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Passengers put their carry-on hand luggage into the overhead lockers on a Ryanair flight

Holiday luggage: the best carry-on bags to take on board

Tales of turmoil at airports make hand baggage the route to choose – but be aware of cabin allowances

F irst it was the extra charges applied by some airlines that made travelling light appear attractive. Now, reports of horrifically long bag drop queues, lost luggage and baggage mountains have provided extra reasons to squeeze your holiday gear into a carry-on bag.

Your chance of getting to your destination with everything you need will be greatly enhanced by keeping your hands on it at all times and, depending on the airline, it will possibly save you considerable sums.

However, there are restrictions on what and how much you are allowed to bring on board the plane – and if you get it wrong, you could have a nasty shock at the airport if you find you have to check it in after all.

Buying a suitcase specifically designed as carry-on luggage, and which can be put into the overhead lockers, will help take the stress out of packing and avoid any unexpected surcharges at the airport.

The best cabin bags this summer

The consumer body Which? recently published a list of the top luggage retailers selling bags specifically designed to fit in the overhead locker on a plane.

Its survey of shoppers ranked Eastpak bags as the best, followed by John Lewis, Antler, IT Luggage, Samsonite, Cabin Max and Marks & Spencer.

Customers were asked to rate their purchases on their durability, packing space and value for money.

Eastpak Morepak bag

Guy Hobbs, the acting editor of Which? Travel, says: “There’s no need to pay over the odds for your cabin luggage this summer. Our research based on the experiences of thousands of holidaymakers found there are bargain bags that closely match their pricier rivals for quality.”

We’ve rounded up some of the best-value options from the highest-rated firms, and worked out which airlines will accept them as carry-on luggage.

John Lewis Girona 55cm suitcase

The John Lewis Girona four-wheel cabin case has 55 x 35 x 20cm dimensions, making it suitable for Jet2, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

You would also be able to take it on board if you paid extra with Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet .

This week it was priced at £45 and, when we looked, was sold out online but in stock in some stores.

Eastpak’s Morepack bag measures 50 x 32 x 17cm, weighs 720g and can carry 35 litres.

Its £90 price tag makes it one of the more expensive options but it can be taken on most flights.

Passengers who have paid for Ryanair or Wizz Air priority boarding or easyJet carry-on luggage will be able to use this bag on board the plane.

It also fits within BA, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic’s free carry-on luggage requirements.

Cabin Max Anode 30L underseat cabin case

The £50 Cabin Max Anode 30 litre underseat cabin case is designed to avoid having to pay extra for baggage on easyJet flights.

It is a compact size at 45 x 36 x 20cm – matching the exact maximum dimensions allowed on board easyJet flights for free.

It also fits the requirements set by BA, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic to take on board for free.

It is slightly too big to take on a Ryanair or Wizz Air flight free of charge, but would be acceptable if you paid for priority.

The £40 Cabin Max Lyon cabin trolley backpack comes in at 55 x 40 x 20cm, including wheels, and weighs 1.7kg.

It matches Ryanair’s maximum carry-on allowance for priority customers, and would also be allowed if you paid extra with easyJet and Wizz Air.

There would be no charge for taking it on a BA, Jet2 or Virgin Atlantic flight.

Marks & Spencer’s £45 Porto cabin suitcase is 54 x 20 x 37cm, and has a 41-litre capacity.

Again, priority customers of the three budget airlines would be able to use this bag on board, and it meets BA, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic requirements.

IT Luggage Unicorn unicorn and stars print case

IT Luggage is an online-only retailer selling a wide range of bags suitable for cabin luggage. The World’s Lightest unicorn and stars print case is the cheapest on its website at £40. Its dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm, it weighs 1.8kg and carries 37 litres.

Its dimensions exactly match the allowance for Ryanair priority customers, meaning it is also suitable for all of the other airlines featured.

The Resonating cabin bag is more expensive at £70 but it also gives you more packing space, with 48 litres.

With dimensions of 54 x 36 x 25cm, it would fit on all the same flights as the cheaper model, and weighs 3kg.

Antler’s Clifton vanity case is the smallest pick of the bunch at 16 x 34 x 27cm, so would fit on Ryanair and easyJet flights for free.

The bag is also fairly expensive at £79, although the brand was highly rated by Which? customers.

It is quite tiny, with just enough space for a change of clothes and some toiletries, meaning it is probably only suitable for short trips.

Alternatively, you could take it as your smaller piece of hand luggage on BA, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic flights, or if you pay to upgrade on easyJet, Ryanair or Wizz Air.

Cabin baggage allowances

A sign in the Ryanair check-in area

Airlines have different definitions of what counts as carry-on luggage. Ryanair customers can take on one small personal bag with the dimensions 40 x 20 x 25cm free of charge.

If you want to take a bigger bag on board, you’ll have to pay between £8 and £32 extra for priority, which allows you to travel with a 10kg wheelie suitcase up to 55 x 40 x 20cm.

Meanwhile, easyJet passengers can take a bag up to a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm, including any handles or wheels, free of charge. It must fit under the seat in front of them – and can weigh up to 15kg.

Customers who want to bring a large cabin bag – up to 56 x 45 x 25cm – have to pay extra for an upfront or extra-legroom seat, or book the add-on when they buy their ticket, with prices starting at £5.99.

British Airways allows travellers to bring a handbag or laptop bag with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15cm for free.

Passengers are also allowed to bring a cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, with a maximum weight of 23kg, for no extra charge.

Customers booking with Virgin Atlantic can take a 23 x 36 x 56cm cabin bag, weighing a maximum of 10kg, for free.

Jet2 passengers can take one piece of hand luggage on board free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.

They can also bring a small personal item on board – such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase – as long as it will fit under the seat in front.

Wizz Air allows passengers to bring a 40 x 30 x 20cm bag on board for free but customers who upgrade to priority – for an extra charge starting at about £4 – can take a 55 x 40 x 23cm case. Wheels aren’t included in the dimensions but they must not add more than 5cm on to the size of the bag.

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Holdalls & Weekend Bags

Joules Coast Collection Duffle Bag

Joules Coast Collection Duffle Bag

Go Travel Adventure Bag, Black

Go Travel Adventure Bag, Black

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag

Black

Joules Coast Collection Packaway Duffle Bag

French Navy

John Lewis Large Cambridge Holdall , Navy

Navy

Samsonite Ecodiver Spinner 4-Wheel 55cm Duffle Bag, 50L, Yellow

Samsonite Ecodiver 2-Wheel 55cm Duffle Bag, 40L, Yellow

Samsonite Ecodiver 2-Wheel 55cm Duffle Bag, 40L, Yellow

Go Travel Adventure Large Bag

Go Travel Adventure Large Bag

John Lewis Edinburgh Leather Holdall

John Lewis Edinburgh Leather Holdall

Tan

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag

Navy

Samsonite Ecodiver Large Recycled Duffle Bag

Foxx Smith London Stripe Weekender Bag, Orange

Foxx Smith London Stripe Weekender Bag, Orange

Samsonite Ecodiver Medium Recycled Duffle Bag

Samsonite Ecodiver Medium Recycled Duffle Bag

Thule Chasm 110L Rolling Duffel Bag

Thule Chasm 110L Rolling Duffel Bag

Black

Joules Coast Duffle Bag, Antique Gold

Longchamp Boxford Large Travel Bag

Longchamp Boxford Large Travel Bag

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Eastpak Provider 15" Laptop Backpack, Black

Osprey Transporter 40 Recycled Holdall

Osprey Transporter 40 Recycled Holdall

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Radley 24/7 Travel Bag

£189.00 £113.00

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Briggs & Riley ZDX Medium Upright Duffle Bag, Black

Briggs & Riley ZDX Medium Upright Duffle Bag, Black

John Lewis Turin Leather Holdall, Navy

John Lewis Turin Leather Holdall , Navy

Navy

Longchamp Le Pliage Original Expandable Travel Bag

Black

Red 60L Waterproof Kit Bag

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.

Mallory Paige Testing the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpack

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 14 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 November 15, 2023, to include additional information on our testing, as well as ensure that our selection is still current.

  • 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: Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack
  • 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

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  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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 of $75, the Dakine Campus 33L Backpack 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. It has a padded laptop sleeve, a fleece-lined top pocket to keep your sunglasses safe, and an organizer pocket 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, and 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 it would have been nice to have had in 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 it all, 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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 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, and 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 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

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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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.

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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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 collapsable 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 MCL 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

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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L Backpack

  • Weight 1 lb., 6.9 oz.
  • Dimensions 22" x 10.5" x 5.5"
  • Material 300-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Heavy-duty outer fabric
  • Cheaper price
  • No hip belt

The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) is a rugged classic, and now one that is fully revamped with an eye toward sustainability.

The 300-denier ripstop nylon outer is newly 100% postconsumer recycled material, and has a novel recycled TPU laminate for extra durability — all coming together to make this pack 100% recycled material from the body to the lining and the straps. We’ve long been a fan of the entire Black Hole line , and that’s doubly true now that it’s made from recycled materials.

The side mesh pockets are great for water bottles. And the back laptop sleeve is well padded and will hold most 15″ laptops. The organizational pockets inside and on top fit all of your little essentials, making them easy to find. The signature Black Hole gear loops are also great for tying on extra gear or wet clothes that need drying.

One thing that the majority of our testers asked for with this pack was a hip belt, which it unfortunately lacks. Without it, the load can feel a bit unsettled on our backs, and a bit of stability would go a long way on this pack.

We’ve been using a Black Hole backpack for years now, and it still doesn’t show any signs of wear or tear. For durability, it’s one of the best travel backpacks you’ll find.

Mountain Hardwear Redeye 45 Travel Pack

  • Weight 3 lbs., 2.1 oz.
  • Dimensions 24" x 15" x 12"
  • Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design, additional top entry
  • Material 500-denier CORDURA nylon

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Burly 500-denier CORDURA nylon construction
  • Front and rear grab handles make loading easy
  • Cylinder shape won’t be the most space-efficient
  • Strap storage isn’t the most compact

Fine-tuned and ready to be thrown around, the Mountain Hardwear Redeye 45 Travel Pack ($180) hit all the marks for what we’re looking for in a travel pack for long climbing excursions.

