hemp coated in wax for waterproofing. Today, canvas tends to be made from things like nylon and polyester. Most modern backpack companies shy away from canvas because it’s usually heavy, not overly water-resistant, and easily damaged by abrasion. If you’re looking for a canvas one-bag travel pack, you’re not going to find much out there. However, if you want the nostalgia factor, you can still find a bespoke canvas bag to satisfy that.

We may need to scrap our statement on canvas because leather is arguably as OG as it gets. Its use has been traced back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome! Like canvas, you’re not going to see many travel packs made of leather. While a leather bag can make for an excellent, stylish daypack, it’s not ideal for a long-term travel pack, mainly because of its weight. There is also a lot of potential care involved. Between protective oils and various cleaning techniques, it can be a hassle to deal with if you’re on the move. There are three grades of leather—genuine, top-grain, and full-grain.

Contrary to popular belief, genuine is the lowest grade of leather while full-grain is the highest. Full-grain is used for heavy-duty use-cases like weapon holsters and work belts, so if you’re dead set on a leather pack, we’d recommend looking for full-grain leather. Ideally, you’ll want to find something thin enough to not be overly heavy while still thick enough to ensure durability.

The actual material is called ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene… but most know it as sailcloth (yep, the same material used on a sailboat). A relatively rare material for backpacks, brands like Tortuga have taken advantage of sailcloth due to its lightweight and water-resistant properties. It is by far the most lightweight and waterproof material on our list (no need for DWR or liners), but it does have some drawbacks. It’s stiff and crinkly with zero stretch, which can cause problems if you’re trying to utilize every nook and cranny of your pack. It isn’t quite as indestructible as some other materials listed, but it’s reasonably durable and can be patched. It also tends to be one of the most expensive backpack materials out there.

Dyneema® Composite Fabric

In May 2015, Dyneema purchased Cubic Tech, the creator and manufacturer of Cuben Fiber, and rebranded it as Dyneema® Composite Fabrics. So, Dyneema® Composite Fabrics = Cuben Fiber. This stuff was initially designed for high-tech sails on racing yachts because it is ridiculously light and robust. As such, it has been adopted wholeheartedly by the ultralight backpacking community. It’s sort of like the carbon fiber of the backpack world—high-tech, super strong, super light, and…super expensive. While Dyneema® Composite Fabric is popular within the ultralight backpacking community, it has yet to become commonplace in the one-bag travel scene. That being said, if you do see Dyneema® Composite Fabric, you should know that you’re getting some of the best stuff around.

Thermoplastic polyurethane —TPU for short—is a polymer used to add strength to a material, either through a manufacturing process or coating. You’ll recognize it on products like inflatable rafts, phone cases, wire cables, and footwear. Think stuff that needs to be as durable as possible to avoid things going south for the user. It easily sheds water and oil, resists abrasions, and won’t crack in high or low temps, making it ideal for frequent outdoor use. Unlike polypropylene, TPU is UV-resistant and won’t be subjected to the same amount of fading over time. If you’re the type of traveler who wants extra peace of mind on the go, you’ll want to keep an eye out for TPU because of the extra strength it adds to a pack, but we wouldn’t consider a lack of TPU a deal-breaker.

X-Pac is not so much a fabric as it is a bunch of fabrics smooshed together. With the help of lamination technology, it combines complementary materials to make an overall higher-performing product. Though there are variations in denier and waterproofing, it’s most commonly made up of a nylon face for durability, polyester mesh for strength, and waterproof film that won’t disappear over time. Like Dyneema® Composite Fabrics, it was inspired by the efficiency of sailcloth but is a less costly option that provides a similar level of ultralight performance. It holds its shape over time, won’t fade with UV exposure, and easily sheds moisture, making it great for outdoor enthusiasts who hike and bike with their pack on the regular. However, it may be a bit overkill for casual travelers unless you’re looking for a backpack for epic mountain climbing adventures.

Ultimately, the production process and design will dictate whether your gear will stay together. If a bag is made with 1000D CORDURA®, but it doesn’t have good zippers to match, it doesn’t matter how good the fabric is. Look for brands that proudly back their product with generous warranties, like GORUCK and their “SCARS warranty” or Patagonia and their “Ironclad Guarantee.” These brands know they make quality products, so they’re happy to back it up. If a brand offers no warranty or a short warranty, there’s probably a financial reason for that, and the quality may not be as high. We’re all about buying quality pieces that last versus something that’s going to need repair or replacement year after year.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane or navigating city streets, you need a backpack that can hold up.

Video Guide Part 3: Function

Best Backpack for Comfortable Wear and Extended Travel

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to one-bag travel—especially if you plan to carry the bag around with you for hours on end. You’ll want a high-quality harness that works with the shape of your body. When selecting a bag, it’s crucial to take your height and body type into consideration. Although this matters more for hiking backpacks where you’re carrying a ton of gear, it’s less important for smaller, one-bag travel packs. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about it before you make a purchase. A backpack suited for someone that’s 6’5″ and 250 pounds probably isn’t the best travel backpack for someone that’s 5’3″ and 140 pounds. Buying something that doesn’t fit your frame correctly will make for some seriously uncomfortable travel.

Men’s Focused Fit Vs Women’s Focused Fit

Some backpacks are only available with a “one size fits all” harness system, but there is an ever-increasing number of women’s focused fit and men’s focused fit travel backpacks on the market. For example, the Thule Landmark 40L , REI Ruckpack 40 , and Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 are all available in two different fits. The differences are subtle but have a big impact on how comfortable the harness system is on your frame. Compared to a men’s focused fit, a women’s focused fit backpack will typically feature:

• Smaller hip belt with a more pronounced curve

Backpack Straps

You’ll want to look for bags with high-quality straps that work for your body type. A mismatch here could lead to an uncomfortable carry, even with only a little weight inside.

Even though the GlobeRider45 has the functionality and looks of a travel backpack, it carries more like a daypack. Its shoulder straps feature dense padding that curves and falls naturally to the body. A relatively high top area does give it a very slight hiking backpack feel, but it’s an overall tameable bag to travel with, considering its 45-liter storage capacity.

The thickness of straps doesn’t necessarily matter. Thinner straps that use high-quality foam may be more comfortable than thicker, bulkier straps.

If you’re concerned with weight, look for bags that include load lifters – these are the adjusters that appear at the top of the straps. This concept is borrowed from larger hiking backpacks and does wonders for fitting the bag well to your back with different loads.

Some straps swivel and pivot to cater to different shoulder widths and make it easier to quickly flip the pack around to access the goods you’ve got inside.

We’re middle-of-the-road on hip belts for one-bag travel backpacks. They can help a ton if you’ve got a heavier load or plan to carry your pack for long stretches but aren’t necessary if you pack minimally in a smaller pack.

A good hip belt should be comfortable and secure without becoming too cumbersome. There are few things worse than hitting people with your bulky hip belt while walking down the aisle of an airplane. We’d recommend taking a look at travel backpacks that feature a detachable or hideable hip belt, so you don’t have to use it when you don’t need to.

Sternum Straps

Nearly all travel backpacks include a sternum strap. They’re designed to distribute some weight away from your shoulders and secure the shoulder straps across your chest.

While sternum straps are all pretty similar across the board, there are a couple of things we’d recommend looking out for. First, some will feature an elasticated portion that allows the strap to flex with your body as you walk. We’re big fans of these. Second, some sternum straps can be detached, leaving them vulnerable to falling off when not in use. We’re not kidding; this has happened to us on multiple occasions. Not good, especially when you’re traveling halfway around the world in remote locations! A detachable sternum strap is great when you don’t always need to use one, and it makes adjusting the height easy. Just make sure it’s secure and adequately anchored to the shoulder straps.

