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How To Choose The

Best Daypack For Travel

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

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

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Choosing the best Daypack for Travel and Beyond

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

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

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

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

(Spoiler alert: You read this guide!)

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

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

Here’s what you can expect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The next question you should be asking yourself is…

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

Walking With The Topo Designs Daypack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a traditional daypack?

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

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

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

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

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

Materials & Durability

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

• And everything else under the sun…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who (and what) is it good for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Verdict

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

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

Recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a packable daypack?

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

YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• …and that’s about it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is an expandable backpack?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• DWR coating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterproof Daypacks

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

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

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

Submerging The Matador Freerain24 In Water

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

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

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

Mini Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

Lay-Flat Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budget Daypacks

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

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

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

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

Camera Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

Secure Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concluding Thoughts

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

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

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

Author: Aidan DiPrima

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

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10 Best Travel Day Packs (2021 Edition)

Ashley Rossi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack 27L

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

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

Gonex Packable Daypack

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

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

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

Matador Freerain24 Backpack

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

Osprey Daylite Backpack 13L

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

Sherpani Camden Pack

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

Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mid Volume Backpack

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

Fjallraven Kanken Classic

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

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

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

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Packable Daypack

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

More from SmarterTravel:

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

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

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

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

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Why Buy a Daypack for International Travel?

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

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

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

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

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

Some questions to ask yourself:

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

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

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

Things To Consider With Daypacks for Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 15 Best Daypacks for International Travel

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

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack  

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

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

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

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

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

What We Like

• Padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop

What We Don’t Like

• No waterproof protection

Osprey Packs Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Hiking Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

KROSER Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

The North Face Borealis Men’s Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack

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

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

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

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

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

The North Face Jester Backpack  

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

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

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

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

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

Thule Crossover 30L Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peak Design Everyday Backpack  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gonex 20L Ultralight Packable Backpack Handy Small Daypack

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

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

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

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

Thule Lithos Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

• 2 side pockets for water bottles
• No sternum strap

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop

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

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

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

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

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

G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Daypack

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

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

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

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

What we Like

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

NOMATIC Travel Pack

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

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

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

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

• Lockable security pocket
• Zippers can sometimes break

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a daypack.

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

How big is a daypack?

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

What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

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

What's the best daypack for traveling?

Some of our favorite day packs include:

• The North Face Jester Backpack
• KROSER Laptop Backback

What is the best size daypack?

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

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

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About Amar Hussain

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

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks and Suitcases (2024)

We’ve reviewed hundreds of the best travel bags throughout the years – from the best hiking backpacks to the best laptop bags, we know bags. 

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to travel bags. Are you a dedicated backpacker, a fan of the duffel bag, or maybe a devotee of the wheelie suitcase? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of travel bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to upgrade and replace your existing travel bag, choosing from the best travel bags can be something of a minefield.

How on earth do you choose? The best way is to simply read on!

Keep scrolling and you’ll discover a wealth of detailed information on all the latest travel bags – backpacks, duffel bags, carry-ons, backpacks with wheels, and anti-theft bags; the list goes on! By the end of the article you’re sure to have found the best travel bag ever… for your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

How to choose the best travel bag, best travel backpacks, best travel duffel bag, best travel daypacks, best travel luggage with wheels, best carry on travel bags, best anti-theft travel backpacks, best foldable travel bags, best travel duffel bags, best laptop travel bags, how and where we tested to find the best travel backpacks, faq about the best travel bags.

• Best Travel Backpack – Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Best Travel Daypack – Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Runner-Up – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Leather Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Overnight Bag
• Best Eco Luggage – Monarc Brand Settra
• Best Travel Luggage with Wheels – Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45
• Best Carry on Travel Bag – Stubble & Co Adventure Pack
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Metrosafe X
• Best Foldable Travel Bag – Wandrd Veer 18L
• Best Travel Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag – AER Commuter Brief 2

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Price: > $$
• > Laptop and tablet sleeves
• > Made with water proof sailcloth

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• Price: > $$$
• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

When deciding between all of these great travel bags, how do you choose the best bag for travel? Here are some pointers…

One of the easiest ways to narrow down the choices is to consider the size of bag you require. If you’re searching for a bag that will see you through the daily commute you’re almost certainly going to need a smaller travel bag than if you’re heading off vacation away from home.

Generally, good travel bags of somewhere between 30 and 45-liters, unless you plan to use air travel check-in. If you have a lot of electronics, camera gear, camping equipment, or clothes (we’ve all been there!), then a larger bag makes much more sense.

If you have a travel bag you’re looking to replace or upgrade, ask yourself what sort of style it is – and whether of course, you like that style!

If you’re comfortable with a backpack-style travel bag, then focus your search on the same; whereas, if you prefer the ease of a duffel bag or wheelie suitcase, that’s the way you should be leaning. Want something in between, have a look at a duffel-backpack hybrid bag instead.

Will you be carrying your travel bag for long distances? Because if so, every gram (or ounce) of excess weight matters. While wheelie suitcases are a great idea for city movement, wheels always add weight to a bag and are a pain if you are heading off-road (or even onto the cobbles of a city like Paris).

Also, remember that weight is often a trade-off for durability, especially when it comes to travel and hiking backpacks. The more durable a bag, the more it tends to weigh. Understand how you plan to use your bag before buying the lightest or most heavy-duty pack! Overall, the higher-quality luggage brands tend to be able to keep things lighter whilst still being durable.

Are you traveling with Tech?

Are you traveling with tech? These days you probably are, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or for work.

In which case, do you want a rigid travel bag that provides protection, or perhaps a padded laptop sleeve or compartment? We have an entire section dedicated to good travel bags for laptops.

If this is the case, make sure the sleeve is large enough for your particular laptop or tablet too!

Are you Hiking?

While some of the best travel bags are geared for travel, they’re often not designed for hiking. Some backpacks are designed for both travel AND hiking, but that usually means it’s not the best at either, just manageable.

If you want a backpack that you can take on the trails, then pay attention to how the backpack holds its weight, the suspension system (if it even has one), the shoulder straps, and waist strap comfort. Remember, some of the really nice traveling bags that look great for city hopping aren’t going to cut it on the trails!

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

For those who need a larger, more conventional backpack that can handle all sorts of trips. These come in all shapes and sizes though our top choices are around 40 liters.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

Nomatic bags have 20 innovative features to make your travels all the easier, such as a dedicated shoe pocket that keeps dirty soles away from the rest of your luggage, and a fleece-lined RFID-blocking pocket that will keep your electronic data and passports safe from illegitimate scanning by scammers. Pretty much it is the only travel bag under 40 liters you will ever need; which is why we chose it as your top pick.

This bag also incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve, and is carry on approved for a plethora of international airlines!

Our testers thought this was, well, to put it bluntly, the best travel bag out there! There are so many features they could point to in terms of what they loved the most but because I’m limited on the wordcount I’ll focus on one. Organisation! They loved the different pockets, zippered sections and show well the shape of the bag fits packing cubes inside.

We have so much to say about this bag that we wrote an entire Nomatic Travel Bag review.

• Perfect carry-on size
• Tons of features for the modern traveler
• RFID-blocking pockets
• Laptop sleeve
• Weight is a tad heavy for some (1.8 kg)
• Hip belt must be bought separately

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

With their Travel Backpack model, US-brand Tortuga promises to deliver a travel bag that has the portability and ergonomic qualities of a hiking backpack with the organizational stance and ease of packing that comes with a suitcase.

That said, we do not recommend this backpack for hiking… refer to our reviews on hiking backpacks instead.

Having said that, our team of testers especially loved how easy to pack this bag was. With the rectangular shape and clamshell opening it was perfect for fitting in packing cubes and keeping everything neat and organised. The smaller size also fits perfectly into overhead compartments.

sComing in 30 and 40-liter versions, which you might consider weekend and max-sized, both sizes of the Outbreaker carry 15” laptops, and also tablets of up to 9.7”.

• Suitable for laptops up to 15”
• Comprises additional tablet sleeve
• Carry on compliant
• Made in China
• Rectangular shape
• Not for adventures

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Bag 3 is one of the best travel bags, ever. We have no doubts about that. Pound for pound, we consider the AER Travel Pack to be as good as the Nomatic Travel Bag. They’ve designed and engineered a built-in solution to all of the previous problems we’ve had with travel bags.

This bag is great for digital nomads, backpackers, and business travelers alike. It is designed with your laptop and organization in mind. It’s 35 liters of backpacker perfection.

Use this bag as a daypack, a carry on, or both. You’ll appreciate the many pockets and storage features. Wear it around town to camp on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or bring it on a plane without needing to check your bag.

I recently took this bag on a trip over to France and I totally fell in love with it. The real stand-out feature for me, travelling with my camera and laptop, was the strong and smooth zippers that can be locked for extra security.

For more details about the Aer Travel Pack 3, read our Aer Travel Pack review .

• Carry on friendly
• Shoe pocket
• Many organization features
• Small water bottle pocket
• Not entirely waterproof
• No raincover

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

Leather travel packs are stylish and hard wearing. Whilst note created for outdoors and not ideal for “backpackers”, they do suit urban, business an weekend travellers. MAHI leather is the company to beat in the leather bag market and this weekend sized 30L duffel is a cracking carry on companion.

This leather bag is the flagship duffel for a proven company, and its clean appearance and durable straps have earned it the highest place on our list. The bag can be carried with handles or a shoulder strap, and brass hardware ensures you can walk with confidence no matter how you hold it. 

You won’t lose anything inside the bag, thanks to the zip and phone pocket. You can pack everything you need this weekend in this lightweight and stylish leather bag that checks off all the boxes. 

This bag might not be for everyone and it did split our team somewhat, but for those who loved it, it was the outer material that was a real winner. They felt the feel of the soft and supple but strong leather used provided both great protection whilst looking super stylish and professional.

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

Travel can really take it toll on the planet – I mean jet fumes are not exactly good for anybody right? The good news is that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining serious momentum and ecological travel products are popping up everywhere.

So, the Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

As well as being eco friendly, the Monarc Settra is also a seriously cracking great pack. Its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organizational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s an absolute bargain although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

When our team gave this a test run they really loved how comfortable the straps and handle were however the bag was configured. Sometimes these types of bags are more suited to one use over the other but this guy feels great either way.

Small travel bags that are meant for shorter journeys. These typically hold less than 30 liters and are designed to be easy and lightweight.

If you’re interested in buying a smaller bag and want to learn more, we’ve written a  comprehensive daypack post as well!

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Daypacks have become a vital way of carrying all you need when you’re out and about for the day but can falter for two reasons.

Firstly, they don’t always provide enough space for a laptop. Secondly, what do you do with it when its no longer needed? The Tortuga Laptop Backpack answers both of these problems!

It will take a laptop of up to 16” and a tablet of 12.9” in dedicated sleeves, and folds flat so it can be easily be packed into your main luggage. We think this is such an awesome feature!

Weighing a very light 2.1 lb (0.95 kg), it won’t add much extra weight to your luggage, but is still made with waterproof sailcloth to keep your tech and other kit safe even on drizzly days!

Much like the larger Tortuga, this bag was well-loved on our team. They loved the fact that it still has clamshell opening which is pretty uncommon for smaller bags and helps when you’ve got organisational needs.

• Laptop and tablet sleeves
• Folds flat for packing
• Weighs just 500 grams
• Made with water proof sailcloth
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Volume limited to 21 litres
• Just one colour
• White interior may stain quickly

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

For a daypack orientated towards hiking and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best bags for travel on the market. Made from a durable ripstop and water-resistant nylon, it’s very capable of taking on the great outdoors.

Its frame helps to spread the weight evenly, taking the stress further off your shoulders, which will already feel the benefit of the padded and ventilated shoulder straps. 20-liter packs with frames and waist straps are virtually unheard of, meaning this pack is perfect for day hikes.

Lightweight at just over half a kilo, the Osprey Daylite Plus boasts dedicated spaces for laptops and tablets, in addition to ‘standard’ hiking bag features such as an emergency whistle and chest strap!

Our testers can confirm how well the mesh ventilation system works to keep your back dry. They loved how much this bag made their time on hikes or exploring cities like Bangkok much more comfortable.

• Made with durable ripstop nylon
• Water resistant
• Lightweight travel bag
• Buckle closure top flap
• Lacks external webbing or anchor points
• Front pocket is unlockable
• May be too small for some users

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera backpacks on the market for non-professional photographers. The bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability mean the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag.

It’s good for hiking, a daypack, or even a small travel bag – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a cam era backpack .

The photographers on our team really fell in love with the functionality of this bag. The removable camera cube that straps in and connects with the side opening in practical use worked a treat. It meant assessing your camera on the go was easy and quick.

Looking for the best camera bag , check out our guide for some more options.

• Very durable and robust
• Great design
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Sometimes, having a set of wheels on your bag can be really useful. Not having to carry around a big ol’ bag can really save your back, especially when you’re in the airport or on some really nice pavement.

We’ve only covered a few bags in this section – read more about wheeled backpacks if you’re interested!

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

One of the main reasons you should invest in a backpack with wheels is for convenience. Well, this backpack takes convenience to an entirely new level with its super comfortable carrying system.

With this luggage, you will have a backpack, and rolling luggage all in one! The StraightJacket compression system helps keep the load tight, compact and neat for those long travel days jumping on and off transport.

A few more great features include padded top and side handles, a removable shoulder harness, and the HighRoad Chassis that gives you great clearance over any rough ground you might encounter.

This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size does not exceed 45 linear inches).

Our team are most used to backpacking but they were pretty keen to give this hybrid number a go. Well, the vast majority were converted and they just loved how well this bag functioned as a backpack and then easily converted to rolling luggage without looking too much like a suitcase.

• Carry on size
• High clearance wheels
• Heavy! Over 6 Lbs.

#2 Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Wheeled Pack

This 37-litre rolling luggage that doubles as a backpack is perfect for international travel. It was built to be weatherproof and dirt-resistant for all of your adventures. Not only that but it also comes with a detachable 18l day pack too!