Styled after climbing packs and haul bags, the Redeye keeps a clean profile inside and out and provides access to the internal 45 liters of space via either a full back panel clamshell or an additional top entry. Grown onto the outside is a full-length panel concealing a number of mesh pockets as well as a single water bottle pocket opposite.

We broke in our Redeye with a quick alpine climb in Washington’s granite playground of Washington Pass, where it shouldered a load of climbing kit with aplomb. The rear clamshell design is ideal for fishing out bits of gear as you rack up, and the back panel provided enough cushion to avoid feeling any protruding cam lobes.

Not just a climbing pack, however, the Redeye comes with a number of smart travel features that makes splitting time a cinch. A 15-inch padded laptop sleeve will fit most computers on the market, and the suspension straps are fully stowable, although it wasn’t the most seamless execution we’ve seen.

You probably won’t want to haul it up your next off-width chimney, but a full day of travel in search of one is absolutely on the menu for the Redeye 45 .

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

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • 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

Peak Design Travel Pack 45L at SEATAC

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 .

Osprey Farpoint Travel Pack in Iceland

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 Arc’teryx Granville 25 , 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.

Peak Design Travel Backpack on the Back of a Traveller in Seattle International Airport Looking out on the Tarmac.

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 MCL , 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.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

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 .

Peak Design Travel Backpack Clamshell Access

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 , rough and tumble Patagonia Black Hole 25L , 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 our dedicated laptop toter for everything from remote work stints at the coffee shop to jumping on a ferry for work.

Mountain Hardware Redeye Travel Backpack Clamshell Packing

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.

Patagonia MCL 45L Travel Backpack Carry Options

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 in order 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.

Matador SEG30 Travel Backpack Storage Options

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.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Travel Backpack

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.

Peak Design Travel Pack at SEATAC

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, with the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) coming in behind it at 25 liters.

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), Mountain Hardwear Redeye ($180), 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.

Peak Design Travel Pack in Denver

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 Women’s Travel Pants of 2022

The Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2022

Active travel demands versatility from your clothing. To help you travel with ease and confidence, we scoured the latest styles to determine the best women’s travel pants for 2022.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable men’s travel pants of the year. Pack your bags and get ready for adventure.

john lewis travel backpack

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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12 best hand luggage for your holidays: From Amazon, John Lewis and more

Hand luggage must-haves we've found the best suitcases, duffle bags and more for your travels….

woman holding luggage

Heading off on holiday ? So you've booked your tickets and marked your calendars and now the next step is to get packing. Whether you're jetting to the coast for a sun-soaked vacay or embarking on a city break with loved ones, it's always good to pack light!

RELATED: Hand luggage beauty products for summer 2023: A non-liquid cheat's guide 

Plus, if you've watched the news lately, you'll have seen lots of airport chaos with missing cases. If you're wanting a stress-free holiday, a carry-on suitcase could be the best option.  

We've rounded up the best hand luggage for your travels, so you can make the process as easy and as stress-free as possible. Step out with the chicest carry-on luggage from Amazon , John Lewis , ASOS and more. 

Carry-on suitcases we love

john lewis grey case

£99 AT JOHN LEWIS

John Lewis' bestselling cabin case has a five-star rating and plenty of glowing reviews. It's made from a durable polycarbonate hardshell outer, and it also comes with a TSA lock located on the side. 

MORE: What you need to pack for a holiday: 90 must-have items

SHOP: 18 best toiletry travel bags for your holiday: From pouches to vanity cases, hanging options & more

john lewis travel backpack

£215 AT TED BAKER

Functionality meets fashion with this luxe cabin case by Ted Baker. 

pink case

£41.95 AT AMAZON

Approved for British Airways, Easy Jet, Virgin Atlantic and more, Amazon is selling this carry-on suitcase in a variety of different colours, including pink, grey, purple, navy, black and nude. 

john lewis travel backpack

FROM £135 AT HOUSE OF LUXE

With over 50 design options, this is the perfect cabin suitcase for creative types. Personalise with your name, initials or a fun slogan (bride to be?)  and always travel in style. Available in three sizes, but Cabin Size is lightweight and perfect for a weekend away and will fit in the overhead locker on a plane.

john lewis travel backpack

£280 AT AWAY

AWAY's Bigger Carry-On is built to last, with a durable polycarbonate hard shell that can withstand any journey. Perfect for longer trips, it is sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, and still lightweight to pop easily onto a train or into a car. And can we just talk about this neon pink? Incredible. It comes in other colours, too!

MORE: Best travel gadgets you never knew you needed for your next holiday

READ: The best luggage brands to invest in for your staycation or holiday abroad this summer

Travel duffle bags we love

amazon duffle

£17.98 AT AMAZON

Amazon's choice is this ultra-light and water-resistant duffle bag, which retails at an affordable £21.98. 

asos lime green bag

£115 AT NORTH FACE

North Face has a wide selection of duffel bags ready to shop, and one of our favourites is this lime green holdall. 

Weekend bags we love

ms leather bag

£115 AT MARKS & SPENCER

The ultimate weekend bag, Marks & Spencer's leather design is equipped with two top handles and a detachable adjustable shoulder strap.

john lewis travel backpack

£140 AT ANTLER

Designed to be the perfect piece of hand luggage, this overnight bag will sit neatly under the seat in front of you on a plane, and has a back sleeve to slot over a suitcase handle. It doubles up as an ideal gym bag and comes with a detachable shoulder strap (you'll find this inside a pocket on arrival).

Carry-on backpacks we love

amazon usb backpack

£38.99 AT AMAZON

You'll be glad you invested in Amazon's carry-on backpack. Between the laptop compartment, separate shoe compartment and built-in charging port, it might just be the ultimate travelling sidekick. 

ms backpack

£45 AT MARKS & SPENCER

Marks & Spencer's backpack features multiple outer pockets and mesh water bottle holders to keep your things well organised.

pink backpack

£95 AT JOHN LEWIS

This classic backpack comes in eleven other shades. Equipped with top carry handles, adjustable shoulder straps, two side pockets, and a zipped front pouch, there's plenty of storage for all of your everyday essentials. 

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The best luggage brands and suitcases to invest in for your 2024 holiday

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9 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised in 2024

These luggage lifesavers are the perfect companion for your next trip, article bookmarked.

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Our testing focused firmly on travellers’ wants and needs

Snugpak pakbox

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For many, the one downside to travel is the process of packing, whether you’re someone who struggles to cram in items you regard as essentials (which, let’s face it, often aren’t), or you’re a traveller who can’t resist a spot of retail therapy when abroad. This, my friends, is where packing cubes come in.

Zippered cubes used to segregate different items are a traveller’s essential, putting you on the fast track to packing perfection. Their growing popularity has pushed manufacturers to produce versions designed with a range of requirements in mind.

Looking for a cube in which to store your favourite shirt? Consider one with an internal pocket in which you can place the jewellery you’ll wear with it. Travelling through several countries (and climates) that require everything from hiking gear to smarter outfits? Opt for cubes that have generous areas of transparent mesh, which makes accessing different items quick and easy.

If you’re a packing cube obsessive like us, you can’t go wrong with colour-coordinated sets of multiple cubes. Another factor is sustainability, as a growing number of brands are using recycled materials or ones that have Bluesign certification – a global seal of approval for environment, health and production safety.

Related stories

How we tested.

As keen travellers, these particular travel cubes were certainly put through their paces – including during a trip to India. We’re huge fans of travel cubes and know what to look for.

We considered all aspects, whether it was the construction (we’re particularly keen on double and compression-style zips), rigidity (useful when it comes to more delicate items), and internal features, such as inner pockets. Only the best of the best made the cut, thanks to a process that focused firmly on the traveller’s wants and needs.

The best packing cubes for 2024 are:

  • Best packing cube overall – Snugpak pakbox, 4l: £14.50, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best budget packing cube – Vango mesh bag set: £12, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best packing cube for simplicity – Exped lear cube, extra large: £44.99, Ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
  • Best packing cube for organised travellers – Peak Design packing cube, medium: £38, Wexphotovideo.com

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Snugpak pakbox packing cube

Snugpak pakbox.png

  • Best : Packing cube overall
  • There’s a carry handle

Why don’t more packing cubes look (and feel) like this one? The Tardis-like pakbox (we tried the 4l version) has the features we value most – generous areas of transparent mesh make it easy to get to specific garments, while reinforced areas not only ramp up the rigidity (we used it to store a stack of delicate dresses) but offer a certain toughness we haven’t seen in similar products.

It’s also got the holy grail – a zip that wraps around three sides of the cube. We love the addition of a carry handle, too.

Vango mesh bag set

Vango packing bags.png

  • Best : Budget packing cube
  • Size : 43l, 10l and 3l
  • Squishy and malleable

Now for something completely different – albeit a concept we’re pretty impressed by. These aren’t so much cubes as mesh bags, but they offer a brilliant option for anyone keen to make the most of suitcase space. The bags’ squishiness means they can be squeezed into corners and fitted around other items, and a full mesh exterior meant we were still able to quickly see (and access) the contents.

They’re also incredibly versatile – we’ve lost count of the times we’ve misplaced items of clothing after using communal washing machines in homestays and hostels. Sound familiar? Avoid the trauma of laundry loss by simply placing items in one of these quick-drying bags before putting the entire shebang in the washing machine.

Go Travel triple packing cubes

Go Travel triple packing cubes.png

  • Best : Packing cube for value
  • Size : Set includes small (28cm x 12cm x 5cm), medium (29cm x 22cm x 5cm) and large (40cm x 28cm x 5cm)
  • Inexpensive
  • Bright pop of colour

As much as we love an organised suitcase, there’s a limit to how much money we want to spend in the pursuit of packing perfection, which is why we were overjoyed by the wallet-friendly price tag of this three-piece set.

The cubes offer the perfect balance of toughness and transparency – one side is opaque, while the other has a transparent mesh panel. Generous zips (on three sides of each cube) mean easy access, and although we’re aware this next factor has zero effect on performance, we loved the bright-orange hue.