A well-designed back panel can make things much more comfortable. Although it’s hard to avoid the old sweaty back with more extended periods of wear in hotter climates, well-ventilated mesh and foam can help with this. A curved frame can help with ergonomics and ventilation, but we don’t see this on many travel-focused backpacks. Sometimes, it seems like overkill.

How Do you Pack the Thing?

With all these fancy features, it’s essential to consider how you should use them and how you pack your bag. Generally speaking, you want to load the heaviest items closest to your back. This’ll ensure the heaviest bits of your bag are the closest to your center of gravity, pulling you down less from the back of the bag.

Best Travel Backpack | Configuring a backpack.

If you’ve got all the features mentioned above, you want to strap and tighten your hip belt first, then adjust the shoulder straps, then tighten the load lifter straps (the straps on top) to a 45° angle, and finally, adjust and tighten the sternum strap.

The Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L (V2) has a horseshoe zipper at the top front of the pack, which opens up to allow you to reach into the main compartment and grab essential items rather than opening up the full clamshell. It also features liter independent compartments and pockets, which are great for packing to the absolute limits. Check out the smaller 28L version, too.

Modular Backpack System

If you want more options for customization, check out modular gear. To put it simply, this is gear that brands design to work with their bags. They allow you to make a bag suit your preferences, adding and swapping parts as needed instead of trying to fit your gear into the organization already installed in your pack. Anyone who uses a bag with PALS webbing, for example, will tell you how convenient it is to have loops ready where they can stick MOLLE accessories. Whereas PALS webbing and MOLLE attachments are one of the better-known standards out there, brand-specific modularity and attachment systems also exist.

In fact, some brands, like ALPAKA , TOM BIHN , Boundary Supply , and Roark , are known for it. We like to count how many O-rings we can find on each TOM BIHN bag we buy because that’s where we can clip the brand’s key leashes, admin pouches, packing cubes, and more.

These great for carrying tiny travel accessories wherever we go. Sizes range from Super Mini, which can hold AirPods, chapstick, and similarly sized items, to A5, which is big enough for an A5-size notebook and pens. They’re made from scrap fabric, so you can feel good about saving them from the cutting room floor. They clip to the O-rings in a TOM BIHN bag or a loop on another backpack to save you from digging for small gear.

ALPAKA’s HUB Ecosystem lets you swap your keys, sanitizer, card holder, and more between your bags. Pull the Hypalon tab to release the magnetic fastener to swap your gear, then attach it to different points throughout their bags or the HUB ModPanel hanging in your house. Then you’ll always be able to find your keys.

The Prima System includes a 30L travel backpack, the Fieldspace admin panel, and Verge Camera Case. The Fieldspace holds a tablet or small laptop, plus small accessories, docking to the laptop compartment with a magnet, so it’s removable if you don’t need it. The camera case is also fully customizable and can sit inside the pack, connect to its exterior, or be carried separately.

Organization: Multiple Travel-Focused Features or One Big Compartment?

Some backpacks take the approach of having a massive inner compartment with no organization. This is great if you’re planning on using some packing cubes or compression sacks, but not so great if you want a little more internal organization out of the box. More things to consider: is there a dedicated place to put a pen or two for those pesky customs forms? Is it easy to grab? How about a dedicated laptop compartment (or, for that matter, a dedicated laptop bag )?

This iteration of Tortuga’s travel backpack design gives more control to the user. It has fewer organization options than its predecessors, but the extra space and weight savings can be better used for packing cubes and organizers. Those already invested in such accessories will find the wide and spacious main compartment easy to fill and navigate.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can be a great addition to your luggage regardless of whether the bag is one massive compartment or has a couple of smaller pockets inside. Packing cubes allow you to organize clothing between type, outfits, clean or dirty, and much more.

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On’s size and shape make it easy to pack with cubes. Plus, the light gray interior makes it easy to find your gear.

Compression and Expandability

If you’re going with one bag, versatility is essential. Ideally, your pack will cater to different amounts of items that are packed in the bag.

Some packs even offer detachable daypacks, but they tend to be slightly larger in liters to justify the additional use of materials (extra zippers and extra straps.) If you’re looking for a small travel daypack , consider some highly compressible bags from Matador . There won’t be any padding on these, but you could also pair these with a padded field pocket from GORUCK or a padded laptop compartment if you want to cafe-hop and work for the day.

If you are looking for a more padded daypack, a Mystery Ranch In and Out Packable Daypack , or something like a Fjallraven Kanken 13″ Laptop Backpack could work. At the end of the day, you’re packing another set of straps, padding, and zippers—all space and weight that’s being subtracted from your main pack.

We like sticking to one bag whenever possible, and there are some bags out there with the right size and look that can be used as a daypack and for one bag travel.

The Thule Aion 28L Backpack expands to 32L when you need more space for a trip. Use the extra room when you’re traveling, then empty it and compress it back down when you arrive at your destination to have a slimmer bag that can be used as a daypack while walking around.

Another great option is the Osprey Farpoint 40 , mentioned above. One of our team members has utilized the compression straps to carry his tripod while traveling to numerous countries.

Security Backpacks

Be on the lookout for packs with great security features. Are the zippers lockable with TSA approved locks? Are there separate secret security compartments to place your passport and other valuables in hard-to-reach places? Is it made of a solid material to prevent the quick slash-and-grab? Are the outer pockets minimized to make it hard for a thief to unzip and grab what they want quickly?

A lot of safety when traveling comes down to common sense and your own self-awareness, but there are a couple of pack features that can make your trips a little bit safer.

Lockable Zippers & Anti-Theft Backpacks

Some packs offer lockable zippers, or special looped zipper pulls that can be configured to deter thieves. Locking the zippers on your pack won’t turn it into an anti-theft backpack—someone can still take it or cut through the fabric—but it can help stop wrongdoers from quickly unzipping your bag for a quick-grab, or make them move to the next easily accessible bag on a train or bus. No backpack is impenetrable, though, and some of these features on backpacks can be gimmicky—included just so the purchaser has some peace of mind—even if the benefit isn’t that great. Peak Design’s security features (example below) and PacSafe’s Tough Zip put a lot of emphasis on that extra layer of security.

The zippers on the Peak Design Travel Backpack come with multiple locking features. This won’t necessarily deter all theft, but it’ll stop anyone from the old unzip & grab trick, and it won’t be against TSA Guidelines.

Anti-Theft Backpack Materials

Some bags offer more robust fabric that naturally enforces the bag. As we mentioned before, materials like Ballistic Nylon, CORDURA®, and others are super helpful with this. Some companies even include special mesh wiring, like Pacsafe’s eXomesh®, that almost theft-proof your backpack, allowing you to lock it to a fixed object for added security. EXomesh® is either lined inside the fabric and can also be purchased externally with other backpacks. For the type of traveling we do, we think this is a little paranoid and adds some weight plus another thing to carry. But depending on your situation, it could be helpful. Strolling through Tokyo? Probably not necessary. Heading to Barcelona for the first time? Yeah, we’ll take that extra layer of security.

RFID Blockers (Identity Theft-Proof Backpacks)

We feel that having a bunch of RFID-blocking tech covering an entire backpack is overkill. Sure, it’ll stop folks from electronically scanning your passport, but If you’re concerned with this, you could get a special wallet or wrap your passport & cards in aluminum foil. Let’s face it—it’s much less effort for a thief to physically grab what they want from you than dicking around with RFID technology. But again, whatever helps you sleep at night. If it’s a 100% secure backpack you seek, we’re not going to stop you.

If you’re looking for a secure travel pack, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 offers some great features for exactly that. From the eXomesh® slash-proof material to the secure zippers and RFID secure pockets, there is some great thinking that went into this pack along with some solid materials.

You know what they say—“It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look.” Or something like that...