Plus, it’s probably the coolest looking backpack with wheels – something I haven’t said since the fourth grade! A few of its awesome features include the top quick stash pocket, multiple grab handles, and treaded off-road wheels so you can roll this bag on challenging terrain!

The main drawback is its weight. There is always a trade-off for durability and weight… and in this case, it’s a few pounds! This backpack may be overkill if you aren’t going on an adventure…

Our team felt this bag was more suited for rolling than carrying but appreciated the additional functionality. However, their favourite feature was the quality feel of the outer material and how much punishment the wheels could take.

• Perfect carry on size
• Weatherproof and extremely durable
• Treaded off-road wheels
• Heavy! 6+ Lbs.

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

A traditional wheelie suitcase, the four-wheeled Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on offers its users supreme protection of its contents thanks to its rigid form of ABS plastic.

Accepted by all the major airlines in Europe and North America as carry on compliant, it weighs 2.5 kg and has a mid-range capacity of 33 litres.

Its wheels rotate a full 360°, giving you effortless movement across airport departure halls. Inside, the case includes packing straps to hold all your baggage in place, two elastic shoe pockets, a slim mesh pocket for documentation, and a zipped divider to keep items separate from one another.

Finally, there’s a five-year guarantee to protect against manufacturing defects!

Our team loved the durability of these bags and just how high quality they felt. The hard exterior provided great protection whilst remaining compact and light. The four wheels also made rolling the case, even on the cobbles of Prague, super easy.

• Rigid-form carry on
• Easy wheel movement
• Five year guarantee
• Weight of 2.5 kg
• Wheels protrude and cannot be retracted
• Cannot be used as a backpack
• No padded laptop sleeve

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

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

For those who fly very often and NEED to make sure that their backpack will can be taken on the plane. Generally speaking, 20-30 liter bags can almost always be used as carry ons. 40 liter bags are a little bit more risky but, because we like to toe the line, we’ve included some 40-liters that we believe can be used as such.

If you’d like, you can also read more about carry ons here!

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

This nifty and compact carry on ready backpack is ideal for both city breaks and outdoor time.

This innovative, super uber cool, brand new to-the-market hiking daypack is tough, durable, and also highly functional. It is designed to be a go-anywhere, do-anything bag that is equally adept when out hiking in the woods, hitting the gym, or undertaking the daily hell that is the wretched commute to work!

It zips fully open almost like a suitcase and offers a raft of different compression-compartments separated by mesh netting and zips that make packing and squeezing stuff in a dream. There are also a few external pockets for leads, charges, passports and cigarettes as well as a deducted 16″ laptop sleeve.

Have a look at our Stubble & Co Adventure Bag in-depth review for more information.

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Great organisation
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Quite heavy
• Kinda expensive

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

If you are trying to decide between the Tortuga and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal travel style

Do you need a carry on travel bag for camping and light hiking, or for urban travel? If you picked the former, then the Osprey Farpoint is for you!

Here’s the thing, the Farpoint is somewhat of a hybrid travel and hiking backpack. I’d never pick it primarily for hiking when Osprey carries so many specific hiking backpacks, but if you want a bag that can do a little bit of everything and accompany you on flights, then look no further.

The Farpoint range has been a popular choice amongst our team for years and this updated version lived up to its reputation. One of the features our crew loved the most was the combination of internal and external compression straps that help minimise the size of the bag when packed and keep everything from shifting.

This bag caters Digital Nomads and backpackers. Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review here.

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization as Nomatic
• Looks a bit like a turtle shell

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

Unlike the Farpoint reviewed above, the Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. If you love to hike, then you’ll love this bag for many reasons.

This bag is a go-to for short hikes and overnight camping excursions. It comes with an integrated rain cover, is quite lightweight, and has an impressive amount of organization capacity for it’s minimal design.

At 33 or 36 liters (depending on the size you buy), this bag is ALWAYS carry on compliant – just tighten up the compression straps. If you aren’t sold on the Stratos, the Osprey Cirrus 36 is another great option.

Our testers loved how comfortable this pack was to wear even fully loaded on the trails. Its super padded shoulder and hip straps alongside the mesh back panel made it great for hiking and long treks wearing the pack.

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

• Always carry-on compliant
• Awesome ultralight hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Not made for regular travel
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

Tailored for the contemporary traveler, the Peak Design 30L Travel Pack offers a 30-liter capacity that is ideally suited for brief escapes or minimalist extended journeys. Its elegant design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s a reflection of functionality. With adjustable compartments for a tailor-made fit for your possessions, and clever side openings for easy item retrieval, this bag offers superior convenience. Expansion zippers allow you to modify the bag’s size to suit various travel needs, adding to its adaptability.

• Carry on compliant – even Ryanair
• Packs a lot in and extends to 33:
• Sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Not waterproof

Most travel bags have some sort of security against theft. For extra protection though, you’ll need a special backpack with more features than usual.

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

The Australian brand, Pacsafe, is dedicated to creating fully-functional travel bags that also protect you from theft. The Metrosafe X has a reasonable daypack size of 20 litres, while weighing less than a kilogram.

There’s an RFID-protective pocket to keep your credit cards, identity card and passport safe from data theft, and a PopNLock security clip that secures the Metrosafe X to any immovable object.

An interlinking zip closure system also makes it impossible for anyone to open any of the bag’s zips without you noticing! The Metrosafe X is also protected from the slash and grab tactics of some thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Pacsafe is the gold standard when it comes to keeping your valuables secure when travelling. Our testers loved how lowkey the bag looks and how simple the exterior is. It means with one lockable zip their gear felt safe and secure.

• Weighs less than a kilo
• RFID-blocking pouch
• Interlocking zips
• Embedded steel mesh
• Fairly plain exterior
• Too small a volume for some
• Some users report zips jamming
• Not for adventure travel

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

With a stylish modern design and 12.5 litre capacity, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has both hidden zips to make it harder for pickpockets to make a quick grab for your kit, and additional hidden pockets.

The water repellent and slash proof outer material will see splashes of water just run off, while the interior has space for laptops up to 15.6” in size and tablets of up to 10”.

Further, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack also includes an integrated USB charging port into its design, enabling you to charge your smartphone and still use it by connecting it to a powerbank stored safely inside the bag.

Our testers loved the adjustable internal divider system which could easily be configured for a whole heap of different uses from camera equipment storage to keeping clean and dirty clothing apart. They felt it far from gimmicky and felt it worked well in practical use.

• Ideal for commuting or day travelling
• Hidden zips for main compartment
• Slash proof material
• Integrated USB charging port
• 12.5 litre capacity not for longer travels
• Water repellent rather than water proof
• Fits laptops up to 15.6”
• Powerbank not included

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

In the Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack, we have another travel bag with anti-theft features that is able to carry laptops up to 15” in size.

Like the Oscaurt, this model from Kopack has a hidden zip design that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target, while this bag is nice and comfortable thanks to the padding added to the shoulder straps and other areas of the bag that touch the body.

A sleeve on the inside means you can keep your laptop safe and in a convenient location, while the outer materials are deliberately made from tough nylon that is resistant to tears and anti-slash too!

Our testers loved the internal storage and how there was a dedicated slot to store battery packs that then connects to the external USB charger in seamless fashion, as well as the overall look of the bag; bridging the gap between hipster style and professional functionality.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Hidden zipper design
• Tear resistant nylon construction
• No RFID-protection pocket
• Not fully water proof
• The Bottom Has No Extra Padding
• Fits laptops up to 15” only

These are the ultimate packable backpacks – ones that can fold and collapse into a sleeve that is usually the size of a purse or tablet! These make for excellent additions to backpacking gear lists and are usually very affordable as well.

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

Wandrd make some of the best gear on the market today and have now added their packable backpack to the range. It has a sturdy main structure which is resistant to general wear and tear as well as protection against rain and other weather conditions.

Weighing just a few hundred grams, there are two zip-shut front pockets for smaller items of kit, pockets on either side for water bottles or an umbrella, and a mesh pocket with zip closure on the inside. An access point has been incorporated for use with water hydration systems.

Our team loved how comfy this bag was for how small it folded down. They felt the blow-up back panel really works well to great some structure and padding to the bag.

• Nice colour options
• Sturdy structure
• Multiple pockets
• No padding for laptop or tech
• Mesh pockets could be stronger

#2 Outlander Packable

The Outlander is a foldable daypack with multiple compartments! This bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. The fabric is water and abrasion-resistant and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable. It’s also extremely affordable!

Our team loved how the fabric, stitching and zippers felt really high quality and super strong given how lightweight and compact the bag is.

• Multiple compartments
• Durable for a packable
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

The Bagsmart Folding Travel Bag is a foldable duffel bag with a 46 litre capacity! Coming with a detachable shoulder strap, the Bagsmart still only weighs 1.2 pounds when empty.

Folding into a flat pack roughly the size and shape of a tablet computer, it can easily be slipped into a larger piece of luggage or even a daypack or handbag.

Each of the metal zips have strong metal tags for grip, which contrasts nicely against the otherwise plain black nylon material. The manufacturers report it to be strong enough to be placed in the hold of an aircraft without issue, but we’ve yet to test this out for sure.

The team loved how robust and strong the material of this bag felt given how lightweight it felt to carry and how easy it was to fold.

• Comes in two sizes
• Just 1.2 pounds in weight
• Folds down to size of tablet computer
• Tough enough to act as hold luggage
• Soft shell design without rigidity
• No padding or dedicated tech sleeve
• No backpack handles
• Not a wheelie suitcase

Duffels are tried and tested bags that are still useful these days. Grabable, packable, tossable, and stowable, for some travelers, duffel bags are the way to go.

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Duffel bags don’t have to be foldable to be a great way of transporting kit from place to place, with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag an excellent example of this.

Not only does it have all the features of a standard duffel bag – a large main compartment accessed via a large top opening – it also has a set of padded shoulder straps that can be pulled out when you want to use this duffel as a backpack.

There’s also a padded internal compartment for keeping your laptop protected; the tough double zips are lockable, and the materials are long-lasting and durable.

Our team of testers loved the high-quality feel across all features of this duffel. The material felt durable and strong and the hefty zippers with their lockable holes make your gear feel super secure.

• Excellent all-round duffel bag
• Packable padded shoulder straps
• Lockable zips
• Protected pocket for tech
• Has rain flaps but not fully water resistant
• Mid-sized bag of 40 litres
• Rigid construction
• Locks must be bought separately

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

This duffle is one of the best travel bags for air travel. It really shines when it comes to internal organization, even though it’s a duffel bag! It includes a compartment for your laptop and chargers, and also comes in a super stylish colorway with comfortable handles and straps.

Our team loved that, unlike many other duffel bags, the Peak Design Travel Duffel had separate pockets for your laptop and general organisation. That left the large main compartment free for bulkier items and allowed for easier access to their accessories.

• 35 L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Laptop compartment
• Tons of organization
• No luggage pass through
• Straps are not as comfortable as their backpack!
• Only fits 13″ laptop
• No water bottle pocket

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler comes not only with backpack shoulder straps, but also with grab handles, making this duffel-style travel bag simple to lift, move, and transport. Fantastic, no?

But there’s more! The 40 litre capacity version of the Cargo Hauler comes with an empty packed weight of just 2 lbs, making it a very lightweight travel bag, while 600 Dernier synthetic materials that are also water resistant make it durable and tough. Though there is no dedicated padded compartment for delicate items, the Cargo Hauler does boast a padded bottom section, so you should have little worry when placing your duffel on uneven ground.

Our testers loved how hard-wearing and durable the Eagle Creek duffel bag felt. The thick water-resistant material was durable and well-made, making the bag ideal for carrying outdoor equipment.

• Incorporates backpack straps and grab handles
• 600 Dernier material
• Padded base
• Water resistant rather than water proof
• 600 Dernier thinner than some duffel materials
• No rigid structure
• Not for business travel

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia is the doyen of the outdoor market, and The Black Hole series of duffel bags are made with even thicker, more durable synthetic materials than the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. Each version of these duffels is constructed with a 900 Dernier ripstop nylon material which has been treated in to be highly water-resistant as well as tear-resistant – liquids really do just roll off this bag.

Despite the thicker materials used in these quality constructions, the Black Hole series still offers an impressive balance between usage and weight, with the 70-litre version hitting the scale at less than 3 lbs. It has backpack straps too! Perfect if you want to travel with a checked bag that you won’t be able to carry into the cabin. What’s more, they also offer a wheeled duffel version too.

If our team thought the Eagle Creek was hardy then they were blown away by this offering from Patagonia when it came to durability. Given the quality of the material, they were also impressed by how the bag stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.

Want something different from Patagonia? Check out the best Patagonia backpacks instead.

• 900 Dernier ripstop construction
• Relatively lightweight
• Come with backpack straps
• Soft shell design
• Not fully waterproof
• No detachable cross body shoulder strap
• Not a guaranteed carry on

These days, lots of people travel with laptops . If you do as well, make sure that you have the right bag to protect. A laptop can be a big investment, and it’d be a shame if it was broken because it was carried in the wrong kind.

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

Many of our other reviewed travel bags have dedicated laptop compartments of one form or another, but that doesn’t mean a specialised laptop travel bag isn’t useful for expensive tech.

Taking the standard form of a modern briefcase laptop bag, the AER Commuter Brief 2 is made up of durable and waterproof materials and zips. It has a reversible padded shoulder strap for easy transportation and side pouches that can be used for packing water bottles or other accessories.

If you are a bike commuter, you will appreciate the relatively small size of the Commuter Brief 2 – not too bulky – but big enough to carry what you need for the day. You can also easily combine it with a stylish travel purse to keep your documents, passport and phone at hand too.

Our team loved how this bag felt super professional and compact to boot. They felt it was the ideal pack to take on busy public transport into the office or on a business trip.

• Reversible shoulder strap
• Capacity of just 13 liters
• Solely a laptop bag
• Cannot be used as main bag

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is the smaller version of their first laptop backpack – and it’s just as awesome! This bag is a 25-liter masterpiece for anyone looking for a smaller laptop bag that feels and looks great.