Osprey ultra light packing cube, large

Osprey packing cube.png

  • Best : Packing cube for bright colours
  • Size : 32cm x 20cm x 7cm
  • Bright colourway
  • Incorporates recycled fabrics
  • Helpful handles

As we’ve mentioned, colours don’t add anything to quality, but there’s something wonderful about the brightness of this packing cube, which made the whole packing process somehow more enjoyable.

Colour aside, we also loved this one for its toughness, its sustainability (courtesy of Bluesign-approved fabrics) and the extra-large fabric handle.

Full disclosure – initially, we didn’t really see the point of adding handles to packing cubes, until we realised they’re a godsend when it comes to extricating said packing cubes from our (usually overpacked) suitcase. All too often, these handles are ridiculously small, but that’s not the case here.

La Pochette small shoe carry

La Pochette shoe carry.png

  • Best : Packing cube for easy access
  • Size : 20cm x 29cm x 12cm
  • More malleable than other options
  • There’s an interior pocket

First things first – don’t get too bogged down by the “shoe carry” moniker – although we ended up using it to store our trainers and prevent dirt rubbing onto clothing in our suitcase, we also used it for other items.

This cube has less rigidity than others in this round-up, but we found this to be a huge bonus – its squishiness came in incredibly useful when squashing in extra items of clothing (we’re notorious over-packers).

We were also smitten with the interior pocket, which we found useful for storing everything from items of jewellery to paperwork.

Peak Design packing cube medium

Peak Design packing cube.png

  • Best : Packing cube for organised travellers
  • Size : 32cm x 32cm x 8cm
  • Internal dividers
  • There’s a compression zip
  • Could have done with more opaque areas

Yes, we’d have loved to see more areas of opaque mesh on this packing cube, but other features more than made up for it (call us fickle, but there’s something wonderfully stylish about its sleek, textured grey exterior).

Internal dividers proved invaluable during a longer-than-average holiday, which left us needing to separate our dirty laundry. Plus, the compression-style zip was a lifesaver when it came to cramming unexpected extras (read: holiday shopping) into our suitcase.

Patagonia black hole cube, medium

Patagonia packing cube.png

  • Best : Packing cube for design
  • Double-sided interior
  • Made with responsible materials

Black hole is an apt name for this clamshell-style packing cube, which ditches the traditional square shape and opts for something that is closer to an oval. It’s more like a miniature suitcase than a packing cube, thanks to a double-sided interior.

It feels incredibly tough, and although the exterior is opaque, checking out the contents is still a breeze – it opens to reveal two internal compartments, both of which are covered with a transparent mesh.

It scores well in the sustainability stakes, too – the fabric is 100 per cent recycled and Fair Trade Certified sewn.

Exped clear clube, extra large

Exped packing cubes.png

  • Best : Packing cube for simplicity
  • Size : 36cm x 24cm x 10cm
  • Almost entirely transparent
  • Easy to clean
  • Not as robust as other options

If seeing the contents of your cube is a priority, you’ll love this offering from Exped – the only opaque bit is the zipper. It doesn’t feel as tough as cubes with larger areas of mesh or opaque material, but there are definite bonuses to using transparent plastic rather than mesh.

For starters, it meant this cube was the lightest we’ve come across, and it was also incredibly low maintenance – we could simply wipe-clean the plastic, while, with other cubes, an accidental spill (in our case, a leaking bottle of sun lotion) would have required a spin in the washing machine. Meanwhile, the bright colours will be appreciated by those with an obsession with organisation.

Briggs & Riley large travel packing cubes

Briggs & Riley packing cubes.png

  • Best : Packing cube for style
  • Size : Set contains medium (21.5cm x 33cm x 7.6cm), medium double-sided (21.5cm x 33cm x 10cm) and large (33cm x 43cm x 7.6 cm)
  • Double zips
  • Super accessible

You’ll be hard-pushed to find more stylish luggage than the items produced by Briggs & Riley, and this packing cube set didn’t disappoint. But don’t assume it’s a case of style over substance – these cubes are great examples of ones packed with features that are often skipped.

The exterior’s combo of mesh sides and (surprisingly rigid) opaque areas strike the perfect balance between practicality and accessibility. We also appreciated the presence of the double zips and the fact the cubes could be unzipped on three sides, which cranked up the accessibility even more.

Packing cubes FAQs

How do packing cubes work.

Many packing cubes are simply fabric holdalls with a zip to help compartmentalise your things, while compression packing cubes work by compressing the air around your clothes to help save even more space. Exactly how they do this will depend on the cube.

For some packing cubes, you may need to remove the air manually with a vacuum cleaner. Then there are cubes that don’t require a vacuum cleaner and can instead be compressed with a very strong zip, or by rolling them out, which in turn expells the air inside.

Packing tips

It may seem like overkill, but knowing exactly what you’re taking before you start can help you stay organised. Make a list of everything you really need, too, so you’re less likely to forget something important.

To save on space, only bring full outfits for each day or activity, so you won’t bring anything you won’t actually wear. You may also find that rolling your clothes up instead of folding them saves even more space. That said, try to avoid rolling up any stiff or delicate pieces of clothing – anything made of cotton or linen would be a prime example of clothes that should be folded instead.

You may want to avoid bringing anything that will get wrinkled easily unless you’re bringing a portable iron or garment steamer. Speaking of which, your suitcase should be full enough that the contents can’t fall around and crease inside. Make sure to fill every empty space if you can.

How to organise your suitcase

Start by deciding how you would like to categorise each packing cube – will you have a different cube for tops and trousers, say, or for each day or member of the family? You may find smaller cubes more useful for weekend trips, while fewer, larger packing cubes may be better suited to longer excursions.

The heaviest and widest packing cubes ought to be at the bottom of the suitcase, leaving room for smaller cubes to be arranged around and on top. This will make the suitcase more stable and you won’t need to remove the biggest cube to reach items at the bottom.

Finally, make sure you set aside valuable and fragile items, which will be best kept in their own packing cube –something like Tropicfeel’s tech pouch would be a great option for packing things such as phone cables and electric toothbrushes. Pop this at the top of your suitcase too, to prevent it from being damaged.

The verdict: Packing cubes

Travel cubes come in all shapes, sizes and materials, so what works for one traveller might not work for another. That said, we struggle to believe there’s a jet-setter who wouldn’t be impressed with the Snugpak pakbox , which ticks all the boxes. In a nutshell, it’s rigid, stylish and allows ridiculously easy access to the contents (and, trust us, we’d crammed a lot into it). Go Travel’s triple packing cubes prove suitcase salvation doesn’t cost the earth, while Patagonia’s aptly named, Tardis-like black hole cube is sturdy, stylish and scores highly in the sustainability stakes.

Why trust us?

Tamara Hinson is a freelance travel writer who is a keen explorer, making her the perfect candidate for testing the best packing cubes. She most recently visited the Maldives, India’s Bandhavgarh National Park, and has even explored the most exciting new train journeys in Europe, putting each packing cube to the test. While she’s not busy traversing the globe, she also tests everything from the best travel pillows to cabin bags, so her research and recommendations are well worth trusting.

Whether for business trips or outdoor adventures, get kitted out with the best travel backpacks

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The 11 Best Packable Backpacks of 2024

The Bellroy Lite Daypack is our favorite.

john lewis travel backpack

In This Article

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  • Our top picks
  • Tips for Buying
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Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Since you don't always know what you'll need to carry, whether you'll want to throw on an extra layer, or what you'll end up buying, it's nice to have a packable bag on hand when traveling. These satchels come in handy when sightseeing, hiking, wandering around theme parks, going to music festivals, and really any time you have a long day ahead that might be slightly unpredictable.

Our favorite packable backpack is the Bellroy Lite Daypack, a 20-liter bag with multiple pockets, a water bottle sleeve, a sunglasses pouch, and padded shoulder straps. But to help you find the perfect option for your needs, we rounded up several worth considering. Scroll down for the best packable backpacks on the market.

Best Overall

Bellroy lite daypack.

Made of recycled plastic bottles, this all-star bag boasts ample organizational features and a comfy design that won't hold you back.

It doesn't fold into a pocket or pouch.

If we could only pick one packable backpack, we'd go with Bellroy's Lite Daypack. This supremely practical, endlessly functional bag folds or rolls up compactly, but when you open it up, it has a generous 20-liter capacity. It's big enough to fit a change of clothes, a rain jacket, a hat, a tablet, extra chargers, snacks, you name it.

Inside, you'll find various organizational features. We're talking a zippered pocket, a stretchy water bottle holder, a document sleeve, and a water-protected sunglasses pocket. What's more, there are multiple exterior loops for clipping extra gear, plus an "essentials pocket" with a key clip.

We also like that the ripstop fabric is sourced from recycled plastic bottles. But is this backpack comfortable? You bet! Thanks to the padded back panel, cushioned shoulder straps, and adjustable chest clip, the comfy design won't hold you back on your next adventure and makes a worthwhile addition to your Ireland pack list .

The Details: 19 x 10.5 x 7 inches (open) | 0.8 pounds | 20 liters | Ripstop fabric

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Sightseeing

Eagle creek packable backpack 20l.

Eagle Creek

It can hold souvenirs, a water bottle, your wallet, a spare charger, and anything else you need while out and about.

The shoulder straps aren't padded, so you may not want to fill it with heavy items.

This packable backpack is perfect for guided sightseeing tours or anytime you're exploring a new city by foot. In addition to offering plenty of space for picking up souvenirs while out and about, it has a side zipper pocket with key clips, a mesh water bottle pouch, and a security loop to help prevent pickpocketing.

We like that it's made of ultra-durable ripstop polyester and is treated with an antimicrobial agent to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. Weighing less than half a pound, this is also one of the lightest options we found.

The Details: 18.5 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches (open) | 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches (packed) | 0.4 pounds | 20 liters | Recycled ripstop polyester

Best for Air Travel

Away the packable backpack.

It qualifies as a "personal item," fits under the seat in front of you, and has a trolley sleeve on the back.