Video Guide Part 4: Aesthetic

Finding the Best Travel Backpack Style For You

At the end of the day, the look and feel of a travel backpack should be right for you and your tastes. There are many things to consider as far as aesthetics go we’ll pull in here for consideration. Stylish “urban travel” backpacks became a lot more popular within the last couple of years, and that’s the look we prefer. Gone are the days of international travel with a big blaze-orange hiking backpack. Those certainly have a utility, but that utility is in the wilderness. Here are a couple of overall style points for your consideration:

Minimalist Travel Backpacks

When you’re in a new country, think a bit about how you want to be perceived. If you’re heading to a more crowded or dicey area, nothing screams tourist like having a large, colorful backpack while looking up at tall buildings or a landmark in awe. It’s easier to keep a low profile and blend in a little if you’re not carrying around a monstrosity of a bag that acts as an advertisement for thieves and wrongdoers looking to target travelers for their own gain. It’s an added bonus if you can roll into a meeting wearing one of these things. As one-bag travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, we’re seeing many solid urban packs coming out that are built specifically with one-bag travel in mind.

• Minaal Carry-On 3.0

Tacticool Backpacks

There are a ton of great, high-quality bags out there that are made to military spec. There’s some really great utility to things like MOLLE for customizing your pack and including other accessories on your bag, and the stronger materials make for highly durable bags. Keep in mind that some folks may perceive you as being in the military if your bag has too much digi camo going on. It’s one thing if the pack is all black & subdued, but another if it’s camo and filled with patches. If this is your look, go for it, but this type of pack might also bring about some “unwanted attention” in certain parts of the world.

• Mission Workshop Radian

Outdoor & Hiking Backpacks

Think sportier packs with lots of pockets, brighter colors, and louder material. For a long time, outdoor backpacks were the only option for long-term one-bag travelers. They tend to be bulky and are built to carry big, heavy loads over long distances. This typically means lots of straps and a tall pack that will peek up over your head. Great for an extended camping excursion, not so great for a trip through the airport or a newly-discovered city square. They also tend to scream “TOURIST.” No one casually walks around with a giant hiking backpack.

• Gregory Zulu 40

Backpacker Backpacks

If it’s not already obvious, the “Backpacker Backpack” is designed specifically for backpacking around the world. Typically from manufacturers that also make outdoor and hiking backpacks, this is the go-to style for anyone on a gap year looking to tick off as many countries in Southeast Asia as possible. And because of that, they’re some of the most popular bags on the market today. Sure, you’ll still look like a tourist—albeit not as much as you would wearing a hiking backpack—but that’s fine because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

• Gregory Detour 40

Heritage Backpacks

These bags are engineered with a classic look in mind. Most will be some variation of the one-compartment style with leather straps, subdued colors, and some type of canvas-y material. These packs look great but can sometimes lack functionality and comfort. Although there are a few bespoke style travel bags (we like Vinta and Rivendell Mountain Works), most will fall into the daypack category.

• Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Having said all of this, aesthetic is subjective, and beauty remains in the eye of the beholder. This is why we conduct weekly polls over on our Instagram to get our communities’ take on the look of bags. Follow us on Instagram to cast your votes! You can find all the results of the polls on our individual review pages too, so you can see how well a bag you’re looking for has performed.

The humble backpack: It’ll get you through anything and everything...

There Really is No “Best Travel Backpack”

Although, there is a best travel backpack for you. All this boils down to your preferences.

When we first started creating this guide, we admittedly thought there would be one best bag for travel, but the deeper we dug, the more we realized it depends on your needs as an individual traveler. Sure, there are generally guiding principles to follow, and a bag made out of cardboard objectively won’t last, but there are too many quality backpacks out there to pick just one. If you’re on a short trip, a lighter, less durable pack will suit you well. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia during the monsoon season, you may want some heavy-duty weatherproofing.

We wish you the best of luck moving forward with your selection. Still want more? Be sure to check out our other guides and travel gear reviews too!

Our team at Pack Hacker developed the “best travel backpack” guide in partnership with our friends (and bag experts) at Carryology . We’re constantly updating this guide as new backpacks are released, and the travel landscape changes.

Author: Tom Wahlin

Tom has lived out of a 40L backpack for 2 years of travel, helping him learn what to pack and what to leave behind. His top achievements include designing for Apple and eating large quantities of ramen (ongoing).

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Meaning of backpack in English

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• attaché case
• baggage allowance
• excess baggage
• garment bag
• hand luggage
• The couple backpacked across Europe for six weeks , spending nights in people's homes in Copenhagen, Berlin, Madrid, Florence and Rome.
• I was one of those young people in the '70s who hitchhiked and backpacked around the states with a dog-eared copy of On the Road.
• We backpacked some 40 miles along the creek .
• boondocking
• camping ground
• groundcloth
• pop-up tent
• Primus stove
• sleeping bag

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

backpack | American Dictionary

Translations of backpack.

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anonymously

without the name of someone who has done a particular thing being known or made public

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Definition of backpack

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of backpack  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backpack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

1899, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Dictionary Entries Near backpack

Cite this entry.

“Backpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpack. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

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Kids definition of backpack.

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The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

From basic rucksacks to nifty new features, these backpacks are a traveler's dream come true.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Team T&C are experts in the field of traveling light and packing efficiently . And because we know every traveler has different preferences and needs, our editors took it upon ourselves to research, test, and share our favorite and most reliable styles on the market. Ahead, find the best carry-on travel backpacks designed to go the distance.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

A backpack that packs like a suitcase? Why didn't someone think of this sooner? This Samsonite bag is perfect for the traveler who wants to travel light without sacrificing that packing method they've perfected.

One reviewer writes: "Durable yet lightweight. Streamline design and not bulky at all. Perfect carryon size with backpack straps for convenience."

Dimensions: 20" x 12.5" x 7"

Weight: 3.6 lbs

Material: Recyclex

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

This bag has compartments, on compartments, on compartments—including an exterior laptop pocket, making it extra easy to slip your computer in and out for TSA.

One reviewer says: "I initially purchased because I needed more storage to function as my work bag. It just so happen I was traveling abroad in that same month as well. I did not realize that it had a strap on the back to make it super convenient to connect to my carry on luggage. The storage in this bag is phenomenal. 10/10 recommend!"

Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” L x 7.25” D

Packing Capacity: 27L

Material: 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish

Fjallraven Kanken Water Resistant Backpack

These Scandinavian bags have been tested, tried and true since the 1970s. According to T&C 's Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck, who owns several Fjallraven Kankens, they don't offer a lot of frills or features, but they are as practical and reliable as they come. Cute enough to be your day bag but spacious enough to fit all your carry-on essentials, this bag is two-for-one. Plus, there's no shortage of color options!

One shopper says: "This is my second backpack and I just love to use this during my travels. It’s stylish, lightweight and can surprisingly fit my essentials."

Dimensions: 14" H x 10" W x 4 ½" D

Weight: .7 lbs

Material: Vinylon

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak is known for creating travel bags and accessories with smart engineering in mind, and this backpack is an incredibly popular pick for obvious reasons. Thanks to its many compartments, it can hold a ton—shoes, notebooks, bottles, you name it—and is designed to protect a 15-inch laptop in one of the inner sleeves. Even better, it comes in a variety of pretty colors, such as this rose gold hue.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack. My laptop fits perfectly and it’s very roomy to carry a travel umbrella, glasses, electrical cord, notebooks, and more. I love the puffy exterior and have the matching Luca mini. Together, creates a great weekend getaway."

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7"

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Material: Polyester

Monos Metro Backpack

The unique feature on this pack from Monos is the detachable, interchangeable pouch that fixes to the front of the bag. This smaller bag is the perfect spot to keep the items you need quick and easy access to, like your passport, headphones, keys, and charging cables.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack! The trolley sleeve is a huge plus, but my favorite feature is being able to remove the Metro Kit. I like that I can conveniently place the backpack under the seat and the Metro kit can hang off the pouch in the seat in front of me, making it easy to grab the essentials mid-flight."