The Laptop Backpack has plenty of organizational features including mesh pockets and a secure area for your laptop.

The Laptop is marketed as a laptop bag for those who do a lot of air travel. If this sounds like you, then this may be your backpack from heaven.

One of the standout features of the bag for our testers was the separate compartment for their laptops. Having it away from the main section made them feel like their computers were safer from both accidents and theft.

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

• Minimalist design
• Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Area
• Pricey for 25 liter bag
• Might be too small for some

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

The Incase brand is known for making stylish business backpacks. This bag is made for people on-the-go and on business trips. The City Compact Backpack accommodates a 15-inch laptop and has tons of options for internal organization.

The bag itself is made out of 300D polyester, and the black option has a triple coated weather-resistant front panel. The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and the back panels are padded too.

The main compartment has plenty of storage space whilst remaining compact for a speedy commute around the city.

Our team loved the organisational features of this bag, from several different sections for keeping your laptop, accessories and main gear, it’s the perfect pack for digital nomads.

• Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Padded back panels
• Main compartment expands by 35%
• Zippable laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze
• For minimal travelers only
• No strap to attach to suitcase handle

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

Not only does the Kroser Laptop Backpack offer some protection from the rain with its water-resistant qualities, but it also boasts some environmental credentials with its use of environmentally-friendly poly fabric!

It weighs in at just over 1 kg, and consists of several large compartments, with dedicated padded sleeves for laptops up to 17” in size and standard-sized tablet computers.

It also includes an integrated USB charging port, so that you can continue to use a smartphone while it is being charged with a powerbank hidden inside the bag.

Our team were pretty blown away by how high quality this bag felt given the budget price. The material, zips, sewing and water resistance are really top-notch for such a reasonable price.

• Environmentally friendly
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• USB charging port
• Not for longer journeys
• Does not boast TSA approval

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another superb offering from this brand! We think it’s one of the best day bags due to its size and versatility.

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for your trip!

To test these packs, we laid our mitts on some of the best bags to travel with and gave them a good old test drive. Over several trips and adventures, our team members put each travelling bag well and truly through its paces all in the name of scientific discovery, or something like that!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry gear, so we specifically looked at how packable each one was so you could be sure you’re picking the best travel bag for your needs. Any decent pack maximises its available space and has features for making packing more economical. So basically we packed and unpacked the bags for this test!

Equally though, we also paid close attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to get to your gear quickly and easily was also an area we awarded points for when reviewing these bags.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable and ultimately unenjoyable! All the best travel bags minimise weight whilst maximising comfort and storage capacity. So we’ve awarded full marks to those that can tick those boxes well.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its job of holding clothes, gear and other accessories, well, we threw all that in there! We also gave those rated as carry-on compatible the famous “Ryanair test!” For cycle backpacks, we strapped them on and got on our bikes and went for a ride. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look hot AF if it completes its primary function. Well, we’re not those people, hell nah, we’ve got higher standards here. We believe you can look sexy whilst hauling your stuff around the world! So we’ve added extra beauty points!

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we’d run it over with a truck in the middle of a hurricane. But unfortunately, that’s not entirely practical. So the next best thing was the pour a litre of water over it and take it for a challenging trip out.

When assessing these bags we paid particular attention to the quality and hardiness of the materials used, the traction of the zippers, seam sewing and pressure points that often break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know when looking for the best bags to travel with:

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

It is definitely not more professional – such a thing doesn’t exist. However, it’s the easiest way to carry all of your gear if you’re out and about on adventures.

What kind of travel bag should I get?

That depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. For city travel, you can opt between duffels, sling backpacks, daypacks and even wheeled backpacks. If you’re in more secluded areas, there’s no way around a professional and well-fitting backpack.

What are the best overall travel bags?

Check out our favorites: – Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag – AER Travel Pack 3 – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

Simple – buy an anti-theft backpack. The Pacsafe Vibe 25 is protected from the slash and grab tactics of thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

Whatever your preferred choice of travel bag, our epic list of the best travel bags has undoubtedly brought the latest and most impressive bags to your attention.

We’ve covered all manner of travel bags in this review, from traditional backpacks to laptop bags and the staple wheelie suitcase. Having scoured the world for the very best, our selection includes some of the globe’s biggest travel brands, but also lesser-known labels we think you should pay attention to! In fact, we’ve covered what we think are all the best travel bags for 2020 and beyond!

Need help packing once you’ve bought the bag? Check out our how to pack your backpack guide for some advice.

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Adrienne So Gear Team

The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Lauren Goode

Aarian Marshall

Boone Ashworth

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Medea Giordano

Louryn Strampe

Scott Gilbertson

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

By Alyssa Lapid

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

Whether you have travel lined up or your friend’s recent travel posts are inspiring your next out-of-office getaway, it’s high time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to get will depend on your travel destination, your budget, and your personal style. But with so many choices, it's hard to know what to pick. We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts on the best tips to pick the right travel bag for comfortable, secure, and easy travel. Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose. And if you’re flying, remember to try to keep up with safety travel precautions as best as you can.

• Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When it comes to shopping for luggage , experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality. “If you plan to travel often or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in higher-quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson , full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara , tells SELF. Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable. Otherwise, you’d be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags. 

We know that wear and tear can’t be avoided, especially with luggage taking a beating on planes and buses. Megan Homme , a travel blogger who also works in the airline industry, has a tip for that. She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better. “Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your bag stand out from the others at the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for carry-ons to save time at check-in lines and speed through baggage claim—just make sure it passes the size requirement. “These days, it’s more important than ever to use carry-on because of the chaotic systems at understaffed airports,” says Caroline Eubanks, writer and author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States . “You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always look up what type of plane you’ll be on. She notes, “for small, regional routes, the standard carry-on bag won't fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by need and tendencies. Will you be staying in hotels or hostels? Will you be taking shorter or longer trips? Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure? Spinner wheels are easier to haul through airports, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, ditch the spinners for a backpack to avoid the cobblestone streets that will surely wreck the wheels.

Johnson also adds, “If possible, you should examine the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online." She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase. She adds that some brands even offer a “try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.” Generally speaking, travel bags are not the place to save some money on your travels, but there are ways to find deals, especially during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And if you enjoy the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s gotten a deal or two shopping thrift. “Secondhand can be a good way to save money.” 

You also don’t need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well. All you need are pockets. Johnson says a good rule of thumb when shopping for any travel bag is “the more pockets [and] organizers, the better.” Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation. According to Johnson, you can’t go wrong with the following features for luggage options: 360 spinner wheels, expandability, compression straps, endless pockets, a side handle, built-in TSA locks, and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bags

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for every kind of traveler to help you narrow down your options and focus all that logistical planning on your itinerary. We broke it down by luggage and suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, fanny packs , crossbody bags, tote bags, and makeup and toiletry bags.

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

As far as check-in bags go, Johnson says the Beis 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller is “one of the most functional suitcases on the market.” Beis is owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell and has been a hit since its launch. Its many features include everything you’d need in a check-in suitcase: multiple pockets and organizers, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry and shoe bag, and an ergonomic handle for easy lugging. Her favorite feature? “There's a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.”

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-side suitcases, the technologically-advanced Hartmann Carry-on comes highly recommended. Eubanks loves the bag’s “flexibility,” including the pockets for reading materials and documents that are often lacking in hard-shell cases. The best features are the padded, trifold garment suiters it comes with for keeping formalwear or business outfits tidy and pressed, and the bag has built-in USB ports, so you can charge your gadgets while in transit.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Away’s suitcases. Homme, who always travels carry-on only, prefers Away’s The Carry-on Flex because its expandable feature ensures extra storage allowance for shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what could leak out of someone else’s bag in the bins.”

Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

“The quality of Away luggage is incredible across the board,” says Johnson, who is a fan of the brand and prefers The Bigger Carry-on with Pocket. Most hard-shell suitcases in the market don’t have external pockets, but this one features a water-resistant front pocket—perfect for keeping your travel documents and boarding passes available for easy access. It can even hold a 15-inch laptop. It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag

Luggageworks

Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer , only has one carry-on go-to: LuggageWorks’s Stealth Premier 22-Inch 737 Rolling Bag. Apparently, her crew feels the same way. “I know pilots and flight attendants who have had the same roll-aboards for 10 years and never had to get another,” she says, adding, “Durable is an understatement.”

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Another expert favorite brand is Tumi for “extremely resistant and durable” bags. Though just in case it breaks when you’re on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says the Tumi Carry-on in particular is a popular choice for vacationers for a reason. “You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.” She particularly enjoys the “nifty details” like “outside hooks to hang your laptop bag” and “double bar handles so you can slide your laptop bag.”

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is The Backpack. “It is really, really spacious,” Kristina Rodulfo , beauty content creator and former Elle editor, tells SELF. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens really wide which makes for easy packing” while still looking sleek as a solo bag for short getaways. It's designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is a great hands-free, anti-theft option thanks to its slash guards, smart-zipper security, and an RFID-safe pocket. “The zippers can be attached with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to secure it around a table leg,” adds Eubanks. There are also a ton of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for holding water bottles or umbrellas.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

If you're looking for an outdoor backpack , check out the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory Outdoor , recommends it if you're going on an adventure or outdoor trip and need a bag that can double as a daypack. “The U-zip compartment allows for easy packing and access to your gear, while the stowaway shoulder harness and hip belt give you options on how you want to carry your luggage: backpack style or over the shoulder like a duffel.” Osprey has been continuously perfecting the bag with slight improvements yearly, and it’s built with recycled fabrics making it an eco-friendly option.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures. The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and two water bottles for an itinerary that’s incredibly versatile. Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

Bor dubs the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Pack an “all-around functional, rugged carry-on bag” that can weather rougher terrain. “The exterior polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and defends your belongings against rough scrapes or tears during transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Fanny packs are a great option for hands-free travel, and this versatile Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack Fanny comes highly recommended by Eubanks, who wears it on her hip and as a crossbody. Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from. You could even wear it with a backpack like she does to have easy access to essentials like documents or a camera. 

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

This Lululemon bag is another great, stylish option with several pockets that make grabbing smaller items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones easy. “I always recommend a belt bag for the airport to breeze through security and keep your ID and ticket easily accessible,” says Homme. Keep it on your hip during your flight if you’d rather not dig through the bag under the seat. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody

Many frequent fliers prefer anti-theft bags for venturing out during travels—especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern. “These bags are specifically designed with these types of thefts in mind and have added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid the common motorbike run theft.” The bag also features other security features like secure zip locks and anti-RFID mesh compartments to keep credit card information safe.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here's another great crossbody bag option. “I normally keep my passport, cards, and phone in there when I’m walking through the airport and can easily access that when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we’re boarding, I can easily just slip it into my personal item and stow it under my seat with no worries," says Mistt.

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel,” Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and even sunscreen . The bag’s minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility. "It works for evenings out as well as during the day,” says Rodulfo. It helps not to look like a tourist all the time. Another cool feature? TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a great travel gift .

Tumi Everyday Tote

Lord & Taylor

If roomy tote bags are more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back. The small details are what make it stand out, such as its pen loop, key ring, and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings each time you need to get something. Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote with several organizational compartments. "It’s roomy enough to fit all of my actual personal items including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” says Mistt. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin. 

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don't have to strip down your beauty or skin-care routine on vacation—at least, not with Kusshi’s Vacation Makeup Bag, which can hold 20 to 25 products. “Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they are washable, fit a ton (including full-sized products), and have plenty of pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includes makeup brushes and other skin-care tools , just add the attachments. “You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.”

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit. Johnson laments that it’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag. She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits don’t need to be boring.

• The Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways
• 19 Packing Tips Frequent Flyers Swear By
• What to Bring on a Road Trip to Make Your Time So Much Better

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Best daypacks and day bags for europe travel.

Packing , Product Reviews

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

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

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

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

Click here to jump directly to our daypack reviews

What to Look For in a Daypack

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

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

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

Lightweight

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

Packability

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

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

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

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

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

External Pockets

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

OUR FAVORITE DAYPACKS AND DAY BAGS

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

Packable Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

Most Fashionable Day Bags 

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

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

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

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

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

Best No-Frills Day Bags

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

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

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

Best Minimalist Daypacks

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

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

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

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

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

Best All-Around Backpack

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

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

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

Best Anti-Theft Daypack

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

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

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

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

Our In-Depth Packing List

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

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What to Pack in Your Day Bag for Sightseeing

Best Suitcases , LUGGAGE , Packing

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Packing your day bag can be as tricky as packing for carry-on only travel. You want to keep things minimal and lightweight, but you don’t want to forget any essentials. Before you rush out the door, make sure you know what to pack in your day bag for sightseeing and shopping days!

Day Bag Essentials for Sightseeing

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

When you are sightseeing or shopping on vacation, what do you usually carry in your day bag or handbag?

We talk a lot about how to pack light with carry-on only, but it’s equally as important to strategically pack your day bag or handbag when you’re out and about sightseeing or shopping. You’ll want to keep with you a few essentials, but you also don’t want to weigh yourself down with items you could leave back in your hotel room.

Take a few tips from our readers who share what they keep in their day bag for sightseeing and shopping.

Kate Spade New York Wellesley Printed Stacy

Money and Identification

Regardless of how much or how little you carry with you, you’ll want to take with you a slim wallet that contains some money (be it cash or credit card) and a form of identification, such as a state identification and a photocopy of your passport. Keep some of your money here and some in an anti-theft accessory, like a bra stash or money belt .

Most agree that you should leave your passport at the hotel in a secure place, rather than keep it in your day bag. As one reader says, “I leave my passport either in the safe at the hotel or in my suitcase at the apartment. I think there is a bigger chance to lose your purse in the city and be left with no passport.”

You’ll want to look your best when you are out sightseeing! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Le Specs Air Heart 51mm Sunglasses

Wherever you’re traveling, sunglasses are a must! They protect your eyes, keep you from squinting, and make for a stylish travel accessory. So many readers swear by a pair of sunglasses as the ultimate day bag essential.

