Best Travel Backpacks

The Best Travel Backpacks Quick Look

• Best Overall: AER Travel Pack 3 Backpack
• Best Weather-proof: NOMATIC Travel Pack
• Best Luxury: Rimowa Never Still Flap Backpack
• Best Anti-theft: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Backpack
• Best for Functional Fashion: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
• Best Lightweight: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Leather: Leatherology Parker Backpack
• Most Comfortable: Bellroy Transit Backpack
• Best with Compartments: Thule Subterra 34L Backpack
• Best for Adventure: Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
• Best for Commuters: Knomo Beauchamp Backpack
• Best for Business Travelers: Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack
• Best for One-Bag Travel: eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack
• Best Wheeled Option: Matein Wheeled Rolling Backpack
• Best for Travel Overall: Fjällräven Kånken Waterproof Backpack
• Best with a Charger: Kopack Laptop Backpack With USB Charging Port
• Best Options for Moms: Parker Baby Diaper Backpack and Herschel Settlement Backpack
  

Why Consider Getting a Travel Backpack?

Many backpacks are lighter than standard suitcases, and they fit neatly under the seat in front. You can take your backpack with you from the airport to city tours, hikes, and beaches, while your standard carry-on suitcase could pose a challenge (a suitcase at the beach?!)

Organization is key when traveling and a travel backpack makes it easy to have your essentials close to you at all times. Our favorite picks are well-equipped with everything you need. Many options have padded tech sleeves and designated places for your water bottle and passport. This means you won’t have to struggle in the security line looking for what you need. Some travel backpack styles even have numerous compartments, just like standard luggages.

We have good news for you if you prefer to roll your way through airports rather than having to walk between terminals carrying 15 pounds of luggage. Check out our recommendation for the best wheeled backpack - it has built-in wheels and a double locking handle, so you can have the best of both worlds - a backpack and a suitcase all in one.

What are some key features of a carry-on backpack?

There are many factors to consider when selecting the right backpack for you to travel with. You want your backpack to replace your carry-on so you should choose a spacious, thoughtfully designed option that can hold everything you need. You need to pay attention to the dimensions and options for compartmentalization (if you like your bag to be super organized like we do). 

The material of your bag will also need to be considered. If you plan on traveling in rainy areas, you should look for waterproof nylon options. You can also opt for durable and washable polyester bags if your plans include being outdoors for extended periods. The back panels can be made of breathable materials to encourage ventilation. 

The backpack should be designed to contour your body. Straps should be adjustable and padded for maximum comfort. Once you’ve narrowed down what type of backpack you are looking for, you can start to think about the fun criteria like color, USB charger capability, and much more.

Best Overall: AER Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Pack 3 is the backpack that could absolutely replace your suitcase. It's made from 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior and has lockable zippers to secure your belongings. This backpack is perfect for explorers. 

Its lay-flat design makes it easy to pack, while thoughtful features such as an expandable water bottle pocket and padded laptop pocket make it easy to keep your items securely stored. The interior compartments provide a solution to organizing all your things easily. 

The bag also has a pass through for your luggage handle, for those longer trips where you need a suitcase and a backpack. Overall, the Travel Pack 3 is a well made, durable backpack designed to keep you organized, secure, and ready to take on the world. 

Best Weather-proof: NOMATIC Travel Pack

The NOMATIC Travel Pack has been a popular choice for travelers due to its 20+ thoughtful features, including its clamshell style opening, TSA-ready laptop sleeve and luggage handle pass through sleeves. 

It's made with durable and water-resistant materials, so it can withstand any kind of weather you might encounter. You'll also find pockets and sleeves inside for almost everything - 22 compartments is impressive for a backpack! One of Travel Merak’s favorite features is the RFID safe pocket for additional security. 

The backpack's thoughtful design makes it easy to travel light and eliminates the need to carry extra bags. The bag can expand from 20L to 30L carrying capacity for those trips when you might need just a little more space. 

Best Luxury: Rimowa Never Still Flap Backpack

High-end luggage brand Rimowa is well known around the world for its quality and style, and Rimowa's Never Still Flap Backpack is no exception. This bag is our number one choice in terms of luxury backpacks. Made from full-grain leather and durable canvas, this bag will last you for several years. The classic design is perfect for the stylish traveler.

Style aside, the backpack is functional as well. For those traveling with electronics, a 16-inch laptop padded pocket and two zippered pockets on the side make it easy to bring your laptop and accessories on your travels. The flap top is secured by a magnetic buckle with the Rimowa logo. The padded back and adjustable shoulder straps and buckle allow the backpack to be customized to your comfort. 

