|
|
|
|
Save this for later.
Email
Save this
Save this for later.
Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we've rounded up 33 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion and vacation. Ahead, discover our editors' and contributors' recommendations for the weather-resistant carry-on bags, ultralight hiking backpacks, and sleek urban packs to bring on your next vacation.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack
This sleek, convertible pack is well-suited for a business traveler. It features a 13-inch laptop compartment and can easily transition to a tote thanks to backpack straps that tuck into a back pocket. It has plenty of pockets for organization-including a hidden one at the top for slipping your passport and boarding pass into while at the airport-plus a sleeve for easily sliding over your suitcase handles. It's made of a mix of nylon and leather, and has memory foam straps for extra comfort.
Lululemon City 17L Adventurer backpack
Bigger isn't always better-if you're looking for something to take around the city or out on day trips, a smaller backpack might be preferable to help lighten your load. This lightweight, slim pack has well thought-out functionality with expandable pockets, a laptop sleeve, quick-access outer pockets, and reinforced straps. As an added bonus, the water-repellent fabric is easy to clean. Seen here in gray, it's also available in black.
MZ Wallace Metro backpack deluxe
Fashion meets function with this sleek, lightweight backpack that's perfect for city travelers. It has padded shoulder straps, a padded sleeve the fits a 15" laptop, six interior pockets are three exterior ones, and a trolley sleeve that zips closed to be used as a pocket when you're not rolling a suitcase along. We love the quilted design and sleek matte black hardware, and like the MZ Wallace Metro tote, another Traveler favorite, it is practical, roomy, water-resistant, and stylish.
Rains Rolltop Rucksack
Rains' roll-top rucksack is a solid travel backpack for nearly every occasion. You can take it anywhere, no rain cover required, thanks to its water-resistant material and hardware. It's front-loading and has a side zip pocket, allowing for easy access to whatever you need while on the go. Find it in an array of earthy colors, including silver pine, evergreen, and slate.
Cuyana leather backpack
Stow all your daily essentials in this large Italian leather bag. It's available in three gorgeous options-pebbled black, cappuccino, and stone (pictured)-all of which are nice enough to bring into the office or along on a business trip. Other perks: There's a laptop sleeve inside, the straps are adjustable, and it can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag.
Osprey Porter 46 travel pack
The water-repellent Osprey Porter is a favorite among backpackers and frequent fliers alike. It's heavy-duty, has a spacious interior, and fits into overhead compartments with ease. It can also easily convert into a duffel bag, thanks to the tuck-away backpack straps and attachable shoulder strap. The bag is available in black, navy, and olive green.
Dagne Dover Dakota backpack
This sleek backpack is plenty functional: It has a two-way zip-around closure, a laptop sleeve inside, side pockets, and a small pocket at the top for your cell phone. It includes a detachable pouch, a key leash, and mesh shoe bag, and is also just a gorgeous bag: “Looks and feels beyond expensive and luxurious, plus it's so roomy and great to carry,†says one reviewer. Get the Dakota backpack in neutral colors like heather gray or moss, or a seasonal hue like light blue.
Away The Everywhere Zip backpack
Away is a mainstay in our editors' luggage arsenal. Like the omnipresent carry-ons, the brand's backpack is functional and simple, with a classic look that you won't tire of. The water-resistant nylon is easy to wipe clean, and the key leash and interior pockets-including a mesh opening for a water bottle-will keep you from having to dig around.
Tumi Voyager Carson nylon backpack
This Tumi bag can be packed to the brim before zipping closed, so you can easily use it as an overnight bag, or an overflow section for the odds and ends that don't make it on your carry-on. Another great option for travelers who like to keep things separate, there are four exterior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and both a zip pocket and multiple sleeve pockets inside. Plus, padded, adjustable straps to keep your shoulders comfortable.
Radley London Dukes Place zip around backpack
This stylish leather bag is perfect for the traveler who needs a more sophisticated bag. There's a spot for everything: there are two large zip compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zips closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds a touch more security. This pack is large enough to fit a light jacket, a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure including Chapstick, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and more. There are currently two color options: dark gray or brown, both of which are great if you’re looking to match your outfit of the day. -DeAnna Taylor, contributing writer
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Versatile, durable, and designed with camera equipment in mind, this backpack is perfect for amateur shutterbugs and professional photographers alike. It's top-loading, with additional access via the front, sides, and rear. There are plenty of internal and external pockets to store all your equipment safely, too. Not only is the 100 percent recycled nylon and canvas shell weatherproof, so are the zippers-you'll be prepared for rain, wind, snow, sand, and sleet with this backpack. To note, this backpack is big-senior editor Megan Spurrell's partner used it for a lengthy European vacation this summer-so plan to use it as your main piece of luggage for weekend trips, or as a carry-on when you're toting around lots of gear.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Another Peak Design favorite, Spurrell recommends the 30L capacity for light day use or as a personal item on planes. It's a great option for commuters, and lends itself to hiking trips or other outdoorsy pursuits. The weatherproof recycled nylon shell has been treated for water resistance, and the abrasion-resistant thread will stand up to stray branches and dirt.