One says, “I never travel without sunglasses. To save space, I use a microfiber sleeve instead of the hard case to store them in.”

Find out the benefits of polarized sunglasses for women who travel, plus my top picks!

Hydaway New Collapsible Pocket-sized Travel Water Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when traveling. Instead of having to buy water throughout the day, bring your own reusable water bottle . Most restaurants are willing to fill it up if you are eating there.

If your water bottle is heavy, some of our readers will carry the water bottle or use a strap. One says, “I bring my water bottle with a carabiner and hang it on the strap or carry it my hand so it doesn’t weigh down my bag.”

Our readers share their best travel water bottle options for both cold and hot beverages!

Multi-Pocket Travel Handbag Organizer

Handbag Organizer

If you’re not a minimalist or need to carry with you a number of items, our readers love handbag organizers . They’re also great for tote bags that don’t have any internal pockets. You can also use packing cubes in your purse to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible!

One reader says “I use a handbag organizer for my mobile phone, sunglasses and its box, wipe cloth for glasses, lip balm, lipstick, Young Living Breathe Again essential oil, facial blotter, a lightweight pen, tissue paper and antibacterial wipes. Everything stays neat and organized.”

Discover the best purse organizer for your in-flight personal item or travel bag!

Travel Size Empty Bottles

Small Toiletries

Many readers bring a few toiletries in mini form to keep their hands clean and their face fresh. What you bring will depend on your daily style. If you wear makeup, you may want to bring lipstick, and a face blotter for oil. If you’re in a sunny location, you’ll want sunscreen, and if you want to stay clean, bring hand sanitizer and Kleenex.

One reader says, “For toiletries, I like to bring a travel pack of tissues, a travel pack of Charmin wipes, lip balm, mini hand sanitizer, an emory board, a tiny travel mirror, and travel hand lotion.”

Follow our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel toiletries list and master the art of packing!

Pac-Kit by First Aid Only All-purpose First Aid Kit

First Aid Supplies

While you can likely keep most of your first aid kit in your suitcase, many of our readers like to bring a couple of items in their day bag as a just-in-case.

One reader says, “I always bring a packet of Advil, a couple of bandaids, and a couple of safety pins. You never know when you’ll need them and they don’t take up much space.”

Here are some things to include in you travel first aid kit list !

Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag

Reusable Shopping Bag

Whether or not you intend on shopping, you never know when you might find a must-have souvenir. Several readers take a thin, nylon reusable shopping bag to use in case they pick up a few items. This way they can use the bag instead of stuffing the items in their day bag.

One reader says, “I have a lovely Kate Spade reusable bag that folds up quite small but is quite large when unfolded. It comes in handy!” Another reader adds, “I keep a nylon tote that folds into a pocket in case of any purchases or rain, as you can put a bag in it.”

Here are more bags and totes that you can use for daily essentials or even for souvenirs!

Columbia Pardon My Trench Rain Jacket

Packable Jacket or Raincoat

If you’re traveling during a rainy season, many readers love to pack a very slim rain jacket or poncho to protect them in case of a downpour. One reader says, “I keep my packable, water resistant jacket in my mini backpack during the day,” while another adds, “I’d add something for rain showers, like a ‘dollar store’ poncho or a very lightweight umbrella.”

Umbrellas can be bulky, and they’re not recommended for windy cities. For colder locations, we love the Cole Haan packable rain jacket , but for more tropical destinations, consider packing a disposable rain poncho , which takes up hardly any space.

Take a look at these stylish and Insta-friendly travel raincoats for women !

Best International Travel Adapter

Travel Adapter

If you’re looking for gifts for a traveler that loves to travel to multiple countries in Europe or around the world, an international travel adapter is the perfect gift that they can use for their electronics. This lets you plug a device into the outlet in another country.

The Compass Rose Travel Adapter featured above is a Travel Fashion Girl product. You can charge 3 devices at once and use it in over 150+ countries. Plus, it’s red so you won’t leave it behind on a white hotel room wall. Buy it here!

Other Day Bag Essentials

Beyond these most popular items, there are a few others small items you may want to pack that our readers recommended:

• Travel journal and pen
• Technology charger
• Daily medication
• Hair ties and/or bobby pins

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack

The Best Day Bag

Still on the hunt for the best day bag for sightseeing? Our personal favorite is the Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack (see our full review here ), and the nylon version is a nice lightweight alternative to the leather backpack.

For more bag ideas, check out our list of the best day packs for travel , as recommended by our readers!

What ‘s on your daybag essentials for sightseeing? Share in the comment section below!

For more ideas on travel day bags, please read:

• How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack
• Cute Backpacks for Travel
• The Best Day Packs for Travel
• Best Business Backpacks

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

I hope you liked this post on what to pack in your day bag. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

What is the brand name of the black leather looking backpack with the large flap and gold tone zippers at the top of the blog? Thank you .

Hi Cindy, I am afraid that the image is a stock photo, so I am not sure of the brand. However option 13 on this post, the Sole Society Faux Leather Backpack is fairly similar: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/cute-backpacks-for-travel/ Sorry I could not have been more help 🙁

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Advertisement

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dakine Campus 33L Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thule Aion 40L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Archeon 30L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

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

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

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

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

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

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrying Options

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

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

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

Pockets & Organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

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

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

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

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

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

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

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

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

Mid-Range Travel Packs

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

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

Premium Travel Packs

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

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

What Is One Bag Travel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

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

The Best Daypacks of 2024

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

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

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Everyday Carry Bags

There’s no good reason not to love your everyday bag. let me show you my current favorites., daily carry bags.

• Everyday Carry
• Large Everyday Carry
• Compact Everyday Carry
• Business Backpacks
• Gym + Office Bags
• Camera Bags
• Messenger Bags
• Utility Bags
• Bags Under $100
• Tech Slings & Fanny Packs

How to make your Decision

Price expectations.

Expect to pay $100-400 for thoughtful designs + legit materials.

Look & Feel

Click on the bags you like below to watch the video  and get an informed look.

Note which bags interest you and what you like/dislike to help you make your final decision.

Compact Everyday Bags

Burly. Camera Ready.

Wandrd prvke lite.

The light version of the original Wandrd PRVKE  features a camera cube built in and a slightly smaller size. I actually prefer the Lite version if you don’t need to carry a lot. Rolltop gives you a little expandability. Burly materials. more

Clean. Friendly. Premium.

Bellroy classic backpack.

A perfectly sized bag for tight daily carry packed up in a very modern, functional package. Now available in premium materials. more

Burly. Compact.

Goruck bullet 15.

A favorite for compact everyday carry. Built solid, super rugged, easily identifiable aesthetic. Loved the world over. more

Grown Up. Organized.

Breton modern day briefcase backpack.

A thoughtfully designed backpack for modern career professionals who want a classy-casual aesthetic, rugged materials and solid organization. more

Slick + Organized

Aer work day pack.

The Day Pack from Aer’s Work Collection was instantly one of my favorite simple daily carry bags because it’s minimal frame but high-functioning insides. more

Classy. Grounded.

Day owl backpack.

A great daypack with some modern yet grounded styling and materials. Designed thoughtfully, just enough organization, just enough style. more

Simple. Minimal. Tight.

Moment travelwear backpack.

Simple, clean aesthetic on a daily backpack for a techy lifestyle. Solid materials, delightful design details. 2 sizes. The larger one is great for minimal carry. more

Organized. Rugged.

Vanquest addax 25l + 18l.

Highly organized and well built. Delightful to carry. Great exterior and interior materials. The 18L is quite compact. more

Dad Bag Epic™

Tom bihn synapse/synik.

One of the internet’s most beloved backpacks due to its accessibility, organization, build quality and capacity. Dad-bag looks tho. more

Compact. Organized.

Aer city pack.

Solid compact everyday carry backpack with tech organization, burly construction and sleek styling. more

Tight. Sleek. Side Access.

Peak design everyday totepack.

Very sleek and minimal on the outside, surprising amount of organization potential inside. Excellent for minimal, techy carry. more

Simply Delightful

The backpack from vpddlg.

An utterly delightful design makes this simple backpack punch way above its weight. French designed and manufactured. Water resistant canvas. more

Perfect Tech.

Minaal daily backpack.

If I wanted a more understated tech look for my daily carry, this is where I’d go. more

Techy. Useful.

Aer fit pack.

Solid minimal tech organization, spacious front “duffel” pocket, tight little package, durable build and materials… an excellent compact everyday carry backpack. more

Sleek. Organized.

Aer flight pack.

A stylish looking compact everyday carry backpack with plenty of organization for daily carry. more

Medium Sized Everyday Bags

Sophisticated. Clean.

Bellroy venture.

Insanely well designed. Lovely to use on the regular. Organized and classy. more

All Time Fav.

Evergoods cpl 24 + 28 backpack.

A very clean, minimal, stylish and extremely lovely to use daily carry bag from one of our favorite new bag companies. Available in two sizes. more

Unbreakable, epic and essential.

Brown buffalo conceal pack.

The Conceal Pack from Brown Buffalo is built like a tank with a minimal, sleek silhouette. more

Organized. Badass.

Mystery ranch urban assault 24.

A clean and sleek pack made from excellent materials, with just the right amount of internal and external organization to satisfy… all built USA tough. more

Organized. Sleek.

Heimplanet transit 28.

A capable, feature rich bag with lovely materials and just enough capacity for daily carry and minimal travel. more

Boujee Everyday

Troubadour adventure slipstream.

A very classy, almost fancy feeling bag with excellent materials and build. Lots of organization, very simple and useable design. more

Solid. Forever.

Dsptch daypack.

The Daypack from DSPTCH is an American made favorite daily carry bag for many serious bag geeks. more

Solid. Suit-able. Will travel.

The knack pack.

A very solid backpack for business environments that expands for travel and larger loads. The updated Series 2 design is even better than the first. more

Everyday Badass

Mystery ranch expandable 3-way briefcase.

Excellent materials. Two main compartments (middle one is expandable) and a front “grip it and rip it” pocket. Stowable backpack straps. more

Epic Expandable.

Black ember forge.

The Forge from Black Ember is a convertible backpack-briefcase-messenger with expandability from 20-30L. more

High functioning. Modern.

Black ember shadow.

A very functional and efficient everyday carry bag with excellent dirt/water/weather resistance. more

Organized. Solid.

Aer city pack pro.

Super durable, very well organized and designed everyday laptop bag. Worthy of everyday life. more

Burly. Durable.

Boundary supply errant pro.

Well built, tons of organization, burly and super comfortable. more

Rugged. Techy.

Wandrd prvke rolltop backpack.

A functional everyday bag for both urban and outdoor use with solid durability, rolltop expandability, decent organization and side-access for optional camera cube integration. more

Clean. Expandable.

Nomatic navigator pack 15l.

Beautiful design with expansion for more capacity and lots of little bits for organization. more

Upgraded Classic

Greenroom136 rainmaker backpack.

An extremely solid everyday backpack suited for carrying lots of gear or compressing down to a minimal daily carry haul. One of my favorite all-around bags. more

Everyday Excellence

Bellroy apex backpack.

Killer bag, high price tag, but killer. Unpretentious aesthetics. Access and organization. Excellent, innovative materials. Modern classic design. more

Hardest Core™©

Expensive, but it’s got an amazing warranty. A simple, understated, powerful bag that will gladly see you through anything in life. more

Sleek. Stiff. Utterly durable.

Black ember citadel & modular backpack.

Sleek and very weather resistant with great organization inside. more

Ultra Light.

Zpacks bagger.

Super lightweight bag for urban or outdoorsy uses. A fav for anyone with a minimal bend. more

Clean. Minimal. Organized.

Douchebags backpack.

Surprisingly capable bag, don’t let the name fool you. Camera cube accessory ready. Very well organized in a sleek aesthetic. more

Clean. Techy.

Dayfarer backpack.

The Dayfarer backpack is one designer’s take on the perfect bag for work and gym. more

Tech looks. Epic innovation.

Peak design everyday backpack.

The Everyday backpack from Peak Design is innovative, thoughtful and smooth in use. Available in 2 modes. Great camera protection. Excellent materials. Techy vibes. more

Tech Rambler

Wandrd duo day pack tech backpack.

The DUO from Wandrd is a daily tech rambler with great materials, solid organization and a built-in camera cube. Weather protection, external access, straps and side access all on point. more

Most Epic Basic

Evergoods civic half zip 22l.

The Civic Half Zip (CHZ22) from Evergoods is a modern classic with just the right amount of organization and capacity executed with precision build quality and excellent materials. more

Clean. Organized.

Aer lunar pack.

Excellent daily carry bag collaboration between Aer bags and Ministry of Supply. Organized well! more

Tight tech daily driver

Boundary supply errant backpack.

Versatile and feature rich with lots of organization in a sleek, techy everyday size. Camera accessory ready, shoe compartment. Kinda funky zip top with magnetic clips. more

Rugged. Simple.

Sympl daypack.

Super ruggedly built with great design for everyday use. Lovely to use. more

Indiana Jones Tech

Waterfield bolt backpack.

The Bolt Backpack from Waterfield Designs is a  damn classy bag . If I was playing the “raise money” game in the bay area, this is the direction I would go. more

Aer Work Tech Pack

The bigger brother to the Daypack , same design flavor, a little bit more space. more

William Wallace Commuter

Trakke bannoch backpack.

Classy heritage vibes. Dry finished waxed canvas. Solid modern organization. Hand shucked in Scotland. Made for the long-haul. more

Organized. Sturdy

Nomatic travel pack & backpack.

These Nomatic bags are chock full of pockets . There are 2 different bags here: the Travel Pack expands up to about 30L, perfect for short trips and minimal travel. The  Backpack is 20-24L daily carry. Both are sleek, totally organized, and rocking the “jetpack” look. more

Rugged. Organized. Comfy.

Tortuga outbreaker laptop backpack.

The Outbreaker Laptop backpack from Tortuga is an excellent minimal travel bag or large-ish daily carry bag. Durable, comfortable, lots of pocketing. more

Calming Capabilities

Bellroy transit backpack.

