Choosing the right travel backpack is crucial for your trip. A bag that’s too big will be heavy, while one that’s too small won’t fit all your stuff. Pick the wrong material and your things could get soaked in the rain.
Nowadays, there are so many backpacks that picking the right one can be confusing. However, there’s a science to finding the best travel backpack — and I’m here to help!
When I first started traveling, I spent weeks choosing my backpack. I tried on many, did hours of online research, and tested them in stores to find the perfect fit.
It was time-consuming, but that effort paid off. My first backpack lasted 8 years. The only reason I got a new one was that an airline lost my bag. Otherwise, it would still be around.
With so many travel backpacks and places to buy them, how do you pick the best one for traveling? I’ll guide you through the process.
To save you hours of research, I’ll highlight the key features a backpack should have, recommend the best brands, and tell you where to buy them. This will save you time and ensure you get an amazing, durable backpack.
What to Look for in a Good Travel Backpack
Water-Resistant Material: You do not really need an altogether waterproof pack unless you are out for days, but it should be semi-waterproof to prevent your stuff from getting soaked by drizzle. Different types of materials repel water in various amounts. Look for material that doesn’t really hold onto the water too much, so something like a treated nylon fiber is good—keeps the inside dry in light rain.
Lockable Zippers: All compartments should have two zippers so that you can lock them together for added security while traveling. Ensure that you buy TSA-friendly locks since most of those locks will let airport security inspect your bag without breaking the lock.
Multiple Compartments: The triple compartment bag is designed with compartments, making all your belongings organized so that you can locate whatever you want easily. Put your clothes in the main compartment and your shoes in some other different side pocket.
Padded Hip Belt: As most of the weight you will carry will rest on your hips, so the padded belt helps in even distribution with support, hence making it more comfortable to carry.
Padded Shoulder Straps: These drain pressure off your shoulders to make it easier to bring along your pack on your back. Look for thick padding that consists of a single piece of material.
Contoured/Padded Back: A pack with a shape like your lower back—the weight is distributed evenly and corresponds with the natural curve of your spine—it gives you just a small amount of room for air to flow through. This enables you to stay cool.
Front Loading: A front-loading backpack is one that allows you to zip open the face from the side so that all your stuff can be easily accessed. This, therefore, is more convenient than the top loading where you can only access items from the top.
The Best Travel Backpacks: Does Size Matter?
People often ask about the perfect backpack size. There isn’t one size that fits all; your backpack should be proportional to your body. It might be 40 liters or 60 liters, depending on your needs.
A backpack that’s too big or too small won’t balance the weight properly, causing back pain or making you topple over. It should be big enough to hold everything you need with a bit of extra room but not more than that. Carrying enough clothes for 7-10 days and doing laundry as you go is a good approach.
When trying on backpacks, make sure it feels comfortable. Good stores will let you stuff the backpack with weights to simulate a full load.
Keep in mind that larger backpacks might not fit as carry-ons on airplanes. Aim for a 40-45L bag to avoid checking it in. Most airlines allow carry-ons that are 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm), which is about 40-45L.
Backpack vs. Suitcase: Which is Better?
For long trips, backpacks are more practical than suitcases. They can handle rough handling, fit in tight places, and are easier to carry up stairs and across uneven surfaces. Suitcases are better for shorter trips or if you’ll be staying in one place for a long time.
If you have back problems, a smaller suitcase with wheels can be a good alternative. There are also hybrid bags with wheels that combine the features of both backpacks and suitcases.
How Much Should a Backpack Cost?
Backpack prices vary based on size, fabric, and brand. Most cost between $99 and $300 USD. Store brands are usually cheaper than big-name brands like North Face or Osprey. A good backpack should cost between $100 and $250 USD.
When choosing a backpack, don’t worry about labels like “hiking” or “travel.” Hiking backpacks are rugged, while travel packs are sleek and designed for urban use. Pick one that suits your needs and fits your budget.
By following these tips, you’ll find the perfect travel backpack that will last for years and make your trips more enjoyable.