There's only one interior pocket.

Traveling by plane? This packable backpack from Away has your name on it. With a 19-liter capacity, it can fit everything from a jacket and a laptop to snacks and a water bottle while still passing as a "personal item" that easily fits underneath the seat in front of you.

We love that it has a trolley sleeve on the back, allowing you to slide it over the handle of your suitcase. And when you don't need it, the backpack folds into a little zippered pouch for easy storage.

The Details: 18 x 11 x 6 inches (open) | 7 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches (packed) | 0.5 pounds | 19 liters | Recycled nylon

Best for Hikes

L.l.bean stowaway day pack.

This adventure-ready pack has lots of features that help you stay organized and comfortable on the trails.

At nearly one pound, it's a little heavier than other packable designs.

Looking for something for hiking or other outdoor excursions? L.L.Bean's Stowaway Pack might be your best bet. It has a surprisingly spacious 22-liter capacity and stuffs effortlessly into the included compact zipper pouch.

The adventure-ready design has lots of organizational pockets, two water bottle sleeves on the sides, and a binky loop for attaching a safety light. With a breathable mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, an adjustable waist belt, and a chest strap, it's also incredibly comfortable and supportive. While it won't replace your main backpacking pack , it would make a practical (and easy) addition to your trip.

The Details: 19 x 10 x 7 inches open | 0.9 pounds | 22 liters | Recycled ripstop polyester

Best for Festivals

Herschel packable daypack.

It's big enough to hold all the essentials, plus a light jacket, and comes in several cool, whimsical prints.

This backpack isn't billed as water-resistant.

You'll be glad to have this packable backpack with you at the next music festival you attend. It folds up into an internal self-storage pocket for compact transport, then when you need it, it unfolds into a spacious 24.5-liter carrier.

The main compartment is big enough to hold a light jacket, a hat, a water bottle, a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, a phone charger, band merchandise, and then some. We also like that it comes in a range of cool, whimsy prints, like floral, camo, marble, and dye wash.

The Details: 18 x 12.5 x 5 inches (open) | 0.4 pounds | 24.5 liters | Ripstop polyester

Best for Theme Parks

Paravel fold-up backpack.

Bloomingdale's

This durable, functional bag has plenty of room for a change of clothes, an extra coat, a camera, a water bottle, and more.

It’s monogrammable… for an extra fee.

If you're heading to Disneyland , Universal Studios, or another amusement park , we recommend bringing this bag along. Paravel's lightweight Fold-up Backpack can fit a surprising amount of stuff, including a change of clothes, a water bottle, a coat, a hat, a camera, and even a 15-inch laptop.

It folds up flat and zips into the included pouch that takes up almost no room in a suitcase or larger bag. You can also slide it over your suitcase handle with the trolley sleeve on the back. Another reason to love this backpack? It's made of durable, water-resistant nylon sourced from recycled plastic bottles.

The Details: 16 x 13 x 9 inches (open) | 6.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches (packed) | 0.6 pounds | Nylon

Best Drawstring

Cotopaxi drawstring backpack.

With multiple pockets and a daisy chain, the Tago Pack is an updated take on the classic drawstring bag.

The straps aren't supportive, so you won't want to carry anything too heavy.

The drawstring bag is the original packable backpack, and we love Cotopaxi's slightly updated take on the classic, versatile design. The Tago Pack has traditional thin, corded straps, top carry handles, and pockets in the front and back for your phone and other small essentials you want accessible.

Made of recycled nylon, this simple yet functional bag rolls or folds almost entirely flat when you want to tuck it away. And the bright, multicolored design makes a striking statement while allowing you to easily locate it at all times.

The Details: 9 x 13 inches (open) | 0.4 pounds | Recycled nylon

Best Lightweight

Osprey ultralight dry stuff pack.

The Ultralight Pack weighs less than half a pound and stuffs into a super-compact storage pocket.

You might need to watch the video to figure out how to stuff it into the pocket.

At less than half a pound, the Osprey Ultralight Pack is one of the lightest-weight packable backpacks we found. The unfolded configuration boasts a 20-liter capacity, but when you want it out of the way, it stuffs into a super-compact, built-in storage pocket.

In addition to a sizable main compartment, there's an exterior zippered pocket for stashing smaller items. This outdoor-friendly backpack is made of waterproof ripstop nylon and has water-tight seams to prevent the contents from getting wet.

The Details: 18 x 10 x 8.5 inches (open) | 0.4 pounds | 20 liters | Ripstop nylon

Best Waterproof

Matador on-grid packable backpack.

This bag is made of extra-strong Robic nylon with a thermoplastic coating and features weather-protected zippers.

It only comes in one color and has a small-ish capacity.

Looking for a waterproof design? The On-grid Backpack is an excellent choice. It's made of Robic nylon — a rugged material with notably high tensile strength — and features a polyurethane (thermoplastic) coating that repels liquids and prevents water from getting inside. Not only that, but weather-protected zippers offer an extra layer of defense against moisture damage.

This bag has multiple organization pockets, two expandable water bottle pouches, and a small pocket where it stuffs into itself for travel. While the overall capacity is on the smaller side, it has a laptop sleeve that fits computers up to 16 inches.

The Details: 17.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches (open) | 6.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches (packed) | 0.5 pounds | 16 liters | Waterproof nylon

Tumi Voyageur Travel Backpack

Available in several chic hues, this backpack is not only functional and versatile but also supremely stylish.

The price is pretty steep for a packable backpack.

Packable bags often prioritize function over aesthetics, but with Tumi, you don't have to choose one or the other. The brand's best-selling Just In Case Backpack comes in several chic colors ranging from soft lilac to misty sage to classic black with gold zippers.

It has a spacious main compartment, a front zip pocket, an upper grab handle, and a trolley sleeve for sliding it over your suitcase handle. Not sure when you'll need it? This carrier folds entirely flat into its included zipper pouch for easy packing and transport.  

The Details: 15.5 x 12.5 x 4.5 inches (open) | 0.6 pounds | 15 liters | Nylon

Best Rugged

Patagonia ultralight black hole tote.

This packable backpack-tote hybrid is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant.

… but it’s not waterproof.

Need something more rugged for outdoor adventures ? Check out Patagonia's Black Hole Tote. Made of recycled ripstop nylon with a thermoplastic coating, it's lightweight yet durable and water-resistant.

This conveniently packable bag has lots of organizational features, including multiple pockets and two stretchy water bottle pouches. You can carry it like a backpack or use it as a tote and tuck the mesh harness away when it's not in use. With a 27-liter capacity, this is also one of the largest packable backpacks on our list.

The Details: 15.5 x 10.5 x 8 inches (open) | 0.8 pounds | 27 liters | Recycled ripstop nylon

Tips for Buying a Packable Backpack

Prioritize lightweight and durable materials.

The best packable backpacks are made of durable yet lightweight materials, such as ripstop nylon or polyester. These synthetic fabrics resist tearing and moisture damage while standing up to daily wear and tear. If you need something for outdoor use, look for a bag with a water-repellent coating that prevents liquids from getting inside.

Consider your organizational and capacity needs

You'll also want to consider what you need in terms of organizational features and overall capacity. When unfolded, most packable backpacks have capacities ranging from 16 to 24 liters, which is about average for a day pack but slightly smaller than a standard backpack. Beyond a main compartment that can fit larger items, you may want a few smaller pockets, pouches, and sleeves for things like your wallet, phone, chargers, a laptop, or a water bottle.

Decide when, where, and how you'll use it

When browsing options, think about when, where, and how you'll be using your backpack. Do you plan to keep it inside a purse when it's not in use? Look for something with an ultra-compact stuff sack. Will you be going on a winter hike or exploring a rainy city? Opt for a water-resistant material. Are you traveling by plane? Look for a bag with a trolley sleeve that'll fit under the seat in front of you.

At the risk of stating the obvious, the main difference between packable backpacks and regular backpacks is that the former are designed to fold, roll, or stuff into a compact configuration. Like packable jackets , many come with little pouches you can stuff them into. This type of bag is also often slightly smaller than a standard backpack and may have fewer organizational features.

Absolutely! Like any backpack, the packable variety can be used as a carry-on bag for air travel as long as it fits into the overhead compartment, which won't be an issue in most cases. To qualify as a personal item, it just needs to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L editor Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in luggage, packable apparel, and other travel essentials. For this story, she researched today's best packable backpacks, narrowing it down to the most functional, versatile designs with standout features.

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The most stylish ladies' backpacks for 2023

We've got a backpack for every occasion.

ladies backpack

Looking for the perfect ladies' backpack? A reliable everyday bag is a must-have in any wardrobe. With backpacks becoming more and more fashionable, and undeniably practical, we've handpicked our favourite ladies' backpacks across the high street for you.

However, don't worry we're not talking about the classic nylon athleisure style bags, your favourite brands including M&S , John Lewis, Oliver Bonas, Longchamp and more have now created more stylish options for you to choose from.

With a range of colours, styles and sizes to suit everyone, a good-quality backpack is an investment piece that will see you through the rest of summer and beyond. The best styles in our opinion will easily house laptops for work, are spacious enough to be a gym bags , and capacious enough to even be used as weekend bags too!

A black ladies backpack is perfect if you're looking for a polished, minimal bag for work that will fit all your daily essentials in, and easily go with all your workwear . Equally, why not try adding a pop of colour into your work outfits through a colourful backpack this season.

So, whether you opt for smart leather rucksack or a more casual canvas backpack, here are the 15 best ladies' backpacks that you can shop right now:

Longchamp Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack, Black

Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack, Black

This Longchamp mini backpack is just as sleek as it is practical. With adjustable straps for comfort, fill it with your everyday essentials or fold it down to the size of a paperback and simply unfold when you need it. We think this backpack is the ultimate travel-friendly/hand luggage bag.

Kipling City Pack Water Resistant Backpack

City Pack Water Resistant Backpack

Designed for all weathers, this water resistant backpack is a stylish choice for days in the office or weekends out. Its neutral colour pattern also makes it a great versatile option that will go with all your outfits.