The 28L Transit Backpack from Bellroy is nicely sized and well organized for big commutes, business travel and regular ol’ adventure travel. Innovative and classy bag. more

Heimplanet Transit Travel Pack

A really solid feeling bag with lots of pockets both inside and outside the bag and enough capacity for the minimal traveler. more

Beefy. Solid.

Able carry max.

The Max backpack from Able Carry is a very capable 30L backpack designed for larger daily carry loads and tighter travel loads. more

Roomy. Rugged.

Aer duffel pack 2.

The Aer Duffel Pack is not the tool for every job, but for particular uses it just might be perfect for you. more

The Mountain Professional

Topo global briefcase 3-day.

A very capable minimal traveler’s bag or large-ish daily carry brief that converts to a backpack or messenger. Simple and solid tech organization, capacity and unique style. Kinda fiddly main compartment interiors. more

Trakke Hoy Backpack

Beefy. Large.

Wandrd prvke 41l.

The same great stuff from the Wandrd PRVKE backpack, but in a larger 41L size. Doable for travel and large camera and gear loads. more

New Heritage.

Millican smith the roll pack 25l.

Smith the Roll Pack from Millican is a perfect eco-friendly rambler for daily adventures that’s built excellently, has plenty of room for your stuff, but still looks good when it’s not totally full. more

Innovative.

Wayks one transformable backpack.

A very functional eco-friendly bag, the Wayks One expands and compresses into multiple different functions, making it a great bag for daily and travel use. more

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• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 10 Best Travel Pill Cases of 2024

These are the best pill cases ranging from a one day to one month supply.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Nothing can throw you out of a routine quite like travel. Often that’s a good thing. Traveling allows for the spontaneity of exploration, and removing the push and pull of a daily grind can feel liberating.

But in some cases, losing the normalcy of your day-to-day life can disrupt important tasks like taking your vitamins and important medications. When you’re away from home, jet lagged, or off your normal schedule, forgetting to take an essential prescription, supplement, or vitamin can be a liability for your health.

A pill case is a must for anyone who needs to take any kind of medication while on the go, and ideal travel options are compact and secure so no tablets wriggle loose. We’ve selected the best ones to fit a range of capsule quantities and sizes, including a surprisingly stylish top pick with clever design features.

Best Overall

Port & polish am/pm pill organizer.

It can fit a week’s worth of medication with clear separation for morning and evening doses.

The mirror feature may feel unnecessary to some.

Too many pill cases we considered appeared the same: made from cheap-looking plastic in what was, essentially, the standard Monday to Sunday pill cases we remember watching our grandparents tote around (just in brighter colors.)

This Port & Polish case feels modern, and is an upgraded version of their tried-and-true weekly case with the addition of AM and PM slots for twice daily medications. It more closely resembles a cosmetics compact than a piece of medical equipment, and depending where you purchase it, comes in either blush, black, or mint green. The addition of a mirror means it doubles as a compact for on-the-go touch-ups. While that feature might not appeal to all, it’s an added perk that made it stand out from the rest.

The Details: 7.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches | BPA-free plastic | 7 compartments

Best Weekly

Auvon imedassist weekly pill organizer.

The clearly labeled and color-coded compartments fit all pill sizes, and the push-button spring design makes it easy to open and close. 

There are no separate compartments for morning and evening doses.

Unlike many other Monday through Sunday pill cases, this spring-assisted design can be open or closed with one hand so it’s easy to operate on the go. All lids are colorful and clearly marked, and the compartments are large enough to fit eight fish oil pills or 12 large vitamins, if needed. We also like how the compact plastic case is BPA-free and also includes a 12-month warranty.

The Details: 8.84 x 2.1 x 1.04 inches | BPA-free plastic | 7 compartments

Most Compact

Ppfish portable daily pill case.

This case is about the size of your thumb and comes in unique colors like rose gold and bright green.

Given its diminutive size, the container will only fit small pills like aspirin, ibuprofen, and small vitamins. 

Made from anodized aluminum, this case is our top option for those who travel with just a few small pills but don’t want to sacrifice style. 

With a diameter of just one inch, it's similar in size to a small lip balm. The case is waterproof with a rubber O-ring to protect its contents, and we like how it could be used for other small valuables such as rings, earrings, and earplugs. The color options are also more interesting than others we saw at this size and price, including matte black aluminum and (our favorite) rose gold.

The Details: 3.15 x 2.13 x 0.91 inches | Anodized aluminum | 1 compartment

HRX Pill Box Case

All seven compartments pop out in case you want to carry just the day’s doses (and then tuck away nicely inside a carrying case).

If you take medication more than twice a day, you’ll need a case with more compartments.

Sometimes, a one-a-day isn’t enough, and there are pills that must be taken in the morning, night, or both. This case makes it easy to stock up on twice-daily meds with compartments that are split into two separate spaces so there’s no forgetting a dose. 

The color-coded, translucent containers made from BPA-free plastic are clearly labeled for the time of day, and are small enough to individually fit in your pocket. Each canister pops into a case that holds all seven containers in place so there’s no worry about them falling out and rolling around inside a bag or suitcase. The organizer is under $10, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on this list.

The Details: 3.98 x 2.52 x 1.81 inches | Plastic | 14 compartments

Best Multi-pack

Qeedy 4-pack pill organizer.

This set comes with four waterproof cases and a package of labels so you can customize the organizer to each person’s individual needs.  

The compartments come in different sizes, so large pills might not fit in smaller spaces.

This set of four cases is great for a family who needs one case per person. Each organizer has eight compartments, and a set of blank labels are included so you can label the case, by pill type, dosage time, or day of the week. 

The cases are small enough — about the size of a credit card — to fit in a pocket, purse, or small bag, and made from BPA-free plastic with a silicone ring and a snap-shut lock for a secure seal. Unlike other cases, the compartments are different sizes, which can be a pro or a con depending on your family’s specific needs.

The Details: 7.17 x 4.76 x 2.95 inches | BPA-free plastic | 8 compartments each

Best Luxury

Ikigai weekly pill case.

Sleekly designed for minimalists, this case offers customized engravings, and is small enough to pack away anywhere you wish.

If you want to pack large vitamins, take twice daily doses, or are traveling for longer than a week, you’ll have to upgrade to a larger model.

Forget brightly-colored plastic or large carrying cases. This streamlined option made from anodized aluminum is a minimalist’s dream with clean-cut edges and hidden storage. 

But despite a demure design, the features are thoughtful. Made of a corrosion-resistant material, the case features a traction pad that makes it slide open with ease and comes in a slew of vivid colors and engraving options to imprint days of the week or your name across the front. And, with a lifetime warranty, consider this the last pill case you’ll ever buy.

The Details: 7.25 x 1.75 x 0.75 inches | Anodized aluminum | 7 compartments

Best Customizable

Cadence the originals set.

These aesthetically-pleasing containers are as functional as they are beautiful.

It costs extra to print words on the removable tiles if not included in the premade options.

This set of cases might be the most attractive, multi-use option we considered. Each capsule is magnetic and links up with others to form a unique honeycomb-like design. They’re leakproof, reusable, and impressively customizable with smaller and larger options as well as this original 1.32-ounce size.

In addition to the variety of calming colors they come in like eucalyptus, terracotta, and petal, each capsule features a removable top tile that can be customized to specify its contents. Choose premade icons that designate pills or day and night, or you can custom print the exact medication name or day of the week for an additional $2. These personalization options beat out anything else we saw and the multipurpose functionality — like transporting travel-size toiletries — adds loads of value.

The Details: BPA-free 20 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic and 30 percent excess manufacturing material | One compartment per Capsule

Most Stylish

Dosey am pm pill case.

The collection of zippered pouches are housed inside a chic carrier that’s more akin to a toiletry bag or cosmetics case.

Each pouch is zippered shut, so it might not be as secure against leaks as a standard case.

We love this choice for those who find a standard plastic case uninspiring. Instead, this case has zippered pouches that are housed inside a cosmetics train case-inspired carrier. It's also made from cruelty-free vegan leather with a velvet lining and wrist strap, and available in colors like sage, lilac, latte, and more. It comes with Monday through Sunday and AM and PM labels so there’s no confusion between pouches.

Use the 14 pouches for one week's worth of twice daily doses, two weeks for once daily regimens, or up to 30 pills to use as needed on your trip. 

The Details: 5 x 4 x 5 inches | Vegan leather | 14 EVA plastic pouches

Best for Long Trips

Auvon monthly pill organizer.

This color-coded organizer fits pills of all sizes for four weeks inside one larger carrying case so everything stays together. 

Since the case is intended to carry 28 doses of medication, it is bulky for a small bag.

For travels that extend beyond a week — lucky you! — a case that can hold doses for longer periods of time is a must. This organizer holds pills for four weeks, or 28 days, in clearly labeled and color-coded compartments that are roomy enough to fit large pills such as fish oil capsules. 

Each individual week can pop out on its own, so you can use those for shorter trips without bringing the entire kit, or you can use this option to bring pills for an entire family instead. We also like the accompanying case, which has a silicone seal to protect against moisture, and snaps closed to safely secure all medications.

The Details: 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches | BPA-free plastic | 28 compartments

Best for Backups

Restree weekly pill organizer 4 times per day.

This case is ideal for anyone who takes pills up to four times a day, or wants the security of traveling with extra spots for backup pills. 

It’s larger than other seven-day organizers. 

If you take pills more than twice a day, you’ll need a case with space beyond the daily, AM, or PM compartments. This weekly organizer holds medications of all sizes for up to four daily doses, and each individual day-of-the-week case can pop in and out. 

But the real standout feature to us was the additional box labeled for backup pills. Use it for a fourth dose or pack with extra pills, since, despite our best intentions, it’s still possible to lose medications. Bringing a surplus of each kind is the safest way to avoid a snafu while away from home.

The Details: 9.4 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches | BPA-free plastic | 28 compartments

Tips for Buying Pill Cases for Travel

Determine how many pills you need to travel with before selecting a case.

Your personal medical regimen should be the main deciding factor when selecting a pill case. Consider factors like trip duration, the number of daily medications needed, dosing times, and pill sizes before selecting a case.

For example, if you take pills twice daily, we wouldn’t suggest a seven-compartment option with no separation for AM and PM, no matter how much you like the style. Likewise, think about how long you’ll be traveling and make sure your case’s compartments match up to fit enough pills for the number of days you’ll be away.

Consider how much space your pills need

Pill cases are not one size fits all. An organizer might have every feature you want, but if you take large vitamins or fish oil capsules that won’t fit inside, the case will quickly become obsolete. Make sure to look for a case with slots that will either fit your specific pills, or can adjust, should your medications change in the future.

Look for cases that are accessible

If you experience swollen fingers, tremors, or have arthritis, be sure to select a pill case with accessible features. For example, a push-button, spring-assisted design will be easier to open and close with the touch of a finger than a snap-shut lid.

Anyone can use a pill organizer, and many are multipurpose enough to hold other items. However, anyone who needs to take a pill on a scheduled basis would benefit greatly from using a pill case, especially while traveling. A pill organizer keeps medications of any kind organized so you never accidentally skip it, or alternatively, take too much.

Different countries have different regulations regarding medication. If you plan to travel internationally and will be carrying prescription medication in a pill case instead of the container it came in from the pharmacy, it's a good idea to bring a copy of the prescription from your healthcare provider to avoid possible confusion with customs or local authorities. And no matter how you travel with medication, be sure to research the rules for medications where you're visiting to confirm if they may legally enter the country.

Just because a case is designed or marketed to hold medication doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other items. Many cases are multipurpose and can hold items such as jewelry, earplugs, or small valuables. Depending on the case you purchase, you might use it to store lotion, shampoo, conditioner, serums, cleanser, or other liquid beauty or toiletry products, too. Just make sure the case is airtight and leak proof in those instances.

TSA regulations allow passengers to bring medications kept within a pill case onboard in a carry-on. It is not required to keep medication in its original labeled packaging when traveling within the United States. You can also pack pill cases in your checked baggage, though we’d advise against that in the event of baggage delays. If you’re bringing liquid medications in quantities larger than TSA's allotted 3.4 ounces, be sure to alert the TSA security officer when you start the screening process. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure contributor Emily Hochberg is a veteran travel and lifestyle writer and editor who vacations frequently with her family and researched dozens of pill cases to find the best options for traveling with supplements, vitamins, and medications.

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The Best Backpacks for Everyday Use

From the rainproof and travel-ready to the casual and commuter-friendly, this list has over a dozen backpacks tested and approved by our editors.

By Evan Malachosky

Although briefcases were once the gold standard in the office or at work, backpacks are more practical (and acceptable than ever). They balance weight better than a crossbody bag , and can tow more than a tote . Unlike some simple purchases, though — like a basic T-shirt or a baseball cap — backpacks came in an array of shapes, sizes and colors with a million different pocket combinations and with (or without) plenty of other add-ons.

Products in the Guide

The north face recon backpack, filson dryden backpack, jansport right pack backpack, patagonia black hole pack 25l, everlane the renew transit backpack, rains trail mountaineer bag, topo designs daypack classic, timbuk2 tuck laptop backpack, fjällraven räven 28, billykirk no. 297 standard issue backpack.

Best Drawstring Backpack

Lotuff Leather Zipper Backpack

Db journey the hytta 50l split duffel, how we tested.

Our testers took the backpacks they were assigned on trips, to work, on bike rides and beyond, ensuring they did what we asked of them — and, on occasion, then some. We observed how easy they were to open and close, access and unload, as well as carry and whether they were comfortable (or a burden). The backpacks below made this list because they excelled when it mattered most: while on.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here .