1. Osprey Renn 65L Women’s Backpack
A great travel backpack needs to be comfortable, feature-rich, yet rugged enough for your adventures. We tested a handful of options but believe that the Osprey Renn 65L Women’s Backpack stands above most others.
For its service to customers, the Renn 65L has a truly impressive feature list. The fixed top lid also has a zippered pocket for your things. It’s meant to be Daylite-compatible. You can attach a daypack for short trips. We also loved the feature of twin upper and lower side compression straps that not only held the gear in but also helped in stabilizing the backpack.
The Renn 65L has a zippered sleeping bag compartment. It has a floating divider for long trips. It keeps your sleeping bag clean and organized. One more nice touch is removable sleeping pad straps that let you set up camp per your particular needs. We loved how the dual mesh side pockets gave plenty of storage space for water bottles, snacks, and all the other miscellaneous items one needs on a hike.
What we love the most about Renn 65L is its great comfort. The padded straps and hip belt spread the pack weight well. They keep it comfy and let us wear it all day. Again, we liked the highly breathable mesh used on the back panel, which kept it dry and cool on even the rough hikes.
One downside to the Renn 65L would be its weight. It’s not the lightest backpack out there, coming in at 3.9 pounds. Additionally, some will find the top lid pocket a bit small for larger items.
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2. Osprey Rook 65L Men’s Backpack
It is the best for any traveler. They want a trustworthy, comfortable backpack for their journeys. Nothing does the job better than an Osprey Rook 65L Men’s Backpack. Having tested it on a lot of long journeys, I can assure you that this backpack stays on my top list.
Organization is one of the most impressive features of the Rook 65L. A fixed top lid with a zippered pocket makes it easy for your imperatives to be accessed, and double upper and lower side compression straps hold the rigging tight to keep your gear secure and balanced. Another nice touch was the zippered sleeping bag compartment. It has a floating divider. It lets you separate your sleeping bag from your other gear.
Even with this capacity, the Rook 65L is still pretty light and comfy to wear. This is thanks to its padded shoulder straps and hip belt. One thing I am in so much love with about this backpack has to do with its flexibility in packing; it adjusts well to people’s different styles and packing preferences. Whether you are a light packer or a heavy loader, the Rook 65L can carry your gear easily.
One small gripe is that the backpack’s Daylite compatibility can make things a little bulky in terms of overall design. Additionally, the removable sleeping pad straps are not as tightly secured as one would want. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional backpack.
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3. Osprey Aura AG 50L Women’s Backpack
The Women’s Osprey Aura AG 50L pack comes in at the best; it offers adventurers the trusted and comfortable buddying companion for all times. We’ve beaten it up pretty good, but we can definitely say that this backpack has impressed us—by a mile.
This 50-liter pack has enough volume to confidently bring all your key items aboard without running out of space. For suspension, the Aura AG features an Anti-Gravity suspension system. It spreads the weight down the back so that your pack feels lighter than what the weight is. You can go hiking, trekking, or traveling without being dragged down by your gear.
Some of the features that stood out for us were: an included raincover made from PFAS-free DWR and bluesign-approved material. It protects very well against the elements. Also, dual zippered hipbelt pockets make it easy to access your phone, snacks, or other small items on-the-go. The front shove-it pocket is padded in some cloth. Yet another nice touch, perfect for stuffing a jacket or other items you may want quick access to.
The thing we love the most about the Osprey Aura AG 50L is its incredibly comfortable structure, but supportive nonetheless. The padded shoulder straps and hipbelt work together well. They spread the weight so you hardly feel it, making it feel like you’re carrying a much smaller pack. The back panel ventilation system also adds to it by preventing you from getting drenched with sweat during the most difficult hikes.
If anything, we complain that the floating top lid—removable—is a bit flimsy. Its weight carrying system is also a bit strange and may take some time getting used to if one is used to older backpack designs.
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4. Osprey Atmos AG 65L Men’s Backpack
Good travel backpacks are key for backpackers. They can make the difference between a comfy journey and a miserable one. After testing several top contenders, we’re convinced that the Osprey Atmos AG 65L Men’s Backpack is one of the best options out there.