New Look Black Zip Front Drawstring Backpack

It may look a normal handbag, but its actually a gorgeous ladies backpack. Soon to become your go-to accessory, this sleek backpack is a great option if you're new to the backpack fashion scene.

Lulu Lemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Described as the 'everywhere backpack' for a reason, this ladies' backpack is the do-it all bag. With an internal laptop sleeve, side water bottle pockets and a spacious inside, this backpack will take you to the office, gym and beyond.

Adidas Adidas Originals camo backpack in black and grey

Ideal for hikes or the gym, this ladies backpack is a hard-wearing, tear-resistant bag that will see you through all your exercise needs.

Fiorelli Anouk

Stand out from the crowd with this floral patterned backpack. One of the brand's best-selling small backpacks, this gorgeous pick has a modern shape and a sleek finish, making it a timeless bag to invest in. We think this is a stylish choice for weekends out.

Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Backpack, Forest

With Longchamp being one of our favourite handbag brands, this ladies backpack will become your go-to. Perfect for travelling or commuting, Longchamp bags are designed to be folded up when not in use too, making them the perfect travel companions.

Oliver Bonas Mami Yellow Laptop Backpack

Looking for a more colourful option? This yellow backpack is a great way to inject some colour into workwear. Designed to comfortably fit your laptop, it also has two exterior pockets for extra bits and bobs too.

Accessorize Zip Around Backpack Blue

Are you loving blue this season? One of the trending colours of summer, this stunning blue backpack is a great way to incorporate the hue into your wardrobe. Perfect for the on-go, this backpack can fit in everything from your laptop to your flask and umbrella.

Very Penelope Laptop Backpack - Conker

This rich brown colour immediately makes this backpack look luxurious. This ladies backpack fits the brief, with its protective padded compartment which is large enough to fit a 13 inch laptop and your extra tech bits.

John Lewis Vancouver Water Resistant 15" Laptop Roll Top Backpack, Khaki

Looking for something a bit more practical? This option from John Lewis is the ideal backpack. Perfect for work, you will have no issue fitting in your laptop and work essentials.

Kate Spade Hudson Large Backpack

Sometimes you just can't go wrong with a black backpack. Made from luxe pebbled leather, this laptop is sleek and sophisticated. It even fits up to a 13 inch laptop inside it.

Oliver Bonas Beaded Macrame Cream Slouch Backpack-£28

While its still summer, we're loving a boho-chic look this season. This gorgeous slouchy backpack features intricate macrame patterns and is embellished with pretty beaded details. We think this would make a wonderful beach bag and will have everyone asking where your bag is from.

Radley Dukes Place Leather Medium Zip-Around Backpack

This stand-out red backpack is the perfect addition to your handbag wardrobe. Packed with practical features, this ladies' backpack by Radley is made from premium leather too, making it a timeless investment piece.

Mulberry Heritage Backpack Black Natural Grain Leather

If you're looking for an investment backpack, this gorgeous Mulberry ladies' backpack is our personal favourite. Part of Mulberry's Heritage collection, this sleek backpack was designed with English country pursuits in mind. Featuring practical pockets and buckle strap detailing, we know this will become your everyday bag of choice.

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13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Featuring brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Nanuk, and more.

a person wearing a backpack

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Matador seg45 travel pack.

Black Hole Pack 32L

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Patagonia black hole pack 32l.

Allpa 35 L Travel Pack

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35 l travel pack.

N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Best Travel Backpack for Gear Heads

Nanuk n-pvd 30l travel backpack.

Travel Backpack 30L

Most Balanced Travel Backpack

Peak design travel backpack 30l.

Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

Best Travel Backpack for Active Travelers

Cor surf carry-on travel backpack bundle.

40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

Best Travel Backpack for Long-Haul Nomads

Nomatic 40l convertible travel backpack/duffel.

A.T.P. 26 Backpack

Best Travel Backpack for Minimalists

Camelbak a.t.p. 26 backpack.

Travel Backpack 40L

Best Travel Backpack Under $60

Matein travel backpack 40l.

Crossroads 35L Backpack

Best Rugged Travel Backpack

Yeti crossroads 35l backpack.

Travel backpacks are a versatile, easy-to-carry luggage pick if you're trying to pack as smart and fast as possible. A travel backpack is also a great choice if you want to bring a bag with you on the plane (instead of a formal carry-on suitcase) to go with a checked piece of luggage. Unlike a regular backpack, a good travel backpack is going to offer a little more size and space (usually between 30 to 40 liters). Most travel backpacks are made to hold at least a few outfits, plus all your electronics and travel gadgets . The generous space helps carry an entire weekend's (or week's) worth of clothes. It can also hold all your flight essentials: your hoodie , plane shoes (great for long flights), travel pillow , headphones , and more.

If you believe you can only carry a significant amount of belongings via a roller bag or duffel bag , think again. All of our travel backpack picks below offer optimized storage with comfortable straps and friendly designs that make navigating your environments that much easier. Ready to see what's out there? Let's dive into the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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Matador already makes some of the world's coolest, most clever travel gear. Its SEG45 Travel Backpack is no exception. The clamshell-style zipper opens to provide full access to the pocket-free interior. So you can stash everything inside the open-layout interior like a duffel bag (the included carry strap allows for carrying like a traditional duffel, too) if you're a free-wheelin, "I don't need no pockets" kind of guy.

The other option is to pack this bag using the five front zippered pockets, each with a slightly different capacity (together, they total 45 liters). So, for example, you can stash smaller items like your passport, headphones, and snacks in the small top pocket. Larger electronics can go toward the bottom. You get the gist.

There's also a zippered, padded laptop sleeve at the rear, so it sits directly against your back when worn like a traditional backpack. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable all-day carry, and they can be tucked away when not in use. An external water bottle pouch and a reinforced water-resistant bottom round out the great features.

Read more: Best Packable Down Jackets

The Black Hole Pack is a tried-and-true favorite among Patagonia fans due to its long-term durability and smart compartment design. The pack holds up to 32L, which is sizable enough for traveling but also small enough for everyday use (if you want even smaller, you can elect to get the bag in a 26L size).

Patagonia designed an external zip-down laptop sleeve that sits on the inside (meaning your laptop would be resting directly against your back) and helps create more open space. Front and top stash pockets are added for storing small goods in streamlined ways that do not impede on the interior storage either.

Now, you do sacrifice a bit of space by opting for the Black Hole Pack instead of a 40L travel backpack pack, but the way Patagonia designs this bag creates an optimized way of fitting clothes, shoes, and more without being too much of a burden to carry. If you're looking for a bag you can use to pair with a checked bag, or if you're looking for a bag that can pull double duty for everyday and outdoor use, then you won't find anything more suitable.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

Cotopaxi's Allpa is a frequent traveler favorite due to its strong, lightweight material blend of TPU-coated 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. Travelers also love this travel backpack due to its booklet opening (like many popular suitcases) and secret laptop compartment on the inside back of the backpack (the laptop sits on your back when carrying). In terms of carrying, the bag has four grab handles so you can move it off your shoulders when you get tired. And to add durability and other cargo add-on options, it comes fitted with YKK zippers, carabiner lash loops, and tuck-away straps.

The Allpa is a do-it-all pack for those who truly want to use their travel backpack as their only bag on the road. The cool part is the Allpa comes in fun colors that are easy to spot on the baggage carousel (assuming you check it ... but you won't because you're better than that).

Read more: Waterproof Hiking Gear

Traveling with serious electronics like digital cameras, lenses, action cameras, tablets, and drones can be nerve-wracking. You want luggage or a backpack that can protect everything for those long-haul journeys. Nanuk's N-PVD line of travel backpacks is purpose-built for just that.

Every bag in the line-up features a well-padded interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate whatever you're hauling. Every removable velcro pad can be flipped, turned, and moved around inside the interior so you can Tetris all your most valuable electronics to fit and protect everything exactly how you want. There's also a padded laptop sleeve and a bonus top pocket that's perfect for smaller essentials you want to keep within easy reach.

"I used the 18L model as my only camera bag on a recent trip to Antarctica," said MH gear writer Mike Richard. "I was able to pack my digital camera, a couple of lenses, a 15" laptop, my GoPro equipment, and a bunch of other must-haves, like snacks and my passport, with room to spare. Plus, the recycled polyester shell held up to daily Zodiac rides, pounding rain, and penguin encounters like a champ!"

Read more: Cool Tech Gadgets

We admit to fanboy'ing over Peak Design, as it seems every product the company reinvents turns to gold. We love the incognito look and simplicity of Peak Design's Travel Backpack. Aside from a top stash pocket, the bag relies on a single zipper that opens out the entire bag. From there, you can add in your clothes and shoes without packing cubes , or you can grab any of Peak Design's matching packing cubes and load in your clothes, electronics and gear.

The inner compartment also holds a padded laptop sleeve that keeps your device tightly secured. Our favorite feature of this travel backpack is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pick-pocket thieves from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds.

As far as construction materials, Peak Design went with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas thanks to its supreme water and abrasion resistance. In terms of comfort, padded shoulder pads, a generous adjustable strap length, and an optional hip belt accessory help limit fatigue, so you can power through long travel days.

The most active travelers demand a lot of their luggage. In most cases, they want their bags and backpacks to pull double duty: They need them to transport everything from A to B on the plane, then haul all their gear essentials around on the beach, the trail, or the slopes. That's where COR Surf's Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle comes in. The 40L model (it's available in 28L and 40L flavors as well) is roughly the size of a carry-on but way more durable and versatile.

The design opens wide like a traditional suitcase for easy access to everything. This bundle includes a water-resistant toiletry bag and a set of compression cubes to wrangle your clothes, shoes, electronics, and souvenirs on the way home.

The outside is built for all-day wear with wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap to help distribute heavier loads. It's built with double stitching all around, so it's ready to go the distance wherever you travel.

We especially like that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can color coordinate with your personal traveler's vibe (if that's your thing). Plus, it's crazy affordable at around $125 on sale.