Rimowa backpacks are made in Italy and are backed by Rimowa’s excellent customer service and a 2 year warranty. 

Best Anti-theft: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Backpack

If you are looking for a great anti-theft backpack to keep you safe (especially in areas known for pickpocketing), this is Travel Merak’s top choice. The Metrosafe is made with cut resistant fabric and has lockable zippers. 

The backpack also features pockets and material with RFID-blocking technology, securing your identity while traveling. Lockable security hooks easily allow you to secure your backpack to a fixture to prevent theft. The security features on this bag are indeed impressive. 

Additionally, the Metrosafe is made from recycled fishing nets and other discarded nylon, part of Pacsafe’s pledge to reduce ocean plastic. Sustainability gives Pacsafe brownie points with Travel Merak! 

Best for Functional Fashion: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

For those of us not looking to sacrifice style for functionality, meet the Kaya Laptop Backpack by Calpak. This backpack contains several interior pockets to keep you organized, plus a zippered compartment to fit your 15 inch laptop. 

This backpack isn’t just great as a carry-on. You can use the Kaya backpack for school, business, or as your everyday bag! Traveling with the Kaya backpack is a breeze and it can double as a purse by using its top handle. 

Available in 8 classic colors and 8 limited edition colors, the style options for the Kaya backpack are endless. The Kaya collection comes with several matching accessories to organize all of your things easily. 

Best Lightweight: Osprey Farpoint 40

The Osprey Farpoint 40 weighs in at 3.17 pounds, which is fairly lightweight for a backpack with a 40L carrying capacity. Just because this backpack is light and easy to carry doesn’t mean Osprey compromised on quality. The bag is made of durable nylon material, which is water-resistant and great at preventing tears and rips. 

A feature we love about this backpack is the laptop/tablet lockable compartment, offering additional security when traveling with your electronics. The backpack's ventilated back panel allows for more airflow and prevents it from feeling heavy. The Farpoint also has an adjustable sternum strap that comes with a rescue whistle, for those planning to trek through secluded areas. 

Best Leather: Leatherology Parker Backpack

Leatherology's most popular backpack is made with soft, yet durable high-quality leather. The backpack features a separate 18 inch laptop pocket and three exterior pockets that make it easy for you to store and find your smaller items. Adjustable shoulder straps allow you to customize the fit to your comfort preference. 

The interior of this bag is made of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton twill lining. We really like this feature - BCI is a cotton sustainability program that promotes a small farmer-centric approach while aiming to protect and restore the environment. 

Most Comfortable Backpack: Bellroy Transit Backpack

Bellroy really did a great job with their Transit Backpack! If you are looking for a bag that is easy to pack, easy to carry, and easy on the eyes, this option is absolutely for you. This is the most comfortable backpack Travel Merak has tried and its additional features make it a win in our book. 

The backpack’s shoulder straps and padded mesh back panel make it very comfortable to carry, even for long periods of time. The adjustable sternum strap offers an additional option for increased comfort while carrying. 

Compression straps inside the bag help to keep your belongings secure and organized, while the clam shell opening makes it easy to open fully for optimal packing. The 16 inch laptop compartment offers quick access, for those times you need to rush through security checkpoints. 

Best with Compartments: Thule Subterra 34L Backpack

Thule's minimalist pack is the best option on the market for those of us who like to stay organized. With its many compartmentalization features, there is plenty of storage space for all the gadgets and things you need on your travels. The design of this backpack makes it a great option for a travel bag and a daypack for shorter adventures.

A padded laptop compartment can hold a 15.6 inch device. There is also a side pocket large enough to hold a water bottle. The Subterra even has a zipper for valuable storage. You'll find many sleeves and pockets inside the front compartment to store your keys, travel documents, tech, and other items. 

The backpack also has a second compartment large enough to hold your clothes, and it even comes with a packing cube for further organization of your stuff. 

Best for Adventure: Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

This spacious backpack, with a carrying capacity of 46L, is a great option to store plenty of things for longer adventures. It’s carry-on compatible (for most airlines), making it perfect for any type of travel (planes, trains, and automobiles).

The backpack opens easily for access to all your things in a flash. Packing this backpack is as easy as packing a standard carry-on luggage. The panel has pockets and separate compartments for storing your smaller items. The hip belt and shoulder straps zip into the back compartment easily, for those times you need to check your bag. 

Overall, this backpack fits a ton of stuff and is a great option for any type of trip you’ll take!

Best for Commuters: Knomo Beauchamp Backpack

The Beauchamp backpack, made from durable nylon, features tons of pockets as well as a 14 inch laptop compartment. It's comfortable, durable, and we’ve found it to be water-resistant as well. The backpack is extremely lightweight but still has enough room to carry your essentials. 