These features alone make it stand out from the competition. A curved zip on one side allows for easy packing and unpacking. The floating top lid with lash points provides ample gear storage. The bag has a zippered sleeping bag compartment. It has a removable divider and straps for a sleeping pad. These features keep your sleep system secure and organized.
Cool features include the raincover. It is made with PFAS-free DWR and bluesign approved materials. They give you peace of mind in rain or snow. What we love most about this backpack is its incredible ventilation system, which keeps your back cool and dry even on the most grueling hikes.
One thing we don’t like is the somewhat limited color options – you’re stuck with either ‘Graphite Grey’ or ‘Raven Black’. Additionally, the backpack’s 65L capacity may be too large for shorter trips or minimalist travelers.
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Note: PFAS-free DWR stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances-free Durable Water Repellent, and bluesign approved materials indicate that the manufacturer meets high standards for environmental responsibility and sustainability.
5. Osprey Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack is a favorite among travelers. It’s unclear why. It truly is a master class in balance and functionality. You will love how the adjustable torso fit helps you set up the pack according to your body. This fits pretty comfortably on long treks. The External Gear Attachment loops are also a game-changer. They are for any extra gear or accessories you want to lash onto your pack.
Another high point: ingenious storage solutions are everywhere. Two mesh bottle pockets at the front swallow most water bottles. An external zip toiletry pocket keeps all your essentials within easy reach. We also love the padded top and side handles that make it so easy to just grab and go.
Want a pack that’ll keep up with your active travel style? Look no further than the Farpoint 40L. We dig this pack for striking the balance between capacity and portability. It’s big enough to carry all you need, yet it still fits into most overhead compartments. One minor quibble: The zippers can be a bit finicky at times; it takes a little more force than we’d like to open and close.
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6. Osprey Aura AG 50 Women’s Backpack
Our most impressive travel backpack test to date is the women’s Osprey Aura AG 50. It has the clever Anti-Gravity suspension system. It makes you feel like you are carrying less than you actually are. This makes it perfect for long trips or hikes.
Its adjustable harness and Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt enable custom dialed-in fit, so it won’t ever be a pain in your back, even when pretty full. Then there’s the front stretch mesh pocket that allows for super-quick storage of rainwear or extra layers.
Other nifty features include the removable floating top lid. It has dual zippered pockets and web attachment points. They let you keep all your gear organized and within reach on the move. Its internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir, so you can always have enough water on hand.
What we really love with regards to this pack is its comfort and support. Kudos goes to the Anti-Gravity suspension system, which makes a difference, along with an adjustable harness for the perfect fit. We’re pretty much impressed with the durability and high-quality construction of this pack.
Something we don’t particularly like is the weight of the pack. At 4.1 pounds in a size Small, it’s certainly not the lightest pack available. Another potential drawback would be the recommended load range of 25-40 pounds, which might prove too restrictive for some users.
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7. Osprey Kestrel 38L Men’s Backpack
Even if you are not an ultra backpacker, the Osprey Kestrel 38L Men’s Backpack will be your correct mate for any of your future adventures. Having tested this pack on a couple of trips myself, I can confidently say it has been nothing short of impressive where comfort, durability, and versatility are concerned.
Other main features include adjustable torso length so that one can get afine, tailored fit. The addition of a breathable AirScape ridged foam back panel gives it a comfortable carry, even on longer hikes. Dual upper reverse StraightJacket side compression straps do an excellent job of keeping your gear secure and organized.
These, and other features like the zippered sleeping bag compartment and floating divider, make the Kestrel 38L one of the best choices for backpackers. They carry loads of gear. I have great praise for this pack. It has a near-perfect balance between capacity and portability. It’s roomy enough to fit all your vitals but still compact enough to get around tight spaces.
If I have one gripe, it is that the top lid feels slightly flimsy, especially when full. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent pack.
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8. Osprey Aura AG LT 50L Women’s Backpack
The Osprey Aura AG LT 50L Women’s Backpack will be the end to your perfect travel backpack search. I’ve used it. After tough tests, there’s no doubt: this pack won me over. It has an impressive mix of comfort, function, and eco-friendliness.