Exterior Dimensions: 11.5" × 16.5" × 6"

Exterior Weight: 2.4 lb (nylon) / 3 lb (vegan leather)

Metro Dimensions: 8.75" × 6.75" × 2"

Metro Weight: .6 lbs

Material: Nylon or vegan leather

Cuyana Leather Backpack 16-inch

For a travel bag that sacrifices neither function and fashion, you turn to Cuyana. The brand's minimalist backpack is crafted with premium Italian leather and tricked out with convenient features, like a spacious main compartment with pockets and a laptop sleeve, two additional exterior pockets, a magnetic snap closure for easy access, comfortable straps that don't dig into your shoulders, and a top handle that allows you to tote the bag around by hand.

One shopper says: "This is the perfect work and travel backpack. I got it in navy and looks amazing. My laptop, notebook, and computer accessories all fit in very neatly with plenty of room for other items. I was a little worried about my water bottle fitting in the front pocket, but it is just fine there and the magnets even help it stay in place. It is simply PERFECT!!!"

Dimensions: 15.1" x 11" x 7"

Weight: 2.6 lbs

Material: Leather

MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe

MZ Wallace's bags are absurdly lightweight, insanely roomy, and the signature quilting adds interest to an otherwise understated bag. This backpack is no exception. T&C 's Senior News Editor Emily Burack is a massive fan of the brand .

One shopper says: "Bought the Dawn metro backpack deluxe for a recent trip. I squeezed in so many items such as electronics, iPad, cosmetics, a jacket and small crossbody purse. Love the back sleeve that you can attach to your suitcase, and then can convert it to a pocket by zippering the bottom. And finally side pockets that can fit a water bottle."

Dimensions: 2.20" × 6.90" × 16.50"

Weight: 1.3 lbs

Material: REC Oxford

Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack

For the packer who's serious about one-bag travel, Carl Friedrik's aptly-titled pack is a great option. The 25-liter carrier is designed fit up to three-days worth of outfits and is perfectly sized to fit under the seat in front of you. Also worth noting: The front panel fully unzips, there's a laptop sleeve, and various pockets so you can make the most of every nook and cranny.

And if that's not enough to convince you? Succession 's The Roy family is fan of Carl Friedrik , as is T&C 's very own Leena Kim .

Dimensions: 11.8" x 18.1" x 7.1"

Packing Capacity: 25L

Material: Nylon

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Those who are often guilty of overpacking will get a kick out of this pick. No matter how much you stuff inside of it, the bag is lightweight to carry day in and day out. It's made of a blend of tough, TPU-coated polyester and durable nylon paneling, and has padded shoulder straps which add to the comfort. Also notable is its harness feature that distributes weight and prevents you from suffering from any back or shoulder pain later on.

One shopper says: "The Cotopaxi was my real working bag for carrying 3-4 days' clothing & toiletries. I am impressed with the quality build, the cool appearance of the bag, the organized storage, the way the compartments hold their shape without using heavyweight material. The interior feels well enough secure for my purposes but also has easy access smaller compartment for a light jacket."

Dimensions : 20" x 12" x 10"

Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz

Material: Polyester and nylon

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

At last, your very own Mary Poppins bag. Well, not quite, but it might as well be. Don't be fooled by this bag's streamlined look—it can fit a lot. Yet, its dimensions qualify as a personal item, meaning it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.

One shopper says: "I love traveling with this backpack. It is compact enough to wear I am not hitting people with it every time I turn around on the plane. It has a compartment for everything and is great quality. Excellent customer service from Lo & Sons, too!!!"

Dimensions: 11.5" x 6.75" x 16.5" (large); 10.75" x 6" x 16" (small)

Weight: 3.2 lbs (large); 2.9 lbs (small)

Material: Nylon and leather

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

First of all, this bag is made with 23 recycled water bottles! So it's already a winner. Water-resistant and roomy, it comes with a zippered pouch that can be used as a shoe bag, or for any other essentials you want easy access to. We also love its sleek look—how could you not?

One shopper raves: "I wanted a small backpack that could still carry all my stuff, but also look stylish and sleek. This was it. The Dakota and small is the perfect backpack. Big enough to carry all my stuff as a mom of three while traveling but small enough to not feel too heavy. The material is soft but durable. I’m definitely a forever fan now!"

Dimensions: 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz

Material: Premium neoprene and performance air mesh

Aer Travel Pack 3 Black

A true traveler's bag, the main compartment of this backpack lays open flat, so you can pack it like a regular suitcase. It has designated laptop and organizational compartments, plus multiple additional pockets for all your other must-haves. The zippers are also lockable, and there's a pocket just for your AirTag !

One shopper says: "This backpack does everything I need. Keeps things really organized, looks great, comfortable to carry heavy stuff... I really like how it collapses to a smaller profile once it’s empty for both easy storage, and a slimmer profile for a day to day pack."

Dimensions : 13" x 21.5" x 9"

Weight: 4.12 lbs

Tumi Celina Backpack

Tumi is one of the most trusted names in luggage, so you can be sure this bag is of high quality. It has lots of pockets and compartments, but the best feature has to be the Tumi Tracer, which will allow you to track and locate your bag should you misplace it.

One shopper raves : "So light empty and so roomy. Lots of pockets and fantastic construction. A quality backpack that will last for years and years, worth every penny!"

Dimensions : 16.0" x 10.6" x 6.5"

Shinola Detroit The Runwell Backpack

If you're looking to invest in a bag that can really go the distance, it's gotta be high-quality leather. You can trust that this will hold up, and best of all, it'll only look better as it wears in during all your trips to come.

One shopper says: "I purchased this Runwell backpack in the summer of ‘19 to use as my work bag and waited a few years of daily use to review. I can truly say it’s almost perfect; it looks small on me but that’s my fault for not reading measurements. It easily fits my laptop, plenty of cables, paperwork, gym clothes, a shower bag, and many more random things. The pockets in the interior are great; it’s very functional. Although I do clean/condition it every few months, it’s developed a wonderful patina."

Dimensions: 17" H x 10.38" W x 6" D

Weight: 3.9 lbs

Beis Travel The Expandable Backpack

With pockets and compartments galore, the Beis backpack has endless room for all your essentials. And once it's all filled up? You can unzip the expandable zipper for even more space! Never thought you'd be so excited about a backpack? We get it.

One reviewer writes: "The expandable feature makes it great for travel but un-expanded, it’s great for work. The pockets are so functional and the extra padded laptop sleeve is great. Also got caught in a rainstorm this week and the inside of the bag stayed perfectly dry!"

Dimensions: 13" x 15" x 5-7"

Weight: 1.67 lbs

Material: 100% recycled poly

Troubadour Aero Backpack

This top-loading backpack not only features a main inner section with a ton of clever pockets, but there's also a 3D top pocket for easy access to your toiletries, a dedicated space for shoes, and a separate padded compartment for a laptop. Even better: It doubles as a duffle carrier for days when you'd prefer carrying your things as a crossbody.

One shopper says: "Just perfect. Enough pockets in the right place without being annoying or irritating and it looks sooooo good."

Dimensions: 13.4" x 20" x 7.9"

Weight: 2.75 lbs

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Known for the suitcases everybody can't get enough of, Away also offers a range of backpacks that feature the same intelligent designs and user-friendly features. The aptly-named Everywhere knapsack is made with water-resistant nylon and features a wrap-around zipper for extra access in the main compartment.

One shopper writes : "It may be a little much to say this backpack changed my life, but it changed my life.. It's comfortable. It's SO well designed, with a logical place for everything. It holds a LOT. It's stylish and stays upright when you put it down. Most importantly (and the reason I bought it in the first place), I'm no longer sore after walking around and carrying my stuff all day. I may never go back to wearing a shoulder bag again. Worth every penny."

