Travel backpack buyer's guide
Top-Notch Travel Rucksacks for Your Upcoming Voyage
You're about to embark on an exciting adventure, and the right travel backpack can make or break your trip. With so many options on the market, it's essential to choose wisely. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best travel backpack for your next expedition, whether it's a quick getaway or an extended journey.
Quick answer: best travel backpacks of 2023
Backpack
- Peak Design Travel Backpack: Featuring front and rear loading, a comfortable design, secure zippers, and a wealth of organizational pockets, this versatile backpack can adapt to various travel scenarios. Its capacity ranges from 30 to 45 liters, making it suitable for both short weekend trips and long-term adventures.
- Osprey Farpoint: Another reliable option with front loading, a comfortable design, and lightweight construction. It comes in 40-liter capacity and boasts lockable zippers for additional security.
- Nomatic Travel Bag: With a front-loading design, carry-on compatibility, water resistance, and multiple pockets for laptops and accessories, this bag caters to digital nomads and frequent travelers. Its capacity is 40 liters.
- Matador Travel Pack: Featuring 5 segments for organization, a lightweight design, and waterproof zippers, this backpack is perfect for minimalists seeking a sleek and functional travel companion. It has a 42-liter capacity.
- Gregory Mountain Zulu: Designed with front loading, a comfortable hip belt, and a mesh back panel, this backpack is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It offers a capacity of 55 liters.
Important travel backpack features
Weight
Choose a lightweight backpack to save energy and reduce fatigue during extended travel. Super lightweight fabrics may come at a higher cost.
Size & capacity
Backpack sizes are typically quoted in liters of volume they can hold. A 15-30-liter pack is suitable for day trips, while a 30-40-liter backpack is ideal for weekend getaways or carry-on travel. A 50-65-liter pack is suitable for extended travel or those requiring additional space for clothes and gear.
Front loading
Hiking backpacks are typically top-loading. Travel-friendly backpacks feature a front-loading design, opening like a suitcase, making it easy to locate gear quickly.
Strap types
A padded waist strap distributes the weight of your backpack evenly on your core, reducing shoulder and back pain when worn for long periods. Some backpacks also include padded grab handles or a duffel-bag strap, which can be handy.
Gear pockets
Minimal pockets are preferable to avoid clutter and simplify organization. Essential pockets include a quick-access pocket for keys, passport, and sunglasses, and a laptop pocket. A pocket for a filtered water bottle is also desirable.
Zippers
Large, easy-to-use zippers are preferable for smooth backpack operation. Lockable zippers are especially useful for added security.
Proper fit
A properly fitted backpack is vital for your comfort. Although you could have the best backpack, a poor fit will make your journey miserable. Your torso length is more critical than your height; consult a sizing guide to ensure a proper fit.
Looks
People may prefer backpacks with either a sleek and modern style or a more rugged and outdoor appearance. Both designs have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference.
Weather resistance
The material of your backpack can impact its resistance to weather conditions. Some backpacks require a special raincover, while others have built-in weather resistance. You don't want your gear getting wet!
Carry-on friendly
Airlines have become stricter about the size and weight of carry-on luggage. Aim to bring a backpack with a capacity of no more than 45 liters to ensure it can fit in the overhead bin on your flight.
What kind of traveler are you?
When choosing a travel backpack, consider your unique travel style:
- Carry-on backpackers: These travelers prefer not to check bags at airports and are Content with using public transportation, hostels, and hotels. They may embark on the occasional day hike but generally don't need camping equipment.
- Gap year travelers: These students take a year off to travel and explore the world before attending college or starting a career. They tend to be inexperienced packers, often packing more than needed and requiring a larger backpack to accommodate their gear.
- Adventure travelers: These individuals spend extensive time exploring mountains, deserts, and jungles and prefer remote destinations where they might sleep outside. They pack their own camping equipment for multi-day backpacking trips.
Choose the backpack that best suits your travel style from the guide below.
Best carry-on travel backpacks
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack
Weight: 4.5 lbs | Capacity: 30-45 liters | Load range: 20-40 lbs | Colors: Black, Sage | Best For: Carry-on travel
The Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts numerous design features that make it a top choice for demanding travelers. It offers a wealth of space, easy access to gear, and is built sturdily. It can be adjusted in size from 30 to 45 liters, and its design enables easy conversion into a camera backpack with a dedicated camera-specific packing cube.
Pros
- Front-loading
- Quick-access pocket
- Lifetime warranty
- Side access to main compartment
- Fast stow-away straps
Cons
- Sternum strap can be easily lost
2. Osprey Farpoint 40
Weight: 3.17 lbs | Capacity: 40 liters | Load range: 20-40 lbs | Colors: Grey, Red, Blue | Best For: Carry-on travel
With a front-loading design, comfortable suspension system, and an impressive weight distribution, the Osprey Farpoint is a reliable choice for travelers. Its backpack straps can be concealed using a zipper, making it more streamlined for carry-on travel. Its comfort makes it suitable for day hikes. There's also a model specifically designed for women.
3. Nomatic Travel Bag
Weight: 4 lbs | Capacity: 40 liters | Load range: 20-40 lbs | Colors: Black | Best For: Carry-on travel
Created for minimalist travelers and digital nomads, the Nomatic Travel Bag features design elements aimed at catering to this niche market. It includes features such as a front-loading design, carry-on compatibility, water resistance, a laptop pocket, and a duffel mode.