In the "new era" of next-gen travel backpacks we're currently living in, Nomatic was one of the OG brands to seriously reinvent the game. Its convertible travel bags are still some of our go-to favorites. The 40L option is sized like a traditional carry-on but carries like a duffel or travel backpack. With clever built-in straps, it transitions seamlessly between either carry method, so it's comfy to tote around even on your longest travel days.

It boasts 20 clever features, all targeting the needs of modern nomads. There are plenty of compartments to organize your clothes, shoes, tech, and other gear. A water bottle pocket helps you stay hydrated, and the included laundry bag helps keep your funky clothes quarantined away from your clean threads. It's all wrapped in a rugged, water-resistant tarpaulin material that's vegan-friendly and 100% synthetic.

If you're looking for something a little more streamlined, Nomatic's 30L model has all of the same features in a more compact footprint.

If you're an ultra-minimalist traveler or are just looking for a compact, rugged bag to supplement your carry-on, CamelBak's A.T.P. is just the trick. The 26-liter model is perfectly sized for hauling everything you need and nothing you don't. (It's also available as a smaller, cheaper 20-liter model )

In stark black or pure, undyed white, the exterior aesthetic is about as clean and streamlined as it gets. There are no extraneous pockets or design flourishes—this bag is all business. The interior is accessible either via the top flap (like a traditional top-loading hiking backpack) or through a long zipper topped with a snapped "collar" closure of sorts that almost resembles a zip-up hoodie. It makes accessing the inside way easier than most travel backpacks. The open-concept interior includes a laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and several small drop pockets for smaller travel essentials. Outside, compression straps allow you to cinch it all down to the exact size you need, so there's never any wasted space.

One of our favorite features of this travel backpack is the ultra-green manufacturing process. CamelBak touts this as its "first pack to ever earn the highest rating on our sustainability scale. The A.T.P. is made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor and creates half the greenhouse gas emissions produced in traditional manufacturing processes." Nice!

Made with water-resistant nylon, this best-selling 40L travel pack promises organization through multiple zippered compartments. Starting from the front of the bag, there are four small zippered pouches, followed by a large zippered compartment for clothes and shoes , and then finished with a laptop sleeve compartment.

At under $60 retail (often less than $40 on sale!), you'd be hard-pressed to find a travel backpack this functional and durable for less. It's true the bag might not have the longest lifespan as others on this list (the zippered compartment design worries us about pockets potentially getting damaged), but in terms of getting solid bang for your buck, it's a great pick.

Yeti brings the design chops from working on the best, most rugged coolers to the world of travel backpacks. The Crossroads 35L is one of the toughest travel backpacks around.

For starters, the outer material of the Crossroads 35L is something you won't see on other travel backpacks. Why? Because Yeti opted for a textured Tuffskin nylon and a strong 700D nylon that's both water and abrasion-resistant. Yeti says it feels more like motorcycle gear, and we agree.

Second, the bag's clamshell opening allows for easy access to the laptop sleeve and for the ability to roll your clothes up and bag them down into the bag tightly. Last is the strength of the zippers, which are waterproof and tough as nails from the outer stash pockets all the way the main compartment zippers.

The only downside some might have is the shoulder pads could be more cushioned, but we found them to provide just enough comfort while stepping through the airport. But, if you're looking for a rugged backpack that's down for whatever, you can't go wrong with this pick.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

Base Camp Duffel - Medium

One of our favorite duffel bags, the North Face Base Camp, also works great as a convertible travel backpack. The straps on the Base Camp might have some of the best paddings you can get, making it that much more comfortable in terms of all-day carry. And as far as materials, the strong 1000D recycled PVC with water-resistant zippers is damn-near-bulletproof, ready to repel any and everything.

Our only gripe about this bag is the interior storage configuration. It doesn't have any special laptop compartments or unique pocket designs: It's a simple, straightforward duffel at the end of the day. But remember, if you ever get tired of carrying this on your back, you can carry it by the hand straps or sling it over your shoulder. So you've got options here.

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Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Talk about a behemoth! Away's F.A.R. Convertible Backpack is equal parts duffel bag and ackpack. It holds a whopping 45L, which makes all the difference if you want to add another pair of shoes or bring home souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

While you don't have a ton of compartments on the inside of this bag, it does have built-in compression straps, which allow you to clamp down your clothes and keep everything condensed. This travel backpack is made from water- and abrasion-resistant polyester that's strong enough to handle pretty much anywhere unless you're planning on getting far off the path (like a hiking or camping trip, or a trip to somewhere less developed).

While the bag can feel a little heavy on your back if packed to the gills, the good news is you can always convert it to duffel carry. You get the best of both worlds here.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

The Porter 46 reminds us a lot of a hiking backpack in looks and in its durable design. It holds a whopping 46 liters, which can be deceiving thanks to the outer clamp-down straps. On the front of the bag is an easy-access laptop sleeve, and on the side are grab handles for briefcase-like carry if your shoulders get tired. If you want to know our favorite features of the backpack, though, it's the U-zip opening design, which allows the user to pack in and access their goods with ease—it's especially easy to get items on the bottom of the bag when the back is laid down and opened.

A couple of qualms include the straps being a bit too narrow, which can cause some discomfort for long travel days. The other is there aren't a lot of stash pockets. So if you like to use those to wrangle your favorite travel essentials, you might want to look for a different backpack design. But if you're looking for a big-time hauler that fits a rugged, traditional hiking backpack design, then this is a solid choice.

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In order to keep up with new new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing all of the latest packing tools and accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within the travel space.

When it comes to travel backpacks, our gear enthusiasts in the office tested a total of 30 different travel backpacks over the past two years. We inspected the bags in office first before taking them out on assignments and vacations. Then, after wear and tear, we accessed the condition of the bag and added in our testing notes. Lastly, we considered what each travel backpack does best by applying them to all the different types of traveler needs—like size, versatility, weight, and more.

Read more: How We Test Products

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

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There are a couple of features you want to keep an eye on when shopping for a travel-worthy backpack. Overall, your travel backpack should be lightweight, organized, and suitable for the types of travel you typically take. These are the most important considerations.

As mentioned earlier, a good sweet spot for travel backpack capacity is between 30L and 40L. This amount of space usually allows you to pack a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes or allows you to pack all your airplane essentials. Some of the travel backpacks above go up to 45L. We love the generous capacity, but if you go above this sizing, you might be veering away from carry-on size requirements or you might find a bag packed that fully becomes a little heavy on the shoulders.

TSA Carry-On Approved

Pretty much all travel backpacks are TSA-approved for carry-on use. If you're someone who likes to keep a bag under the seat, you'll want to pay closer attention to the exact dimensions and how your bag looks when it's fully packed. Some airlines—especially ultra-budget carriers—are getting mighty strict on baggage size requirements these days.

Outer Materia ls

The good news about our travel backpack picks above is they're all made with some sort of water-resistant material. Most have abrasion resistance too. Aside from looking for these two qualities, most travel backpacks use nylon or polyester blends. A truly tough bag might don an outer material of 500-denier nylon or higher, which is a material grade that ensures the nylon is strong, water-resistant, and tear-resistant—all great features in a travel backpack.

Packing Organization

Last to consider is your personal packing style. The vast amount of travel backpacks on the market has led us to have all sorts of bag openings and packing configurations. Some have lots of compartments (interior and exterior), while some have a single main compartment and only one stash pocket. Most travel backpacks have openings that help you pack clothes down tightly and allow for easy access if you need to get something at the bottom of the bag. A few common bag opening designs include U-shaped zipper openings, suitcase openings, and clamshell openings. There's no one best design; it's all about what's right for you .

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks for 2024. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard, reviewed dozens of packs to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some travel backpacks promise a better overall value than others. In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

Headshot of John Thompson

John Thompson is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com , and a commerce writer for TheManual.com . His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. 

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

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john lewis travel backpack

Travel Backpack 40L

Max-sized carry on for international trips.  Best for:  More comfort, organization, and weather-resistance.

Travel Backpack 30L

Mid-sized carry on for weekend trips.  Best for:  More comfort, organization, and weather-resistance.

Suitcases aren't made for city travel. Try dragging a suitcase with cheap plastic wheels over cobblestone streets and up a few flights of stairs to your Airbnb. Suitcases are the opposite of hands-free travel.

The tall, skinny packs for "backpackers" aren't much better. Those giant, cylindrical bags are made for hiking, not for traveling. They're too big to be carried onto a plane and too disorganized when you're on the move. You have to dump everything out to find what you need, then repack your whole bag. You can't spend your trip packing and unpacking every single day.

The wrong luggage can ruin your trip. Fred and Jeremy, the co-founders of Tortuga, learned this the hard way on a backpacking trip to Europe in 2009.

We flew into Frankfurt and then traveled by train to Prague, Budapest, and Hvar, Croatia. The trip was a blast, but our luggage was a disaster. Jeremy's shoulder strap ripped off on the first day, and Fred's traditional backpack was made for hiking, not for travel.

That trip taught us how hard it is to travel with the wrong gear.

We couldn't find the perfect travel backpack, so we made it.

What are Travel Backpacks?

Travel backpacks combine the features of hiking backpacks and suitcases.

A travel backpack packs like a suitcase and carries like a backpack.

Like suitcases, travel backpacks are carry-on-sized and organized. Like hiking packs, travel backpacks are comfortable and durable.

Carry-On-Sized

Traveling with carry on luggage—instead of checked luggage—will save you money, time, and hassle.

With the right travel gear, you'll save $50 per flight in checked bag fees. You'll never wait around at baggage claim hoping that your luggage shows up. Instead, you'll breeze through the airport and be on your way.

The ideal size for travel backpacks is 30-45 liters in volume. At the low-end, 30L will be enough for weekend trips or for a minimalist traveler. At the higher end, international carry on limits are around 39L and US limits are 45L. US airlines limit travel packs to 22 x 14 x 9".

Travel packs must be front-loading like a suitcase, not top-loading like a hiking bag.

Packing a top-loading bag is like packing a garbage bag.

A front-loading backpack opens from right to left like a book. The large opening of the main compartment lets you see all of your stuff at once. With everything at your fingertips, you can grab what you need and close up your bag. No need to pack and unpack everything like with a traditional backpack. You can get even more organized with a set of packing cubes.