Dimensions : 12" x 5.9" x 17.7"

Weight : 2.45 lbs

Material : Nylon and leather

Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

The genius of this backpack? Its compact size can fit a ton without weighing a ton, and when it's not in use, it folds up flat and zips into a space-saving pouch. Bonus: Get yours customized with your initials for a personalized touch.

One shopper says: "I couldn’t believe that a roomy backpack could zip up very easily into a pouch! It is very roomy with several zip up compartments for extra storage. It looks very nice. I am going to Europe and was searching for a lightweight backpack. This is perfect!"

Dimensions: 13" x 16" x 9"

Weight: .63 lbs

Material: Nylon from recycled water bottles

.css-1q42gf4{color:#030929;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,NewParis-roboto,NewParis-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:1.875rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:1.875rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1q42gf4 b,.css-1q42gf4 strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1q42gf4 em,.css-1q42gf4 i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} What to look for when buying a carry-on travel backpack

A carry-on travel backpack is a great in-flight companion because it's conveniently designed to be super spacious and a hands-free way to carry your belongings.

When shopping for the best option, it's important to choose a bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. While sizes vary depending on the airplane, most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be somewhere around 17 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches long.

Equally as important: Look for a backpack with functional features, such as organization pockets, full zip openings, a laptop sleeve, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.

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For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different . Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country . Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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The 14 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking in a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We tested dozens of carry-on backpacks and evaluated them based on traits like capacity, comfort, durability, and design. First, we tested the backpacks in our New York City lab and utilized our airplane set complete with row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins. We then took them out into the world for six months to further test each bag on a variety of trips. From rugged to sleek styles, we tested plenty of carry-on backpacks ranging in design and size that impressed us.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The backpack has an unstructured style that makes it easy to pack clothing and accessories, plus a plethora of thoughtful features catered to frequent travelers.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

Salt Lake City-based outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi builds brightly colored clothing and accessories to last. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

We think this durable Cotopaxi bag will remain in excellent condition no matter how many times it hits the road, as it was not damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed it onto the ground. The rubber texture also seemed easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found that it's the perfect size for long weekend trips and helps keep all of our items organized and easy to access. Both stylish and functional, this backpack can even be made one-of-a-kind by choosing the surprise colors option when purchased through Cotopaxi’s website.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

• Design 4.5 /5

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Budget

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Traditional

Samsonite silhouette 17 backpack.

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Thanks to its clamshell design, it’s like a suitcase without wheels.

Some of the straps weren’t intuitive to use.

The Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack is ideal for travelers who like the structure and sleek, minimalist style of a traditional suitcase but want the portability of a backpack. We love that this bag opens like a suitcase, making it easy to access everything inside. There was plenty of space leftover after packing the backpack, and the classic clamshell opening allowed for easy access to items in the compression-strapped main compartment and the zippered pockets on the inside of the front flap. All of the interior and exterior pockets, including the water bottle holder and padded laptop sleeve, are useful for traveling. You can convert the backpack to wear as a duffel bag or a briefcase, and it has a rear strap to place on a rolling suitcase if desired. The straps were easy to adjust, and it felt like the weight was nicely distributed thanks to the structured style of the backpack. There was a small scuff on the bag after we tossed it on the floor during our durability tests, but the contents of the backpack remained unharmed. When flying with the bag during our six-month testing period, we found that it easily fits in airplane overhead bins and under the seat. Overall, it’s a backpack with the features of a well-compartmentalized suitcase and much more.

The Details: 13 x 20.5 x 10.5 inches | 3.31 pounds | Polyester, recyclex | Padded laptop pocket | Convertible straps

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpack on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

• Comfort 4 /5

It can be converted from 40 liters for traveling to 22 liters to use as a daypack. 

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use. After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long. We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. 

The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpack, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. 

The Details: 20-42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

Topo Designs

• Capacity 4 /5

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Customizable

Roam the continental.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Comfort 4.8 /5

You can choose from four colors to customize the shade of the front, back, sides, and straps of the backpack. 

The laptop sleeve isn’t padded.

Customized luggage can be hard to come by, but Roam’s The Continental backpack makes it easier than ever to build the carry-on backpack of your dreams. The front, back, sides, and straps of the bag can be red, green, black, or blue, or you can keep the backpack all one color for a monochromatic look. We were a bit worried about the light colors when we first got our hands on this bag, but after four months of traveling, is has no signs of wear and tear, there are no stains or loose threads, and everything is still in good shape. We were also impressed by the exterior pockets to stash headphones, snacks, chargers, water bottles, or anything else you could need whether lounging in the airport or mid-flight. The bag is made with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric and YKK zippers so it easily handles temperamental weather while traveling. Spacious and easy to access, the front flap opens wide so packing the bag with clothes and shoes was a breeze, too. The laptop pocket in the back could easily fit a 17-inch device, but it isn’t padded, so you may want to store your computer in a case to be on the safe side. 

The Details: 26 liters | 17.75 x 14 x 8 inches | 2.4 pounds | Water-repellent fabric | Laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

• Capacity 4.8 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

• Durability 4.3 /5

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best for Hiking

Kühl eskape 25.

The 25-liter capacity makes this backpack versatile for an airplane or the great outdoors.

It takes some adjustments to get it to fit comfortably on the back.

This rugged carry-on backpack from Kühl is the perfect option for travelers embarking on an outdoor adventure. The smaller size of this bag is its greatest strength since it can easily fit enough clothes for a weekend trip, or you can use it as an adventure pack for day hikes or camping trips. There are a variety of thoughtful features for hikers including a stowaway hip belt for extra support while trekking, load-lifting shoulder straps, and the bag is made with durable TPU-laminated nylon. Plus, the chest strap slides up and down the shoulder straps so travelers can get the most comfortable fit for their upper body. We found that it takes some extra effort to adjust all of the straps for the right fit, but once you do, the bag is comfortable to carry for long periods of time. For even more versatility, the bag has a padded laptop pocket and a variety of other small and large zippered pockets to stay organized if you’re commuting or traveling for work. 

The Details: 25 liters | 20.5 x 9.5 x 12.5 inches | Waterproof nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is basically a suitcase without wheels thanks to its large capacity and clamshell-style opening.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

This lightweight backpack has a sleek and contemporary design that comes in several earthy colors.  

It has a smaller capacity than many backpacks and can only fit a day or two of clothes.

If you’re looking to travel in style, Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is the perfect fit. Functional and contemporary, we found it to be best suited for weekend trips because of its smaller capacity. The bag fit all of the packing items during testing, but it would be difficult to fit much more in the main compartment. The ReNew Transit was comfortable to wear thanks to its lightweight polyester material and compact build. The front flap of the backpack has an external pocket for smaller items, and it folds over to attach magnetically to the front of the backpack. During our durability tests, the front magnets stayed securely together, and the body of the backpack didn’t get crushed or damaged. We liked how it can fit under an airplane seat, making it a versatile backpack for traveling with or without other pieces of luggage. There is a laptop sleeve in the back of the bag as well as a water bottle holder on the side and a front zippered pocket below the folding magnetic lock. With four earthy tones to choose from, this is a bag to fit all travel style preferences. 

The Details: 27 liters | 12 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

The compartments and various straps made packing effortless. 

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On two separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 34 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight on how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was leftover as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space.

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at T+L, where she reviews travel products and writes the majority of the team's "Travel + Leisure Trusted" articles. Anna owns several carry-on backpacks, including the top pick from Cotopaxi, so she combined knowledge of traveling with just a backpack and the thorough lab testing and real-world insights to put together this list of the best carry-on backpacks.

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Sophia Bush

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this North Face backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Jenny McCoy

By Stephanie McNeal

By Brie Schwartz

Backpack Statistics [2024]: Consumer, Product & Growth Data

Read our full backpacks statistics report, which details our in-depth research into the backpack market, the top brands, and key specs from hundreds of travel, everyday, and hiking backpacks.