The Best Camera Backpacks
For photographers seeking the perfect camera bag to hold their gear, consider the following recommendations:
- Peak Design Everyday: a highly-rated camera backpack with ample space and excellent protection for camera equipment
- Wandrd Adapt: a versatile camera backpack with adjustable compartments and excellent organization for camera gear
- Tamrac Adventure 10 Expedition: a budget-friendly camera backpack with ample space for camera equipment and other gear
4. Matador SEG42 Travel Pack
Weight: 2.4 lbs | Capacity: 42 liters | Load range: 30 lbs | Colors: Black | Best For: Carry-on travel
The Matador SEG42 offers the perfect combination of storage space and organization for travelers seeking a minimalist design. It features multiple exterior compartments, fast access to gear, and a padded laptop pocket. The entire bag is water-resistant.
Pros
- Multiple compartments
- Front-loading design
- Water resistance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thin shoulder straps
- No hip belt
Best Adventure Travel Backpacks
6. Gregory Mountain Zulu 55
Weight: 3.5 lbs | Capacity: 55 liters | Load range: 40 lbs | Colors: Green, Blue | Best For: Hiking and travel
The Gregory Mountain Zulu 55 is a hybrid backpack, combining travel and hiking features. It offers a comfortable suspension system, a front-loading design with U-shaped access, and a roomy capacity suitable for travel and hiking alike. Its generous sleep bag compartment makes it ideal for multi-day hikes and camping trips.
- Gregory also offers a 65-liter version of this backpack.
- There's also a model specifically designed for women.
Pros
- Front loading design
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Raincover included
- Comfortable hip belt
Cons
- No laptop pocket
- Not suitable for carry-on travel
7. Osprey Atmos 50
Weight: 4.2 lbs | Capacity: 50 liters | Load range: 40 lbs | Colors: Grey, Red, Blue | Best For: Hiking and travel
The Osprey Atmos 50 is a backpack designed for trekking and backpacking, but its features make it suitable for travel as well. Its best feature is its suspension system, providing excellent comfort to the wearer, even when carrying heavier loads. Additional features include a large front stretch mesh pocket, an integrated rain cover, and lightweight construction.
- Osprey also makes a 65-liter version of this backpack.
Pros
- Great suspension system for comfort
- Integrated rain cover
- Large front stretch mesh pocket
- Lightweight
Cons
- Top-loading only
- Not suitable for carry-on travel
8. Arc'teryx Bora 50
Weight: 4.7 lbs | Capacity: 50 liters | Load range: 50-60 lbs | Colors: Blue | Best For: Trekking and backpacking
The Arc'teryx Bora 50 is an excellent backpack for outdoor enthusiasts, combining technical features and lightweight construction with exceptional comfort. Its floating hip belt helps distribute the weight evenly, making it suitable for heavy loads on extended backpacking trips. This backpack is not as travel-focused as the others, catering more to the needs of outdoor adventure seekers.
Pros
- Tough rain-resistant exterior
- Crazy comfortable hip belt
- Minimalist design
Cons
- Top-loading only
- Limited pockets
- Expensive
Backpack, suitcase, or rolling duffel
Traveling with a backpack provides the convenience of hands-free navigation, making it easier to use maps, buy train tickets, and handle uneven terrain. However, the choice between a backpack, suitcase, or rolling duffel bag depends on your travel style:
- Backpack: Provides maximum convenience for hands-free travel and can be more practical for off-the-beaten-path travel, but may not be as suitable for other scenarios.
- Suitcase: Ideal for business travel, ensuring your clothes stay wrinkle-free while in transit, but may not be as convenient for more adventurous trips.
- Rolling duffel bag: Offers a balance between convenience and practicality, making it suitable for both business and adventure travel.
My current favorite travel bags
Victorinox Suitcase
This lightweight suitcase with a locking zipper and durable shell is a top choice for those requiring a versatile and durable travel companion.
Gregory Zulu 55 Backpack
This backpack boasts a front u-zip access to gear, making it suitable for adventures and travel alike. Its versatile design makes it easy to fit inside a suitcase when not in use.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
This remarkable airplane carry-on camera & laptop backpack is perfect for digital nomads who require a camera bag for travel. It can also be used for day hiking with camera gear, though it offers limited space for other items.
Matador Packable Tote
This is a popular choice as a carry-on "personal item," featuring a water-resistant design and easy storage when not in use.
FAQ: Top Travel Backpack Questions
If you're planning a backpacking trip in Europe, the ideal travel backpack for you depends on your travel style:For carry-on only travel, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is recommended. For trips requiring additional space, consider the Gregory Zulu 55 or 65-liter versions.
Great question! Here are some tips for packing your travel backpack effectively:
- Utilize packing cubes to keep your belongings organized.
- Place heavier items at the bottom and near your back.
- Choose a backpack with adequate capacity for your travel needs: 50 liters is suitable for most international trips, while 65 liters is ideal for those requiring additional space for camping equipment.
Happy travels, and feel free to share your backpack choice and travel plans with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
- The 'Peak Design Travel Backpack' with a capacity ranging from 30 to 45 liters is a versatile choice for lifestyle travelers embarking on short weekend trips or long-term adventures, due to its front and rear loading, secure zippers, and organizational pockets.
- For ardent travelers who prioritize minimalism while maintaining a sleek and functional design, the 'Matador Travel Pack' with a 42-liter capacity is an ideal travel companion, featuring 5 segments for organization, lightweight design, and waterproof zippers.
