Looking for a new backpack but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Based on what kind of traveller you are, let me guide you to the right backpack size, type, and features.
If you’re in a hurry, check out my top choice
PEAK DESIGN 45L BACKPACK
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT THIS
I’ve been reviewing backpacks since 2015 and have used 60+ different backpacks, letting me learn all there is about the best backpack brands and the important features to look for.
But… I’m not an influencer. (Ha, I can’t believe I have to say that!) I don’t take any money or sponsorships. I just post reviews with my real opinions and add affiliate links in the ‘where to buy’ sections.
As a full-time travel blogger for over 12 years, I know just how important comfort and convenience are when it comes to your travel luggage.
Let’s find the right backpack for you!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BACKPACK
Simplicity vs complexity. This might go against the trend, but don’t be too impressed with backpacks that boast a zillion and a half different features. While these often look great in marketing videos, they usually aren’t so practical to use in real life!
Tropicfeel’s products are a great example of this: tons of different systems, doo-dads, and carry modes. Looks cool, but it also increases the weight, bulkiness, and complexity a lot.
Having 6 distinct pockets is great — having 14 of them just makes you forget where you put all your stuff. A balanced design is better.
Weight. This aspect is often underappreciated in online reviews. A lower weight makes a pack easier to carry and leaves more of your precious baggage allowance free to use. I always review packs in person (and, if possible, on an actual trip) so I can get a proper feel for the weight and handling.
Carry-on. I HIGHLY recommend travelling carry-on only if you can just for the incredible savings on airfare. This used to be an advantage only on budget carriers, but nowadays on many long-haul flights too.
Every time I’ve flown between continents in recent years, I’ve saved around $200 – $300 on airfare by going carry-on only. Even if cost is less of a concern to you, reducing your luggage to carry-on size will give you increased comfort and mobility.
Not sure how to pack light? My in-depth guide shows you how. If you truly need a bigger pack, I do have suggestions further down the page.
Quality. Finally, the quality of the materials and especially the zippers is super important. This is one reason why I’ve soured on cheap backpacks. A pack that is truly durable, weather-resistant, and doesn’t tear will give you comfort and peace of mind on the road.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND?
I have used backpacks across all price categories. My advice is this:
Under $100
I’ve tried ultra-budget brands like Amazon Basics and Decathlon’s entry-level Forclaz and Quechua bags. They can be kind of decent… until they aren’t. The biggest weak spots are usually the zippers and where the shoulder straps attach. I consider this the “you get what you pay for” category.
$150 – $200
You can get some crazy good backpacks in this price range. For example, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is incredible and costs $185. I’ve used one for many years — they’re truly built to last. Cotopaxi Allpa is another great example of an affordable yet highly reliable pack.
$200 – $300
The sweet spot for a high-quality pack with premium features and materials. The options in this price range will be worth it if you travel often. Check out Peak Design, the Pakt Travel Backpack, and others listed below.
$300+
There are some truly high-end packs such as the Tortuga Travel Backpack and the Tom Binh Techonaut. But… they may be overkill. Do you really need a backpack made of a three-layer laminated sailcloth? Well, maybe you do. This is definitely the splurge category, though.
How much you want to spend ultimately depends on your budget and how much you expect to travel. If you’re going on a big trip or if you travel regularly, a good backpack will be worth the investment.
What kind of traveler are you? Not all bags are ideal for all types of trips! That’s why I’ve sorted my recommendations in different categories.
BEST BACKPACKS FOR ONE BAG & AIR TRAVEL
Focused on organisational features and conveniences, these packs are best for urban travel, air travel, commuting, and hotel stays.
You might not take them through-hiking in Papua New Guinea (for that you need a fully padded back panel and other features), but for general-purpose travel in cities and developed destinations, these are some of the best picks.
Quick Overview:Best Overall Travel Backpacks
PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK
Best premium travel backpack
- 35L expandable to 45L
- Amazingly clever design filled with surprising features
PAKT TRAVEL BACKPACK 30L
- Amazing clamshell design with superb organizational features
- Great medium-size carry-on for urban/air travel
My number one pick for carry-on
For a general-purpose carry-on backpack, my number one recommendation has long been the Peak Design 45L. I’m a big fan of the Peak Design brand overall, which is known for its simplicity and minimalism while still including lots of neat little features you’ll be glad to have.
Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack has been my main luggage for 5 years now and I consider it close to perfect. It highly benefits from pairing it with some of Peak Design’s accessories, which are among the best around.
Using it just feels good. All the little touches — like the magnetic pouches, hidden straps, foldable origami-style dividers, and clever storage spaces — create a completely fluid experience. You can read my full review here.
The default capacity is 35L, which is well within carry-on size limits, though it can expand to 45L. This makes it a versatile pack suitable for many types of trips. Its sturdy 400D nylon shell nicely holds its shape when unloaded.
The only downside of the Peak Design is that the shoulder straps are fairly thin, making it less suitable for very outdoors or adventure-focused trips. While it’s comfortable for, say, carrying it through a terminal to your next flight, you wouldn’t really hike with it or go backpacking. (For this, see my picks further down the page.)
My second favorite carry-on
There are other packs in this category that I think are really great. The Pakt Travel Backpack is another favorite I can highly recommend. I love the internal organization. Most clamshell backpacks offer one deep main storage compartment, but the Pakt takes a different tack by dividing this space into two halves. Sandwiched between them is the laptop compartment. I think this makes perfect sense for both security and comfort.
The Pakt is a really more comfortable to wear than the Peak Design, however at 30 liters it may be a bit on the small side for big trips. The Pakt Backpack is somewhat similar to the AER Backpack, which I also like, though preferring the Pakt’s layout and design.
More premium options
If you have some more money to spend, then you can take a look at the Tortuga Travel Backpack, which is basically the “screw it, we’re doing 7 blades!” of backpack design. Meaning… it’s a pro-level traveller backpack with every possible feature included. If you’re using it for air travel or urban travel it will look the part, but with an adjustable harness, weather-sealing, and highly padded back, it can equally go on some wild adventure trips.
Another premium pack is the Tom Binh Techonaut. I heard so much about it on Reddit and other places that I finally got one — and while I think it occupies a specific niche, it’s a great pack overall. It’s not cheap, but it’s made of very durable materials, and it has a very functional, minimalistic and lightweight design, weighing only 3 lbs (1.3 Kg)