Students, travelers, and outdoorsy folks have long relied on backpacks to carry their stuff. People use backpacks for everything from carrying a laptop to work to carrying mountaineering gear to the top of Everest.

Our team has spent decades researching, testing, and reviewing backpacks. We’ve built close relationships with many established and up-and-coming brands, and we keep a close watch on the industry. We built this report based on in-depth analysis of trends in the backpack industry.

The key takeaway from our research is that as people are living more on the go, backpacks are booming in popularity—a backpack really is the perfect tool for many modern lifestyles. Brands are responding to this trend and developing innovative backpack designs to cater to a variety of needs, from the urban commuter to the full-time digital nomad.

I’ll guide you through our in-depth research on the backpack market, top brands, and product categories.

Key Backpack Statistics

• From 2010 to 2019, US backpack sales increased over 170%.
• The global backpack market was valued at $15.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $31.38 billion by 2030.
• VF, the parent company that owns JanSport and The North Face accounts for over 55% of backpack sales in the US.
• The average carry-on backpack has 38.8 L of volume, weighs 3.4 lbs, and costs $237.00.
• The average everyday backpack has 22.2 L of volume, weighs 2.5 lbs, and costs $199.84.
• The average hiking daypack has 22.4 L of volume, weighs 1.5 lbs, and costs $145.58.
• The average multiday hiking backpack has 51.9 L of volume, weighs 4.5 lbs, and costs $289.81.
• The most common material for travel and everyday backpacks is midweight woven nylon or polyester.
• The most common material for hiking and outdoor backpacks is ripstop nylon.

Backpack Market Statistics

In the US and globally, the backpack market has seen tremendous growth over the past decades. More people are relying on backpacks for their daily lives and for recreation, and that is driving up backpack sales and incentivizing companies to invest more in back design and innovation.

Here are the key statistics for understanding the backpack market.

US Backpack Retail Sales Over Time

The United States has the largest market for backpacks worldwide, and despite setbacks due to COVID-19, that market is continuing to grow steadily.

The chart and table below show the total retail sales for backpacks in the US from 2010 to 2021.

The data above shows a tremendous growth rate in the US backpack market. From 2010 to 2019, US backpack sales increased by over 170%.

Unsurprisingly, there was a major drop in backpack sales during 2020 as COVID-19 put a halt to travel and shut down schools. By 2021, US backpack sales were already back to 76% of the pre-COVID high, and that trend is only expected to continue as more and more people in the US are traveling or getting outside.

Global Backpack Market Size Forecast

In 2022, the global backpack was valued at $15.9 Billion, according to Statista .

The table below shows the forecasted growth of the backpack market worldwide, from 2022 to 2030.

Clearly, the backpack industry is poised for massive growth over the next several years. This can be attributed to several factors:

• As adventure tourism and outdoor activities become increasingly popular in the US and around the globe, people need specialized backpacks designed for hiking, camping, biking, skiing, mountaineering, and more.
• 50 years ago, if you were headed into the office, you carried a briefcase. Today, as workplaces become more casual and less structured, backpacks are quickly becoming the norm. More brands are developing professional-looking laptop backpacks that fit in perfectly with the modern workplace.
• COVID-19 introduced the world to remote work on a massive scale, and more people than ever are choosing “digital nomad” lifestyles. A carry-on backpack is the perfect tool for traveling the globe while staying connected to the grid.

Global Backpack Google Search Interest by Month

The backpack market is highly seasonal. Distinct seasonal trends are apparent in both retail sales and internet search volume.

The table below shows worldwide Google Trends search interest in the term “backpack” by month from January 2021 to December 2023.

In the chart above, there is a distinct spike in Google search interest for backpacks every July-August. During this spike, searches for the term “backpack” jumps to over 170% of normal.

While puzzling at first, there is a very simple explanation for this seasonal spike: back to school.

It’s true that more and more people are buying backpacks for work, travel, and outdoor activities, but there’s no denying that students are the largest market for backpacks. From Kindergarten through college, students are the ones using a backpack all day, every day.

That isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

Of course, the back-to-school trend doesn’t hold for hiking or travel backpacks. These are more likely to be purchased in spring (at the start of travel and hiking seasons) or closer to the end of the year around the holidays and Black Friday.

Backpack Brand Statistics

As more people are buying backpacks for a variety of uses, the industry is becoming more competitive, with brands vying for market share.

A few brands, like JanSport , have become household names, but many smaller startups are beginning to make serious inroads in the market.

Here are the key backpack brand statistics from our research.

Top Backpack Brands by Google Search Volume

One way to compare the top backpack brands is by search volume. While this isn’t a perfect metric for revenue or number of backpacks sold, it is an accurate way to gauge the interest and brand awareness in a particular brand.

I did in-depth Google search analysis to find the brands with the highest search volume on Google. Because many of the brands sell more products than just backpacks (like Nike, for whom backpacks are merely an accessory product), I used search terms that include the word “backpack” or “backpacks” (whichever ranked higher).

The table below shows the top 20 backpack brands rated by Google search volume.

Interestingly, of the top 10 brands by search volume, only 3 specialize specifically in backpacks. Many of the top brands are apparel companies that have built out backpack product lines (Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas).

Within this top 20 list, there is a wide range of travel, urban, and outdoor brands.

The undisputed leader of the pack is JanSport, which has more than double the search volume of Nike backpacks in second place. This makes sense if you’ve spent much time in a school or college campus and paid attention to the backpack brands. That little JanSport patch is everywhere.

Top Backpack Brands by Category

Backpacks can be divided into three broad categories: everyday backpacks (which includes school, laptop, and commuting bags), travel backpacks, and outdoor backpacks. The table below shows the five most popular brands in each category.

Note that The North Face appears in both the everyday and outdoor backpack lists. While The North Face originally started as an outdoor gear company, it has broadened its product range to include a variety of daily carry backpacks for school, commuting, travel, and laptop carry. This brought the brand more into the mainstream.

It’s also worth noticing that JanSport and The North Face are both owned by the same parent company: VF, which also controls Timberland and Eastpak. Between its varied brands, VF accounts for 55% of backpack sales in the US, according to the New York Times .

Backpack Brand Factory Locations

I analyzed 82 of the world’s most popular backpack brands to find their factory locations and see how backpack manufacturing is distributed around the globe. Some brands own a single factory and perform all product assembly under one roof. Others contract out to dozens or even hundreds of factories around the world to make their products.

The chart below shows the percentage of brands that rely on factories in each region.

Unsurprisingly, Asia has the highest concentration of backpack manufacturing by far, with 82.9% of brands using manufacturing facilities in Asian countries. China, Vietnam, and the Philippines account for the majority of backpack manufacturing in Asia.

28% of brands have some manufacturing in the United States, while only 9.8% manufacture exclusively in the US. For many of these brands (like GORUCK and Hyperlite Mountain Gear ), “made in the USA” is one of their major marketing claims.

Travel backpacks include packs that are designed to carry clothing and gear on trips by plane, train, bus, and car. While some travel backpacks are designed with comfortable harnesses for trekking, they also focus on features optimized for more urban travel.

Travel backpacks are used to replace more traditional luggage and are larger than daypacks. While many people use daypacks during travel, it is typically in addition to a larger bag.

Travel backpacks range from slim 30L personal-item-size bags to cavernous packs you’d have to check on a flight. Because our dataset has a low number of checked luggage-sized travel backpacks, I focused this analysis on carry-on backpacks , which are much more common.

Carry-On Travel Backpack Volume

The general consensus is that a travel backpack must have over 30 L of volume. Less than that, and it is a daypack.

The average carry-on backpack volume is 38.8 L, and 68% of carry-on backpacks are between 33.6 L and 44.0 L. The fact that the median is higher than the average indicates that travel backpack volume is slightly left-skewed, meaning that there is a high concentration of backpacks slightly above the average weight. This makes sense since 40L is a fairly standard carry-on backpack size.