Roam The Continental backpack
Senior commerce editor Madison Flager has taken this backpack on recent vacations and each time, was complimented on its aesthetic-the bag is fully customizable, so each customer can choose the colors used for the front, back, sides, and straps. The wide, deep side pockets are great for stashing a water bottle or umbrella, and the multiple exterior pockets mean easy access to things like your passport, earphones, and wallet.
Calpak Terra 26L backpack duffel
Part of Calpak's new Terra collection, this sporty backpack-meets-duffel is made from recycled plastic bottles and was designed with organization in mind. Editorial assistant Meaghan Kenny vouches for its size-if you pack well (made easier by the clamshell opening), you could get away with using this as a weekender. Plus, the seemingly endless pockets give you ample room to store earphones, snacks, keys, and more.
Tigre de Salón Briska backpack
Both articles director Lale Arikoglu and Spurrell are big fans of this leather backpack, which they picked up in MedellÃn, Colombia. Spurrell uses it as her personal item on most flights, and praises its bucket-bag shape and roominess: “It fits absolutely everything I need on a daily basis: my laptop, whatever book I'm reading, my Moleskine notebook, and my water bottle.â€
Béis The Backpack
We're big fans of Béis luggage here at Traveler, largely because the pieces were so clearly designed by someone who is on the road much of the time. This classic backpack is as functional as the brand's suitcases; just look at the mesh and clear interior pockets, trolley sleeve, elastic compression straps, double water bottle pockets, and mega-wide zip opening for proof.
Holly and Tanager Pro nylon backpack tote
Recommended by Traveler's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer, this bag does double duty as both a backpack and a tote, thanks to adjustable clip-on straps. Kramer calls it “super versatile,†and notes its useful separate bottom compartment. Plus, it is sustainably made using recycled nylon.
Osuza Canvas V2 backpack
This Osuza bag also comes recommended by Spurrell, in large part thanks to its incredible organization offerings-zip pockets and loops abound in this bag. Its adjustable expansion points mean you can use it as a day pack or make it work as a weekender bag. Plus, the brand is quite confident in its durability: If the bag doesn't hold up to the wear and tear of travel over the first five years after purchase, they will refund you 100 percent and give you 20 percent off a replacement bag, no questions asked. We like that kind of confidence.
Osprey Sportlite 15
If you're looking for a compact day pack for hiking or even beach trips, this Osprey style is a great size to stow in your suitcase-according to Spurrell, “it packs really flat, so if I'm going on an outdoorsy trip, I can place it on top of my clothes in my suitcase and use it when I get there.†Plus, its AirScape back panel will keep you comfortable on especially hot days.
Baggallini Metro backpack with RFID phone wristlet
Baggallini has long set the standard on travel-friendly bags and purses, and its Metro backpack is no different. It’s very lightweight, and easy to pack when you’re tight on space in your luggage, if you're not using it as a carry-on item. The bag’s straps allow for it to be worn as a sling bag or as a regular backpack. The inside is simple, with a zip pocket and two additional open pockets. Also included is a detachable wristlet with RFID technology, meaning your cards and other personal information will be kept safe during your vacation. On shorter outings, you can leave the backpack in your room and carry the wristlet on its own. You have options. -DeAnna Taylor, contributing writer
Rains Field Bag
Take this simple Rains backpack, recommended by Spurrell, with you on city jaunts or quick business trips, and especially to rainy destinations, as it is waterproof. Designed as a more elevated take on the classic college backpack, it has just the essentials: an internal laptop pocket, a spacious front pocket, and adjustable straps.
Cotopaxi Tarak 20L backpack
This colorful backpack accommodates the needs of both day climbers in Southeast Asia and backcountry skiers in Europe alike. It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organized. The top access offers a convenient way to pack and secure your items: Simply pull the drawstring closed and cover it with the flap, secured with a hook and loop, for protection. The backpack’s original look-each bag comes from repurposed materials which vary slightly-helps reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly pick, too. -Rekaya Gibson, contributing writer
Eagle Creek packable daypack
Fans of this backpack-which has a 4.9 out of 5 star-rating on REI-praise it for being simultaneously lightweight and durable. Also, unlike many other daypacks, it has a zipper closure for more security than a cinch-tie. For weighing a mere five ounces, the nylon bag holds surprisingly heavy loads (up to 13 liters). Plus, the price is hard to beat.
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25L backpack
If you're at all worried about pickpockets, go straight to Pacsafe. This anti-theft backpack comes with all the bells and whistles, like slashproof straps and pockets, lockable zippers, RFID blocking materials, and security hooks that lock your bag strap around a chair or pole to prevent snatch and grabs. Inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets to stash your keys, phone, and cards safely. This travel bag is available in black, dark tweed, and earth khaki (pictured).