The front section features a pocket with RFID protection that will keep your credit cards safe when you're on-the-go. The backpack also has space and separate sections to store your lunch box, notepads, and pens, for when you need to bring essentials to your meetings. 

Best for Business Travelers: Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack

The Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack backpack is professional enough to be worn to conferences and client meetings. It features a 15 inch laptop sleeve, as well as a slip through section on the back, which allows it to slide on to your rolling carry-on luggage's handle with ease.

The backpack also has a waterproof exterior pocket to hold umbrellas and water bottles. There are also designated spaces for your business essentials that can be kept tidy for meetings.

This is a no-frills backpack with durable, quality materials by Tumi that will last you several years and be your go-to for any business travel. 

Best for One-Bag Travel: eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack

The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack is quite possibly the bag to completely replace your carry-on luggage. At 22 inches, there is plenty of space to pack anything you need, but with the comfort of a backpack that is easy to carry. 

There are tons of thoughtful features that make packing for your trip easy as pie. The bag has pockets for anything and everything, including a laptop sleeve to accommodate up to a 19 inch laptop. 

With several compression straps, you can pack as much as you need and still comply with most airlines carry-on size dimensions. 

Best Wheeled Option: Matein Wheeled Rolling Backpack

Matein’s Wheeled Rolling Backpack is the ultimate multitasking bag. Having the option to wheel it or carry it as a backpack is a bonus when you are not sure where your adventures will take you. 

The backpack has a large main storage compartment and additional compartments to ensure you keep all your belongings organized. Lockable zippers give you peace of mind that your valuables can be secured and protected against theft. 

With a compartment to accommodate up to a 15.6 inch laptop, you can bring your work on the go (perfect for digital nomads or business travelers). The telescoping handle is solid and works just as well as a standard carry-on luggage handle. 

Best for Travel Overall: Fjällräven Kånken Waterproof Backpack

The Kånken backpack was originally created to prevent back issues in Swedish school children in the 1970s and has since become a popular choice for travel, due to its durability, sleek design and Scandinavian aesthetic. 

The Kånken comes in more than 20 colors, is waterproof, and even has a rain flap that prevents moisture from entering. Its most notable feature is the removable foam insert, stored in the back pocket for easy access when you need a cushion to sit on.

With 16L of carrying capacity, this backpack is the perfect addition to your collection and helps you carry your things easily on the go. 

Best with Charger: Kopack Laptop Backpack

The Kopack Laptop Backpack is stylish, yet functional. The bag is roomy enough to store your daily essentials, plus up to a 15.6 inch laptop in a hidden compartment to protect against theft. 

The backpack connects to your personal portable charger and can easily be removed before you reach the security line. With a built-in USB charger on the outside, and a charging cable on the inside, this option allows you to connect your devices to battery power quickly. 

With several storage compartments, Travel Merak found it painless to fit all our essentials in this backpack. At such a low price, this bag is hard to beat!

Best Backpacks for Moms

The Parker Baby Diaper Backpack is a great, modern option for moms looking for a backpack to keep them organized while offering ample storage capacity. With more than ten pockets, including insulated side pockets for baby bottles, this backpack can hold all of your baby's essentials for when you are on the go.

The backpack comes with stroller straps for when you don't feel like carrying the bag, and an oversized changing pad! Made with water resistant canvas, this bag is both functional and durable. There is even a laptop compartment to hold mom (or dad)'s tech! Overall, we think this is a great option for parents traveling with their kids!

The Herschel Settlement Backpack is a perfect option for moms who want a backpack that can hold all of their baby's necessities while not looking like your typical diaper or baby bag. With a carrying capacity of 23L and weighing only 1.43 pounds, this is a lightweight option that offers a ton of storage for when you and the family are on the go.

Available in 17 different colors, there is a Herschel Settlement backpack option for nearly every mom (or dad). This bag also has a laptop sleeve for parents wishing to pack their laptop or their kids tablet for entertainment. The leather pull tabs on the zippers add a nice touch and make this backpack easy to open. 

Best Travel Backpacks Review Conclusion

Travel Merak knows it can be overwhelming to make a decision on the best travel backpack, especially for those who are used to traveling with a carry on or checked bag. With so many options to choose from, you’ll need to determine the backpack that will serve you best on your travels. From exploring big cities like New York, to hiking Bryce Canyon in Utah, we are confident you will find what you are looking for. And with rising costs of checking a luggage, using a backpack for carry-on only travel may be a wise choice.

No matter which of these options you choose, we are confident your choice will make the travel experience that much better!