Best Overall Backpack

• $109.00 at The North Face
• Water repellent to keep contents dry
• Body-shaped yoke makes it more comfortable to wear
• Padded straps help keep your shoulders from hurting. Lined pocket for sunglasses or phone prevent scratches
• Water bottle pockets don't expand
• Front pockets are too small
• Capacity: 28L
• Materials: Recycled nylon ripstop
• Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 6 inches

The North Face makes plenty of technical packs for longer camping trips and extended hikes, but the Recon Backpack is its most basic — in a good way. You can wear this thing anywhere: to the gym with shoes and a water bottle stuffed inside; to work with your laptop in the standalone sleeve; to school textbooks billowing out of the top and a charger dangling in the front mesh pocket. What you do with it is your call, but know it can do it all.

Its versatility is what makes it our top pick: it’s spacious, simple, surprisingly affordable and backed by a well-known brand. Plus, it’s comfortable to wear whether it’s overtop a jacket or just a T-shirt. The biggest pitfall, though, is the laptop “pocket”:

Although the Recon has a dedicated laptop compartment, it doesn’t offer a sleeve — or, at least the model our tester tested doesn’t. (The bag has been updated a few times between 2019 and now.) When scouring online at past reviews, they found that the Recon used to have a protected sleeve that fit laptops up to 15 inches, but it was a tight fit that required some forceful pushing to make it work. It seems that the North Face ditched the sleeve in favor of a huge pocket for your machine.

This isn’t a bad thing, but only one part of that laptop pocket has a soft lining and the other side is a rough sort of nylon. Keep in mind that if you’re going to be shoving a laptop in here and you prefer to keep things scratch-free, the pocket’s big space won’t stop it from bouncing around. (But this could mean your laptop inside a protective case will fit.)

For a deeper look, read our review of the North Face Recon backpack .

Best Upgrade Backpack

• $265.00 at Filson
• 1000D Heavy-weight nylon makes it durable and weather-resistant
• Comes in various colorways for every style
• 2 side pockets for water bottles help keep you hydrated
• Zippers are covered by material so it can be hard to open and close as you have to push the material away to zip and unzip
• Capacity: 25.5L
• Material(s): 1000D heavyweight nylon, bridle leather
• Dimensions: 18 x 12.75 x 7 inches
• Price: $265

You know what you’re getting with Filson: a durable and tough bag with ample space and no frills. There’s a compartment or pocket for literally everything but the kitchen sink. Laptop, books, papers, chords and tech, and even a jacket or sweater can be tossed in for chilly lecture halls. Going to the gym after class? Throw some sneakers in here too while you’re at it. While functionality reigns over style at Filson, the leather details add a stylish touch.

Sure, it doesn’t boast superb weight distribution tech or super-padded shoulder straps, but it’s a great companion for trips, our tester learned, as this bag went with them on a long-haul flight. They could fit pertinent travel documents in the front pocket, personal tech in the second front pocket, bulkier items in the big main compartment and a laptop in the rear sleeve.

And even at max capacity, the weight remained well distributed (not perfectly balanced, though) and the bag plenty comfortable (and its original shape, too). Some bags buckle under the pressure of being a daily driver and a sack for special occasions (like traveling), but the Dryden Backpack handled challenges in stride. It’s superior to most mass-market and designer bags, making it an excellent alternative to many other options above and below its price point.

For more information, read our full review of the Filson Dryden Backpack .

Best Affordable Backpack

• $65.00 at jansport.com $70.00 (7% off)
• Super-affordable, classic style for every budget
• Padded laptop sleeve inside protects your device
• Two exterior pockets offer extra room
• Lackluster straps make shoulders hurt
• Capacity: 31L
• Material(s): 915 Denier Cordura, suede
• Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 5.5 inches

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Tough Cordura fabric coupled with Jansport’s iconic suede bottom give it a long-lasting appeal, both physically and aesthetically. It comes with two outer pockets for quick-access items and a single roomy main compartment complete with a padded laptop sleeve big enough for a 15-inch laptop.

Our tester took theirs to pick-up basketball games and back, reveling in bygone college hoop dreams. It gives kind-of-collegiate vibes, and the whole thing is far simpler than most backpacks on this list. Case in point? There are fewer pockets to forget, which means less frantic searching for items you think you might’ve lost. The primary pocket fit a full-size basketball and a large Nalgene, or the large Nalgene, size 12 basketball shoes, a hat, headphones and more.

These items are light, though, so our tester never truly experienced how this one would feel with a full load of hefty textbooks, but based on the straps, they’d say… not so well. You won’t get the cushion that comes with the Recon Backpack, but you won’t lose circulation in your arms.

Find more backpacks for students in our guide to college backpacks .

Best Backpack for Weekend Trips

• $149.00 at Patagonia
• Plenty of room for your belongings
• Water-resistant construction
• No hip belt for long hikes
• Capacity: 25L
• Material(s): 70D recycled ripstop nylon
• Dimensions: 22 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
• Price: $149

Traditional backpacks can feel a little bit grade school, but the Patagonia Black Hole Pack feels more outdoorsy and adult than many of its competitors. The pack’s design is straightforward and sensible: the main pocket has a slot for your laptop and tablet as well as a zippered compartment, and the exterior zip pocket is great for quick access to things like phone chargers or sunglasses.

Our tester appreciated the water-resistant material’s ability to keep the bag’s contents dry, and argued it might be its best feature. The tough ripstop material can take a real beating. The pack is very comfortable to wear, even when weighed down, though a bag this great for the outdoors could have benefited from a hip belt for better carrying weight on hikes. This isn’t the pack you’ll want to wear on long hikes for hours on end, but for commutes and weekend trips, the great design and tough construction make it an excellent option.

Items from the Black Hole line sell out often. For alternatives, shop our guide to similar bags or Away’s new F.A.R. collection .

Best Backpack for Commuters

• $95.00 at Everlane
• Clean and sleek look
• Uncomfortable when full due to thin straps and lack of structure
• Capacity: 27L
• Material(s): Recycled polyester
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 7.25 inches

Everlane’s ReNew Transit Backpack is a lightweight, travel-focused backpack with some nifty features. Our tester mostly appreciated the bevy of pockets — there’s a zippered one in an exterior flap, a zippered front pouch, a stealth, vertically-zippered laptop pocket against the back, an outer water bottle pocket, and then the main inner compartment which features a small zippered pocket, a large open pocket and another spot for a water bottle.

It’s a lot of organization packed into a light and streamlined package, and they loved how the bag is a lot more functional than its sleek and minimalist appearance would have you believe. It has a sleeve that fits over the handle of a rolling suitcase — an often overlooked feature that frankly should be on every backpack — and they like the magnetic flap that covers the main compartment, as well as the smaller flaps that shield the zippers. While the bag isn’t waterproof, it does have a water-resistant coating, and water beads right off of it, meaning those flaps do an excellent job of keeping things dry if caught in a light rainstorm.

The bag’s light weight, unstructured design and minimalist ethos mostly serve it well, but they also contribute to its main downside. Because its design is so spartan (number of pockets notwithstanding), it’s pretty uncomfortable when loaded up. The shoulder straps are both thin in width and lack padding, and there’s no chest strap or anything to help spread the weight more evenly. There’s also basically no padding on the back, which causes the back to sit somewhat awkwardly as it conforms to the shape of whatever it is you’re carrying. This all adds up to unneeded pressure on the shoulders, making this pack best suited for quick trips and lighter loads.

Best Waterproof Backpack

• $170.00 at rains.com
• Waterproof PU design truly does repel rain
• The rectangular shape makes this bag easy to fill — in an organized way, too
• Front string slot doesn't fit much besides a helmet — you wouldn't want to trust it to carry anything valuable
• Capacity: 22L
• Material(s): Polyurethane, polyester
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 7 inches
• Price: $155

Though it’s well-known for its waterproof outerwear, Rains also makes a range of water-repellent bags perfect for inclement weather. This minimalist bag has a padded laptop sleeve and external compression straps, and the material blend is inspired by the Danish brand’s classic raincoats.

Our tester appreciated the bag’s rectangular design, which can fit a whole hell of a lot if necessary. It holds its shape when full, and the open-top design is easy to access. Inversely, it acts as a sort of cover for the contents inside, especially when it rains. The water-repellent top acts as a sort of hood, protecting the zipper from direct rain.

The compression straps help tighten looser packs, while offering support for heavier loads. Our tester tried carrying a hefty bike lock, helmet and cycling shoes, and it didn’t buckle under the weight. Plus, the rounded straps helped keep the weight well distributed, not centralized on the traps. And unlike other bags on this list, the side mesh pockets were big enough even for our tester’s oversized Nalgene.

Best Backpack for the Outdoor-Leaning

• $99.00 at topodesigns.com
• The recycled nylon and heavy-duty zipper pulls are very durable
• Holds its shape, even when pretty empty
• Topo has a large selection of colors to choose from
• It lacks internal pockets for smaller items, such as pens, chargers and other small daily tools
• The water bottle holders are not big enough for the large trending water bottles
• The straps seem sturdy, but they are not notably comfortable
• Capacity: 21.6L
• Material(s): 1000D Cordura and Horween leather
• Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 5 inches

The looks of this bag make it a winner, our tester says. They appreciated Topo’s 10 color options, and that the bag holds its shape, even when not completely full. Made out of recycled Nylon, they found the bag’s exterior to be pretty resistant to the rigors that come along with airport travel. They also imagined it would hold up to all the situations you find yourself in on a college campus, especially with the different laptop storage options.

That being said, if you like all of your knick-knacks to be organized, the lack of internal packets can be a tad frustrating, they explained. There is nowhere to store a pen or zip up your wallet. It has two water bottle holders, but if you are a Stanley Cup fan, you might be disappointed as our tester couldn’t even squeeze in their 32 oz. Hyrdroflask, but their 25 oz. CamelBak was a perfect fit.

Best Laptop Bag

• $89.00 at REI
• Has a big rear back pocket with side access
• The laptop sleeve is large enough to fit a computer in its protective case
• Roll-top design deters rain
• Bag as a whole feels far too flimsy
• Capacity: 23L
• Material(s): Recycled nylon and polyester
• Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 5.5 inches

Timbuk2’s roll-top Tuck Laptop Backpack emphasizes your most prized possession: your fancy little laptop. It stays upright in a dedicated, water-resistant sleeve, and away from everything else you put inside — which can be quite a lot considering the room you’ve got in here.

The biggest downside to this bag, though, is the lackluster frame. Sure, backpacks don’t all need to be stiff and sturdy like Filson’s, but this Timbuk2 bag almost feels… too flimsy, our tester says, especially for being a dedicated laptop bag. The rear sleeve, though, which can be accessed from an external zipper, too, is big enough, like The North Face’s to fit a laptop inside of its own protective case. That’s probably the smart way to carry a laptop anyway, our tester adds, but it may be the deciding factor for folks who prefer not to travel with any extras.

This backpack has a dedicated area for your laptop. Some don’t. For a curated list of those with them, shop our laptop bag buying guide .

Best Everyday Outdoor Backpack

• $120.00 at fjallraven.com
• Easy to stay organized with 10 sleeves and pockets
• Easy access pocket for wallet, passport, phone
• Dedicated tech compartment with sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Could use a chest strap to help distribute weight
• Material can be hard to clean
• Material(s): Polyester, cotton
• Dimensions: 18.5 by 12 by 8 inches
• Price: $120

Our tester purchased this bag new and has been using it as a carry-on for several months on cross-country and international work trips. He found that it made it much easier to stay organized with three separate internal compartments and 10 zippered pockets and sleeves. Our tester found the tech compartment with a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve particularly helpful on a family vacation, as the rest of the bag was commandeered for diapers, snacks and toys. He also likes the easy-access zippered pocket at the top for holding a passport, wallet, smartphone, keys and anything else requiring easy access.

The shoulder straps were comfortable for our tester, though he noted that those carrying heavier loads may lament the lack of a chest strap to help distribute and secure the weight. The G1000 material is durable but also a bit of a pain to clean. A cleaning attempt from a stain left by our tester’s daughter’s Nutella hands resulted in the stain spreading, fading and absorbing into the patina of the bag rather than being removed.

Best Waxed Canvas Backpack

• $350.00 at billykirk.com
• Hefty waxed canvas and leather materials
• Plenty of organizational options
• Straps aren’t as padded for heavy loads
• Capacity: 20L
• Material(s): Waxed canvas, leather, nylon
• Dimensions: 17.75 x 14.5 x 5 inches
• Price: $350

Editor’s Note [September 2023]: Unfortunately, the Billykirk No. 297 Standard Issue Backpack appears to be out of stock. Luckily, the Billykirk No. 609 Standard Issue Backpack Tote is available.

Billykirk’s backpacks are made in New Jersey, along with the rest of their leather and waxed cotton canvas goods. The 297 is made from 10.1 ounce waxed canvas. There are leather accents throughout and nickel-plated brass hardware attached where needed. Plus, this back comes with a matching removable pouch, which zippers shut so you don’t lose what’s inside it.

Inside, there’s a nylon lining and enough pouches to separate and organize a bevy of things. The exterior pouch is a nice added touch for quick access items like a wallet, sunscreen or Metrocard, our tester says, while the laptop pouch easily fits a 15” computer. This bag wears well in the elements, but our tester wished the nylon lining was also in the exterior front zipped compartment.

Joshu+Vela Stone Backpack

• Material(s): 18 oz cotton twill
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 12 x 5 inches
• Price: $198

Made in San Francisco, this simple flip pack secures your goods without the need of a drawstring closure. The bag is cut from 18-ounce cotton twill, features a military-grade “G” hook closure, includes an internal laptop sleeve and has a double-layered bottom for durability.

The top-loading design has a gusseted flap to protect your goods, and the body only got better with use, our tester says. That being said, if the bag is packed full, the exterior canvas side pockets are harder to use.

Best Leather Backpack

• $1,100.00 at lotuffleather.com
• All-leather construction with brass details
• Handcrafted in New England
• Not much padding to protect electronics or shoulders
• Laptop compartment is a little small
• Capacity: 37L
• Material(s): Leather
• Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 4.5 inches
• Price: $1,100

There’s nothing quite like American craftsmanship. Like all of Lotuff’s leather goods, each of the brand’s Leather Zipper Backpacks is handmade in New England using only natural, vegetable-tanned leathers. They’re made entirely from leather, meaning there’s not much padding throughout to protect your equipment, if that’s something you’re worried about.