Venture Pal 40L lightweight backpack
This Amazon bestseller weighs less than a pound, making it easy to pack up in your luggage and use for day trips while on vacation. It's waterproof, durable, has plenty of pockets (including water bottle pockets to house your hydration essentials), and comes in nine shades, some bright, some neutral. It's also earned a 4.7-star rating from more than 5,000 reviews on Amazon, with customers praising its versatility and ability to fold into a compact bundle. One shopper loves that “this is a compact and easy-to-fold backpack. The color is great and it is truly a light bag. Perfect travel pack for hiking and small trips.â€
Monos Metro backpack
This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for urban travelers, whether you're headed on weekend trips, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top-carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby.
Baboon 40L Go-Bag
This duffel bag-backpack combo from luggage brand Baboon to the Moon is big enough for about three days of gear and ensures three things: One, you'll never lose your bag in a sea of black carry-ons should you have to check it at the gate. Two, you'll be able to take it anywhere, thanks to its ballistic shell exterior, which is both impressively sturdy and waterproof. Three, you can carry it whichever way you want: by its side handles, the adjustable shoulder strap, or as a backpack. In short, it's high-quality travel gear at its finest-and it's available in an ever-changing array of colors.
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart laptop backpack
Arrange all your technology in this versatile backpack. It holds laptops (up to 17") in a padded compartment that is secured by a removable padded strap. The laptop compartment unzips nearly all the way to lay flat, making it easy to take electronics in and out while you're going through airport security (informed TSA agents will even let you keep this laptop in the bag). The tablet sleeve sits opposite for convenience, and there is a designated spot for your cell phone with USB charging capability. In the main pouch, you still have plenty of room for clothes, plus four additional mesh pockets for other supplies, including camera gear. The compression straps are an added bonus that keep you comfortable and supported through long trips. The backpack is available in three colorways: black with black stripes, black with red accents, and all black (pictured). -Rekaya Gibson, contributing writer
Yeti Crossroads 27L backpack
If you're looking for one bag to meet all your backpack needs, this Yeti pack is a safe bet. It's got 360-degree padded laptop protection for digital nomads, foam-padded shoulder straps for all-day hikes and excursions, and is still carry-on size for the frequent flier. It has a 27-liter capacity and weighs less than four pounds empty. Find it in black, navy, fuchsia, and deep teal.
Tortuga Setout packable daypack
Need something lightweight for sightseeing or pedaling around town? This functional nylon daypack has you covered. Store souvenirs in the main compartment, essentials in the front zippered pocket, and water bottles on each side. Don’t worry, this 19-liter water repellent bag can handle it. The sturdy mesh straps provide balance and the removable sternum strap adds extra support. When not in use, compress the Tortuga into its front pocket for easy storage. -Rekaya Gibson, contributing writer
Fjällräven Kånken No. 2 laptop backpack
Fjällräven was probably our first intro to Swedish one-ups, and some Traveler editors have even been carrying their classic Kånken backpack since college. The bag fits a 15-inch laptop in a padded pocket and offers easy access without the fuss of too many pockets. If you consider yourself a minimalist, this is the backpack for you. The backpack is available in eight colors: acorn, navy, green, plum, deep red, black, deep blue, and olive (pictured).
Osprey Farpoint Travel Pack 55
Our first tip for finding the best heavy-duty hiking or long-haul trek backpack is simple: trust the pros. Head to a nearby sporting goods store and try on plenty of them. If you're a woman, make sure to check out ones built specifically for your torso size. This Osprey pack comes in small/medium and medium/large, which helps customize the bag based on your height, plus it has a detachable daypack on the front so you won't have to lug your big bag from everywhere. When you do need to haul it, the Farpoint comes with a top and side handles to make it a little easier. The Osprey Farpoint 55 comes in either black or red (pictured).
the-bests
21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2023
style-and-culture
On Location: What It Takes to Create the Fantasy of ‘Emily in Paris’
Emily Zemler
solo-travel
The Best Solo Vacations to Take in 2023
Caitlin Morton
places-to-stay
11 Joshua Tree Airbnbs to Save for Your Next Desert Getaway
Emily Pennington
Herschel Little America laptop backpack
This bag-with its cinch top, magnetic straps (no need to fiddle with the buckles), comfy mesh back padding, and 17-liter capacity-is that good, sturdy, classic backpack we've come to know from Herschel. It's fuss-free and straightforward, but just stylish enough to merit its price point. The backpack comes in more than 40 colors, giving this luggage a little more personality than most.
Whether you're taking it on the open road, up a trail, or just to class, it has you covered. “I am a stenography student. I have a laptop, textbooks, folders, a tripod, my stenography machine in its case, a pouch for my pens and pencils, and a pouch for my chargers and wires. Everything fits in this bag, and I also can fit my wallet as well as my thermos,†reports one satisfied student.
|
|