Comfortable

You'll be carrying your bag, so it must be comfortable. Hiking packs set the standard for comfort because they're meant to carry tens of pounds for an entire day of hiking. Compared to that, carrying your bag through the airport and around town should be easy.

To be as comfortable as a hiking bag, a travel pack must have a great suspension system, comfortable shoulder straps, and a weight-bearing hip belt.

The shoulder straps will cushion your load, an adjustable sternum strap will keep it balanced, and load lifter straps will keep your pack close to your body for better weight distribution.

The real magic is in the hip belt. A padded hip belt will shift 80% of your backpack's weight off of your shoulders and onto your hips. That way, your stronger leg muscles—not your weaker shoulders—are carrying your bag. A properly fitted backpack and hip belt will help you avoid back, neck, and shoulder pain.

A great suspension system will make you feel like you aren't carrying anything, even though you have two weeks of stuff on your back.

Hiking backpacks are also tough. They're made to handle the outdoors and every kind of weather.

Travel backpacks must be just as durable. You need a bag that can make it around the world with you.

A travel backpack must have durable, water-resistant materials, best-in-class zippers, and buckles. Your pack can't fail when you're halfway around the world and can't get it fixed or replaced.

Tortuga Travel Backpacks

After experiencing the shortcomings of our luggage, we set out to create the ultimate travel backpack.

We've spent the past decade designing travel gear. That work led to the Tortuga Travel Backpack.

The Travel Backpack comes in two carry-on-friendly sizes: 40L for longer, international trips and 30L for shorter trips. The Travel Backpack opens from the front and has multiple pockets and compartments for easy access, including a laptop compartment, organizer pocket, internal mesh pocket, and two external water bottle pockets. For more organization, add the Packing Cubes.

The Travel Backpack also has a height-adjustable suspension system. By adjusting the location of the shoulder straps, you can find the perfect fit for you. The cushioned backpack straps and hip strap will make the Travel Backpack feel light no matter what you're carrying.

Our travel backpacks are made of SHELL200, waterproof sailcloth originally designed for the sails of racing boats. The sailcloth fabric is strong and will stand up to any weather. The water-resistant YKK zippers will prevent rain from getting to your clothes or computer.

The padded laptop compartment keeps your computer dry and separated from the rest of your stuff. Two padded sleeves can hold your laptop and a tablet.

The Travel Backpack's zippers can be locked with small, TSA-approved padlocks for additional security.

The Travel Backpack is the result of twelve years spent making travel backpacks, traveling with those bags, then making better bags. We've also heard feedback from travelers who have carried their bags to 100+ countries and around the world.

Whether you're downsizing from a checked suitcase or are dedicated to one bag travel, Tortuga travel backpacks are made for you. For more on travel backpacks, read our full   buyer's guide .

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All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

15 best laptop backpacks to make commuting to the office a total breeze

john lewis travel backpack

By Georgia Trodd

15 Best Laptop Backpacks  Laptop Rucksacks 2024

A pro commuter's must-own item? One of the best laptop backpacks. Let's face it: aside from train strikes, nothing will make you hate travelling to and from the office every day more than having to lug your entire life's belongings with you while doing so, but a laptop backpack makes it all that little bit easier.

Pre-2020 a lot of us didn't even have laptops, but if we did they'd be left at our desks when we went home each night. Now, since hybrid working is a more permanent thing, taking your valuables with you wherever you go is somewhat of a non-negotiable, so it's important you acquire the correct protection for carrying them around. Yes, we're making direct eye contact with those of you who think one of those free cotton tote bags you get from the bookstore is a suitable method of transportation for your worldly goods.

Unaccustomed to laptop backpacks? While work bags , travel backpacks and briefcase-style handbags often feature pockets that'll happily fit a 15-inch screen size, laptop backpacks have padded, secure compartments specifically for storing them. The best part is that they're surprisingly chic, too. So much so that you'd be happy to be seen out with them on the weekends (though maybe sans anything work-related).

Skip to: How to choose a laptop backpack | The difference between a laptop bag and a laptop backpack | How we tested them | Shop the best laptop backpacks .

Best laptop backpacks for women, at a glance:

  • Best laptop backpack overall: Chelsea Backpack from Antler
  • Most affordable laptop backpack: LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack from Amazon
  • Best leather laptop backpack: Zip Around Backpack in Panama from Smythson
  • Best laptop backpack for travelling/business trips: The Roll Top Backpack from Stubble & Co
  • Most fashionable laptop backpack: Targus Newport 15-Inch Laptop Backpack from Amazon

What should you look for when it comes to choosing a laptop backpack?

After you've found a design that will fit the dimensions of your device, the next thing to think about is fabric. Opting for waterproof or roll-top design is a good place to start – the last thing you want is soggy, malfunctioning tech – and don't forget about the overall style. You want this accessory to last, so go for something classic that'll complement your workwear and beyond.

Our favourites include Antler's Chelsea Backpack which fits a 13-inch laptop and is consequently one of the best travel backpacks , Aspinal of London's logo-embellished woven backpack for its lightweight and durable design, and Nordace's Eclat backpack for its unsuspecting and chic credentials. We also couldn't go without the Oslo backpack from Bellroy ; its surprisingly spacious-yet-compressionable interior makes it the perfect travel backpack.

Image may contain: Bag, Backpack, Accessories, and Handbag

What is the difference between a laptop bag and laptop backpack?

If you have a long daily commute and/or have a bit of a walk to get to the office, you're better off with a backpack. They're much better for your spine and shoulders thanks to the double (and adjustable) straps, and spread the weight more evenly so you don't get an achy arm. Don't worry, though, you don't have to go full-on hiker style with one that features a sternum strap.

How we tested the best laptop backpacks in this round-up:

We at GLAMOUR all work in London at least three days a week, so we've been hunting for something that'll help those early starts feel a little less stressful – and that's where laptop backpacks come in. We've rated the below designs out of five stars in terms of their durability, price, capacity and style credentials. We've also provided specifications to save you the time of searching for them yourself, alongside pros and cons to consider before purchasing.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd , follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd .

Which brand is good for laptop backpacks? Continue down to find the top picks.

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1. Best laptop backpack/daypack overall

Chelsea Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

Why we love it: It comes in a range of seven colours, so there's plenty of choice, plus it's always trending on our bestsellers list.

Specifications: Measuring at 37cm x 26cm x 12cm, this laptop backpack is designed to coordinate with, and work alongside, the brand's Clifton cases courtesy of a trolley sleeve. It has a zippered pocket laptop compartment to fit up to 13 inches, and is made from water-resistant/weather-resistant and durable nylon with premium leather details with adjustable straps.

Pros: It's water-repellent (so no need for a rain cover) and comes with a detachable internal packing pocket for shoes or a change of clothes/toiletries.

Cons: If you own a 17-inch laptop, you'll have to squeeze to get it in. It's better suited to a 16.5" laptop size.

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2. Best laptop backpack for outdoors

The Roll Top Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: Functionality meets performance with this roll-top laptop backpack, as it's literally designed for outdoor adventures. From its reflective details to the fact it comes in nine different colourways, we can't fault it.

Specifications: With capacity for up to 20L and a designated (and, crucially, padded) section for 15.6-inch laptops to 16-inch laptops, this silhouette is also fully waterproof. It features weatherproof bound seams, water-resistant zips, reflective logos and considered compartments for all your daily essentials. From the bike light anchor to the compression straps, there's not much it doesn't have. It measures at 63cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Pros: It's crafted with a lot of recycled materials.

Cons: One review says it scratches easily.

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3. Slim laptop backpacks: Commuter backpack

Oslo Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: Slim in structure but with plenty of space inside, with enough room for your daily essentials (plus a few extras), this style is made with durable water-resistant recycled fabric and soft microfibre trims. A win on the eco-friendly front.

Specifications: With a capacity of 16L and a weight of 650g, this 30cm x 4.4cm x 16cm laptop backpack holds a lot more than it looks capable of. It has a 13" padded laptop sleeve, a designated pocket for cables and chargers, a document slip, a quick access pocket (for keys), and its made from 100% recycled and water-resistant fabric.

Pros: It comes with a three year warranty.

Cons: Although there are five colour options, they're all quite plain.

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4. Laptop backpack for organisation: Women's laptop rucksack

Stackers Plain Laptop Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: Stackers are pros when it comes to organisation and storage, and this laptop bag is exemplary of their know-how. It keeps everything neat and tidy thanks to multiple dividers and mesh pockets, making it the perfect school bag/rucksack.

Specifications: Find not one but two zipped pockets on the exterior of this bag, as well as over five interior pockets and sleeves for various devices and accessories (even a water bottle holder). Inside one pocket you'll find elasticated strips for holding things like makeup and charging leads safe. It measures at 15cm x 34.5cm x 31cm.

Pros: The padded laptop compartment is quilted as well for extra protection.

Cons: It sells out all the time.

Save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.

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5. Laptop backpacks under £100 to carry all your belongings

Herschel Supply Co. Nova Recycled Polyester Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why we love it: Road trip? Commute? Gap year? Weekend stay? There's not much this laptop backpack can't cater to.

Specifications: With a zip-fastened main compartment and neat front pocket (also zip-fastened), this silhouette caters to laptops up to 13" in size courtesy of a sleeve at the back (which is lightly padded, FYI). You'll also find a key clip, two water bottle pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and dual top handles. 41cm x 30cm x 14cm.

Pros: It comes in several colours and you can also find them at other online retailers (Nordstrom, we're looking at you).

Cons: The bright colours often sell out.

Save when you shop for the best laptop backpacks with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.

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6. Bestseller laptop back: New arrival stylish laptop backpack

The ReNew Transit Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: The ReNew 15" Transit Backpack features an exterior laptop pocket for easy access at airport security, zip pockets for passports and tickets, interior slip pockets for magazines and notebooks, two water bottle holders, a magnetic closure, and a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.

Specifications: Crafted with a water-resistant finish, this laptop backpack measures at 44.4cm x 30.4cm x 18.4cm. It's made from 100% recycled polyester bar the zipper teeth (which unzip super smoothly, FYI).