The leather and craftsmanship on this bag are second to none, though, our tester says. It looks incredible and wears well — definitely an understated luxury piece, but one that ages gracefully, they add. They did find, though, that the computer pouch is a little tight for a 13” laptop, so they opted to keep their laptop in the main compartment.

Best Backpack for Longer Trips

• Boxy design helps fit oversized items (like a motorcycle helmet)
• It is still a backpack, and it can be quite cumbersome completely filled
• Capacity: 50L
• Material(s):
• Dimensions: 20.1 x 13.4 x 11 inches

Our tester has not yet switched over to a rolling bag, and this incredibly versatile pack is a big reason why, they say. They’ve used it for everything from cross-country trips to delivering meals-on-wheels by bike around Brooklyn.

Super comfortable, even with lots of cargo, and the boxy shape and un-zippable sections enable carrying even large awkward items like motorcycle helmets. As structured as it appears, it packs down accordion-style so it’s pretty easy to stash when not in use. The daisy chains on the back are great for tying on additional gear too, they explain.

Not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why you should carry a backpack, not a suitcase, on your next trip .

Before You Buy

Why you should carry a backpack.

With comfort and functionality as priorities, lots of people now use backpacks for their everyday commute — just throw it over your shoulders and you’re hands-free for a coffee, checking out or holding onto a handrail while the bus or train creeps forward. They offer a safe and secure place for everything you need: a laptop , books or textbooks , work supplies and even a change of clothing for the gym . Ideally, they offer interior organizational solutions to divide these different items. (You don’t want your sweaty gym shorts to soil your laptop, for example. Ew.)

Backpacks are also better at distributing weight. Balancing a heavy tote bag on one shoulder can do serious musculoskeletal damage. In fact, many chiropractors say it’s the primary contributor to back, neck and shoulder pain: “Over time, the amount of strain that we put on our bodies due to oversized bags can cause some pretty serious pain and even long-term issues like muscle spasms or a pinched nerve,” personal trainer Caleb Backe told Healthline . If you do it for decades on end, you might run into something more serious — like thoracic outlet syndrome, which causes weakness in the muscles in your arms and back.

How to Pick the Right Backpack

While aesthetics (colors, textures, logos, etc) are a matter of personal preference, there are a number of features that some backpacks certainly have while others definitely do not. Do you remember Jansport? Their popular, perfect-for-grade-school backpack comes without many of the bells and whistles one by Filson or The North Face would. If you expand your search, you’ll find there are backpacks for nearly every need: hiking , carrying a laptop , flying or even riding on a boat (in the case of waterproof packs ).

As important as your use case is — translated: what it is you need it for — it’s important to consider your cargo’s total weight. If you’re towing a ton of textbooks or lots of tech, you’ll want something with a ventilated back and padded straps. If your contents are fragile or even remotely delicate, you’ll want to find a backpack with a reinforced bottom, so when you set it down on the floor, it isn’t your cargo making direct contact.

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An Obsessive Peak Design Travel Backpack Review: A 30L backpack, perfect for daily life, travel, and more

Finding a single backpack perfect for “one bag” travel but still solidly suited to be an everyday bag is a tough task. Few travel bags have the storage space, organization, zippered pockets, comfy yet stowable harness system, and other perks that make a good travel bag – while still being small and manageable enough to use as an everyday backpack. The 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack is the exception to the rule – a great bag equally suited to travel as it is to everyday carry.

In my experience I’ve discovered that Peak Design’s everyday carry travel bag is meticulously designed to be your single travel backpack for adventurous wandering, yet suited to be the bag you take out every day, wandering cities, bouncing between coffee shops and coworking spaces, and taking full advantage of the opportunity to travel and wander. On those weekend jumps between cities this backpack is an easy carry on travel backpack

Peak Designs smaller more manageable travel pack expands to 30L to fit enough for weeks of travel, and contracts back to 27L to be used as a perfectly daily carry backpack with enough room to store everything you need for the day.

Over the past few months, I’ve toted this obsessively designed 30L travel bag on week long adventures exploring the best that Indonesia has to offer, by motorbike, with everything I need tucked in this bag and strapped to my bike.

In between, I’ve used the pack for long days of working at coworking spaces, exploring hill country by motorbike, squeezing in a workout, and ending with a sunset dip in the ocean, carrying everything I need for the day of work and impromptu adventure.

The verdict : for minimalist travelers, especially those with tech they need to protect (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) from rain and the elements, Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack is a great, comfortable, wandering friendly everyday pack…and it just might be the bag for you.

Read on to discover what makes this pack such an awesome travel bag option in this obsessive Peak Design Everyday Backpack review.

This article contains affiliate links

Contents of this Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

Quick Review

Pros of the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Cons of the peak design travel backpack.

• Best Use of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Quick Rating of the Peak Design Travel Backpack

Quick verdict, full review of the peak design travel backpack, my experience with the 30l peak design travel backpack, function by function review of the peak design 30l travel backpack.

• Appearance and Aesthetics
• Comfort and Carry

Materials and Build

Dimensions, weight, & specifications.

• Carry-On Compliance
• Storage and Organization

Packing and Accessibility

Durability & testing.

• Price, Value for Money, and Discounts
• Final Verdict
• Comfy shoulder straps, with solid webbing wrapped in cushion, quickly and conveniently stowable
• Sturdy build – great stitching, solid shoulder straps, heavy duty premium weatherproof exterior zippers
• Great, durable, weather-resistant materials
• Grab handles in very convenient places
• Tons of zippered mesh pockets inside make keeping organized easy, whether for long term travel or everyday use
• Lashing loops and strap points at all corners of the bag make it strap extras to the outside of the bag (rain jackets, camera tripods) via “access axial strap attachments” or strap the bag to a bicycle or motorbike.
• Looks great
• Clearly meticulously designed with amazingly stylish accents, and tough features (rivets, reinforcements, and heavy duty steel/webbing in the right places)
• Clean, efficient design makes for minimal dangling straps
• Dedicated laptop compartment easily accessed via back panel
• Rear opening back panel design makes packing for day use and accessing items difficult, compared to how items are normally packed in a backpack and takes some getting used to ( Click here to read more )
• I wish there was a better divider between the laptop and packed goods (for protection) ( Click here to read more )

Neutral points to know about the (30L) Peak Design Travel Backpack

• This travel backpack seems like an expensive backpack, however, when you account for the high quality materials, great design and craftsmanship, and versatile use, this is a “buy it for life” purchase that delivers function and value commensurate with its pricetag

Best Use of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack: Perfect for Long Term Nomadic Travel (as a weekend bag and daily carry), Paired with The Peak Design Duffel

The Everyday Backpack, the smaller sibling to the 45L Peak Design Travel bag, is packed with all the features you need fro “quick travels” and fits a perfect middle ground that makes it perfect for travel and trips that you pack lightly for – such as weekend trips, or climates where you can pack light – and used as an everyday carry backpack, for work, wandering, and adventure.

This middle ground pack is perfect for the needs of digital nomads that often base in a single big city for months on end, such as Tulum, Chiang Mai, or Lisbon, and take smaller trips for a weekend or a week to nearby locales to make the most of their location independence.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is just as perfect for daily use, as a nomad working in co-working spaces and coffee shops, as those leisurely trips out of town.

However, for long term travelers, especially those carrying laptops, tech, and the clothes to thrive in any city or climate, a single everyday backpack 30L big won’t be sufficient for carrying the gear necessary for months, or years of comfortable travel. So, for long term, nomadic travelers, basing in a single city with adventurous trips on the side, I recommend pairing the Peak Design Travel Duffel * with the Peak Design Everyday Backpack for a perfect travel setup .

In reality, most nomadic travelers tote a lot of gear (understandably) that they only move every few weeks or months, making a duffle bag a great option for the other bag to bring for carrying most gear for those bigger moves as checked luggage, to a new base. In between those big moves, for shorter travel and daily life, a solid, versatile bag for daily carry and weekend travel bag is more essential than you think.

So, Consider grabbing the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L size and the Peak Design Travel Duffel (65L size) for a perfect long term travel setup

Highlight Features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack

• Premium materials throughout
• Ultra clean aesthetics
• 400 denier Durable Water Resistant coating treated outer keep water out
• Large, weather shielded zippers, keep water out
• Stowaway Shoulder Straps
• Quick access tech pouch (up top, in front)
• Rear access design and wrap around zip back panel – great for security
• HUGE main bag compartment lined with zippered mesh pockets to keep everyday gear organized
• Dual expansion zips, add 10L of capacity expanding the bag from 35L to 45L
• Tough, sturdy grab handles on top, bottom, sides, and back
• Zippered internal pockets line the interior of the main compartment
• Built with weather resistant, durable materials and solid quality construction
• Secure zippers all around the backpack with weatherproof seams
• Tons of zipper pockets to stay organized
• Collapsible side pockets and water bottle sleeves accommodate a standard Kleen Kanteen or slim water bottle
• Quick access top pocket, with tons of organization for pens, cards, cash, glasses, phones, etc.
• Lots of hidden pockets for valuables (passport, credit, cards, lots of cash )
• Stow away external straps that lash in an “X” pattern across the front of the bag, so you can carry more and lash more essentials (camera tripod, rain jacket) to the outside of your bag adds huge external carry capacity
• Integrated luggage carry makes the everyday backpack suited to pair with roller carry on luggage, or a duffle bag *
• Protected laptop pocket styled as a padded laptop sleeve

Materials and Craftsmanship Highlights

• Weatherproof 400 denier nylon canvas outer made from recycled plastics – for water resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability, protecting your valuables from weather and making a bag that will last for years
• Huge, tough zippers have weather covers , to protect your goods and your tech from rain and moisture
• Fair trade certified
• 100% carbon neutral
• Guaranteed for life by Peak Design

Who Is the Peak Design Everday Backpack For?

From my months of use, I can definitely say the Everyday Backpack is suited very well for a few types of users

• Daily commuters and wanders with plenty of gear: Ample size, great organization, and comfortable wear making it great for carrying a day’s worth of goods for work, gym, and leisure without returning home
• Weekend travelers, or lightly packed week-long trips: The 30L is a perfect short travel bag or a week+ if packing for a single climat, and paired with packing cubes * can quickly be emptied to use as a daypack
• Digital Nomads: A quickly accessible laptop compartment, durable yet comfy shoulder straps to handle the weight, and storage for all of the techy accessories make this a great everyday carry bag specifically for digital nomads
• Photographers as a camera bag: The comfort, weatherproof design, and Peak Design’s modular camera storage make the Everyday Backpack a solid camera bag for keeping photography gear safe and comfortably carried

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

• Design: 4.5/5 – The inconvenience of a rear opening pack for daily carry gives a slight “ding” to the score
• Durability: 5/5 – Durable materials and high quality build throughout
• Style: 5/5 – Clean, minimalist, and sleek design elements add up to a very stylish bag
• Comfort: 4.5/5 – Though the Peak Design has a durable build, the tough straps may not have enough padding for some people
• Value: 4.5/5 – The great function you get and the fact that it will last for years make this bag a great value – but the initial purchase may still sting a little…but it’ll be worth it

Peak Design Everyday Backpack is an excellent, durable, and stylish expression of what it aims to be – a clean organized everyday pack that’s got enough room and organization for travels for a weekend, or a week+ for minimalist packers. Though the pricetag is steep, the materials, craftsmanship, function, and expected durability make it a bag you will use, often, and for life, making it a great investment for travelers, commuters, and nomads.

Digital nomads, on the road for months or years, and basing out of a single location for months with short trips throughout, consider pairing this 30L travel backpack with the 65L Peak Design Travel Duffel for enough space to contain your entire life and still travel easily, and the functionality you need in a daily carry and weekender backpack

I’m lucky enough to live my life as a full time traveler and digital nomad based in Bali, Indonesia, and every aspect of my life – and making the most of it – involves being on the move and staying on the move. Whether I leave at sunrise and get back before midnight after dropping into cafes and working at coworking spaces, or simply exploring the mountains, hills, lakes and surf spots, having a versatile backpack to keep everything I need close is essential.

For the past few months I’ve also been lucky enough to test the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack as a daily carry when wandering by motorbike, and a weekend adventure bag when exploring new places and islands by boat, plane, and any other way I can find.

Along the way, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has not only met my expectations for a good travel backpack, but exceeded them. Here’s why…

This backpack is meticulously organized.

Every square inch of the inside of this pack is covered with well organized, zippered mesh pockets, and strap points for organization, allowing me to carry not just the “basics” of a laptop, cell phone, tablet, and extra clothes, but pens, paper, well hidden cash, sunglasses, surf trunks, and anything else I obssessivel carry – while keeping it all organized.

The materials and craftsmanship are awesome.

I am not only insanely hard on bags, dropping them from moving bikes, overstuffing them more than their stitching and zippers may like, and I’ve literally broken (the seams and straps) of several bags. At the same time, I’m cheap and a minimalist – once I buy something I don’t like to buy that item again. “Buy it for life” is my policy.

After wearing this bag for hundreds of hours I can feel how every bit of fabric, all of the straps, all of the handles, all of the stress point stitches, and all of the rivets are sturdy, durable, top notch quality, and made to last a lifetime, as evidenced by Peak Design’s Lifetime warranty .

The pack is comfortable enough for all day wear, yet sturdy in design and construction for years of use

Look closely at this backpack an you realize it was actually design with with a sturdy fabric skeleton, with storage attached (with aluminum rivets and heavy stitching) and coated with foam rubber for comfortable. The shoulder straps use the same nylon webbing common in seat belts that is commonly built to withstand 1000’s of pounds of force. The aluminum rivets attaching the shoulder straps to the just as tough backpanel are even stronger.

And the fabric is tough and top notch too, with weatherproof 400 denier nylon all around and the bottom doubled up with 900 denier waterproof fabric.