At TravelFreak, we generally recommend 35-45L as a good size range for a carry-on backpack for most people. These data results show that backpack manufacturers also follow a similar guideline.

Carry-On Travel Backpack Weight

Backpack weight is also an important factor when buying a travel pack. Heavier bags are more tiring to carry and make it harder to stay under weight restrictions. That said, we think comfort and durability are more important than weight.

Our data shows that the average carry-on travel backpack weight is 3.5 lbs and that 68% of travel backpacks are between 2.7 lbs and 4.1 lbs.

Carry-On Travel Backpack Prices

Travel backpacks are more expensive than most backpack categories at $237.00 on average. This higher price makes sense because carry-on backpacks are competing in the luggage market more than other types of backpacks.

Carry-On Travel Backpack Materials

Carry-on backpacks are made of a wide range of materials, from simple ripstop nylon to laminated sailcloth fabrics. A majority of carry-on backpacks are made with medium weight (400D-800D nylon or polyester). These materials are widely available and balance durability, weight, and ease of manufacturing.

Everyday Backpack Statistics

Everyday backpacks are daypacks that are designed for commuting, work, school, and any other day-to-day activities. Many everyday bags are designed primarily as laptop backpacks , as that is a standard requirement in the modern world.

Everyday Backpack Volume

The vast majority of everyday bags have less than 30 L of volume. Any more than that is starting to encroach into travel backpack territory.

The average everyday backpack volume is 22.2 L, and 68% of everyday backpacks are between 16.0 L and 27.6 L.

Everyday Backpack Weight

Most people don’t pay much attention to weight when choosing an everyday backpack. Very few everyday bags are overly heavy. Design and features are more important for everyday use than low weight.

The average weight for everyday backpacks is nearly a full pound lighter than travel backpacks: 2.5 lbs. This is primarily due to the smaller size, but everyday backpacks also often use lighter materials and have less structure and padding since they won’t be carrying as much weight.

Everyday Backpack Prices

Everyday backpacks are significantly cheaper than travel backpacks, with an average price of $199.84 and a median price of $199.00. 68% of everyday packs are priced between $110.55 and $281.03. The most expensive daypack in our database is the Mission Workshop Rhake, which costs $545 in the X-Pac version.

Everyday Backpack Materials

Like travel backpacks, everyday backpacks are most often constructed from mid-weight nylon. There are also more everyday backpacks made from nylon or polyester with a thick TPU or PVC coating, which adds impressive water resistance and strength.

Hiking & Outdoor Backpack Statistics

Hiking and outdoor backpacks are technical pieces of gear that are designed to perform during a range of outdoor activities including hiking, running, backpacking, skiing, cycling, and more. These packs are often very specialized to a specific use case and range from ultralight vest packs for trail running to massive gear haulers for multi week excursions in the backcountry.

Hiking & Outdoor Backpack Volume

Since they are designed for so many different use cases, outdoor backpacks come in a huge range of volumes. It makes more sense to divide outdoor backpacks into two subcategories: daypacks and multi day packs.

Daypacks have an average of 22.6 L of volume, while multi-day backpacks are typically more than twice the size, with an average of 51.9 L of volume.

Hiking & Outdoor Backpack Weight

Weight is a priority in the design of outdoor backpacks, which are often worn all day under demanding conditions. Many people look for the lightest pack possible that doesn’t compromise basic functions.

Outdoor daypacks are typically the lightest of any backpack category. The average outdoor daypack weight is 1.5 lbs—that’s over a full pound lighter than everyday daypacks. Hiking daypacks are designed to be minimal and streamlined and usually don’t have features like padded laptop sleeves or loads of organization pockets.

Because of their size, multi-day packs are significantly heavier—4.5 lbs on average. However, there is an entire niche of “ultralight” backpacking backs, which are under 2.5 lbs all the way down to a mere 14 oz. For example, the Z-Packs Arc Haul Ultra is a full-featured 50 L backpack that weighs a scant 1.3 lbs.

Hiking & Outdoor Backpack Prices

Outdoor backpacks also vary widely in price. Because of their simplicity, hiking daypacks are the least expensive category we analyzed, with an average price of $145.58. On the other end of the spectrum, multi-day packs are the most expensive.

Hiking & Outdoor Backpack Materials

Hiking and outdoor backpacks are more uniform in the materials used than any other category. The vast majority use some form of ripstop nylon. The main reason for this is weight: ripstop nylon can be incredibly lightweight while maintaining good durability.

Some technical outdoor backpacks also incorporate more advanced materials like HMWPE (also known as Dyneema), which is stronger than steel and adds impressive durability. These bags come with a cost penalty, though.

Backpack Statistics by Region

Backpack use and interest are not uniform around the globe. In some regions, backpacks are seen as daily necessities, while in other regions, they are unnecessary luxuries.

Here are the most important regional backpack statistics.

Google Search Interest in Backpacks by Region

Breaking down Google search volume for backpacks by region is an interesting way to compare the interest in backpacks between regions. This isn’t a perfect metric, but it shows how much people are searching for backpacks online.

Using Google Trends , I ranked the countries with the highest and lowest search interest for the term “backpack” in 2023.

Google rates search interest as a proportion of all searches. The region with the highest search interest gets a score of 100, and every other region’s score is a percentage of that (a score of 50 means half the search interest of the highest score). I excluded regions with low search volume for this study; that leaves 58 regions to consider.

The table below shows the 10 regions with the highest search interest for the term “backpack.”

The table below shows the 10 regions with the lowest search interest for the term “backpack.”

The broad trend in the tables above is that more affluent countries have higher search interest in backpacks while developing countries have lower interest. This clearly isn’t a hard and fast rule, though. Jamaica is a less-developed nation that ranks 5th for the most backpack search interest. Japan and France are both very affluent, developed countries that rank in the lowest 10.

The overall trend makes sense, as people in wealthier countries have higher consumer spending overall and spend more on backpacks. However, there is no clear explanation for the exceptions. Why does Jamaica have a high interest in backpacks while Japan does not? This question requires further research.

Google Search Interest in Backpacks by State

There is also significant variance in interest in backpacks by state within the US. The map and table below show the ranking of the 50 states by backpack search interest.

The Western US states have higher overall search interest in backpacks than the rest of the nation, while the Midwest Region has the lowest interest.

It is also notable that in the top 10 states for backpack search interest, there are several states that are famous for outdoor recreation: California, Hawaii, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon.

It also makes sense that there is a high concentration of backpack and outdoor gear companies with headquarters in these states. Areas like Boulder, Portland, and Salt Lake City are hotspots for outdoor gear design.

Sources and Methodology

The data used in this report is divided into three categories: market data, search data, and product data.

The market data includes annual sales, global market size, and market growth forecasts. I collected this data from multiple sources, including Statista , IndustryArc , and The New York Times . I combined these individual data points and sets to get a more complete picture of the global backpack market.

Search data was collected using Google Trends . I used this tool to collect Google search statistics for the 2023 calendar year. I analyzed search results for the search term “backpack” and segmented out searches by country, state, and month. These search results serve as a proxy for public interest in backpacks, and are useful for measuring trends geographically or over time.

To collect product data , I used TravelFreak’s backpack rating database, which stores the metrics we use for reviewing and scoring backpacks. We store 44 distinct data points for every backpack in our database, which gives a wealth of information to draw from. The details in our product database come from our decades of in-depth research and testing.

I used this data to extract averages and statistical distributions for weight, volume, MSRP, and materials used across the different backpack categories.

We periodically review this report, check for errors or inconsistencies, and update it with the most recent data. Here is the change history for this report.

• February 26, 2024—first published

Jakob Thygerson

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The 12 Best Backpacks for Traveling in 2024

More and more travelers are trading in their oversized “wheely” suitcases for the comfort and convenience of backpacks.