Pros: It has 27l capacity.

Cons: The textured fabric means that it's less easy to wipe clean.

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7. Best laptop rucksack/work backpack for the style-conscious

Targus Newport 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

Why we love it: Targus knows a thing or two about laptop backpacks, case in point with its Newport design. Both chic in design and functional, we love this style for its plentiful pockets.

Specifications: Complete with five zipped pockets as well as the dedicated laptop compartment, the Newport backpack is made from twill nylon with vegan leather/faux leather trims, and measures 11cm x 6cm x 16cm approx.

Pros: It's slimline and classy looking.

Cons: The zipped laptop sleeve is on the outside, making it slightly less safe.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for a range of laptop backpacks for men and women, including Samsonite, Rei, AER and more, with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

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8. Designer laptop backpack: Large backpack/travel pack

Aspinal of London Logo Embellished Woven Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why we love it: While this large capacity laptop backpack will set you back a few hundred quid, you're well and truly getting what you pay for. Aspinal of London is renowned for its craftsmanship, and this offering is no exception.

Specifications: Complete with leather trims, this wipe-clean accessory features an external zip pocket, padded back panel for laptop protection/security and shoulder straps. It also has two elasticated side pockets for bottles or umbrellas, a laptop slip pocket, an internal zip pocket and gold-tone hardware throughout. It measures at 44cm x 30.5cm x 15cm.

Pros: It'll go with virtually every office outfit you wear it with.

Cons: There are only three left at Selfridges currently.

By Denise Primbet

By Sheilla Mamona

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9. Women's backpacks: Best lightweight laptop backpack

Nordace Eclat Light & Durable Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: It's big enough to use as a holdall for the weekend unless you're the heaviest of packers, plus it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane.

Specifications: Made from water-resistant fabric to a light design (only 0.89kg), this laptop backpack measures at 42cm x 28cm x 17.5cm. It has an anti-theft pocket alongside two water bottle slips, a laptop slip with cushioning, convenient USB charging port, a buckle compression strap and plenty of internal pockets for organisation and easy visibility.

Pros: Comes in three different colours.

Cons: Some reviews mention that if the bag is quite full, not all of the pockets are able to be used as the fabric becomes too tight to slot anything in.

Image may contain Backpack and Bag

10. Best laptop bags business travel: Best travel laptop backpack

The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: It's made from water-resistant nylon, so will have your back (and your goods) when the weather takes a turn.

Specifications: This laptop backpack has an extended zipper clamshell opening for easy access and visibility. The interior organisation system features zipper and slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, and a detachable key clip keep your TSA-approved keys to your carry-on safe. The padded straps ensure comfort is maintained when worn as a shoulder bag, and the added zip laptop compartment has an iPad slip pocket that fits laptops up to 15-inches with magnetic locking zipper. It measures at 30.5cm x 15cm x 45cm and is made from nylon with leather (despite its neoprene appearance).

Pros: It packs flat in suitcases, making it a great travel bag.

Cons: The colours it comes in are all quite similar/plain.

john lewis travel backpack

11. Best backpack: Minimalist/fashionable laptop bags

RAINS Backpack

Why we love it: From the quiet luxury look to the sleek fabric, there's not much we can find to fault about this khaki green design.

Specifications: Made from 100% polyester with a polyurethane coating and multiple pockets, this laptop backpack fits a 13-inch laptop courtesy of a designated compartment.

Pros: It's incredibly lightweight.

Cons: Some reviewers have said it's not the most comfortable to wear due to non-padded straps and a non-padded back.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

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12. Wishlist designer laptop bags: High quality laptop backpack

Zip Around Backpack in Panama

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

Why we love it: While this leather backpack is certainly an investment, it has also been made in Italy – so you know it's going to last a lifetime.

Specifications: Complete with adjustable shoulder straps, this pure leather bag features a fleece-lined interior where you'll find a main compartment and a padded laptop sleeve which fits a 13-inch computer (or Macbook Pro). It's complete with zipped front pocket and two further slip pockets inside for further storage, and measures at 40cm x 30cm x 11cm.

Pros: It ticks both boxes of being stylish and practical, and makes for a great gift idea for her .

Cons: It's the most expensive style in this round-up.

john lewis travel backpack

13. Best everyday backpack: Unisex laptop bag

Fjällräven Kånken 17" Laptop Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️

Why we love it: It can be a backpack when riding your bike, or a messenger bag/top-handle bag when getting on a crowded bus - two bags in one. People who are familiar with Herschel will also appreciate this brand.

Specifications: Made from 100% vinyl, this bag measures at 42cm x 30cm x 18cm. The contents are accessed via a zipper at the top and there's an exterior zippered compartment (great for storing your earbuds/headphones) as well as an inside sleeve pocket with a padded base for up to an 18-inch laptop.

Pros: It has great versatility and functionality.

Cons: It's not the smartest in comparison to the other styles.

john lewis travel backpack

14. Waterproof laptop backpack: Best budget laptop backpack

Vancouver Water Resistant 15" Laptop Roll Top Backpack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Why we love it: Sleek, simple, and – crucially – water proof, this navy blue laptop backpack will come more than in handy for those rainy commutes into the office. No more hanging your bag out to dry on the radiators.

Specifications: Completed with a padded sleeve that can fit up to 15" laptops, this design also has an outside slip pocket, and an internal webbing/mesh phone and wallet pocket with key chain. Adjustable padded shoulder straps? You bet, plus the fold-down top means its slightly expandable too. 40cm x 30cm x 12cm.

Pros: It's currently less than £50.

Cons: Customers are saying the magnetic closure isn't very strong and has broken in some instances.

Save when you shop for the best laptop backpacks with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout. Always read the terms and conditions.

john lewis travel backpack

15. Best laptop backpack for gadgets: Laptop backpack with a charger

LOVEVOOK 17" Laptop Backpack Rucksack

Durability:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Capacity:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Style:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why we love it: The external USB port is our favourite feature of this smart Amazon laptop backpack.

Specifications: Water-resistant, breathable and complete with nifty pockets, this laptop backpack fits up to a 17-inch laptop. It measures at 19.8cm x 31.7cm x 43.1cm.

Pros: Comes in several different colours and patterns, and has TWO laptop compartments and an anti-theft pocket for peace of mind.

Cons: The USB charging port doesn't come with the cable or power bank.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Timbuk2 with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

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What was in John Lewis’s backpack in Selma on Bloody Sunday?

A pivotal moment in the African-American civil rights movement came on March 7, 1965, when roughly 600 marchers were met by state and local lawmen after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The lawmen attacked the marchers with billy clubs and tear gas as television cameras rolled and still images were circulated in print media around the world, earning the event the nickname “Bloody Sunday.”

Lewis, as portrayed by actor Stephan James, marching on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the film "Selma." (screenshot via YouTube)

One of the leaders of the march that day was 25-year-old John Lewis, now of course the longtime U.S. congressman, LGBT ally and civil rights icon. Last August, we ran an installment of “Catching Up” focusing on Rep. Lewis , so with the Oscar-nominated ( but not Oscar-nominated enough, as many think ) “Selma” in theaters now and with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day occurring on Jan. 19, we’re publishing a question and answer that we left out of the final interview.

A distinctive image from the incident is of Lewis in a beige trench coat and wearing a backpack. Lewis’s answer gives some insight into the mindset of the marchers that day.

This is random but I’m curious, in the Bloody Sunday incident on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, you appeared to be the only one wearing a backpack. What was in the backpack?

I remember very well. As a matter of fact I went to the Army surplus store and bought this backpack. I really thought we were going to be successful walking all the way from Selma to Montgomery. And somehow, someway I thought maybe we would be arrested and we would go to jail, so while in jail I wanted to have something to read. I had two books in the backpack. I wanted to have something to eat—I had one apple and one orange. One apple and one orange wouldn’t last that long. Being in jail, you know I had been arrested and been to jail before, the sad thing about being in jail for two or three days, you need to brush your teeth. So there was toothpaste and a toothbrush in there.

I don’t know what happened to that backpack, I don’t know what happened to the two books. I don’t know what happened to the trench coat. One of the books was by a professor of political science at Harvard and the other book was by Thomas Merton, the monk. I just wished I had them. The Smithsonian and the Library of Congress are always asking me what happened to them and I tell them I really don’t know.

Lewis would suffer a fractured skull from the Bloody Sunday beating, the scar of which is visible to this day. The incident was one of the three Selma-to-Montgomery marches for voting rights, and the efforts led to passage of the Voting Rights Act.

You can read more on Rep. Lewis in the interview , including his thoughts on the late gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, the police killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, what the LGBT movement is missing and more. And watch the trailer for “Selma” below, parts of which were filmed in Georgia .

[email protected] | @patricksaunders

IMAGES

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  2. John Lewis Coastal Filled Picnic Backpack, 2-Person at John Lewis

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    One of the leaders of the march that day was 25-year-old John Lewis, now of course the longtime U.S. congressman, LGBT ally and civil rights icon. ... A distinctive image from the incident is of Lewis in a beige trench coat and wearing a backpack. Lewis's answer gives some insight into the mindset of the marchers that day.

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    Firetrap Travel Backpack Made from a soft, lightweight fabrication, this classic back pack details a full colour-block silhouette for a minimal everyday piece, perfect for school or to carry your office essentials. With a main compartment secured with a full zip fastening, this bag includes an internal slip pocket, side slip pockets to the exterior and one front zipped pocket for your ...

  22. John Lewis Bag

    Check out our john lewis bag selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shoulder bags shops. ... Unity Wear John Lewis Backpack With Reflective Bar $ 35.88. FREE shipping ... Mothers day gift make up bag / travel bag / leather personalized gift John Lewis (241) $ 19.94. Add to Favorites ...

  23. John Lewis Bags for Women

    John Lewis Genuine Leather Green Wristlet EUC. $40 $100. Size: OS John Lewis. latoyasmith843. 3. Blue Leather Collection Weekend by John Lewis Bucket Shoulder Bag zip pocket. $36 $229. Size: OS John Lewis. reduxstyle.