The foam rubber wrapping of the shoulder straps and backpanel isn’t as soft and comfy as some backpacks, like the super padded shoulder straps on the Tortuga Outbreaker *, but are perfectly fine if you don’t plan on trekking 10 miles with 65 pounds. More importantly to me, the straps can comfortably carry a bag full of weighty tech – laptop, smartphone, tablet, notebooks, etc.

Not only does the backpack feel good and look good, but its tough. Which leads to the next point, the look and design on this backpack is amazing.

Looks good due to great design

I’ve received more than a handful of complements on the look of this backpack, and trust me, that doesn’t happen often. The clean lines, lack of dangling straps, earth toned fabric, and high quality accents (leather branding badges, stamped aluminum hardware) add up to a bag that delivers function with the sleek aesthetic of a speed boat or airplane.

Rear loading main compartment: The only downside for me

I’ve fallen in love with clamshell opening style backpacks, essentially bags that have wrap around zippers that allow the bag to open fully. The GORUCK GR3 and GR2 backpacks were my first backpacks with that feature, and now I insist on wrap around zippers and fold open design with even my daypacks. However, the Peak Design Travel backpack is the first daily carry backpack I’ve tried with a rear opening panel design.

A rear opening design isn’t inherently bad for travel backpacks, but in a daily carry backpack, rear loading takes some getting used to – here’s why…

In good packing, the flat items and heavy items should be closer to your back, allowing the load to sit close to your spine, and avoiding the risk of the heavy things (laptop) crushing the small things (cell phone) while you wear the backpack. This is why good laptop pockets are just behind the backpanel. However, with a rear opening backpack, wherein the back panel flips up, if you pack correctly then whenever you open the pack, you’ll have to dig past the large items, like tablets and notebooks, to get to the smaller items buried underneath.

This is my one complaint about the bag – rear opening panel design just isn’t the best for daily carry backpacks, and quickly accessing smaller items in the bag.

By contrast, whenever I open my GORUCK GR1, which has a front opening clamshell design, smaller items are naturally on top and larger items on bottom, making everything very accessible.

Thanks to the rest of the extremely positive points of the Peak Design Travel backpack – great materials, good craftsmanship, organized storage, great style – opening style mismatch for daily carry isn’t a deal breaker, and I still happily use the backpack daily. I actually have it with me now as I sit at a coffee shop.

Overall for daily life, the 30L Travel Backpack is a win

Thanks to the comfort and organization, the backpack is not only great for travel, but daily life, as I’ve learned firsthand. The added bonus is that it transitions perfectly to being a weekend travel backpack.

For Travel, the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack holds its own for weekend adventures

On the many impromptu trips I’ve taken, whether I’m cruising on a motorbike, hopping a plane (and taking this carry on), or hopping a quick ferry to another island, this bag is still solid. With the help of a few packing cubes I can fit in everything I need for a trip and stay organized, with enough dedicated space and protection for my all essential laptop.

The Ultimate Nomad Travel Setup is the 65L Peak Design Duffel Bag, Paired with the 30L Travel Backpack

For the crazy people like me out there, that love to “nomad” from place to place for weeks or months and carry more luggage than a good carry on backpack * allows, a great option is admitting you have quite a bit of luggage and taking a duffel bag to transport your who life, and using the 30L travel backpack for those beautiful week long vacation trips away, exercising your location independence, and daily at your cafes and coworking spaces.

The Bottom Line on My Experience with the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack: A solid, well designed bag, for daily life, weekend adventures, and nomading

Ultimately, I enjoyed using the Peak Design 30L travel backpack, I highly recommend it, and I’ll continue to use it in the future.

Appearance and Aesthetics: Clean design, modern, and sleek

Throughout this pack, Peak Design does achieve peak aesthetics resulting in backpack that looks as good as it performs.

The durable, weather and abrasion resistant fabric has a heathered look that combines a touch of classic styling with the modern look and design that makes up the rest of the bag.

All haul points (handles straps) use nylon webbing which gives toughness and durability but looks thinner and cleaner.

A lack of compression straps and daisy chain webbing, common in other bags, actually improves the look of this bag, making for a more sleek appearance and fewer loose bits to get snagged on random objects while commuting.

Ultimately the style and look of this bag is great – clean, minimalist, and understated in a stylish and great looking way.

The potential pitfalls: Rear opening design and I wish there was a more substantial laptop divider

Though I really love the comfort, storage space, design, and functional minimalism of the Peak Design Travel Backpack, nothing is perfect – and I have 2 points I would love to see improved in the bag.

Rear opening back panel design makes packing for day use and accessing items difficult, compared to how items are normally packed in a backpack

Clamshell opening backpacks, that fully open while lying flat are by far the best for travel, as they allow for quick and easy packing with packing cubes and easy access to everything in the bag while traveling.

All of my preferred daily carry bags (like the GORUCK GR1 , the GORUCK GR2 , and the REI Ruckpack 28 ) are clamshell style opening, however all of these open from the front. This allows you to stack the heavier, flatter, larger items close to your spine for the most stable packing and most comfortable wear.

However the Peak Design Travel Bag is rea opening. This means that if you pack your backpack with the flatter, heavier items (laptop, notebooks, etc.) closer to your spine, when you open your bag the large items will be on top of your smaller items.

This is noticeably inconvenient during the first few uses, if you’re obsessive about your backpacks like I am, as you will have to dig to get to your smaller items. Additionally, most of the great zippered mesh pockets inside the pack line the front panel, meaning you’ll have to dig under everything to get to those pockets.

If you’re obsessive about your packs (like I am) it will take a few uses to get used to. However, I still use the 30L travel backpack daily now and rarely notice this inconvenience anymore.

I wish there was a better divider between the laptop and packed goods (for protection)

Most backpacks with a dedicated laptop sleeve or laptop pocket store the laptop just behind the back panel – such as the GORUCK GR1’s bombroof laptop pocket and the Tortuga Outbreaker’s laptop and tablet pocket . However, both of those bags offer a more substantial bit of protection between your laptop and the goods in your bag.

In the 30L Peak Design Travel Backpack, the laptop sits in its own pocket, which is essentially a sleeve sewn into the main bag compartment. The sleeve does offer a bit of protection – a ~2mm sturdy foam rubber pad – but I would be weary of the protection if I had a hard, oddly shaped object in my main compartment poking the laptop. The laptop sleeve padding is fine for most uses, however, beware if packing oddly shaped, hard objects with corners.

Let me be clear, though I’m not a fan of these two features, they are absolutely not deal breakers and I still really like this bag for daily use and weekender travel

Comfort and Carry: Sturdy yet comfy shoulder straps, and sturdy handles on all sides

Tough, durable, and comfy shoulder straps attached to the bag with lightweight yet tough anodized aluminum make for a bag that can handle heavy loads, is comfortable to carry, and will last a long time.

• Each shoulder strap is made from tough, tubular nylon webbing (the stuff used in rock climbing to hold 1000’s of pounds) wrapped in soft, comfortable, and durable foam rubber for a sturdy yet comfortable carry
• The shoulder harness system stows away quickly and smartly, rotating at the metal rivet to stash behind the back panel padding, to quickly allow for a suitcase style carry
• Adjustable sternum strap, made of the same tough nylon webbing, has the tough and stylish anodized aluminum accents as well

Tough “Drag handles” cleanly line the top, bottom, sides, and back of the bag, allowing for a quick suitcase style carry when needed, and without getting in the way the rest of the time.

Thoughtful nylon “haul points” dot the corners of the exterior of the bag so you can either 1) strap large or quick access items to the outside of the bag, like a tripod or rain jacket or 2) strap the bag to something else, like a motorbike or the top of a duffelbag .

Removable and adjustable straps that easily hook onto and detach from the haul points make it possible to carry wet or extra gear outside of your bag

• Outer Cloth: Weatherproof 400 denier nylon canvas treated with two water repellant methods and made from recycled sources
• Bottom Cloth: Waterproof 900 denier nylon along bottom of the pack
• Straps: Tough nylon webbing
• Rivets and hardware: Anodized aluminum rivets and hardware
• Stamped anodized aluminum hardware as rivets at shoulder straps, clips on straps, adds style and lots of durability
• Weight: 1.44kg (3.17lbs)
• Dimensions – Standard: 53cm x 33cm x 18cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7″)
• Dimensions – Expanded: 53cm x 33cm x 20cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7.9″)
• Laptop Pocket: 40cm x 29.5cm x 4cm (15.75″ x 11.6″ x 1.6″) Fits Macbook Pro 16″
• Tablert Pocket: 24cm x 19cm x 1.5cm (9.5″ x 7.5″ x 0.6″)

Carry-On Compliance: Fits most international airlines and budget airline carry on restrictions

At 53cm x 33cm x 20cm (20.9″ x 13″ x 7.9″), the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack is small enough to fit as a carry on for most international airlines, as well as budget airlines like Air Asia (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and Ryanair (22 in x 16 in x 8 in/55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm)

Meticulous and Clean Storage and Organization: Large open main compartment, lots of internal zip pockets, top pocket, and water bottle side pockets

Large main compartment lined with zippered mesh internal pockets and a laptop sleeve

• Internal zippered mesh side pockets
• Internal zippered mesh pockets on back panel
• Lightly Padded and protected laptop sleeve style laptop pocket
• External water bottle side pockets

Top zippered compartment with organized storage for smaller items

• Soft zippered stretch pocket – for sunglasses or the like – with MOLLE webbing storage
• Soft, small pannel compartment storage to keep smaller items organized

Internal anchor points and included straps allow you to compress gear from inside the backpack to make sure everything stays in place

And a water bottle pocket that fits the slim Klean Kanteens or a smaller water bottle, but don’t expect to fit your wide mouth Nalgene here.

The full wrap around zip backpanel opens to reveal zippered mesh pockets on every square inch of the inside of this bag and the padded laptop and tablet sleeve.

The wrap around compression zip easily unzips to increase storage by 3L

The front, zippered kangaroo pouch pocket has even more meticulous storage to keep small frequent use items accessible – like sunglasses, wallet keys, pens, cash, etc.

**Hidden within the front panel is a nifty storage spot for shoes or flip flops

Any trip worth taking requires flip flops or solid travel ready sandals, and shoes, which means you’ll need a space to carry the pair you’re not wearing. This cool storage spot allows for that storage while maintaining the small overall footprint.

Its been a few months and the feel of this bag is super durable and rugged.

There hasn’t been a single loose stitch or popped thread.

The straps and and shoulder harness show zero stretch, and the rivets that hold the shoulder straps to the main bag show zero weakness. Even under heavy daily loads (30lbs+).

The water resistant, weatherproof fabric and water protected zippers have performed well, protecting my laptop and documents in the surprise rainstorms that happen in Bali often while I’m exposed on my motorbike.

I’ve tested tens of bags and broken more than a handful, so I can tell a bag with a limited life very easily from a tough built, sturdy, buy it for life bag. From my experience, the Peak Design Travel Bag is a tough bag that, even with heavy, hard use will last a long time, longer than I expect from most backpacks.

Price, Value for Money, and Discounts: Not cheap, but a good value

At ~$230, the Peak Design Travel Backpack seems like its not cheap…but buy cheap, buy twice. If you look at this bag as a daily carry and travel bag (when paired with a good duffle for extra space*) that has a lifetime warranty and expected to last for life, you won’t need another bag, making this bag worth the money.

This travel backpack isn’t cheap, but it is a great value

Peak Design offers discounts to military, first responders, hospital workers, and students, via its discounts page. Visit the Peak Design discount page to learn more

Peak Design Lifetime Guarantee: What Kind of Warranty Does Peak Design Offer?

Peak Design warranties all of its bags with a “no rhetoric, lifetime guarantee.” Straight from Peak Design: “If any part of your Peak Design product* becomes non-functioning or defective, we will repair or replace it with a fully-functioning item in the same or better condition”

Click here to see full details of the Peak Design no hassle warranty

Shipping: Does Peak Design Ship their Bags Internationally?

Peak Design delivers globally for very cheap. Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and more.

Click here to learn more about the Peak Design shipping policy

FINAL VERDICT

After months of testing, hundreds of days of use, and hours upon hours of wear, I can confidently say the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a comfortable, tough, and functional daily use, commuter, and travel backpack that I highly recommend.

Travelers will not be disappointed.

Nomads, I highly recommend pairing the 30L or 45L Peak Design Travel Backpack with 65L Peak Design Travel duffle, for a versatile and near perfect travel and adventure friendly luggage system.

Compare Similar Products

• Peak Design Duffel Bag *

Essential Peak Design Travel Accessories and Packing Tools to Consider

Sold separately but very worthwhile

• Hygiene bag : To keep your toiletries organized and tidy, and protecting your gear from toothpaste explosions *
• Packing Cubes *
• Tech Pouch : A toiletries bag style organizer, specifically designed to organize your cables and peripherals as a tech pouch

Peak Design Accessories for Photographers to Consider

• Camera Cubes and Camera Cube System to keep your camera gear organized and turn your daily carry into a camera backpack.

More great articles on other travel backpacks to help you find the perfect bag and packing system

• The 59+ Best Carry-on Backpacks for Travel: A perfect bag for every traveler
• 27 Great Packable Daypacks: Day bags that tuck away easily when not in use
• An Ultimate Guide to the Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads

Is peak design bag worth it?

Yes, the Peak Design Travel bag is worth it. Meticulous design, durable materials, and weatherproof build make this daily carry a solid travel bag that will last for years, making it well worth the price tag.

Is Peak Design a good brand?

Peak Design lives up to its name, leveraging extremely good backpack design to deliver function and durability.

Does peak design travel backpack fit under airplane seat?

The Peak Design 30L Travel backpack will fit under most airline seats, with dimensions of 18″x14″x8″, but the 20″ length of the Peak Design Travel backpack will stick out just a few inches.

What is the most comfortable travel backpack?

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a contender for the most comfortable and durable travel backpack, but the Tortuga Outbreaker’s cushy thick foam rubber shoulder straps beat out the Peak Design Travel backpack while slightly sacrificing shoulder strap durability compared to the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.