Thoughtful design features make this pack a joy to wear for any traveler. The Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt offers a tailored fit for any body type. An intuitive ladder adjustment system enables quick torso adjustments. In addition, an included rain cover keeps your gear dry in rainy conditions.
In addition to the narrower shoulder straps and shorter torso length, this backpack is specifically designed for women. My favorite part of the Aura AG LT 50L is that it cuts many extra features but keeps key ones. So, it is very easy to use. Then there’s what really puts the cherry on top: these bluesign-approved, GRS-certified recycled fabrics, and PFC/PFAS-free DWR finish truly top the backpack off as quite an eco-friendly option.
I mean, if I’m being picky, I would say it’s probably the lack of compartments and pockets as multiples that may turn off some users. Actually, I found that the cleanliness of the design helped me to be more coordinated and focused on the vitals.
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9. Osprey Ariel Plus 60 Women’s Backpack
Few travel backpacks can fit any body type. But, the Osprey Ariel Plus 60 Women’s Backpack comes very close to that. The pack has a Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Hipbelt and Shoulder Strap. They are adjustable, as is the torso length. With them, you can dial in a close-to-perfect fit for your unique shape and size.
Plus, a PFC-free DWR and bluesign-approved raincover will help keep your gear dry in wet conditions. Many also love the top loader cinch and front panel zip access to the main compartment—making this bag ultra-easy to pack and unpack. The removable top lid converts to an ultralight daypack—a key feature for day trips and added versatility.
Moreover, dual zippered hipbelt pockets and stretch mesh side water bottle pockets can store enough for your crucials. The thing I like the most about this backpack is the incredible comfort and support—it feels balanced and stable on your back, even when fully loaded.
If I’m being picky, the 5.417-pound pack weight might stand to be a bit heavier for some ultralight enthusiasts out there. However, considering the features and quality offered in this backpack, it’s really a very small tradeoff.
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| Fine-tuned fit for various body shapes and sizes | Pack weight may be heavier than some prefer |
| Included raincover with eco-friendly materials | None significant |
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| Ample storage and organization options |
10. Osprey Talon Pro 30L Men’s Hiking Backpack
Now, if you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich hiking backpack, then Osprey Talon Pro 30L Men’s Hiking Backpack should definitely make your list. I was lucky to be able to test the pack out on several trips, and its performance continued to impress me.
One can definitely say that Osprey kept in mind the needs of a hiker when they designed this backpack. The adjustable shoulder harness lets you dial in a perfect fit; stretch mesh pockets on either side of the pack nip in convenient water bottles and other small items. An external sleeve holds up to a 3-liter reservoir. The two zippered pockets on the hipbelt are perfect for stashing snacks and other must-haves within easy reach.
Put any concerns about durability to rest. The Osprey Talon Pro 30L is made in Osprey’s Nanofly fabric. It is a very light but tough fabric that combines UHMWPE ripstop with 100D nylon. My favorite thing about the pack is its weight-to-comfort ratio. It’s the best of any backpack I’ve worn. But, I also love that it’s a do-it-all pack. It has features that let it handle day hikes and overnight treks.
That said, there are some areas in which the Osprey Talon Pro 30L falls short. One of those is that it doesn’t have a rain cover on its own; this might be kind of a shortcoming for some users and specifically for people who frequently hike in wet conditions. Also, the 30L capacity of the pack will feel a tad small for longer trips or larger users who like to bring along a lot of gear.
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Final Words
Now that you have read through this guide, you have been supplied with what you need in terms of knowledge to choose and buy the right travel backpack for your next adventure. Remember, the best backpack is designed for your needs and body. It’s comfy to carry and roomy enough for your gear. With regard to size, material type, compartments, and features, you willcontri aspetta found a backpack that will be your trusted traveling companion.
While buying a backpack for travel, remember that it’s something for which you are making an investment in all your travels. You’ll use the backpack enough; hence, it’s worth developing an inclination to research and compare and read reviews. Don’t be afraid to try out different options, ask, and seek advice from fellow travelers. Patience and persistence—with these, you shall find the perfect backpack that will make every travel more to your liking: comfy, hassle-free, totally stress-free. Happy travels, and may your backpack be your best friend on the road!