However, not all backpacks are created equal. They come in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, and styles, from minimalistic bags for city day-trippers to heavy-duty versions for backcountry hiking.

So, which backpack is best for you, your budget, and your  unique travel  needs? Keep reading to discover 12 of the best backpacks for traveling this year.

1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L is another option with outstanding durability and versatility, making it a top choice for adventurers.

Notable features include rugged weather-resistant construction, reinforced with TPU-film laminate, and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. This ensures it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

Its large 55-liter capacity offers ample space for gear without allowing you to overpack, while multiple carrying options – backpack straps and haul handles – enhance convenience. Additionally, it’s made from recycled materials, which is perfect for the  eco-friendly traveler .

The bag’s hefty price tag might deter budget-conscious buyers; some find the lack of interior organization pockets a drawback. Overall, it’s a high-quality, eco-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts from another trustworthy brand in the space.

2. Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer Travel Pack 3 backpack is a popular choice for travel enthusiasts and those with  traveling jobs , offering a blend of exceptional features.

Its best attributes include a sleek minimalist design crafted from durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. The 33-liter capacity offers plenty of space for essentials, with thoughtful pockets and compartments for all your gadgets.

Comfortable and adjustable straps enhance its wearability, while a dedicated shoe compartment helps keep things clean and tidy.

Downsides include its bulkiness when fully packed, which might be inconvenient for some, and premium build quality with a similarly premium price point. Nevertheless, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a stylish, functional companion for short-term urban travel or anyone seeking a sleek carry-on.

3. Osprey Aether

The Osprey Aether backpack offers exceptional comfort for hikers and travelers alike.

Its adjustable harness and hip belt make it ideal for long treks – or long security lines at the airport – and its internal frame provides excellent load distribution, reducing strain on the back.

Multiple compartments and pockets aid in organization, and the Aether also includes a hydration sleeve for those carrying a water bladder. This backpack is known for its durability with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers it.

At almost five pounds, its weight may be a drawback for some, as it’s not the lightest option on the list. It’s also relatively expensive compared to other brands. Still, the Aether remains a top choice for avid hikers and travelers seeking a reliable backpack that’s both comfortable and durable.

4. REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack

The REI Co-op Flash 55 backpack is a versatile and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Standout features include its lightweight design – just three pounds – making it comfortable for extended hikes, the 55-liter capacity that provides ample storage, and numerous pockets for keeping everything organized.

Adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel offer comfort during long treks. It’s also reasonably priced compared to many competitor options.

Unsurprisingly, for a budget-friendlier backpack, its durability may not match premium brands. Some users also find the frame is less supportive with heavy loads. Despite these drawbacks, the REI Co-op Flash 55 shines as an affordable, lightweight pack that deserves its place on this list of the best  backpacks for travel .

5. Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack

The Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a multipurpose, compact daypack for outdoor enthusiasts.

Noteworthy features include its water-resistant G-1000 Eco fabric construction, which ensures longevity and durability. The 15-liter capacity is ideal for day hikes and short urban adventures, with a roll-top closure for easy access and expandability. It’s also super lightweight, making it easier to carry, and the removable foam frame adds support.

However, the smaller size of the foldsack may limit its use for longer trips. Some users may find the minimalist design lacks extra pockets for organization.

Overall, the Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a stylish, highly functional daypack for a wide range of  adventures with your friends .

6. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack is a high-performance ultralight backpack designed for serious adventurers.

Its premier features include a waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. As the name suggests, this makes it highly durable and weather-resistant while remaining lightweight.

With a 40-liter capacity, this backpack is spacious enough for multi-day trips and includes a roll-top closure for easy access. The minimalistic design and robust materials ensure longevity, while adjustable straps enhance comfort on the road.

The premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers, and some may miss additional organizational pockets. Nevertheless, this is another of the best backpacks for travelers seeking something lightweight, durable, and suitable for challenging outdoor expeditions.

7. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L

The highly-rated Cotopaxi Allpa 42L backpack stands out with its versatility and stylish, sustainable design.

Noteworthy features include its recycled polyester fabric with a TPU coating for weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The 42-liter capacity offers a useful amount of space for longer trips. And it boasts a clever selection of compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve.

Its harness system and padded waist belt ensure a pleasant carrying experience. The unique, vibrant color schemes make it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.

Downsides? Some travelers may find it somewhat heavy for a carry-on bag with a relatively high price point. All things considered, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L impresses with its eco-conscious construction and functional design.

8. Gregory Baltoro 75

The Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack is a rugged, top-tier choice for serious backpacking enthusiasts.

Its best features include an adjustable Response A3 suspension system, which offers unparalleled comfort and load support. Its cavernous 75-liter capacity accommodates extended trips and heavy gear, complemented by numerous pockets and access points for efficient organization.

The backpack’s durability and robust materials ensure longevity, while its integrated rain cover adds weather protection.

Its weight and size may be overkill for some hikers/travelers, and it comes with a heavy price tag. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Gregory Baltoro 75 is a comfortable, feature-rich  backpack for anyone tackling extended trips  or tough outdoor expeditions.

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a versatile carry-on backpack for urban explorers.

Noteworthy features include a sleek, minimalist design that adheres to airline size restrictions. The 30-liter capacity offers ample space for essentials, with thoughtful organization pockets for tech gadgets and accessories.

It’s comfortable to wear with padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel. The backpack’s durable materials ensure longevity, while the hideaway shoulder straps add versatility.

However, the smaller size might not suit longer trips, and the lack of a hip belt could limit comfort for some users with heavier loads. The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a compact, stylish choice for city adventures. Tip: travelers seeking slightly more space could consider the 40-liter version.

10. Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack is another versatile travel companion with many impressive features.

Its most noteworthy attributes include a durable TPU-coated nylon construction, which offers good weather resistance and longevity. Similarly, the 36-liter capacity adheres to global carry-on size regulations, making it perfect for hassle-free air travel.

The backpack’s comfortable harness system includes a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for a customized fit. It also offers excellent organization with multiple pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.

The lack of wheels might be a drawback for some travelers, and, like most Osprey packs, it isn’t cheap. This would be a robust, attractive, well-organized, and spacious carry-on for frequent flyers.

11. ULA Circuit Backpack

The ULA Circuit backpack is a favorite among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers.

Its standout features include a spacious 68-liter capacity, ideal for extended wilderness trips. It also has a comfortable, adjustable suspension system to handle heavy loads.

The rugged Cordura fabric ensures durability, while the numerous external and internal pockets facilitate organization. It has a custom-fit option, allowing buyers to tailor the pack to their needs.

On the downside, its three-pound weight may be considered “heavy” in the ultralight community. Some users also find the lack of frame uncomfortable with heavy loads. Nevertheless, the ULA Circuit is a hardwearing, customizable backpack for anyone serious about long-distance treks.

12. Kelty Redwing Tactical Backpack

The Kelty Redwing Tactile backpack is affordable and versatile for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable features include a rugged 500D Kodra fabric construction, offering both durability and water resistance. Its 45-liter capacity provides ample space for gear, complete with multiple pockets and organization options.

The U-shaped zipper provides easy access to the main compartment, while the padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel enhance comfort during extended use.

However, some users may find the tactical aesthetics less appealing for urban settings. And the absence of a dedicated laptop compartment could be another drawback for city travelers. Yet its popularity as a well-built, robust pack is undeniable.

The Best Backpacks for Traveling: Which Will You Choose?

Ultimately, picking the best backpacks for you will depend on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’ll be there.

As we’ve seen, there are high-quality packs for day-trippers, weekend wanders, long-term travelers, and everybody in between. One of the options on this list is sure to be the perfect traveling backpack for you.

More From Wealth of Geeks

• Budget Travel Bags Are Blowing Up on TikTok – But Are They Worth It?
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .