lightweight travel pack

The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Ultralight backpacking is exploding in popularity — and rightfully so: Going light means going farther, faster, and more comfortably, but you’ll need the right pack to do it with. We’ve been testing the best ultralight backpacks for more than a decade now, and have rucked in over 25 of the most dialed to key in on our top selections today.

To help narrow down the choices, we interviewed several knowledgeable thru-hikers and tested countless models to find the best ultralight backpacks, from the time-tested HMG Windrider 55 to the more budget-friendly Mountainsmith Scream . If you’re looking to pack light, you’ve come to the right place.

All of our current testers are long-distance hikers, and collectively, we’ve put down somewhere north of 15,000 miles on long trails everywhere from the Pacific Crest Trail to Iceland’s Laugavegur and Patagonian cross-country treks. We know the importance of balancing durability, weight, and functionality when scoping out the best ultralight backpack for your journey, and we allowed only the crème de la crème into this roundup.

While there isn’t a single ultralight backpack for everyone, we’ve noted some of the useful features and specs of each of our recommendations to help you find the best ultralight backpack for your needs. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our   Comparison Chart ,   Buyer’s Guide , and Price & Value sections for additional info to guide your choice.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ultralight Backpacks guide on September 13, 2024, to add the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 , ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit , and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 — all excellent UL packs that excel in their own niche.

• Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55
• Best Budget Ultralight Backpack: Mountainsmith Scream 55
• Best Entry-Level Ultralight Backpack: REI Co-op Flash Air 50
• Best for Ultralight Base Weights: LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve
• Most Durable Ultralight Backpack: ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
• Best Ultralight Pack for Heavy Loads: Stone Glacier Terminus 7000
• Best Comfort Ultralight Backpack: Osprey Exos Pro 55

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55

• Weight 1 lb., 15.6 oz. (white); 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (black)
• Volume 64.8 L (55 L main compartment, 9.8 L outside storage)
• Material DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom (white); DCH150 main body and bottom (black)
• Outside storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment

• Lightweight yet durable fabric will last entire thru-hikes
• Easy to adjust the volume with roll-top collar
• Removable aluminum stays add structure and support
• Mesh stuff pocket is a great place to dry wet kit
• Available in two different DCF weights
• Interior DCF will begin to fray after 1,000+ miles
• Ice axe attachment is finicky to use

After multiple thru-hikes now, we’ve settled on the  Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55 ($379) as just about the best ultralight pack for the greatest number of hikers out there. Even with new textiles making a big scene, the Dyneema Composite Fabric build of this pack is simply too good to stray from, and the smart feature set tacks on just what you need while having the restraint to do without what will weigh you down.

Available in three different volumes (40, 55, and 75 L), the 2-ounce penalty between the 40 and 55 volumes makes the middle child an easy recommendation for anyone setting out on anything from a long weekend to an entire long trail. Otherwise, this pack is basic: It has one main compartment with a bladder holder, a large mesh area with three separate compartments, two side pouches, and an ice axe loop. The design is a near paradigm at this point.

The roll-top closure keeps water out and the whole pack compresses down easily with a strap. The overall volume of the pack can be adjusted significantly by rolling or unrolling it to the desired level, and four side compression straps aid in the cause (as well as wrangling tall kit stashed in the side pockets, like trekking poles or umbrellas).

That expanse of mesh on the front of the pack is what differentiates this pack from the similar HMG Southwest and Junction packs, and we found it makes the perfect spot to stash a wet tent fly to dry. A note here that, like most mesh, this too can get snagged and tear, so consider your needs when choosing between these packs.

It’s expensive, but dang, this pack is durable! In our testing, despite rolling, and unrolling the top closure hundreds of times, placing sharp objects in the main compartment, sitting on it in rafts, and getting brushed and harassed by thorny wilderness on miles-long treks, there was not a single hole or tear. What will occur, however, after about a thousand miles of trail use, is that the interior threads of the DCF fabric in the collar will begin to become loose.

It’s the price you pay for ultralight materials, and with careful use (and some Dyneema repair tape ), you can get many more miles out of this pack. For the thru-hiker or weight-conscious weekend warrior looking for top-of-the-line ultralight performance that doesn’t skimp on durability, the Windrider 55 may just be the perfect pack.   

Read Review: Ultra-light, Ultra-tough, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider

Mountainsmith Scream 55

• Weight 2 lbs., 13 oz.
• Volume 55 L
• Material 210d Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop UTS
• Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two mesh side pockets, double front panel storage pockets

• Budget price
• Solid organization with plenty of zippered pockets and access points
• Lightweight internal frame distributes loads well
• On the heavier side for ultralight packs
• Roll top closure is sometimes a little funky if pack isn’t fully loaded
• Shoulder strap foam is a bit firm

The newly updated  Mountainsmith Scream 55  is a heck of a deal for ultralight backpacks. At a retail price of just $160 (and a lot less in the off-season), this is by far the least expensive on this list. We used the Scream on a few big hikes and were highly impressed.

This pack is a top-loader with roll closures, similar to the HMG Windrider , but with a shorter collar. This is mated up to a large U-shaped zippered front panel that helps access gear easily, and two large external stretch mesh pockets help with organization. With no top lid, this feature gives you a place to put small, frequently needed items. In use, we were impressed with how well the minimal EVA frame sheet distributed weight through our back, hips, and shoulders.

The 45-pound capacity is impressive compared to some of the lighter-duty packs in our testing, and we found that the aluminum hoop frame that forms the backbone of this pack was able to hit that number without much complaint. The shoulder strap foam is plenty thick, though we found it to be a bit firm for our liking.

At 2 pounds, 13 ounces, the Scream 55 is at the upper end of what we’d allow as ultralight, though its about the best price-to-weight ratio you’re going to find out there. For those willing to separate with a few more bills, the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 ($299) trims a full pound compared to the Scream, and sports a more conventional UL pack design to do it — while still retaining the suspension performance you’d expect from REI.

At $3 per liter of volume, though, you do get a good amount of pack for your money, and for anyone curious about checking out ultralight, the Scream 55 can be a stellar option.

REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack

• Weight 1 lb., 15 oz.
• Volume 50 L
• Material UHMWPE ripstop nylon (87% nylon/13% polyethylene)
• Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, two exterior side pockets, one front stash pocket, ice axe/trekking pole tether

• Pre-curved frame provides excellent comfort
• UHMWPE fabric is uber tough
• Water bottle pockets are front-angled and easy to snag
• Top Y-strap wrangles bulky items like bear canisters
• Compatible with REI Packmod accessories
• Back panel doesn't have the best ventilation
• Not fully waterproof design — will need other waterproofing solution
• Not the lightest option out there at nearly 2 pounds

A spur on the tried-and-true Flash series, the  REI Co-op Flash Air 50  ($299) is the industry old guard’s first foray into the UL pack scene , and color us surprised: they didn’t do half bad. Is it true UL at almost 2 pounds? Not quite, as we tend to aim at 16 ounces as our grail ultralight pack weight, but with a number of niceties we typically see on more mainstream packs, this is the ideal bag to dip your toe into lightweight hiking with.

Best thought of as a Flash pack cut from UHMWPE cloth, the Flash Air trims an entire pound from the OG (losing the floating top lid also helps accomplish this) but still retains a spring steel frame, ventilated back panel, pre-curved hip belt, and even load lifters. Similar to the Osprey Exos Pro , this pack still offers a good amount of comfort for lightweight hikers, instead of demanding they cut base weights.

We put the Flash Air into the hands of PCT alumni Samuel Martin, who measured it against his go-to Hyperlite packs and ended up dubbing it ultralight for the masses. “It’s a common misconception that you must trade comfort for weight when using ultralight gear,” says Martin. “Even while climbing 1,000 feet in 2 miles, the Flash Air 50 felt secure and weighted on my hips.”

Besides the better-than-average carry, the Flash Air follows pretty much the standard recipe: a single-compartment tube pack, with a large front stash pocket, and side water bottle pockets round out your storage options. Those side pockets are a bit unique, however, as they’re actually split into four separate sleeves: two tall for wrangling long water bottles and two short and angled for reaching into while wearing the pack. It’s no bottom pocket, but it works well enough for on-the-go snacking.

Like most UL packs, don’t expect the Flash Air to be 100% waterproofed: Martin found that even the waterproof UHMWPE fabric isn’t impervious to a Linville Gorge rain storm, and we recommend a pack liner to keep your essentials dry. The optional REI Pack Mod accessories also feel a bit gimmicky, and the shoulder-strap phone pocket isn’t nearly as nice to use as some integrated options, such as on the HMG Contour 35 .

Compared to other ~2-pound packs, the Flash Air 50 makes a compelling argument for itself as the perfect stepping stone into ultralight hiking — and even more so if you already use a Flash pack. The Osprey Exos Pro is another option to consider, though we found the side compression strap system on that pack a little less user-friendly. It’s also ~3 ounces heavier across the board, making the Flash Air our current recommendation for an entry-level UL pack.

LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve

• Weight 13 oz. without any accessories
• Volume 30 L, plus an extra 15 L external capacity
• Material ECOPAK EPLX200
• Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, large front shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment (optional), bottom stretch mesh pocket (optional)

• Crazy lightweight, yet durable enough for a thru-hike
• Tons of loud colors to choose from to spice things up on trail
• Long front shove-it pocket affords a good deal of external storage
• Ability to totally customize your own pack
• Need to purchase hipbelt separately
• Pretty low 20-pound weight limit
• Long custom pack lead times (upwards of 8 weeks)

Now we’re getting into those truly specialized ultralight goodies! With this pack, it’s all in the brand’s name. Starting at 13 ounces (that’s not a typo), the frameless LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve  ($235) seems to float from your hand when you pick it up. People are really thru-hiking with this?

More and more, these snazzy-colored, funky-shaped packs can be seen trotting (swiftly) down the length of the PCT, AT, or pretty much anywhere fast and light adventurers are getting after it. As a true cottage brand, LiteAF offers a huge variety in custom-building your own pack, from standards like torso and hip belt sizing to even tweaking the color of the pack body and pockets.

Available in three different styles of material (with rugged Ultra and DCF also options), the ECOPAK version of the Curve is the cheapest of the bunch, but that doesn’t mean the EPLX200 can’t hang. This fully recycled polyester textile uses a waterproof film backing and weighs in at 5.9 ounces/yard, meaning its a bit heavier than the comparable 200-denier Ultra at 3.5 ounces/yard, but its a more economical option, and as a bonus, it can be printed with all sorts of different patterns.

As a frameless pack, you’ll need to be smart in your packing of the bag to lend it structure from the contents and avoid any odd shapes poking into your back. We’ve had good luck in using a Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad folded into a back panel, though some hikers will also just use their inflatable pad. We found that the load carry on the Curve was as good as the frameless MLD Exodus or HMG Contour and that the narrower pack profile aided in keeping it clear while we hiked.

With 30 L of internal capacity (and an extra 15 L of external storage), your kit needs to be pretty dialed to make a long-distance backpacking trip work in this. The 30L Curve is for those with base weights under 10 pounds who are looking to lighten their setup even more (think: your tarp is also your rain gear, type vibe).

Despite such a low weight, this pack is still featured enough to make long-distance travel comfortable and efficient, and they offer several add-ons (such as a stretch mesh bottom pocket and various shock cords) to increase storage capabilities. While the pack doesn’t ship with hip belts, you can separately order a  1-inch webbing hip belt  or a simple  padded hip belt  if you feel the need.

For the lightest, fastest adventures you could dream of,  Lite AF’s 30L Curve  is about as ultralight and streamlined as they come. Take care of it, pack it wisely, and it could be the ticket to that next FKT you’ve been eyeing.

ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit

• Weight 2 lbs., 1.8 oz.
• Volume 68 L
• Material ULTRA 400X/ULTRA 200X Fabric + UltraStretch Mesh
• Outside Storage 2 zippered hipbelt pockets, 2 adjustable side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments

• Very durable water-resistant ULTRA 400X and 200X fabric
• Super comfortable and highly adjustable
• Customizable ordering for personal sizes — shoulder straps in particular
• Roll top with Y strap that can be replaced
• Roll top buckles clip both ways
• Fits bear cans both inside and on top
• Not seam taped/waterproof
• Strap connections aren't secured completely; can come off

The Circuit has a well-worn groove in the UL scene, with near-constant rankings in annual post-season long trail surveys and a name for itself as an already overbuilt bag. Now trimmed out in Ultra fabric, the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit ($380) is even burlier, and if you need something for bushwhacks, canyon trips, or just wailing on, this is the ultralight pack for you.

Thru-hiker Jackson Sims-Myers has around 7,000 miles notched on his hip belt, with a not small number of those completed using another ULA pack, the CDT . Now a canyoneering nut, Sims-Myers needed something with a bit of a thicker skin to put up with the abrasive nature of sandstone canyons, and the Ultra Circuit was just the ticket.

“I was honestly surprised by how well the Ultra fabric held up, considering the bag wasn’t designed to withstand this particular experience,” Sims-Myers said after thrashing the pack down (and back out of) the Grand Canyon. Ultra is the new hot-ticket in pack design right now, and while there’s a weight increase, it does a good bit better than Dyneema Composite Fabric when it comes to abrasion, with UHMWPE fibers running in three directions instead of two with DCF. 

Beyond the textile difference, the Ultra version shares a great bit with the classic Circuit, including two side water bottle pockets, two zippered hip-belt pockets, ice axe/trekking pole retention loops, and a large front shove-it pocket to round it out. The pack carries heavier loads comfortably with its contoured shoulder straps and padded back panel.

Its roll-top closure makes the volume of the pack highly adjustable. This is prime for thru-hikers, who will often load up for long stretches between towns and then can roll the top down to about 35 L as they empty the pack.

The pack carries extremely well, featuring a 1.2-ounce carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop coupled with a dense foam frame and single aluminum stay. This unique design provides great load control, rigidity, and back support without compromising on weight or impeding the range of movement. It’s no meat-hauler like the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 , but compared to many ultralight packs, the Ultra Circuit doesn’t shy away from weight.

While the Ultra fabric is inherently waterproof (and the pack uses a roll-top closure and waterproof zips), we did notice that the body itself isn’t taped, meaning water ingress can still be a problem. Price, too, should be considered, as this is one spendy pack at $380. You’re undoubtedly paying for access to the Ultra textile here, so if you don’t quite need that level of burl, consider the regular ULA Circuit — a standby pack.

Though not the lightest of ultralight packs, the ability to carry larger loads while still cutting down on weight makes the  Ultra Circuit  an ideal option for those heading into unkind environments for long trips.

Stone Glacier Terminus 7000

• Weight 3 lbs., 15 oz.
• Volume 115 L
• Material X-Pac and SG ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blend fabric
• Outside Storage No pockets, but plenty of sinch straps to attach things to

• Super low weight for the volume and how much it’s designed to carry
• Carries and distributes the weight of heavy loads well
• Very durable
• Pretty specific design for a niche need
• Huge profile

The  Stone Glacier Terminus 7000  ($649) is one of the more unique “haul everything” packs we’ve tested. Designed for the hyper-specific niche of big mountain goat and sheep hunting, the pack is capable of that and a whole lot more.

In essence, the pack is a single large tube of high molecular weight polyethylene attached to a world-class frame, shoulder straps, and harness. Designed to carry massive loads north of 150 pounds, this pack is a dream to carry. And thanks to smart carbon composite design, it weighs in at just 3 pounds, 15 ounces, which is super impressive, given its volume of over 115 L.

Our team tested the pack hauling loads in preparation for elk hunting, mountaineering, and general backpacking. It carries remarkably well, even with a lot of weight. While the pack is bare-bones in terms of storage solutions, it does have two internal pockets, a large external pocket, and a lid pocket, all of which can help keep items organized.

But its strength comes in hauling heavy loads. Unlike some hunting packs though, it doesn’t have a meat shelf, meaning that the load needs to be loaded internally. So, strangely shaped objects (like firewood or chainsaws) will be awkward to load. For those who need to haul heavy loads though, the Terminus 7000 is a unique, excellent choice that carries weight amazingly well.

Read Review: Ultralight, Ultra-Strong Backpack: Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 Review

Osprey Exos Pro 55

• Weight 2 lbs., 1.2 oz. (S/M); 2 lbs., 2.6 oz. (L/XL)
• Volume 55 L (S/M); 58 L (L/XL)
• Material NanoFly recycled 100-denier UHMWPE ripstop nylon with DWR
• Outside Storage 1 zippered & 1 elasticated hipbelt pocket, 2 side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, ice axe/trekking pole attachments

• Excellent suspension system that transfers loads well
• Cozy shoulder harness
• Fantastic breathability
• Fully featured
• Easily accommodates a bear can
• Z-style side compression straps aren't our favorite
• Heavier than other ultralight backpacks
• Thin hipbelt padding is noticeable with heavy loads

Folks, the wait is over. We present the newly minted Osprey Exos Pro 55 ($290), a lighter, sleeker sibling to the original treasured Exos . This pack is a fully featured iteration of Osprey’s lightweight standard bearer, with the luxe suspension system we’ve grown to expect, fine-tuned adjustability, and ample storage — while shaving nearly a pound off an already featherlight package.

To be sure, at just over 2 pounds, the Pro can’t hold a candle weight-wise to packs like LiteAF’s 30L Curve, but it has a 55-58 L capacity and the ability to haul much heavier loads. Plus, removing the brain sheds an additional 2.6 ounces, which is how we usually like to roll — making it even more competitive.

Nano-fly UHMWPE ripstop nylon, thin straps, and tiny buckles are key ingredients in the secret sauce. They strike a nearly perfect balance between bougie comfort and lightweight minimalism. With a suspended mesh back panel, full frame load transfer, torso adjustability, and ventilated mesh yoke, it carries and performs like Osprey’s chunkier models, which weighs over twice as much. For premium ultralight comfort and next-level breathability, the Exos Pro is next to none. So what’s the rub?

The obvious tradeoff is durability; 100-denier fabric will hold its own during light bush-bashing but is designed for the well-trodden path. For burly off-trail objectives, look to a pack made from Ultra, like the ULA Ultra Circuit or Black Diamond Betalight 45 . That said, we found ourselves scrambling over some pretty gnarly terrain with the Pro over our testing period, and it weathered the storm with barely any signs of wear and tear.

Other slight cons include relatively thin hip belts (only one pocket is zippered) and somewhat awkward Z-style compression straps that connect to the hip belt pockets, which just aren’t our favorite design. These straps were the deciding factor in us recommending the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 as our pick for a pack to get into ultralight backpacking with, as both bags are fairly similar (though the Flash Air does undercut the Osprey by a handful of ounces).

Don’t let our quibbles dissuade you, though. This lightweight feat of engineering represents a landmark for weekend warriors and thru-hikers alike, hinting at a new category of high-capacity, fully-framed ultralight backpacks. So, if you aren’t ready to make the leap to a glorified trash bag with straps and wish to carry a full-length toothbrush, then give the Exos Pro a shot.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35

• Weight 15.9 oz.
• Volume 35 L
• Material DCH50 main body and DCH150 bottom, 100D Dyneema Gridstop pockets, and Dyneema Stretch Mesh
• Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, front stretch front pocket, two shoulder strap pockets, one stretch bottom pocket

• Wide and cushioned shoulder straps support the frameless design well
• Pack weight just under a pound
• Side bottle pockets can fit two 1 liter bottles side by side
• Bottom stretch pocket is a great place for snacks on the go
• Seam tape on all internal vertical seams
• Grab loop on back of pack is fairly lightweight
• Internal volume will require either careful packing or fast hiking on long stretches

After using a Southwest 40 for a thru-hike of the PCT, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster was keen on getting some miles under the new Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 ($329), which required him to cut some luxuries and focus on the bottom line. After having now used the pack for sections of long trails and alpine packraft bushwhacks, his opinion: “This pack is Hyperlite hitting its stride.”

So what’s different? Well, not a lot, but also a good bit. For one, the bag is Hyperlite’s first dedicated frameless overnight pack, which thankfully is mated up to a redesigned set of shoulder straps that are a full 3.25″ inches wide. This puts the pack a cut above the brand’s Unbound , which sports a single aluminum stay and removable hipbelt. On the Contour, you’re locked into minimalism, but that’s not a bad thing: Belcaster found the suspension better than his Southwest.

The classic DCF build is a constant, and it’s a hardwearing textile that our miles of trail use are still trying to get to fail. Mated to that is a front Dyneema Stretch Mesh stuff pocket that wrangled our water filter, rain shell, and bathroom kit easily. The side water bottle pockets are pleated to add a good bit of material, and will accommodate two 1-liter bottles, in our experience. Besides this, there’s little else adorning the Contour, save for two paracord side lashings, where we like to dry our socks.

To be fully honest, the Contour does suffer from a bit of convergent evolution, where the idea of the modern ultralight pack settles into a familiar groove: The stretch bottom pocket — a feature we’ve grown to love on other packs like the Pa’lante V2 — makes an appearance here, complete with the corner cutout to slip your garbage into. Imitation/flattery and all that aside, the addition raises all boats here, and we loved stashing our day’s worth of snacks in the pocket every morning.

Like the LiteAF 30L Curve , you probably already know if the Contour is right for you. At 35 L of internal storage, this pack is squarely in the ‘single-hiker shelter, 30-degree quilt, probably-cold soaks’ camp and will necessitate putting down bigger mileage days to avoid packing too much food. Thankfully the 6.5 L of external storage is easy to use. During our testing, we also felt a bit uneasy fully hefting the pack by the grab loop, as it felt a bit flimsy.

But as they say, light is right, and if your base weight is consistently south of 10 pounds (and you hit that 3 MPH pace on the regular), the Contour 35 can be an excellent UL pack to carry it all with. The internal volume will challenge some to really trim the fat, but on well-supplied long trails, you could get away with a lot wearing this pack.

Black Diamond Betalight 45

• Weight 1 lb., 15.4 oz.
• Volume 45 L
• Material Ultra 200 & 400
• Outside Storage Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket

• Extremely durable yet lightweight
• Weather-resistant design
• Lots of storage built into shoulder harness
• Removable frame pad gives structure without adding much weight
• Hip belts and shoulder straps thinly padded
• Not our favorite strap closure design

Black Diamond’s answer to the ultralight wave is impressive, to say the least, yet expensive, to say the worst. Let’s get down to brass tacks on the novel Betalight 45 : if $400 for a sack with straps turns you away, it may be best to read on. Get into the nitty gritty, though — and it just might be worth it.

Black Diamond has been angling toward the mountain-running scene for a few years now, but this pack is its first effort at a backpacking pack that isn’t dialed in for the alpine. Perhaps the most important factor here, partially contributing to the high price tag, is Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra 200 body fabric — the same material that makes the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit so tough. BD certainly read the room by choosing this material, and the pack has proven tough.

Thru-hiker Chris Carter recently helped map out a new trail system in Kenya, and four days and over 60 miles later, the pack was hauled through hell and came out without a scratch (well — without a tear). Not only did it fend off endless thorns and sharp bamboo, but the waterproof fabric (coupled with taped seams) kept everything dry through torrential downpours. 

BD whittled the pack’s weight down to a respectable 31.4 ounces by employing this extremely durable fabric, which offers up a comfortable ride to boot. The running-vest-inspired shoulder harness is unusually wide, distributing weight well — but is sparsely padded. The hip belts are also quite thin (very reminiscent of Hyperlight Mountain Gear, also), meaning you’ll want to keep your load to a modest ultralight weight when using this pack.

We love the massive front shove-it pocket but wish you didn’t have to unclip the top strap to access it. The large side pockets hold contents securely, but it’s difficult to remove bottles on the go. The hip belt pockets easily accommodate larger iPhones and plenty of snacks, but the zipper sits a bit low on the pouch, meaning contents spill out easier than other designs we’ve seen. We found this out the hard way.

These gripes aside, the level of durability you get at such a light weight with the Betalight 45 pack is honestly shocking. BD still has a bit of refining to do, in our opinion, but this has the potential to be one of the more hardworking ultralight packs out there. For something with a bit more proven R&D (and cheaper), we suggest snagging a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider or, if you’re after the same Ultra material, the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit  — at a slight weight ding.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

• Weight 1 lb., 13.2 oz. (small); 1 lb., 15.2 oz. (medium); 2 lbs., 1 oz. (large)
• Volume 60 L (36 L main compartment, 24 L exterior pockets)
• Material 100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
• Outside Storage Two zippered hipbelt pockets, three side pockets, front mesh shove-it pocket, ice axe attachment

• Phenomenal organizational features
• Approachable price point
• Made with durable but light Robic nylon
• Excellent fit and adjustability
• Not the best ventilation
• Zippered top pocket difficult to use when pack is fully loaded

Well known for its lightweight but still comfortable packs, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315) is the darling of the lineup and weighs just over 2 pounds. As a brand, Gossamer Gear has typically steered away from the space-age textile race and instead focused on carrying comfort, and after some good miles under the Mariposa, we think it’s a solid option.

Newly specced out in 100D and 210D Robic nylon, this pack is remarkably durable for its weight. It also hits a modest price point compared to packs made with more expensive Dyneema Composite fabrics, and, instead, puts those dollars to work in organization. Like most other packs, you’ve got the classic stretch-mesh stuff pocket, but the Mariposa takes a different tack with the side pockets with one tall (perfect for umbrellas or your tent) and two staggered — for bottles and rainwear.

Fit, too, has been dialed in, or rather: you can dial it in, with two different styles of hip belts available (as well as five sizes across those options). This is a welcome departure from the ‘get-what-you-get’ of packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider   or Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus , and coupled with the load lifters, we felt that this was one of the most accommodating packs out there currently.

The biggest negative that we noticed had to do with its ventilation. Compared to some other models in its weight and price category, the foam sheet on the back is somewhat breathable, but left us wishing for some greater airflow. The ability to strip the pack of the pad is a handy feature, however, and the placement on the exterior of the pack means you can pop the pad out for a lunch break.

The Mariposa 60 has plenty of the hallmarks of being an excellent budget pick — save for the price, which, while still on the lower end, carries the overhead of being from a smaller brand. Instead, we like to think that the pack is a killer option for those who want an ultralight pack, but don’t want to get dinged with the wild prices. In this way, it’s similar to the Granite Gear Crown3 and Virga3 — both packs focused on carry and durability.

Granite Gear Crown3

• Weight 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Volume 60 L
• Material 210-denier high-tenacity nylon
• Outside Storage Two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, ice axe attachments, stretch mesh shove-it pocket, elastic water bottle lash on shoulder straps

• Low weight with a high load capacity
• Super durable
• Comfortable and versatile
• Lid converts into a lumbar pack
• The lack of a metal stay makes the load shift around some during use — can be purchased separately

The  Granite Gear Crown3  ($240) weighs just 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and has a 60L carrying capacity. Even at such a low weight, it can transform from a weekend heavy-hauler to a lightweight bag for a long thru-hike. Much like this pack’s predecessor, the Crown2 60, the Crown3 60 is versatile, light, and relatively durable for an ultralight backpack.

We tested the Crown3 60 on a 32-mile 4-Pass Loop hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and found the pack carried really well, even with a heavier-than-average load, thanks to the optional ($12, sold separately) aluminum stay. This beefs up the otherwise good VC Mark 3 Frame Sheet, giving the pack a weight capacity of up to about 45 pounds.

During our test hikes, we found the pack very comfortable and versatile, especially for its light weight and low cost. We also loved the huge side pockets, large stretch-mesh back panel, and removable, just-right-size top lid pocket.

The Crown3 uses the same material as the Crown2’s 210-denier, high-tenacity nylon, which we put through more than 2,000 miles of testing. So we expect it to hold up at least as well as the old version.

Compared to other lightweight packs that otherwise follow a familiar mold, we tend to suggest the Osprey Exos Pro 55 or REI Co-op Flash Air 50  more frequently than the Crown3 simply because these packs come ready-to-hike with supportive frames. This pack does slide in a good bit cheaper than both of these, however, so if you are feeling the squeeze, it can make a great option.

Read Review: Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review: Ultralight Pack, Heavy Potential

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L

• Weight 1 lb., 2 oz.
• Volume 58 L
• Material UltraGrid 200D, or Ultra X 200/100D
• Outside Storage Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket, trekking pole and ice axe attachment

• Accommodates a bear bin
• Built with ultralight but durable material
• Thoughtful, streamlined design
• Side pockets are quite tight
• Hipbelt is pretty short

Serious ultralight backpackers heap praise on the  Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L  ($245-325), and for good reason. The frameless pack carries a load of 20-25 pounds and weighs in at a scant 18 ounces. The brand calls it the “lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made.”

It’s a popular design for thru-hikers or others doing big, lightweight miles who may be carrying a bear bin to protect their food from bruins. At 12 inches wide, 7 inches thick, and 35 inches high, it will fit a small bin with room to spare for other gear.

True to its cottage industry roots, the Exodus is always changing for the better. The most recent pivot is to offer the pack in two different varieties of Challenge Ultra fabric: UltraGrid and Ultra X. The former is a double UHMWPE ripstop grid mated to recycled nylon, and the latter is the most cutting-edge stuff currently out: a 200D Ultra weave with an additional two plies of UHMWPE. The high-test stuff will run you $325 a pack, but for the money, it’s incredible stuff.

The Exodus has a very supportive, cushioned hip belt, especially for an 18-ounce pack. The SuperWick Mesh-lined waist belt wings with 1.5-inch webbing, and the buckle adjusts from about 28 to 45 inches.

It’s a simple design that serves the needs of ultralight hikers with no unnecessary features. Customers can add a lid or hip belt pockets and shoulder pockets if they so desire. The most glaring issue may actually be finding a proper use for all 55 L of space: frameless packs have a definite weight limit, which means you’ll be limited to bulky — but lightweight — kit, which makes this pack pretty niche. For most folks, a better all-arounder is likely the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider or, if you want to stay frameless, the LiteAF Curve .

For the lightest and fastest hiking missions where weight and efficiency are the biggest concerns, the Exodus has proven to be one of the best ultralight backpacks out there.

Granite Gear Virga3 55L

• Weight 1 lb., 10.8 oz. (regular); 1 lb., 11.5 oz. (long)
• Volume 55 L (regular & long)
• Material Robic high-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with barrier DWR treatment
• Outside storage Two side water bottle pockets, front shove-it pocket

• Simple, quick adjustability
• Better options for fit in straps, hip belt
• Durable, thoughtful design
• Quite affordable
• Easily accessible side pockets
• Compression straps are difficult to effectively use without a frame
• Recommend foam sleeping pad to add rigidity

The very first thing you notice when sliding a new Granite Gear Virga3 ($200) from the box is the wild-looking shoulder harness, with even more adjustability than you’d find on the beefy Osprey Aether . Not one, but two rows of daisy chains decorate the top of this pack, and afford the shoulder straps lateral and longitudinal adjustment with simple gatekeeper buckles. How is this still an ultralight pack?

Add in a fully adjustable pocketed hip belt, large side and front mesh pockets, side and front compression straps, all with a durable nylon construction, and you’d think this pack wound up in the wrong guide. But the Virga3 hovers miraculously around a pound and a half and can be stripped down further to a minimal trail weight of 1.18 pounds.

This does come with a caveat, however. Granite Gear achieved such an impressively low weight by leaving out a frame sheet or stays. The structure of the pack is meant to come from the load itself, and they have included top and bottom pad pockets inside the main compartment where you can insert a folding foam pad.

This is a unique design, but we found that some accordion pads were too large for the pockets. Additionally, many people prefer to hike with inflatable pads to save space. We also don’t find compression straps to be very effective on frameless packs, so we don’t generally use the ones on the Virga unless we have a pad in the back.

Despite all this, we found the Granite Gear Virga3 to be among the more comfortable ultralight packs we tested. Unless you’re toting seriously heavy loads, it carries quite well even without a frame or inserted foam pad. For a budget pack with a shorter learning curve, however, we tend to recommend the framed Mountainsmith Scream 55 , as packing a 55-liter frameless pack is a bit of an art.

We love the sleek design, incredible torso adjustability, and competitively low weight. This is also a very affordable pack, and we believe it would be a great option for those looking to snag a more feature-packed ultralight model for long treks.

Read Review: Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack at a Low Price: Granite Gear Virga3 Undyed Review

Ultralight Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Ultralight Backpacks

The GearJunkie team ranges from casual weekend backpackers to full-blown thru-hiking dirtbags and has put thousands of hard-earned miles on ultralight backpacks in a range of conditions and landscapes. We know what it’s like to get to the end of the day with a sore back from a poorly fitting or overloaded pack. We’ve therefore tried to whittle this list down to the absolute best models that won’t weigh you down, but also offer a comfortable ride over big-mile days.

Field Testing

Ultralight means more miles, and we obliged these packs, putting our fleetest feet under them across the country (and world). We assemble our standard ultralight kits (which average around 10 pounds) and hit the dirt, most recently completing 100-mile section hikes in the Pacific Northwest and treks across the highlands of Iceland.

Every gram counts when trying to pare down your base weight. So, while testing these packs, we considered factors such as durability, value, useability, and functionality of each accessory and feature to determine the quality of the pack. After weeks of putting each model through the wringer on fast and light backpacking trips, we feel confident recommending each of these backpacks to those wishing to push the limit and lighten their load on long trails.

And while ultralight weekend backpacking can be a hoot, UL kits really come into their own on thru-hikes. Thankfully, our current testing team has more than 15,000 miles of long trails under our belts, with hikes of the Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Continental Divide Trails being common. These treks are the ultimate in stress-testing for ultralight packs, and we regularly re-complete section hikes to rack up some high mileage on these packs.

Bench Testing

Our ultralight pack testing also hits the bench, where we tally up harder metrics to get a handle on, such as specific weights (ounces matter here), internal and external volumes, and material differences. Our waterproofing test consists of packing these bags full and taking them to the yard for a hose test, and finally, we crunch the numbers and come up with a weight-to-volume ratio to square these packs against one another.

Why You Should Trust Us

Editorial Director Sean McCoy led the charge with this guide back in November 2020, curating our initial selection of nine packs. A life-long hunter, backpacker, and all-around outdoorsman, Sean knows the importance of balancing weight with function on ultralight objectives in the backcountry.

Triple Crown thru-hiker Chris Carter has added significantly to our testing team, and his travels continue to take him around the world. He’s navigated the sinking sadness of a mid-hike pack failure and knows the importance of choosing a model that fits your needs and will last the distance. His gear testing is near-non-stop, and he’s most recently taken packs to the Himalayas for some extended treks.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster rounds out our testing team, and as an alumnus of the Pacific Crest Trail, he’s been around the block once or twice. A multisport athlete, Nick applies the ultralight ethos to much of what he does, and his testing takes him across the West to places like the Hoh Rain Forest and on long traverses of the North Cascades.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpack

We’ve all had that moment of frustration as new backpackers where we realize we’ve overpacked, and contemplate chucking half the gear we brought off the next overlook.

If you’ve decided to pull the plug and join the ultralight cult, there are some things you need to consider. First, it has to be done carefully as you are still headed into the backcountry with this kit, and need to be prepared for all the unexpected twists and misadventures Mother Nature loves to throw our way.

A reliable ultralight kit starts with a functional, solid backpack. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide what to go with, and you should think about the elements that you will encounter on your trip, and the level of comfort you want, before making a decision. Below, we’ve broken down several factors to consider when choosing the best ultralight backpack for your adventure, which hopefully streamlines the process.

Ultralight Backpacks Fabric Selection and Weather Resistance

Ultralight backpack manufacturers have the difficult challenge of offering an extremely lightweight package while also being durable enough to hold up to months of abuse on rough trails through bad weather. For that reason, these packs are constructed with the latest, most durable materials on the market, which often explains the high price tag.

Some of the most common fabrics found in ultralight packs are Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), Ultra, ECOPAK, X-PAC, and nylon (such as Robic or CORDURA). Each of these fabrics has different benefits and uses, which impact the weight, durability, and weather resistance of the packs they construct.

Many people look at ultralight packs and think they are waterproof, since they often resemble the classic roll-top closures of dry bags, or are made with shiny reflective material. While the fabric of some of these packs is highly water-resistant, you will still want to add additional rain protection to your gear for when the weather turns foul.

We like to use separate ultralight Dyneema dry bags for contents that absolutely need to stay dry (such as electronics, a first aid kit, a puffy jacket, and a down sleeping bag), with a large lightweight pack liner that always stays in the backpack, protecting everything. The two most popular waterproof pack liners are Nylofume bags, such as this one sold by Gossamer Gear .

We’ve found this to be the best, lightest, and cheapest way to ensure that your gear stays completely dry. And you don’t have to waste time desperately fitting a rain cover over your pack as a freak storm sweeps in, as the inside contents are already protected. Just make sure there’s nothing too important in the external shove-it pocket.

In general, Ultra, ECOPAK, DCF, and X-PAC are waterproof to some degree, though the packs that use them may not be seam-taped, and water will seep through in prolonged bad weather. Most hikers who use these packs will still use a pack liner or cover in significant rain to keep their gear dry. Materials such as Robic nylon, on the other hand, will absorb water slowly over time and allow your pack contents to get wet.

The introduction of DCF and X-PAC to the backpacking scene represented a pretty significant jump in ultralight fabric technology due to their incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Packs such as the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 have secured their spots as the lightest packs in their size range because of DCF, with the ability to carry loads of up to 35 pounds while maintaining an impressive, ultralight weight.

Ultralight Backpack Volume Selection

The volume of your ultralight pack is an important part of the selection process, and depends heavily on how dialed in your base weight is. Ideally, you want to have a sub-10-pound base weight while wearing ultralight packs, which includes everything aside from consumables (such as food, fuel, and water).

This is largely because, in order to achieve such a low weight, ultralight backpacks are generally not as durable or supportive as traditional, heavier backpacking backpacks.

Overpacking them will result in faster deterioration over time, and they just won’t hold the load as comfortably on your back. For that reason, you want to make sure the gear you are packing is also as ultralight as possible if you are going to be using an ultralight pack.

For most ultralight hikers, a 40 L pack will provide enough volume for a long weekend trip, or a 3- to 5-day push between towns on a thru-hike. This will always depend on the climate and terrain you intend to hike through, but for general three-season use, 35 L to 40 L should suffice. Some packs, like Hyperlite’s Windrider 55 , can expand or contract a good deal to accommodate different volumes of loads.

As hikers obsess further over every gram in their packs, truly committed ultralight backpackers can whittle their entire thru-hiking kit to fit into 30L or smaller packs, but this comes with some notable sacrifices.

Using simple tarp shelters (or even a rain poncho) in lieu of tents, going stoveless, or carrying less food helps to save weight, but not everyone is ready to take that leap.

Hip Belts on Ultralight Backpacks

For a couple of reasons, many ultralight backpacks have a removable hip belt or no hip belt at all (such as LiteAF’s Curve 30L or HMG Contour 35 , which both have optional hip belt additions). This is primarily found in frameless ultralight packs. Many hikers who have already dialed their base weight well below 10 pounds find that they can save even more weight by leaving the hip belt off, without sacrificing too much comfort.

With frameless ultralight packs, hip belts are not as load-bearing as traditional packs, as there is no frame for the load to be transferred to. The hip belt really only helps keep the pack close to your body while hiking, preventing it from jostling around, since you optimally will be carrying a weight that won’t overly fatigue your shoulders.

While most ultralight packs will still have a hip belt, they will often not be as padded as traditional packs (such as the hip belt on Mountain Laurel Designs’ Exodus 55L ), and you may have the option of removing them entirely. You can still find great ultralight options, such as the Granite Gear Crown3 , that have solid suspension, ventilation, and support at the cost of a slightly heavier package.

It’s important to think about the comfort level you are looking for in your pack, and how far you are willing to go to cut more weight.

Packing an Ultralight Backpack

You want to pack an ultralight backpack in much the same way that you would pack a traditional backpack . However, there are some additional considerations that are important to note. Namely, ultralight packs cannot carry the same weight that traditional packs can, so it is important to have as minimal and lightweight a kit as possible. This will not only prolong the life of your ultralight backpack but will make it feel a lot more comfortable.

As previously mentioned, you will ideally have a base weight of under 10 pounds. Starting at the bottom of your pack, place your lighter, fluffier items like a sleeping bag and other elements of your sleep kit. These will serve as a “pillow” on your lumbar on top of which some of your heavier items can sit.

Bulkier, heavier items, such as your cooking kit, food , and tent , should go in the middle of the pack and be situated as close to your back as possible. By putting these items in the middle of your back, you alleviate a significant amount of stress from your shoulders or lower back, which is particularly important with ultralight backpacks.

Finally, at the top of your bag, you want to pack lighter items that you may need to use throughout the day, such as a midlayer or rain jacket .

Since ultralight backpacks also tend to have less padding than other packs, you want to be more aware of how your gear is fitting inside your pack, in order to avoid things poking uncomfortably into your back.

When packing more featured, framed models — like Osprey’s cushy Exos Pro 55 or REI Flash Air 50 — you don’t have to be quite as careful, as the load isn’t jutting directly into your back. Most ultralight backpacks force you to think carefully about how your gear meshes in the pack, so it doesn’t sit uncomfortably against you, but this isn’t as big of a consideration when the frame separates the load from your back.

These framed models also allow you to carry heavier loads, since more of the weight is transferred to your hips through the rigid structure of the frame. Additionally, compression straps work much better on framed backpacks than frameless ones, as there is built-in structure to compress the load against. This means you can often achieve a tighter, less wobbly package while bounding along the trail with framed packs.

Ultralight Backpacks: Pros & Cons

Ultralight backpacking means keeping your entire load low. Your base weight, including all your gear — except consumables like food, water, and fuel — should be under 10 pounds.

And that’s where these packs shine. They are light themselves, thus adding very little weight to your back, but they also carry light loads comfortably and can stand up to reasonable on-trail use.

You really need to keep your weight down with these packs ( Stone Glacier Terminus excluded). Most of them won’t serve you well if you load them heavy, so they’re a little less versatile than more robust backpacks.

Where does this matter? If you own just one backpack and plan to use it for hiking, ski mountaineering, and rock climbing, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Also, some of these packs aren’t super durable for off-trail hiking, so be sure to scrutinize materials closely if you plan to use them while bushwhacking.

Ultimately, you will have to decide if you’re willing to trade creature comforts for minimal weight. For those who’ve made the leap, the above are some of the best ultralight backpacks on the market.

Price & Value

Going ultralight doesn’t mean you have to lighten your wallet unnecessarily, but typically, more specialized kit like ultralight packs will cost a bit more, compared to conventional backpacking packs. That’s why keying in on exactly what you get for the money is worthwhile.

Just dipping your toe in? No need to splurge then, and with a few trade-offs, you can get into a lightweight pack that’ll trim pounds from your base weight. This will typically mean that fancy textiles like Dyneema Composite Fabric and Challenge Ultra are off the table, but even humble nylon can be juiced up by going with a Robic or ‘high-tenacity’ variety. These packs often will employ a simple aluminum hoop frame for structure, but otherwise, they won’t be very modular.

The Mountainsmith Scream 55 ($160) ticks plenty of the boxes we’re after in a UL pack, but only if it fits you. This pack is only available in one size, and limited sizing or adjustability is common in more budget packs. Instead of a frame, the Granite Gear Virga3 ($200) invests in a more robust suspension set-up, but you’ll have to supply the rigidity with your sleeping pad.

Middle-of-the-pack bags ($200-300) open up a good number of different options, and with it, better textiles. While Dyneema Composite Fabrics used to be the best and bleeding edge, Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra material has recently been overwhelmingly adopted by the UL community, and both offer impressive strength-to-weight ratios — at added expense. Packs in this range are often more adaptable with strippable frames or hip belts, meaning you can tailor your pack to the trip you’re taking.

The LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve ($235) uses a less-expensive EPLX textile in its frameless construction, but makes up for it in the huge number of features you can add to your custom pack. Both the Osprey Exos Pro 55 ($290) and REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack  ($299) lean into the comfort-first angle, and instead use fewer features or smaller hardware to hit their 2-pound weights.

Paying anything north of $380 these days will net you a pretty premium ultralight pack, with all of the R&D of a cottage brand (or brand edging into the scene). Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ULA Equipment, and Zpacks are big names in this price range and offer packs tailored for the likes of thru-hikers who need packs that will last 2,000+ miles. Expect cutting-edge fabrics and function over features on these packs.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 55 ($379) has been our top pick for a few years running now, and it’s still one of the best premium UL packs out there. The Ultra variant of the ULA Circuit ($380) also, has a storied history, and with a new super-tough weave, it’s well worth the price. Niche packs, too, are found in this price range, like the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 ($649), a hunting pack made to be as light as possible (and still carry 115 liters).

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask 100 hikers about their favorite ultralight pack and you’ll get a dozen different answers. But like all backpacks, the most important aspect is that it fits your body perfectly and is adjusted properly! If you don’t know how to fit a pack, it’s worth a trip to an outdoor shop to talk with a qualified salesperson.

If you can keep your packing weight low, yes, an ultralight backpack is worth the investment for many hikers. However, it’s worth noting that ultralight packs require the user to understand how to pack efficiently to keep their load weight quite low, usually less than 25-30 pounds.

If you expect your gear will weigh more than that, an ultralight backpack will probably not be a good choice, as many won’t support heavy loads very well.

Your base weight is the weight of all your gear not counting things you consume such as water and food. So it includes things like your stove but does not include the food you cook.

Most ultralight backpackers consider a base weight of 10 pounds to be a good measure of ultralight backpacking. Get it down to 5 pounds, and you’re in the superlight backpacking range. For more casual, lightweight backpacking, you can stretch the weight up to about 20 pounds.

The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Head into the backcountry with the best backpacking backpacks of 2024. From budget-friendly options to ultra-comfortable picks, we’ve got you covered.

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Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The Best Packable Daypack for Travel

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Packable daypacks are a perfect option if you need a lightweight spare bag to stash inside your luggage when you travel. They’re also great if you need an extra bag while running an unexpected errand during your daily commute.

After testing 18 packable daypacks, we chose four lightweight, portable, well-constructed bags to fit a variety of situations, including traveling, hiking, and commuting.

Although every trip has its specific considerations, the bags we recommend share a few similar qualities. All of them are water resistant to some degree, pack down small enough to fit easily into a carry-on bag, and hold at least 20 liters comfortably. We picked a bag for city travelers , a pack good enough for daily use , and a lightweight bag that stays dry in stormy weather . For space-conscious travelers, we have a pick that fits in the palm of your hand .

The research

Why you should trust us, compact and comfortable: away the packable backpack, more structure: waterfield packable backpack, a lightweight bag to carry in the rain: matador freerain22 waterproof packable backpack, a pack that fits in your palm: sea to summit ultra-sil day pack, how we picked and tested, other good packable bags, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve covered travel luggage and bag design for Wirecutter for nine years and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time.

For this guide, I built on previous years of experience and research by a writer and two editors who have, among them, worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica.

We developed our earliest criteria for this piece after doing an interview with Sara Morrow, an archaeologist who spends summers working expeditions on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She uses a packable daypack to transport her tools, notebooks, and personal items between the base camp and dig sites, and she considers it a necessity in the field.

Personally, I try to pack lightly and almost always travel with at least one packable bag to use on small day journeys once I’ve reached my destination.

Away The Packable Backpack

Compact and comfortable.

Remarkably light and easy to compress, this bag ticks all the boxes for daily use while traveling: comfortable, quietly stylish, and sturdy.

Buying Options

Who this is for: It’s a good option for anyone who wants a packable bag that takes up as much space as a pair of socks but is still comfortable. Its casual look is also unlikely to draw attention when you’re walking around.

Away’s The Packable Backpack is made of a blend of light recycled nylon, with classic, if somewhat minimal, good looks.

It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s comfortable to wear. On your shoulders, the only thing that sets this bag apart from a regular backpack is the lack of structure, a side effect of the bag’s 7-ounce weight. It doesn’t have the same reassuring heft of a traditional backpack (no packable bag does), but when it’s filled with a few odds and ends, its wide straps and sensible shape are comfortable to carry on your back. To save on weight, Away designed the top of the bag like a cinch tote with a flip cover—a simple and effective solution.

It packs up small. When not in use, it rolls up and fits into a separate zippered pouch; it’s about the size of a bunched-up heavy T-shirt.

It’s well made and well priced. For a bag of this quality, it’s an excellent bargain. Away uses the same materials in similarly designed packable tote and sling bags, which we recommend if you’re looking for packable options that aren’t backpacks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A minor quibble is the lack of internal organization beyond the one small, zippered wallet pocket. If you need more organization, the WaterField Packable Backpack has another front pocket and bottle holders. But it’s such a small complaint for bags in this category that it’s hard to call it a flaw.

• Expanded dimensions: 18.1 by 11 by 5.9 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 7 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Capacity: 19 liters
• Warranty: 100-day return and one-year warranty

WaterField Packable Backpack

A more structured pack.

Slightly heavier weight and more-advanced materials give this backpack a reassuring heft and impressive water resistance—and a high price tag. It’s comfortable enough to use as your daily backpack.

Who this is for: Anyone who values a slightly mature look with extra durability and protection from the rain will appreciate this pack. However, it is our most expensive pick.

The WaterField Packable Backpack is a well-built travel backpack that marries the heft of a regular backpack with the compactness of an easy-to-pack tote.

It looks and feels like a regular backpack. In addition to being the most traditional-looking backpack of our picks, it feels the most like a traditional backpack. The shoulder straps, which are ergonomically shaped and lined with breathable mesh fabric, make the bag easier to carry over long distances.

It has more organization. WaterField’s Packable Backpack has a front zippered pocket and two open side pockets that could hold a water bottle and an umbrella. When you’re not using the bag, you can fold it down into a built-in packing pocket, which doubles as an interior zippered pocket when the bag is on your back.

Its high performance matches its high price. However, it’s WaterField’s attention to materials that sets this bag apart from our other picks (and increases the overall price). A layer of Taslan nylon—a very thin, but sturdy, fabric—is layered with a structural tricot mesh and a robust water-resistant coating. Water practically bounced away from this bag during testing—even more so than with our pick from Matador —so it’s a good option for wet climates.

• The Waterfield Packable Backpack weighs about 12 ounces; it’s heavier than our other picks but not by much. The bag holds 16 liters of stuff, which is on the smaller side compared with our other picks but still plenty big for a single traveler on a walk. It doesn’t pack down as small as our other picks.
• It’s a little tricky to pack into its self-contained pocket. It’s not as simple as just inverting it and stuffing away to your heart’s content. You have to do a series of particular folds to pack the bag properly, which WaterField shared in a video . There’s a fine line between portability and irritability, and this bag cuts that line very close.
• Expanded dimensions: 15 by 11 by 6 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 9 by 9 by 3 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Capacity: 16 liters
• Warranty: “practical lifetime” repair or replacement

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

A lightweight bag to carry in the rain.

This bag will keep your things dry during adventures in wet climates or unpredictable weather. It packs down to about the size of a potato, but its lack of overall structure isn’t ideal for long hikes or days of carrying.

May be out of stock

Who this is for: If you need a spare lightweight bag that can stand up to the elements while taking up very little space, the Freerain22 backpack is for you.

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is excellent in wet climates or anywhere where you might realistically expect to get caught in the rain—think hiking around Seattle or touring London in the fall.

It’s mini but mighty. The Freerain22 backpack folds down so small—to about the size of a pocket camera—that it feels like a magic trick. Made from 30-denier abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon (denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric), it kept our things dry even in a rainstorm, although a small amount of humidity and moisture did get in on occasion while we were hiking around Hawaii. The main compartment opens and closes with a roll top that buckles down on the sides like a dry bag. It’s the best possible design if you’re serious about keeping out water.

It’s versatile—to a point. During our testing, it worked well for travel and on the trail, as long as we didn’t try to carry too much, too far. This pack’s mesh shoulder straps, though very breathable and wide enough to distribute the weight, are like two pieces of hosiery: barely there. And though they are wide enough to resist pinching, a thin strip of fabric can only do so much to protect your clavicles. In addition to using this pack for travel and hikes, we also liked to throw the Freerain22 pack into a jacket pocket in case it rained during commutes around town.

It has some nice extras. Along with a sternum strap, removable hip strap, and loops to hold trekking poles or ice axes, it has two side pockets for water bottles, with side buckles for securing the containers in place, and a zippered front pocket. Other than that, it doesn’t have much organization. But that’s not why you buy a bag like this. The Freerain22 backpack is best as a just-in-case bag. It’s so small that you can bring it with you everywhere, and when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.

• The compromises that are necessary to shrink a bag this small also become its flaws. The shoulder straps are so thin and insubstantial that it’s impossible for the Freerain22 backpack to be comfortable over long distances, especially when you’re carrying more than 10 pounds.
• Some of our testers also found that the shoulder straps, though adjustable, were so long that they couldn’t get the straps short enough to fit their shoulders and frame.
• It’s not as structured as our other picks—it feels more like a reusable shopping bag on your back. If you want a stiffer, more traditional backpack feel, consider the WaterField Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19.5 by 11 by 9.5 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 5 by 3 inches (length by diameter)
• Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Capacity: 22 liters
• Warranty: one-year repair or replacement

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-size packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry more often, though, you might prefer one of our more structured picks.

Who this is for: It’s fantastic for anyone who needs a light, spare bag that they can take with them anywhere, anytime.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is perfect to keep in your pocket or in the glove compartment of your car—it’s handy for when, say, you need a spare bag at the market.

It’s our most packable pick. The Ultra-Sil pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it’s very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

It’s tougher than it looks. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, so it can carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more-structured picks.

• With a bag this small and light, any flaw is an aspect of its narrowly engineered use. Are the shoulder straps thin? Of course! Would it be nice if this bag—which deploys from a small sack that fits in the palm of your hand—had more back padding? Yes. But that would also make it larger and heavier. If you’re not willing to trade some comfort to get the smallest possible carry, this isn’t the bag for you.
• The bag also won’t keep your things dry in the rain like some of our other picks, such as the Waterfield Packable Backpack or the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19 by 11 by 8 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 3.5 by 2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Warranty: lifetime repair or replacement

Depending on whether you plan to scale cliffs or tour museums , certain features become more or less important when you’re choosing a day bag.

To help make sense of what to prioritize among the dozens of available options, we pored over articles across many outdoor publications and consulted other comparative reviews and advice from sources such as REI and GearLab .

We also considered our own experiences to determine what makes a great packable daypack. Here’s what we look for:

• Weight and size: The whole point of a packable daypack is that it packs well, so weight and compressed size are important factors. Carrying capacity generally correlates to the weight and size of a bag, except in more explicitly technical packs, which may cut down on weight by using lighter, but more expensive, materials.
• Ergonomic features: Stowable daypacks can look and feel like stuff sacks with straps, or they can be full, ergonomically shaped backpacks. The wearability of a bag usually comes down to its load distribution and support system (such as the sternum strap on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack ).
• Organization: Most packable daypacks come with at least two compartments—the largest, or main, compartment and the (often attached) pouch into which the whole pack stows away. Beyond those, an external pocket that can hold small, frequent-use items (such as keys) or sleeves for water bottles are useful. The drawback of adding more organization is that it decreases the packability of a bag and often contributes to weight.
• High-quality materials: Because a packable daypack needs to be able to carry at least some weight when in use but still fold up for storage, materials make the difference between a lightweight pack that feels cheap and flimsy versus one that you feel confident filling to the max and carrying into a rainstorm. The fabrics and composite materials used in higher-quality bags are light and durable but remain nearly invulnerable to water.
• 15- to 25-liter capacity: This seems to be the ideal range for a pack that can hold a full day’s worth of stuff while remaining reasonably lightweight and portable. It’s enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, along with some rain protection, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, and whatever else you might need for a day about town.
• Weather resistance and durability: Although a few bags we liked, such as the Matador Freerain22 pack and the WaterField Packable Backpack , come extremely close, total waterproofing is a lot to ask of any lightweight bag. At a minimum, a pack should provide enough protection to keep you and your gear dry through at least a few minutes of wet weather. The better packs often feature more-careful construction, which is visible in details such as sealed and tighter stitching (our pick from Matador), self-sealing YKK zippers (our pick from Away), and reinforced bottoms (our pick from WaterField).

If you’re planning some heavy excursions and looking for the absolute best equipment: You might consider the Hyperlite Summit 30 . It’s a remarkable piece of equipment, a full-size 30-liter backpack weighing only 0.8 pounds. Made of Dyneema composite fabric, Hyperlite backpacks are highly water resistant and long-lasting. And each one folds up to take the same space as a couple of T-shirts. Most people looking for a spare travel bag don’t need a $200 ultralight backpack designed for hiking. But for a rare type of traveler, the Summit 30 might be the best choice.

If you need a heavy-duty bag for hiking: The Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack is a capable hiking daypack that’s hydration-bladder compatible, but not everyone needs a packable bag this hefty. Alone, it’s 1.25 pounds, which is heavier than any of our picks. For the price, we prefer the simplicity of our other picks. But the Beast28 is a good bag, albeit with a large footprint even when it’s packed up.

If none of our picks are available: Consider the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack , another decent choice in the sub-$50 cinch-top-bag category. It’s a fine alternative, but for a little more money you get a lot more value with our other choices.

Aer Go Pack 2 : The previous version was a pick, but the current model is too bulky to be packable; it takes up more space in your suitcase than would ever be worth it on a trip.

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack : This is a decent small backpack, but the drawstring closure top kept this out of consideration. Not only are drawstrings a hazard if they slip out, but they are prone to breaking, and the cinch closure is useless against bad weather.

Dakine Packable Backpack 22L : These are tempting bags, especially for the price. But the fabric (115-denier recycled nylon) feels thin and underwhelming—although it’s Bluesign approved, which we like. The problem is the bag’s closure, which only has a cinch top. If Dakine added a lid that could close over the design similar to Away’s The Packable Backpack , we’d likely make it a pick.

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack : This bag was previously our runner-up pick for hikers. Its zipper and material felt flimsy enough that we were concerned they would fail with long-term use.

Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 : This is a good bag at a slightly high price, but it didn’t make the cut for us because of its weight and large size even when rolled up.

Gonex 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack : Although it has rave reviews online , we found the stitching was more fragile than we like to recommend.

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack : The Stowaway Pack was organized and comfortable enough that we liked carrying it on the hiking trail, but we preferred our pick from Matador for its better weatherproofing.

Mystery Ranch In and Out 19 : The In and Out 19 is made of a 100-denier Cordura nylon, which was strong but too heavy for us. The biggest mystery during our testing was how to fold this bag back into its pouch.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L : This is simply a bad design for a tourist. The tote’s large handles, which hang loosely off the back of the bag when it’s worn as a backpack, are a huge red flag for personal safety and security. And all the extra straps and connections make carrying and using the bag a pain.

REI Co-op Stuff Travel Pack - 20L : This is a competitor of the Matador Freerain22 pack that falls short. It mimics our Matador pick in its design, but not in the quality of its materials. Its flimsier fabric and zipper will fail sooner.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing a new packable daypack from Tortuga; we plan to report back with our findings soon.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

Table of contents

10 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

Paring down to the essentials into one single travel bag, whether you’re heading a few hours away or traveling thousands of miles, can be fun and freeing as long as you have the right gear – and the right backpack to pack it in.

Our team at CleverHiker has spent the last 10 years traveling all over North America, from Calgary to Cancun and Hawaii to Hartford, testing more than 20 of the top travel backpacks. This guide represents the best of the best backpacks when it comes to price, comfort, and durability, as well as considerations like carry-on size and weight.

If you’re looking for more room and versatility out of your travel bag, pop over to our guide to the best duffel bags . For those who love a well-organized backpack, consider picking up some durable, compressible stuff sacks or packing cubes . And when you need easy access to your small essentials, you can’t beat a quality fanny pack .

Quick Picks for Travel Backpacks

Check out this quick list of our favorite travel backpacks, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best travel backpack overall:  Cotopaxi Allpa ($200)

Best budget travel backpack:  Ebags Mother Lode ($100)

Most organized travel backpack for one-bag trips:  Tortuga Outbreaker ($350)

Best travel backpack for photographers:  Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300)

Most versatile & stylish travel backpack:  Nomatic Travel Pack ($300)

Best travel duffel bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159)

Travel backpack with the best safety features:  Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ($290)

Durable & highly compressible travel bag:  Osprey Farpoint Men’s ($185)  / Fairview 40 Women’s ($185)

Most protective travel backpack:  Osprey Sojourn Porter ($195)

The CleverHiker team has been testing tons of new travel backpacks against our go-tos while we’ve traveled across the country on planes, trains, and automobiles – and there’s been quite a shakeup in the order of our list.

• The Cotopaxi Allpa moves to the number one spot due to it’s excellent balance of organization, functional pockets, cushy padding, and upbeat colorways.
• Thanks to impressive affordability and a burly build, the Ebags Mother Lode  is a close second that stands out for it’s expandable design and efficient compression straps.
• We added the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 for it’s industry-leading durability, precise sizing as an airport carry-on, and cavernous main compartment.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35

Best travel backpack overall for organization, durability & style

Price: $200

Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 20 X 12 X 10 in.

Options: Allpa 28 & 42

• Main compartment opens fully
• Streamlined organization
• Hideaway straps
• Raincover included
• Material marks easily

The Cotopaxi Allpa has everything we look for in a travel pack – streamlined organization, easy-access pockets, a comfortable carry, and unique style. The main compartment organization is about as close to perfect as it comes for us. There are four zipper compartments of different sizes for keeping things tidy – s0 there’s no need to add organizing cubes or stuff sacks – and they’re all made of mesh which makes it easy to see what’s inside. The trendy colorways stand out but aren’t abrasive, offering a more interesting design and flair than the endless wash of black backpacks out there. We’ve been using the durable Allpa pack for several years of travel now, and the stitching, hardware, and outer materials look just as good as the first time we used it.

• Ebags Mother Lode

Best budget travel backpack

Price: $100

Weight: 3 lb. 15 oz.

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10

Other Options: Mother Lode Jr.

• Fits large laptops (up to 19")
• Lightweight
• Laptop compartment isn’t as padded as others

With the features of a premium bag and a price tag from the bargain bin, the  Ebags Mother Lode travel backpack is an incredible value for the money. This expandable bag opens up suitcase-style to a tidy internal organization system with one large mesh zipper pocket and a modular “shelf” with compression straps. The shelf helps keep things, like clean and dirty clothes, separate, or it can be unclipped to make one large compartment for packing whatever way you like. We love a well-organized and durable bag, and this model from EBags has an impressive number of smartly-placedpockets, burly zippers, and 4 highly effective compression straps. As long as you don’t mind the lack of a hipbelt, the Mother Lode is an excellent choice for travelers with expensive taste and a small budget.

Tortuga Outbreaker 40L

Most organized travel backpack for one-bag trips

Price: $350

Weight: 4 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in.

Other Options: 30L Weekender

• Tons of organization
• Adjustable & supportive suspension system
• Heavily padded TSA laptop pocket (up to 16”)
• Lots of electronics storage
• Large waistbelt with compartment
• Sleek design
• Heavier than others

If you’re the type of traveler who wants everything to have its own designated space, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L will be your new favorite travel companion – you won’t find a better organization system on this list. The spacious main compartment opens up fully like a suitcase and has a handy mesh pocket to separate dirty clothes. It also has quick-grab pockets on the exterior for wallet items, small essentials, and a huge TSA-ready electronics compartment. If you’re carrying electronics on every trip, this bag has our favorite laptop compartment; it’s heavily padded and fleece-lined to keep your valuables protected, and can fit laptops up to 16 inches.  So many pockets may be overkill for some, but it’s perfect if you have a lot of little things to keep tidy or you love a solid, intuitive storage system. All of these features make this travel pack feel much larger than it is, and at 40 liters you’ll be able to fit everything you need for up to a wee – or longer.

Peak Design Travel 45

Best travel backpack for photographers

Price: $300

Dimensions: 2 x 13 x 11 in. (fully expanded) / 22 x 13 x 9.5 in. (compressed)

• Highly padded
• Lots of access points
• Handles on all sides
• TSA laptop pocket
• Hideaway harness
• Theft-deterrent zippers
• Heavier than some others
• No compressions straps / bulky

The  Peak Design Travel Backpack is the epitome of smart, elegant design. With its multiple access points (back, side, and front) and slick expansion system, this bag can be tailored to countless uses whether you’re heading into a high-mountain expedition in Nepal or just taking a quick daytrip to your local trails. It really shines when you have a lot of camera gear, gaming equipment, or electronics to tote, but don’t think that this bag is just for the techy crowds. Its stylish look and streamlined organization will work well for anyone wanting a single bag that can fit many niches – our take on this pack is if you’re traveling anywhere, you’ll need a pack just like this to stay organized and stylish. The biggest downside is the steep price tag, but the heavy padding, weather resistance, and stellar safety features are worth every penny for a backpack that will last for years and years of travel.

Nomatic 30L Travel Pack

Most versatile & stylish travel backpack

Weight: 4 lb. 2.3 oz.

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 9.5 in.

Other Options: 40L Travel Bag

• Waterproof zippers
• TSA laptop compartment
• RFID safe pocket
• Removable hipbelt / hideaway straps
• Durable materials
• Bulky profile

The  Nomatic Travel Pack is definitely the most sleek-looking bag we tested, and it’s also chock-full of useful features. This bag is a modern and sleek take on suitcase-style backpacks, and easily transitions from a professional business tip to a trendy daily carry whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or open country. It expands from 20L to 30L making it versatile enough to work as an everyday backpack, a commuter bag, and a travel bag. We also love how many different types of storage there are, including cleverly placed magnetically expandable water bottle pockets, TSA-ready laptop and tablet sleeves with plenty of padding, and a large zippered mesh internal pocket. The Nomatic Travel Pack is very expensive, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bag if style, durabilty and versatility are what you’re after.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40

Best travel duffel bag

Price: $159

Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 21 x 13.7 x 10.6 in.

Other Options: 55L, 70L, 100L

• Water-resistant
• Multiple carry options
• Fewer pockets
• No padded compartment for electronics
• Not the most comfy backpack

For those times when you want to just throw everything in a bag and go, you can’t beat the convenience and durability of the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel . We’re cheating a little bit here: while the isn’t a dedicated backpack, it easily turns into one thanks to beefy padded straps that can be tucked away when not in use. Made from burly 900-denier recycled ripstop polyester, you can put this thing through the wringer season after season without having to worry about it. The outside of the pack features 20 lash points, and seam-sealed zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel make access to smaller items fast and easy The Black Hole Duffel works great for quick trips when you need to just grab and go, or for packing those extra bulky things that won’t fit in your carry-on. Check out our list of the Best Duffel Bags  to see how it compares with our other favorites.

• Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

Travel backpack with the best safety features

Price: $290

Weight: 4 lb. 4.8 oz.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13 x 7.9 in.

• Built-in anti-theft & safety features
• Comfortable carry
• Takes a second to open due to safety features

The  Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is the ultimate pack for those travelling with valuables that need to be kept safe. It comes with locking zippers, a cable lock, and slash guards in the straps. The zippers take a minute to open when they’re in the locked position, but they open up to a nicely organized bag with simple pockets. In our experience, many travel backpacks aren’t necessarily designed with comfort in mind, but the Venturesafe was the most comfortable all-day carry for us thanks to a heavily padded back flexible hipbelt, and a sturdy chest strap – a more technical feature that’s common in hiking backpacks. If keeping your things secure is your main concern, but you don’t want to sacrifice a modern aesthetic, the Venturesafe is the pack for you.

Osprey Farpoint 40 & Fairview 40

Durable & highly compressible travel bag

Price: $185

Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz. / 3 lb. 7 oz. (Farpoint/Fairview)

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in.

Other Options: Farpoint 55 & 70 (Men’s sizes), Fairview 55 & 70 (Women’s sizes)

• Comfortable
• Good compression system
• Laptop compartment is not as padded as some others
• No internal organization / pockets

The Osprey Farpoint  (men’s sizes) and  Fairview 40 (women’s sizes) are comfortable bags with quality construction. They have some of the most burly hardware (zippers, buckles, straps) of all the backpacks we tested, so they’re especially great for folks who tend to be hard on their gear, and for the rigors of travel – from rolling around in overhead bins and trunks to laying on the dirt, cement, and train station platforms, these packs are built to last. The Farpoint and Fairview have a simple approach to organization with little in the way of internal infrastructure, so we recommend picking up inexpensive packing cubes to maintain order. No matter how packed your bag is, we’re big fans of the well-placed internal and external compression straps that cinch it all down into a neat package. The Farpoint and Fairview can be tailored to many different travel styles with the option to carry as a backpack, a briefcase, or a messenger bag.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

Most protective travel backpack

Price: $195

Weight: 3 lb. 7 oz.

Dimensions: 18 x 15.8 x 12.2 in.

Other Options: 30L, 65L

• Good compression
• Good suspension
• Streamlined pocket organization
• A little large for carry-on with some airlines
• Sidewalls can get in the way when packing

If you’re a rugged adventurer who needs an equally tough bag, you’ve found it in the Osprey Sojourn Porter . Whether you’re throwing it under your seat on a plane, carrying it on cross-country travels, or heading to the nearby park, you can rest assured that your things are protected thanks to the padded sidewalls. These rigid sidewalls can be a little cumbersome when trying to pack the bag, but they’re excellent for compressing the load, so the bag feels streamlined even when it’s packed to the gills. The opening of the Porter is more similar to a duffel, so the interior organization is minimal. Pair the Porter with some packing cubes  if you prefer things to be more organized. The Porter is great for those looking for a simple, durable bag for the most adventurous excursions.

What’s Most Important to You in a Travel Backpack?

Traveling isn’t cheap: plane tickets, rental cars, hotel stays, and all of the essential gear can cost a pretty penny. That said, we’ve found that paying a little extra for a top quality bag means cost savings in the long run, since your bag will last for years. Luckily, a good travel bag doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. You’ll find stellar options at every price point below.

Best budget travel backpacks:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Best value travel backpacks:

• Cotopaxi Allpa

Best high-end travel backpacks:

• Tortuga Outbreaker
• Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Nomatic Travel Pack

CARRY-ON SIZE

We’re big fans of one-bag travel. Not only do you save money on checked-bag fees, but you also have less stuff holding you back from adventuring. While most of the backpacks on this list are carry-on friendly, these are our favorites that fit the most common dimensions. Be sure to check measurements ahead of time with your airline and airpot, because carry-on size varies between companies.

Best carry-on size travel backpacks for most airlines (22 x 14 x 9 in. / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in.):

Best small travel backpacks for small airplanes (ex. IcelandAir: 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.8 in.):

• Cotopaxi Allpa 28
• Ebags Mother Lode Jr.

ORGANIZATION

Dumping everything out of our packs as soon as we reach that hotel, hostel, or spare room is part of the experience of travel – but we want everything organized and efficient inside the bag until then. When it comes to traveling, we prefer streamlined backpacks that have a small number of highly functional and well-placed pockets. Bags with built-in dividers are also our top contenders when it comes to maintaining order.

Best travel backpacks for staying organized:

Best travel backpacks with a good balance of pockets & simplicity:

Your backpack is your constant companion for trips where you’re moving around a bunch, whether you’re on a plane, a train, or navigating your way to your next stop. It’s important to find a bag that’s comfy enough to carry all day, so that you can focus on enjoying the experience. Consider options that can be used as a messenger bag, briefcase, or backpack for versatility.

Most comfortable travel backpacks:

• Osprey Farpoint (Men’s)  / Fairview (Women’s)

We’ve all been there before: you get your bag packed with your favorite outfits and hiking gear and that extra pair of shoes – and then you remember that pesky weight limit. We recommend starting with a lightweight bag to ensure you’ll use your weight allowance for the essentials.

Lightest travel backpacks:

VERSATILITY

Your bag may have to take on many different roles – daypack, purse, briefcase – so it’s good to look for one that can fill multiple niches. If you’re traveling for many hours or you’ll be hoofing it over large distances, a bag that can be carried multiple ways puts less strain on the body and is more comfortable throughout the day.

Most versatile travel backpacks:

We’ve also had our bags come out of the luggage carousel looking like they were thrown into the propellers – it’s not a good look. Travel is hard on bags, so we prioritize bags that have excellent stitching, durable fabric, and a sturdy frame.

Most durable travel backpacks:

• Osprey Sojourn Porter

THE CARRY-ON SIZED NOMATIC TRAVEL PACK IS HIGHLY ORGANIZED ON THE INSIDE & SIMPLE ON THE OUTSIDE

THE TORTUGA TRAVEL BACKPACK 40L IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION OF THE OUTBREAKER

PACKING CUBES HELP KEEP YOUR THINGS ORGANIZED IN YOUR BAG

THE PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE DUFFEL CAN BE USED FOR TRAVEL, CAMPING, THE GYM – JUST ABOUT ANYTHING

THE PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK IS WELL PADDED & MADE WITH DURABLE FABRIC TO PROTECT ELECTRONICS

THE PACSAFE VENTURESAFE EXP45 HAS A TON OF SAFETY FEATURES BUILT IN

Critical Travel Backpack Considerations

What size to choose.

The right size backpack is going to vary from person to person, but we typically think less stuff equals more comfort. We usually go for travel backpacks that are between 30 and 40L to maximize capacity for necessities while keeping everything in a small, tidy package.

GETTING ORGANIZED

Keeping things organized is key to a stress-free experience. Some travel backpacks come with a pocket or compartment for everything, but we prefer organizing our things in  packing cubes  for a more customizable way to keep everything neat.

The most important travel safety tip we can give is to stay hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially in places with lots of foot traffic. For additional safety, consider bringing along  small luggage locks  to lock zippers and swap out your current wallet for a  RFID technology wallets  or  card sleeves  to protect sensitive information sitting in your back pocket.

Carry-on size varies a lot between airlines, check your airline’s website to make sure your bag fits their dimensions. Also be sure your  toiletries and liquids  meet the standard of 3-1-1 (3.4 oz. liquids in 1 bag sized at 1 quart max) for carry-on. We love using refillable  GoToobs  for our shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

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The 11 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We evaluated 89 carry-on backpacks in more than seven separate tests in our New York City lab and even utilized our airplane set — complete with a row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins — during the process. We then took each bag out into the world for at least six months to test its worth on a variety of trips.

Why I'm the Expert

After taking part in every single backpack test we've done since 2022, personally testing more than 50 bags, and even owning two packs from this list, including our best overall winner, I'm confident there is a carry-on backpack for every type of traveler here.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

I've used this pack for over four years and I'm confident I can fit more in it than a carry-on.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

During testing, we weren't surprised to see that the durable-feeling materials weren't damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed the bag onto the ground. Aside from testing this bag in our lab, I personally own it and have used it for countless trips in the last four years. The quality hasn't wavered in the slightest and I typically reach for the bag since I can fit more than I could in a carry-on. Plus, with the rising costs of bringing luggage on an airplane, this bag has been a real money-saver since I can usually fit my personal items inside, too.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
• PHOTO: Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Long Trips

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best With Packing Cubes

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpacks on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

It features adjustable straps to change the bag's size and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer.

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use.

After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of adjustable buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer that can be hung in a closet when you reach your destination.

We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpacks, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. Bonus, if you want a sustainable backpack , this one is made from made 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester. 

The Details: 20 to 42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is crafted from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material to protect your belongings in bad weather.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

It has straps that distribute the bag's weight and makes it feel lighter, which is great for walking long distances.

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Calpak terra 26l laptop duffel backpack.

With a modular design, we loved being able to carry this spacious pack as a duffel or backpack.

We found it was most comfortable to carry as a backpack when packed full.

The two-in-one design of this carry-on backpack from Calpak makes it the perfect piece of luggage to add to your collection. If you need to carry the backpack long distances, the padded straps offer plenty of comfort to protect the shoulders from feeling the weight of the pack, and they can be tucked away when they're not needed. For rushing off an airplane or grabbing the pack quickly, the duffel bag strap makes it easy to sling the pack over the shoulder within seconds. In testing, senior commerce editor Lydia Price preferred using the backpack straps after noting that the generous padding in the back and on the straps made the bag noticeably more comfortable to carry. I also own this bag and prefer to use the backpack straps, but I love having the option to carry it multiple ways as my needs change on the go.

Although the bag is medium-sized with a 26-liter capacity, it still has plenty of room to fit enough clothing for four or five days' worth of traveling thanks to the numerous pockets—an organizational design feature you'll find in many Calpak luggage pieces . The clamshell-style opening also makes it easy to organize items between the two compartments. The ripstop polyester fabric didn't scuff or scratch during our durability tests and we especially love that the outer material is water-resistant, which is helpful for all types of adventuring from urban to outdoor settings.

The Details: 26 liters | 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | 17-inch padded laptop pocket

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack : We loved how durable, comfortable, and water resistant this 35-liter backpack is. It also comes with a waterproof phone case that kept our phone dry when submerged underwater. However, the roll top is so long and cumbersome, it makes packing a bit of a hassle.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On more than seven separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 89 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight into how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was left over as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

It may seem obvious, but to find the perfect travel backpack you need to first consider its primary function. For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space. When traveling by air, you might also want to consider an option with wheels for added convenience, like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag .

Frequently Asked Questions

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

It depends on the airline, where you're flying, and the kind of flight class you purchase. Some airlines only allow you to bring one item onto the plane with you, while others will let you bring a personal item, such as a backpack, and an additional carry-on item, like a suitcase or weekender bag . It's always best practice to double check your airline's luggage restrictions prior to traveling.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

After moving to New York City in the spring of 2022 to test travel gear for T+L, Anna Popp has spent countless hours personally testing more than 50 backpacks including bags on this list from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has been traveling with our top pick for more than four years — and even had to get everyone in her family the same bag so they would stop stealing hers.

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The 9 Best Travel Backpacks for Keeping Your Stuff Safe and Secure

These bags are versatile enough to suit your style, whether you’re a minimalist or tend to overpack.

For short expeditions that don’t require a full luggage set , light travel gear is key. Yes, a suitcase is virtually mandatory for bringing a lot of stuff on a week-long vacation, but during weekend jaunts or day-to-day exploring while you’re out, you’ll appreciate the versatility and convenience of a travel backpack.

These packs are easy to carry, fit comfortably in overhead bins on planes, and many of them even pack down when you aren’t using them. Some have wheels and work as rolling duffel bags or light-duty hiking packs . A good travel pack will strike this balance nicely, providing enough storage space and protection for your belongings while remaining easy to pick up and go. And this doesn’t mean they’re bare-bones sacks. May have internal sleeves for water bottles to prevent them from rolling around, a laptop sleeve separate from the main compartment, small zip pockets to store smaller items like wallets or phones, and even small tethered latches to hook your keys on.

For your outdoor adventures or weekend trips to the city, check out our picks for the best travel backpacks.

• The Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Overall: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
• Best Value: REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack
• Best Suitcase-Style: Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack
• Best Waterproof: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
• Best Weekender: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

What to Consider

How we selected, our full travel backpack reviews, what size travel backpack do i need.

Large travel backpacks, or those with a capacity of around 35 to 60 liters, are ideal for trips where you want to be as prepared as possible, like thru-hiking or long-term backpacking.

If you plan on camping for multiple days or don’t mind checking your bag on a flight, the added storage space means you don’t need a fanny pack or shoulder bag with you too.

Small bags are easier to carry, store, and use as carry-ons for flights. These options are better for weekend getaways or day packs where lightweight convenience is paramount. While backpacks with less than 35 liters in capacity will work best as day packs, with some clever packing and maybe the help of a few packing cubes , they can serve as your primary luggage on short trips.

Especially for outdoor travel and camping, hardiness is key. The travel backpacks we recommend are made of sturdy materials that hold up well to drops, scratches, and long-term wear-and-tear. 

Nylon and recycled polyester are lightweight and more weather-resistant than canvas or leather. Choose nylon or polyester for adventures where you’ll be out in the elements. 

You can tell the density of nylon and polyester material by its denier rating. Essentially, the higher the number, the denser the fabric. This doesn’t directly translate to durability, but it worth keeping in mind when considering materials.

Canvas and leather are sturdier (but much heavier) options that prevent snags or tears on sharp objects. While the bags are less practical in outdoor settings where their weight and lower tolerance to weather reduce their practicality, these backpacks are often built with fashion in mind as much as function.

Ripstop nylon or polyester is about as durable as leather and canvas, though slightly more expensive than regular nylon exteriors. Ripstop fabrics are made with integrated synthetic threads that stops a small snag spreading further on the material. For those traveling in big cities, ripstop nylon and polyester are also a great preventive measure against thieves who may try to slash your backpack open.

Even if the material isn’t naturally water resistant, it is sometimes treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This coating causes moisture from light splashing or rain to bead up and roll off, protecting your backpack from water damage. Just now that DWR will wear off, and you may need to reapply it in time.

A good travel backpack should last you for 10 years or more. Beyond choosing quality materials, taking care of your backpack can extend its lifespan even further. Store the backpack away from direct sunlight, clean the exterior occasionally with a mild soap, and make sure to dust or vacuum away any sand or dirt that accumulates near the zippers.

Fit and Style

While most travel backpacks are generally rectangular, there is a variety of styles. Many bags have a long, tall shape to them, sometimes going past your hips or above your neckline. This makes them great for stacking lots of items, like clothes or books, on top of one another. Bags with a wider construction, oftentimes reaching or even surpassing the width of your shoulders, are better suited for carrying larger items.

It’s worth going to a physical store and trying on backpacks you’re interested in to see how they fit your body, especially as you start looking at higher capacity choices.

The variance in shape means their capacity is utilized differently. Two bags could each have an identical 40-liter capacity yet fit a disparate selection of items. This can affect how you pack, especially if you want to bring oddly shaped items like your camera or a pair of hiking boots .

Most of the travel bags we recommend, like our top pick, the Osprey Farpoint 40 , are backpack-style. A few of our recommendations convert to duffels, often with a dedicated place to tuck in the backpack straps when you aren’t using them, while others come with zip-off day bags for carrying just the essentials.

Travel backpacks designed to take on heavy loads often come with sternum straps that connect the shoulder straps together or hip belts or straps to disperse the weight and reduce the strain on your shoulders.

Some also have thick cushioning on the shoulder straps and hip belts, which prevents them from digging into your skin as you walk. Load lifters (supplemental strips of webbing that connect to the shoulder straps) pull some of the weight off your shoulders and disperse it throughout the rest of the backpack; they’re also relatively common.

While adequate weight distribution features and shoulder strap cushioning are great no matter how heavy your bag is, load lifters and hip belts will only really be necessary if you are carrying some serious weight.

Storage and Safety

Common storage features to keep in mind include sleeves for your laptop or tablet, side pockets for umbrellas or water bottles, and included packing cubes or dividers. Some backpacks have dedicated pockets for holding glasses or zip storage for passports with an RFID-blocking liner to prevent identity theft.

Many travel packs also come with shock-absorbing cushioning for more sensitive items like cameras and electronics. You might see this felt-like material on the laptop sleeve in your bag, for instance. Good packs also have water-resistant or fully waterproof pockets or exteriors. Some even come with water-resistant zippers and sliders to prevent any moisture from entering.

If you’re worried about safety, pay attention to some of the emergency features on some of the backpacks. These include an emergency whistle attached to the shoulder strap, high-visibility reflective material on the exterior, designated water pouch sleeves, or even a detachable rain cover.

In determining the best travel backpacks, we relied on the ample previous firsthand experience of our team here at Popular Mechanics as well as testing we did for this article. We wanted to get the general impression of how each pack performed over a typical week of use in travel. That included aspects like user-friendliness, how easy it was to pack common travel items, the comfort level when carrying or on our backs when the pack was full, and durability. We also took into account if the pack had internal organization or additional pockets for small items.

We also researched more than a dozen expert sources and thousands of consumer reviews to select the top travel backpacks. In our research, we considered the size, capacity, added features, material, and price point, among other factors.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

With enough space to fit gear for anywhere from a week to a month, this travel backpack from Osprey is a do-it-all bag. Its frame suspension moves weight from your shoulders to your hips, and its mesh back panel prevents your shirt from getting soaked with sweat during hot days. Large, smooth zippers open to the main compartment, while interior mesh pockets keep your gear organized. A laptop sleeve located on the front of the pack’s interior lets you take your work with you (if you can’t escape it).

The Farpoint also converts easily to a duffel. The hip belt and shoulder straps stow underneath a zip-up back panel during rough travel, like in the cargo hold of a plane. And if you opt for one of the larger sizes, the zip-off day pack makes the Farpoint more like two adventure bags in one.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack

At once one of the most spacious and affordable options, the REI Co-op Ruckpack also stands as an incredibly versatile choice. The main bag has 60 liters worth of space and comes with several purpose-built pockets, including space for a water pouch.

The Ruckpack also comes with an included 20-liter daypack that fits neatly inside, even if completely packed. Fill your backpack with everything you need for your trip, and then as you head out for the day, leave the big bag behind and take out your compact day pack with just the essentials.

The bag is packed full of features, from a sternum buckle that doubles as a safety whistle to trekking pole latches to a secret sunglasses pouch. The combined 80 liters of storage between the two bags should serve as more than enough for any adventure.

Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack

Thule has long been a major name in packing—we love the company’s packing cubes as well as its car roof storage. The Landmark travel backpack continues that legacy, emphasizing organization and durability above all else.

The front of this backpack opens like a traditional suitcase for easier packing, or you can open it from the top for easy access to items throughout the day. It comes in three different sizes, each designed to handle trips of varying lengths. Each bag comes with a shallow protective pocket at the top to quickly and easily store valuables. The bag also has a hidden sleeve for cash, passports, and other essentials to protect your items while traveling abroad.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Made from durable polyester and ballistic nylon, this bag is ready to take a beating. The hiking-style shoulder straps, sternum strap, and padded hip belt mean it carries super comfortably, and you can quickly deploy the included, high-visibility rain cover should the sky open up.

Inside, the bag is all suitcase. It even unzips and opens up like one. A large, zippered mesh compartment on the right side is ready for all your big things, and divided mesh pockets on the left keep you from losing the small stuff.

This functionality combines with a minimalist style that would be in place with your curated streetwear outfit and piled in with your outdoor camping gear alike. Choose from 11 distinct color combinations to fit your taste without sacrificing storage space.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

Topo Designs has a distinct aesthetic, and this pack is a prime example of its geometric, pocket-heavy construction. If you like organizing and separating your gear, this travel backpack is a great fit. The interior is broken up into a slew of zippered compartments, which are easy to access because the main zipper runs from one far bottom corner of the bag to the other, allowing it to flip wide open. There’s also a laptop sleeve.

Carrying is easy with the shoulder straps and hip belt, both of which can detach and store inside a designated back panel on the backpack. Or use the longer strap, which also stows away, to carry the bag like a duffel.

Uncommon on smaller travel packs, this backpack has load lifters on the shoulder straps that help you pull the weight tighter to your back for a more comfortable fit. The bag still fits in airline overhead bins—Topo created it specifically to be carry-on compliant.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45

Peak Design is known for making intuitive tech peripherals like phone cases, camera straps, and tripods, so it’s no surprise that its travel backpack is just as handy and organized. The thing is big—45 liters isn’t outlandish among this lineup, but the pack extends far out from the back, which can weigh you down if you’ve loaded it with lots of heavy stuff.

But with that size comes a main compartment spacious enough to Tetris a lot of gear into. There’s not much in the way of internal organization, though you can get into the compartment from the main back panel, front panel, and side panels for quick access. Peak Design also sells packing cubes separately if you want to keep your items organized inside the main pocket. There is a laptop sleeve inside the back panel, too.

External organization is excellent, with several small compartments for essentials and bottle sleeves on the sides. Two straps deploy to form an X across the front of the pack for securing a tripod. A trick (and probably our favorite feature) is the pair of flaps on the back panel. These flaps open on each side of the pack to stow away your shoulder straps and waist belt, preventing them from any unwanted snags.

These flaps stay flat courtesy of magnets, so there are no zippers to fuss with. And if you do buy this pack, rest assured that your expensive photo equipment will stay scuff-free and dry encased in the 400-denier nylon canvas and polyurethane treated with DWR.

Samsonite Virtuosa Carry-On Travel Backpack

For air travel and city trekking, this sleek companion from Samsonite is an ideal day pack. With a strap to slide directly on top of a suitcase handle and a compact size that fits under airline seats, it impressed us with its usefulness on a flight.

Once you’re on the ground, the backpack becomes a convenient item for exploring. The modern design is sharp. And its internal compartments are great for your essentials: a laptop sleeve, two internal storage pockets, and even a sleeve to slide your water bottle into let you walk from place to place with your hands free. That said, the feature that impressed us the most was the semi-hidden front sleeve. Perfect for storing passports and wallets, this has a zipper and a magnetic latch keeping it secure. It also has a tethered clip inside to hook your keys onto.

It’s worth noting that this backpack is smaller than the other options on this list, and isn’t suited for carrying heavy loads or as a solo pack for a weekend trip.

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Travel Backpack

There are few bags that offer the sort of versatility that the Mission Rover from Mystery Ranch does. Made of Cordura—a thin, durable nylon fabric blend—this travel backpack will stand up to snags, drops, or scratches.

The Mission Rover has dedicated mesh pockets for easy organization inside, and a front pocket for smaller accessories, as well as a laptop sleeve. On larger versions, the backpack even comes with a specific compartment for shoes and one to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.

You can carry the pack in three configurations to fit your needs or preference. These include a traditional backpack style with both straps, a sort of briefcase look by grabbing the side handle, and a shoulder strap to serve as a makeshift duffel bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

A favorite of our reviews editor and frequent adventurer Kevin Cortez , this travel backpack from Able Carry has the versatility and storage space for a full trip.

Calling it the “smartest designed bag I’ve ever used,” Cortez says, “It has a pocket for just about anything I need, and I’ve traveled plenty of times with it to know that I can fit at least two size-12 shoes in its massive second compartment—and still have room to spare. I particularly love its laptop compartment and its sleek protective sleeve. Plus, it features a zippered area with four smaller pockets that can neatly fit all of my folded charging cables for my 2023 MacBook Pro, iPhone 15, and Playdate (yeah, I have one of those), and my chapstick, without bulking it up.”

It also comes with a side pocket that fits a full-size water bottle and a top pocket for your wallet, keys, or passport. The main storage pocket zips all the way down for easier packing.

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling . He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website .

James Lynch is Popular Mechanic’s Field Editor looking for stories across the U.S. about those building a better America. He’s passionate about the Erie Canal and the Apollo Space Program. 

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The Best Ultralight Backpacks

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Packing is a necessary evil: it’s essential for any trip, but it can be challenging. If you’re ready to travel lighter and easier, keep reading to discover the best ultralight backpacks and add one to your shopping list!

Best Ultralight Backpacks

Written By: Haddie Vawter

Table Of Contents

Whether you’re a hiker, backpacker, or just a traveler, you’ve probably tried to find ways to be more efficient with your packing. If you’re tired of carrying around rolling luggage and want a better way to pack, you’re in the right place.

Ultralight backpacks are the best use of space and are so much easier to carry than luggage or a regular backpack.

Top Picks for the Best Ultralight Backpack

Without further ado, let’s dig into the list of the 11 best ultralight packs! These are in no particular order, but they do range in price, weight, security, and style.

Shop Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack: Amazon | REI | Osprey

Osprey Farpoint Is One of the Top Ultralight Backpacks

The Farpoint 55 offers a unique two-in-one style. The main compartment is a 40L backpack and it attaches to a 15L detachable day pack for a total space of 55L. When using the two items separately, the two pieces work perfectly for carry-on air travel and make for lighter-weight travel.

Osprey is built to last, which is exactly what you need when you depend on a travel bag to act as a home for all your belongings on a long backpacking trip. Farpoint Osprey packs only weigh 4 pounds which makes them very lightweight bags and speaks to their quality materials.

Read our review on Osprey Farpoint 55 for more details!

Shop Osprey Transporter 36L/22″: Amazon | Osprey

An Ultra Light Bag Like Osprey Transporter Is Perfect for Carry-On

The Osprey Transporter wheeled carry on has 36L of volume and weighs 6.5 lbs, making it one of the top ultralight bags. It’s compact yet super packable, with great organizational features and handy spinner wheels, so it’s ideal for when you want to travel carry on only and keep things light yet practical.  

The benefits of this bag are endless! It features a 16” laptop sleeve, internal pockets and dividers, and can expand up to 5L for extra space. It has a cute, contemporary look, and it’s durable enough to handle the tough wear and tear of traveling for long periods!

The backpack version of this bag – the Osprey Transporter Global – is another top pick that’s also 36L, is super comfy to carry, and features a 16” laptop sleeve and a trolley sleeve!

We’ve compiled a list of the best osprey backpacks so you can pick your favorite one!

Shop Osprey Tempest 20: Amazon | Osprey  |  REI

Best Lightweight Backpack for Adventure Travel Is Osprey Tempest

Osprey ultralight backpacks are known for their excellent quality, and the Tempest backpack is one of the most popular choices for those who embark on adventurous travels and want reliable durability! 

This backpack is a solid investment, offering 20 liters of space , plenty of pockets, and tons of security for your belongings! And it’s only 1.98 lbs ! However, because of the smaller size than some other options, it might be best for a light packer or a shorter trip.

Read this ultralight backpacking gear guide for your next adventure!

High Sierra Loop Backpack

High Sierra Loop Is a Solid Pick for Travel 

High Sierra isn’t always a name you see when talking about hiking gear, but they do have a great ultralight backpack. At a little over 2 pounds it’s a bit on the heavy side, but the Loop is definitely the best High Sierra backpack for travel.

It holds up to 33 liters without looking like a backpacking bag. What makes it a great choice is the tablet sleeve on the inside, perfect for a trip that’s not very tech heavy, but heavy on enjoyment. The price comes in around $39.

Here’s the best hiking gear list for female trekkers!

Venture Pal Hiking Backpack

Venture Pal Is the Best Light Backpack for Budget Seekers

Another tried and trusted brand with TFG readers is Venture Pal . Going for under $40, this ultra light backpack is one to consider if you’re a budget traveler. 

It’s a super easy bag to carry, has a deep and spacious main compartment for packing, and can stow away in its own handy pocket when not in use! This durable nylon pack is just under 0.7 lbs , and the size makes it a great option for light packers or shorter trips.

Take one of the best packing organizers to help you pack lighter!

Shop Eddie Bauer Adventurer Trail: Amazon | Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer Ultra Light Backpacks Are Some of the Most Compact

This Eddie Bauer backpack is a compact and straightforward option that’s quite budget-friendly, too! Cute and sporty in style and logical in size, it’s smaller but still highly useful.

It has a spacious main compartment that holds 30 liters, so for an ultra-lightweight backpack, it has more space than you might think! It boasts a low profile design equipped with a FreeCool trampoline airflow back panel , two water bottle pockets, and great organizational features. At only 1. 7 lbs, this bag won’t slow you down as you explore!

I’d recommend you also use a backpack cover or a suitcase cover to prevent your bag from getting wet or dirty!

Osprey Kyte 36 Backpack

The Osprey Kyte 36 Pack Is Absolute Comfort

With 36 liters of storage space and the durability Osprey products are known for, the Kyte 36 can handle some serious adventures! 

Comfortable to carry, this bag has a breathable foam backpanel, a hipbelt with pockets, and a comfy, women’s-specific fit. This backpack is incredible for hiking , with attachments for gear, a raincover, two water bottle pockets, and an external reservoir sleeve!

Find out our favorite cute backpacks for travel !

REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack

This REI Pack Hits the Right Travel Notes

REI is a well-known name and this model is one of their top lightweight backpacks. When it comes to ultralight, this bag is a tad bit heavy at just under 3 pounds. But, the style is sleek and practical and it comes in a few neat colors like Castle Rock and Olive Oil.

This pack is around $200. It’s an investment, for sure, but has the makings to completely replace your other luggage or backpacks. Breathable mesh, adjustable straps, and layered compartments make this bag a worthy option.

Check out our tutorial on  how to clean a travel backpack !

HMG 2400 Windrider 40 Pack

Go Hardcore With the Windrider 40 Pack

Another pricey option, the sleek and durable Windrider nudges the wallet around $290. It’s not a budget buy, but it’s a force to be reckoned with. They don’t call it the Windrider for nothing!

Completely waterproof and one of the most durable bags out there, this 1-pound, 12-ounce bag is one of the best backpacks under 2 pounds. It’s made for those traveling to a variety of climates: hot, cold, wet, and dry, and it will keep your contents together through it all.

Though it has a lot of strengths, it lacks security with the mesh around the outside. Easy access for you means easy access for others, so take precautions.

We round up the  best backpacks for business  travel!

Patagonia Ascensionist 35L

Reach New Heights With the Patagonia Ascensionist 35

Coming in at only 1 pound, 15 ounces, this Patagonia ultralight travel backpack could not stay off this list! It holds 35 liters of gear and clothes and is bound tightly by smooth and durable straps to keep everything together.

It has a simple design and style and the fully adjustable straps help this bag become part of you for a week or just a few days. The price is around $189.

It won’t matter if you have straps if your bag is too heavy. Read this guide to learn how to pack light on each and every trip!

Osprey Renn 65 Backpack

One of the Best Ultralight Pack Choices Is the Renn 65

The Renn 65 by Osprey is a bit on the pricier side, at $190 , but has outstanding features to justify the price! It’s highly durable and functional while being crazy lightweight at 3.44 lbs ! With tons of internal and external pockets, there are plenty of options to store essentials without losing out on space. 

With adjustable straps and breathable mesh on the back, it’s a super comfortable choice. This one is well worth the investment for a backpack that’ll last years of adventures!

I f you want more packing help, here’s even one specific suitcase and backpack organizer that allows you to unpack in seconds !

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack 28L

Explore the Outdoors With the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Lightweight Travel Pack

For your outdoorsy adventures, this Cotopaxi Allpa 28L backpack boasts all the rugged features you’ll need. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and durable as can be, plus a breathable mesh back panel and an adjustable sternum strap offer supreme comfort. Readers also rave about how well-designed this bag is, with a suitcase-style opening, multiple compartments, and plenty of zippered pockets for seamless packing.

This 28L size is perfect if you want to keep it extra light for a quick trip or use it as a carry-on.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Ultralight Backpack for Any Outdoor Adventure

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack is the ultimate option for the adventurous traveler, with rugged features that’ll keep your gear organized and protected. It’s lightweight, waterproof, highly durable, and comfortable to carry due to its breathable mesh back panel and adjustable sternum strap. Readers say it’s spacious and makes for efficient packing, with a suitcase-style opening, multiple compartments, and plenty of zippered pockets.

It’s sized to easily fit up to 4 days of outfits, and makes an excellent backpacking option or larger carry-on!

Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa 42L backpack . Readers say it’s roomy, and the highlight is its suitcase-style opening, multiple compartments, and plenty of zippered pockets that all make for easy and efficient packing. This 42L size will easily fit 5+ days of clothing, and it works perfectly with packing cubes!

Best Ultralight Backpacks Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”1″ class=”center-table-align”]

TFG Editor Loves Osprey Ozone Backpack!

View this post on Instagram I love train travel in Europe! It’s more convenient than flying, you spend less time waiting at the airport and you get to take in some lovely sights while en route. This is primarily how my mom and I got around during our half Euro trip and we ended up saving plenty of time AND money because of it. What’s your favorite method of transportation when traveling? Share in the comments below! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jul 2, 2018 at 7:59am PDT

Watch this video on choosing the best daypack !

Things to Consider When Shopping for Ultralight Packs

Here are some factors to take into consideration before purchasing.

How to Determine the Best Weight?

Though we all want our belongings to be light as we’re rushing through the airport, we often don’t think about how much the bag itself weighs! 

Did you know that most regular packs weigh up to 5 pounds? That’s 5 pounds–empty! However, ultralight backpacks can weigh just over 1 pound. 

The difference between a few pounds can be astonishing when you start walking for miles. When looking for the best light backpack for travel make sure it’s a comfortable weight—trust me, you’ll notice the difference.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

What Should You Pay for a Lightweight Pack? 

You should never sacrifice quality for price, but how much is too much? That’s a difficult question to answer, and it’s different for everyone. 

Take into consideration all the factors that are vital such as your travel needs and how many uses you want out of the backpack. Then, make an informed decision before spending more money than you’re comfortable with.

What Security Features Should You Look For?

Safety is, of course, important. The world is a lovely place, but some people take advantage of travelers. Given this reality, there are a few safety features to look for in a bag.

The best ultralight backpacks should have well-built zippers, fully-closed pockets, and secret compartments. Take these into consideration in your search for the right backpack for you. 

Use these anti-theft travel accessories to protect your belongings!

How to Choose an Overall Style?

As logical and as practical as an ultralight backpack might be, it still needs to fit your individual style. There’s no use in spending money on a high-quality item that you’ll never use, right?

The best light travel backpack is one that you like the look of. If you love the style and design of your bag, you’ll enjoy using it more!

Need some more specifics? Here are the most important features to consider when   choosing a travel backpack !

Left: Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes (13″ x 8.5″ x 2.8″) | Right: Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes (13″ x 5″ x 2.8″)

Packing Your Ultralight Backpack

It’s time to pack your clothing to prepare for your big trip! Many readers use our packing cubes for this task.

The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items. The medium sizes is great for bulkier items.

If you’d like more help on learning how to use packing cubes, see the video below.

Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!

What do you think are the best ultralight backpacks for travel? Share in the comments!

Read more about travel backpacks:

• How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack
• Best Business Backpack
• Cute Backpacks For Travel
• Best Osprey Backpacks

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I hope you liked this post on the best ultralight backpacks. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Haddie’s a risk taker. She’s living a frugal life, planning to retire early, and plans to be lost in a national park someday for good. She has traveled to 6 countries and has been lost in each of them. Read more about her at her blog: To Dare Greatly.

11 Comments

I’m looking for a combo backpack/tote & am not having any luck. Was hoping to find it in this section.

Hi Mary, would any of these options work for you – all convertible purses are recommended by our community!

https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/convertible-backpack-purse/

Great tips for choosing an ultralight pack!

I used an Osprey Fairview 40 for two weeks in Europe this summer. My first Osprey but likely not my last! Great bag.

What a great article. I am a backpack fan and an always searching for a better/more efficient one. Thank you!

YOU are AMAZING! I was so overwhelmed with not only what to take but what to put it in! I’m going to Italy for two weeks on a guided tour but we will be handling our own bags most of the time. Thanks to your article you have made the decision for me. Osprey seems to me what I need for my situation. I decided I didn’t want to deal with roller luggage pulling it through cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. I will pack light as you have taught me and not over pack so this will be a perfect solution I believe. Between the travel packing list, your thorough article on backpacks and everything else my husband and I will be one step ahead of the game. We will also order through your link as well. I’m so glad I found you! Sincerely, Kim

Such an enlightening and enjoyable pre-adventure planning the best way to travel.

I will be using an Osprey Daylite 30L bag for an upcoming trip. It is a lightweight duffel bag with backpack straps.

We LOVE our osprey backpacks!!! Have an amazing time Melissa!

The Farpoint 55 travel pack is NOT 2 lbs… according to Osprey’s website, it’s almost 4 lbs. And the Farpoint Trek Pack is over 4 lbs. FYI

Hi Kate, thank you for letting us know. ? We are currently working to update our articles so we will add this one to the list.

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The 15 Best Packable Backpacks for Travel [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

48 Published Articles 3399 Edited Articles

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Table of Contents

Things to consider with packable backpacks, the 15 best packable backpac ks for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Lightweight, foldable, and perfect for stashing in your travel bag, a packable backpack offers all the space you need for days trips and other excursions.

Made from strong and waterproof material, these little backpacks can hold up to 35 liters of your most essential items and can be folded up into their own zippered pocket or pouch when not in use.

The best daypack for your everyday adventures will be the one that best suits your individual requirements. Before you buy, consider the following:

Daypacks aren’t designed to carry all the clothing you need for a week away, but they should offer enough space to carry an extra layer or 2, as well as your water bottle , tablet , and other essentials .

Most daypacks offer between 15 and 25 liters of useful storage space , and although they are basic, they still come with zippered pockets and inner compartments.

Your daypack may be lightweight, but it should still be strong enough to be able to hold your laptop, books, and other heavier items without weighing you down.

In order to fold up nice and compact, your daypack will need to be made of thin and flexible material. On that basis, it will also be much lighter than your regular backpack or carry-on .

When it comes to daypacks, the lighter, the better, so look for bags that weigh less than 8 ounces when empty . Some ultralight models may even weigh as little as 3 ounces, making them an excellent choice for more extreme adventurers.

Portability

The very notion of a packable backpack is that you can fold it up nice and small and stash it away when not in use. All of the lightweight backpacks we have chosen can either be folded up and popped into their own separate travel pouch or folded in on themselves to fit into a zippered pocket.

Basic design doesn’t have to be impractical, and all of our favorite packable backpacks come complete with additional pockets to keep your gear well-organized. With zippered external pockets, you can enjoy quick and easy access to your most used items, while internal pouches and pockets let you keep your valuables safe.

Bottom Line: As these backpacks are most commonly used when you are out exploring, they almost always come with dedicated mesh water bottle pockets on the sides.

Shoulder Straps

Despite their feather-light dimensions, a good, packable backpack should be a comfortable carry, even when full. Some come with breathable mesh straps , while others are lightly padded. Some more advanced models may also come with a sternum strap to help evenly distribute the weight of your belongings while you walk.

1. The Best Big Brand Small Daypack

Osprey ultralight stuff pack.

Made from 40D ripstop nylon fabric, this awesome backpack from the big boys at Osprey is a must-have for outdoor adventurers.

The innovative, ultralight construction means that it can be tucked away into its very own stuff pack, no larger than the size of an apple.

The deluxe AirMesh harness offers a comfortable carry, even when full . The zippered stash pocket, stretch mesh pocket, and internal security pocket make this an awesome way to carry your essentials when you don’t want to take up extra room in your luggage.

What We Like

• Perfect packable daypack for regular adventurers

What We Don’t Like

• It could be improved with a little extra support

2. Comfortable and Breathable Daypack

The north face flyweight packable travel backpack.

The 60 g/m² nylon with Cordura ripstop construction makes this a super sturdy, but also incredibly lightweight, packable daypack.

The water-repellent (DWR) finish helps rainwater and moisture to roll right away from your belongings, and the versatile design can be packed up small into its own little pocket to throw in your travel bag on vacation.

A breathable mesh shoulder strap is comfortable to carry , and the zippered main compartment has enough space for all of your most essential items.

It has plenty of useful spaces for storing your most used items with 2 external stretch-mesh water bottle pockets and an additional pocket with top compression. Offering 17 liters of storage space in total, this daypack measures up at a compact yet practical 20 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.

• Hugs the curve of your spine
• It feels a little fragile

3. Spacious Packable Daypack With Wet Pocket

Outlander 35l lightweight packable daypack.

Available in a selection of bold colors, this backpack has a well-organized design and is made from high-quality, tear- and water-resistant nylon fabric.

With a sizable 35-liter main compartment, it comes with heavy-duty zippers and extra stitching on the stress points, giving it a more durable design than some of its lighter-weight counterparts.

This daypack can be folded up small enough to snap back into its own storage pocket , and with innovative features such as a chest strap with a whistle buckle, an internal divider, and smaller zippered pockets, it offers plenty of practical storage.

• A durable and incredibly practical daypack
• 35 liters is a bit of a squeeze

4. Lightweight Backpack for Fashion-conscious Adventurers

Herschel packable casual daypack.

Coming in a supercool selection of colors and designs, this ultralightweight daypack is full of urban chic and practical storage space.

Measuring 17 x 12 x 5 inches, it has a sizable main zipper compartment and an additional internal self-storage pocket with a useful snap closure.

The 2-way exposed plastic zipper is sturdy and built to last through many adventures, and with a signature striped internal seam detail, this foldable daypack looks and feels like a high-quality piece of gear.

• Super lightweight and packable
• Not as durable as some of its competitors

5. Premium Look and Feel

Tumi – voyageur just in case backpack.

Sleek and stylish, this lightweight daypack is made from strong, durable, and fully-lined nylon and is designed to fold completely flat for easy packing.

Perfect for shopping, day trips at the beach, or even on outdoor excursions, it has a practical and purposeful design and even comes with its own zipper pouch.

With internal and external pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and a sleeve to slide over the handle of your spinner suitcase, it is a really useful accessory for everyday use.

• Folds up nice and small
• It’s not the biggest daypack out there

6. Budget Packable Backpack

Onetrail 30l packable hiking daypack.

This little backpack is basic but brilliant, lightweight, and practical, and it’s a must-have for day trips and excursions. The ultralightweight design makes it easy and comfortable to carry , and the 30-liter capacity offers all the space you need for your every essential.

With a roomy main compartment, a front zipper, an internal pocket, and 2 extra mesh side pockets, it is easy to keep your belongings well-organized, and the adjustable mesh straps are easy to adjust to fit your size.

This is a superb little daypack for savvy travelers with the ability to be folded up into its own pocket when not in use.

• Compact to throw in your suitcase
• The zippers can get stuck on the zipper cover

7. Strong and Lightweight Everyday Daypack

Neekfox 35l ultralight daypack.

Available in a range of super bold colorways, this little backpack comes with a matching pouch that will stand out on your travel bag.

Made from high-quality tear- and water-resistant materials , it is strong and sturdy and has bar-tacks at all the major stress points.

The breathable mesh shoulder straps with padding make it easy to carry, even when full, and the chest strap helps to evenly distribute the weight of your belongings.

The main compartment offers 35 liters of storage space, and it also comes with 2 further front zippered pockets and 2 side pockets.

• Folds up into its own zipper pocket
• The compression straps on the sides aren’t particularly strong

8. Heavy-duty Packable Backpack for Year-round Use

Zomake small hiking backpack.

This multi-function backpack is made from water- and tear-resistant nylon material and comes in a choice of colorways.

Heavy-duty SBS metal zippers help ensure that it is built to last , and the innovative design can be folded in and zippered into its own pouch for easy transportation.

With a 25-liter capacity, you can easily carry a full day’s worth of essentials, and the mesh side pockets and exterior zipper pocket offer extra space for easy-to-reach items.

Adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, even when full, and the high-quality construction makes this an excellent choice for day trips, shopping outings, and adventures in the great outdoors.

• The heavy-duty feel
• It does feel quite small

9. Compact Packable Daypack That Folds up Super Small

4monster hiking daypack.

Coming in a choice of eye-catching metallic colorways, this supercool little daypack is perfect for the practical and stylish traveler.

Weighing in at just 4 pounds, it is super lightweight, yet the tear- and water-resistant 30D nylon is strong enough to carry all of your essentials . Easy to fold up when not in use, it comes with a main zipper pocket, a front zipper pocket, and 2 mesh side pockets.

Adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to carry, and the backpack can be compressed into its own zipper pocket that is small enough to be slipped into your own coat pocket.

• Gives some of the more expensive models a run for their money
• Some of the colors are a little see-through

10. The Best Minimalist Packable Backpack

Hikpro 20l daypack.

Lightweight and foldable, this awesome little daypack has a minimalist design and a lot of useful storage space.

It weighs just 7.5 ounces and feels light as a feather, and the roomy main compartment offers 20 liters of carrying space . There are 3 zippered compartments for your smaller items to help you stay organized, and the side mesh pockets make it easy to reach your items in transit.

Water-resistant, nice, and strong, this is a great choice for day trips, vacations, and hiking excursions.

• The strong and sturdy feel
• The mesh pockets are prone to developing holes

11. Ultralightweight Daypack With Lots of Color Options

Miycoo 45l lightweight packable backpack.

This backpack offers up to 45 liters of additional storage space, and the ultralightweight design makes it perfect for folding up and stashing in your carry bag or suitcase.

With 3 zippered compartments and a main compartment that is large and strong enough to carry your laptop and some clothes , it’s a great choice for day trips, and the inner zippered pocket is perfect for storing your valuables.

Water- and tear-resistant, this little backpack is suitable for use all year round, and the adjustable shoulder straps help to distribute the weight evenly on the move.

• Comes in a gorgeous selection of colors and designs
• Falls over easily as has no internal structure

12. Perfect Foldable Backpack for Emergencies

Waterfly lightweight packable hiking backpack.

This super lightweight daypack can be folded up and stored in its own built-in pouch — the perfect companion for day trips.

Perfect for when you are out and about, the nylon construction is water- and tear-proof , and the abrasion-resistant SBS zippers and reinforced stitching ensure that while it may be small, it is still incredibly strong and durable.

This model has a large main compartment, an outer smaller pocket, and an inner zippered pocket for valuables, and the adjustable shoulder straps help to evenly distribute the weight of your belongings.

• It’s an excellent emergency daypack at an affordable price
• Very little padding on the shoulder straps

13. The Best Backpack for Your Laptop

Sinotron 22l lightweight packable backpack.

With contrasting zippers and attractive primary colorways, this cute little daypack is made from high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric and comes with solid metal zippers for increased durability.

Offering 22 liters of storage space , it is large enough to carry your books, clothes, and even a laptop, and with side pockets and an external compartment, you can keep your drinks, and most used items close at hand.

The collapsible design lets you fold the backpack up into its own little pouch for easy transportation, and the breathable and adjustable mesh shoulder straps ensure it stays comfortable to carry, even when full.

• Bright and funky
• There are bigger options available if you need more space

14. Designer Foldable Backpack for Cool Customers

Eddie bauer stowaway packable 20l daypack.

Easy to carry and store, this foldable backpack is an essential and versatile go-anywhere accessory for days away from home.

The durable 200D ripstop polyester is tough enough to withstand the rigors of daily use , and the lightly padded mesh back panel will prevent it from feeling sweaty as you walk.

With mesh side pockets to hold your drink bottle, 3 external zip pockets, and an interior Velcro panel pocket, there is plenty of room to organize your stuff, and the 4 front lashing loops let you add extra accessories when you need to carry more.

• The über-trendy look
• Tends to bounce about a bit when you walk

15. Safest Backpack for Tech-loving Travelers

Travsessed anti-theft travel backpack.

This supercool little travel backpack comes with an RFID passport holder, wallet, and cell phone pouch that will help to keep your personal data protected on the go.

Offering an impressive 35 liters of storage space , it has a secure spot for laptops up to 16 inches, as well as extra pockets and compartments for your other essentials.

With deep mesh pockets for your water bottles and a key ring thrown in, this awesome travel backpack is perfect for day trips, overnight stays, and sightseeing tours.

The tough and durable ripstop nylon is tear- and waterproof, and when you are done using it, you can fold it up into its very own carry pouch.

• Versatile and durable
• It is a little pricey

A foldable backpack can be called on when what you need is a “less is more” solution. Lightweight, easy to carry, and even easier to store when not in use, these beauties offer all the practicality of a regular backpack without the weight.

Resistant to the elements, comfortable to carry, and designed to look anything but cheap, a packable backpack is a must-have item for sightseeing, shopping, beach trips, and day hikes.

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13 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested by Experts

Keep all your belongings safe and organized in a lightweight backpack.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Don't overlook the humble backpack. A well-organized one can make all the difference when traveling. Whether you're looking for a handy personal item, an all-in-one alternative to a carry-on suitcase or a helpful companion for backpacking and camping, you can't beat the hands-free mobility. Plus, you won't need to worry about rolling your luggage or hauling a large duffel or weekender up a flight of stairs, across a sandy beach or on bustling cobblestone streets.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Value Travel Backpack

Coofay travel backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates backpacks both in Lab and with consumer testers for durability and comfort. From the best laptop backpacks and backpacks for college students to the best duffels and daypacks , we've seen it all. To find the best travel backpacks, we test everything from tear strength to strap strength and abrasion resistance to make sure the bag can stand up to rough handling for years to come. We also work with consumer testers who try them out on various trips under real-world conditions. We also consider the amount of padding in the straps, useful extras and overall weight to find the most comfortable backpacks.

Our picks are top performers from testing along with new styles that have exciting features and rave reviews. Check out our top travel backpack picks below and keep reading to learn all of our ultimate backpack shopping tips to find the best pack for you. Pair your new travel backpack with packing cubes and a hard-side suitcase for your next vacation.

We were shocked by just how much we could fit inside this travel backpack during our packing tests. In fact, it outperformed multiple carry-on suitcases for its generous capacity and well-designed interior. Similar to hard-side luggage, the bag completely unzips for easy packing and, in this case, features helpful mesh to help separate compartments.

On top of that, we liked the helpful ergonomic features, from the padding along the back to the hip strap and sternum strap, which offer comfort and support. Plus, when testing the laptop sleeve, we found there was room to spare after placing a 16-inch laptop in it. The only note of caution is that the bag doesn't have a luggage sleeve, so if you're hoping to stack it on top of rolling luggage, it may not be the right fit.

When we surveyed our own editors and staff for their favorite bags, this one from Coofay was a hit for its organizational pockets and personal-item-friendly size. One staffer told us, "This backpack can definitely fit a week of clothing if rolled properly."

Like many popular travel backpacks, this one unzips like a suitcase for easy packing and has tons of small compartments to help keep your belongings in order. We particularly appreciate the compression straps on the side, allowing you to pack more while keeping the bag within the personal item size limit of most domestic airlines. Plus, there's a wide range of colors to choose from.

Designed with intention, Peak Design's travel backpack is truly a standout within the industry. While it's hard to find a travel bag that can tackle all sorts of trips, this one manages to do just that . It's truly one-of-a-kind and allows you to access your belongings from the front (like a suitcase), the back (like a top-loading traditional backpack) and the sides.

Compression features allow you to easily convert it from a 30L capacity to a 35L or 45L bag for all your travel needs. The backpack straps can be hidden away to keep it streamlined while using the simple luggage sleeve. The only challenge comes with packing: While the interior is spacious, there aren't too many separate compartments, so if that's important to you, the brand offers a selection of compatible packing cubes , including protective ones for camera equipment.

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

With a massive 45L interior, this bag from Away can hold everything you need for a weekend away, including multiple outfits, toiletries and even an extra pair of shoes. It's the go-to travel backpack for GH's Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine , who's brought it on everything from short weekend getaways to longer trips abroad.

Constantine notes, "The straps are comfortable and feel sturdy, and I love that the backpack straps can be tucked away if I'm carrying the bag like a suitcase instead of on my back." In addition, this pack also has all the top-notch organizational features you'd expect from Away, from compression straps to convenient mesh pockets. The caveat? The zippers are a little too easy to open and sometimes have a tendency to come undone.

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

This backpack includes the ultimate organizational system: Three packing cubes , a laptop case, a water bottle/umbrella pocket and a small front pocket. The packing cubes are ideal to keep your clothes compact and wrinkle-free while traveling. We also love the padded straps and side buckles to make sure everything stays in place.

It has a clamshell opening and both sides lie down flat, which makes this backpack easier to pack and organize as you don't have to stuff items in from the top. This pick is ideal as a carry-on for international travel as you can easily pack your clothes and what you'll need on the flight.

Osprey Porter 46L Travel Pack

Finding a good backpacking bag can be a challenge. You'll want a bag that's spacious and supportive enough that it won't cause injury. Luckily, Osprey is known for its ergonomically designed packs, making it a favorite brand amongst some hiking enthusiasts at GH. One GH analyst has even taken the brand's bags on a two-week backpacking trip to Thailand, calling them comfortable and well-designed.

This model comes with a generous 46L capacity and helpful compression straps, both on the exterior and interior, allowing you to bring everything you'll need and then some. Additionally, this bag features the brand's helpful chest and hip straps for support, along with helpful pockets throughout. Take note, however, that it comes in a unisex style, so users accustomed to women-specific packs may find the shoulder straps stiff.

TUMI Alpha Bravo Search Backpack

Carrying a TUMI backpack is a status symbol no matter where you are — the brand is known for its luxury travel products worldwide, particularly for its long-lasting quality and service . Buying a travel product (e.g. a bag or luggage) from the brand typically comes with a five-year warranty and free repairs plus a lifetime registration and tracking service for finding lost bags. Even after five years, you can ask the brand to repair your bag for a small cost.

TUMI's Search Backpack is sleek enough for conferences and work trips, making it great for business travel or everyday use. One GH analyst has used this bag for over 10 years, throughout school and work and on multiple domestic and international flights. While the top-loading configuration isn't as seamless for packing, testers were still impressed by how "surprisingly spacious" and "high quality" it felt.

Thule Aion Travel Backpack

Having the right backpack can make all the difference when going through airport security. This one from Thule, one of our favorite luggage brands, comes equipped with helpful features like a small easy-to-reach pocket for your passport and boarding pass plus a convenient laptop compartment . Within the bag, there's a helpful divider for organization along with other mesh pockets and panels.

The bag also comes in two sizes — 28L and 40L — each of which makes the perfect personal item or carry-on respectively. And if 28L sounds a bit too small, this size expands to 32L to accommodate more essentials. The only caveat is that the 40L version doesn't come with any hip straps, which is rare for a backpack of its size. The brand suggests pairing the bag with the Aion Sling , which slots in easily for support.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

Ideal when traveling for business or even everyday commuting to work, the Silhouette 17 backpack has all the essentials and then some. In fact, it's designed to replace your carry-on, which can slow you down when on a last-minute business trip. Moreover, Samsonite's soft-side luggage has proven be abrasion-resistant and strong in our tests , staying in great shape, so we are confident in the durability of the brand's similar products.

Beyond the durable nature, it opens up like a hardshell suitcase, complete with functional sections, and has a padded laptop sleeve for easy access. Plus, it easily convert from a backpack to a briefcase or shoulder bag. For longer trips, you can even slide it onto checked luggage instead of maneuvering two suitcases through the airport.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Often used on day hikes for its lightweight design, a daypack can be a great option for those in search of a not-so-heavy travel backpack. And when it comes to the best daypacks , Osprey reigns supreme as the top-performing brand, earning especially high scores for their amazing ease-of-use features and fitting everything in our packing test .

Recent testers have loved that Osprey bags have "lots of compartments" and "comfortable cushioned shoulder straps." Some even highlighted the helpful sternum strap, which keeps the weight evenly distributed, preventing shoulder pain. You can also expect an interior sleeve to fit a laptop or tablet or a hydration reservoir for hikes, plus a slew of pockets in the front including two mesh water bottle pockets.

Herschel Kaslo Backpack Tech

When we tested this laptop backpack , we were surprised by how lightweight yet protective it felt. The detail and care are evident throughout: The bag has reinforced stitching in areas where you'd expect extra tugging like the top handle, straps and luggage sleeve. There's also a separate laptop compartment with a fleece lining to help minimize potential scratches.

One Textiles Lab analyst swears by this bag, using it as both her everyday bag for commuting as well as her go-to travel backpack, especially on business trips when she'll need her laptop handy. In our packing test, we found the 30L capacity large enough to fit a 16-inch laptop plus three to four days of clothes and toiletries. If that’s not the right size for you, it also comes in a 20L capacity for those with more petite frames.

patagonia Patagonia Black Hole Pack - 25 L

Whether you're backpacking through a new country or flying to a nearby city, this Patagonia pack is up for the adventure. It's made with polyester that has a durable water-repellent finish to keep all your belongings protected. One tester shared that this bag is the "backpack to end all backpacks" because it's great for all types of vacations and features a sternum strap you can easily adjust to suit your height.

While the 25L capacity may look small, the bag lives up to its "Black Hole" name, fitting much more than you'd expect, especially when you roll your clothes up , or you can opt for the 32L style . Plus, in Lab tests, water rolled right off the main fabric of the bag with ease, so you can rest assured it'll protect your belongings even in unpredictable weather.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

No one wants an uncomfortable backpack, which is why we loved this bag from Dagne Dover. It's made of neoprene fabric, which feels soft and squishy instead of stiff like some other bags. The brand also does not skimp when it comes to details like an interior pocket to hold a water bottle or cell phone and a pouch that can be attached on a leash inside the main compartment to find small stuff quickly.

The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and is large enough for a weekend trip. Plus, it even has a sleek luggage sleeve, slipping easily onto a carry-on suitcase at the airport. Take note: We found that if you’re rough with the bag, the neoprene fabric may pill (though pills can easily be removed with a fabric shaver ). This pick comes in small and medium sizes too.

How we test travel backpacks

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing travel products and backpacks for decades.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

From short weekend getaways to far-off international adventures, our top travel packs make it easy and comfortable to organize and carry the essentials.

Switchback Travel ( Brian McCurdy )

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Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel, enough capacity to stash your belongings, pack weight, and preferences on storage and organizational layouts. Below we break down the best travel backpacks of 2024, ranging from minimalist options for a couple nights away to larger bags with removable daypacks for extended trips. For more background information, see our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note: We updated our travel backpacks guide on March 29, 2024, to add The North Face Base Camp, which is a fully featured option at a competitive price, along with swapping the Patagonia Black Hole MLC from the 45-liter capacity to the 30-liter version due to its more manageable shape and size.  

Our Team's Top Travel Backpack Picks

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
• A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics): Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L
• Best for Staying Organized: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
• Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70

Best Overall Travel Backpack

1. cotopaxi allpa 35l ($200).

When compiling our list of the best travel packs, we prioritized functional organization, easy on-the-go access, durable materials, and carry-on compatibility. Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Travel Pack checks all those boxes emphatically, earning it our top spot for 2024. Along with the vibrant styling and multi-colored patterning that the brand is known for, the Allpa is exceptionally durable with a mix of 1,000-denier, TPU-coated polyester and panels of 840-denier ballistic nylon. In use, we found the Allpa to be remarkably tough and highly water-resistant, and the pack also comes with a stowable rain cover for truly inclement weather. We also love the dual access to the main compartment, including a full wraparound zipper and secondary side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move. And the electronics sleeve is big enough to handle both a laptop and tablet at the same time, which isn’t often the case. Overall, the Allpa is well made, stylish, and very nicely appointed for travel.

What’s not to like with the Cotopaxi Allpa? While the 35-liter variation here is nicely sized for long weekend trips or shorter getaways abroad, it’s smaller than competitors like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Sojourn Porter 46, and many other carry-on-friendly designs below (Cotopaxi does sell a larger 42L version for $220 that still meets most airline requirements). Further, while overall carrying comfort is good, there are no load-lifter straps to bring the pack closer to your body. Additionally, the interior pockets are a little awkwardly sized, and the lack of external compression straps makes it hard to secure bulkier loads. A final omission is water bottle storage, although it’s not a critical feature for most and does little to dampen our enthusiasm for an otherwise well-rounded and great-looking bag. And for those looking to check their luggage, the Allpa roller bags are equally tough and user-friendly. See the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics)

2. peak design travel backpack ($300).

Peak Design’s Travel Backpack may look relatively unassuming on the outside, but don’t be fooled: This bag is packed with thoughtful travel-ready features. First is the expandable design, which allows you to alternate between 35 and 45 liters by simply zipping or unzipping the frontmost zipper. Access is another highlight, including entry points at the top, side, front, and rear for easily retrieving items pretty much anywhere in the pack. Storage is also excellent with padded laptop and tablet sleeves, a divisible main compartment, large and stretchy dual side pockets (not common on travel packs), and multiple interior pockets. And it’s all wrapped up in a thick nylon canvas shell that’s durable, streamlined, and very modern.

What complaints do we have about the Peak Design Travel Backpack? Price is the most glaring downside: At $300, it’s one of the most expensive designs on our list. And while the bag is undeniably sleek, it’s pretty utilitarian-looking and less everyday-friendly than more vibrant options like the Cotopaxi Allpa above and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag below. It’s also on the heavy end at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which isn’t unreasonable but does add considerable heft compared to many competitors. Finally, the Travel Backpack is technically not carry-on compliant when expanded, measuring 22 x 13 x 11 inches (the standard U.S. domestic carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 in.). But it works at the compressed 35-liter size (or smaller 30L option) , and photographers in particular will love the shape, which nicely accommodates multiple camera cubes, lenses, and other accessories. If you fall into that group, another staff favorite is Wandrd's Prvke , which features a more modular design with specialized add-ons for camera gear. See the Peak Design Travel Backpack

Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips

3. osprey sojourn porter 46 l ($195).

Osprey is a leader in the backpacking pack market, and much of that technology and expertise has trickled down nicely into their travel pack collection. The Sojourn Porter 46 L is case in point, combining the impressive carrying comfort that the brand is known for with a practical, carry-on-friendly build and feature set for travel. Starting at the outside, you get a rigid foam backpanel with well-cushioned shoulder and hipbelt straps that feel reminiscent of Osprey’s backpacking designs, a handy compression system to effectively cinch things down, lockable zippers for the main compartment, and a beefy side handle for hauling the pack duffel-style. The inside is a similar story with ample pockets of varying sizes, compressions traps to keep clothes tidy, and padded sidewalls to help protect valuables during travel.

Despite offering 11 more liters of capacity than our top-ranked Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for $5 less), the Sojourn Porter 46 L is still carry-on compliant, making it the largest option here that still meets most domestic and international airline restrictions. It’s also impressively sturdy and durable and includes reinforced cord loops to attach to Osprey's Daylite or Farpoint/Fairview daypacks (sold separately). We do wish Osprey offered the design in a women’s version for those with smaller torso and waist measurements, but the unisex sizing is standard in the travel market (their Farpoint/Fairview below is one of the few models to come in a separate women’s version). In the end, if it fits you well, the Sojourn Porter offers a hard-to-beat mix of capacity, features, and comfort for the price, making it our favorite option for longer, gear-intensive adventures. See the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L

Best Travel Pack for Staying Organized

4. topo designs global travel bag 30l ($199).

Topo Designs flies a little under the radar compared to well-known brands like Cotopaxi and Osprey, but don’t let that deter you—this company makes exceptionally built and good-looking packs for everything from commuting and travel to more technical pursuits like biking and climbing. Their Global Travel Bag 30L here is a shining example and stands out in one major way: internal organization. Put simply, there’s no shortage of options for divvying up your belongings, from the vertical daisy chain webbing on the front to the expandable side water bottle pockets, ample zippered storage inside and out, a laptop sleeve along the backpanel, and several interior mesh pockets. Like the Cotopaxi Allpa above, the Global Travel Bag is also well equipped for rough use, including a mix of 1,000- and 1,680-denier ballistic nylon that gives the pack a noticeably burly, confidence-inspiring feel—at a very manageable 2 pounds 10 ounces to boot.

That said, the extensive feature set does add some complexity when it comes to organization. We like the big clamshell opening to the main compartment, but we had to reorganize to make everything fit into the various compartments (they're optimized for Topo Designs' Pack Bags , which are smaller than our standard packing cubes). The tall and slim shape is also best suited for clothing rather than bulky gear, which may be limiting for outdoor adventures that involve camping or backpacking. We also wished there were a little more padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt while walking through airports with the pack stuffed full, but it distributed the load pretty well (and the hipbelt can be tucked away when not in use). In the end, no pack is perfect, but the Global Travel Bag 30L is a well-built, durable, and stylish option for overnights, short weekend getaways, and even minimalist adventures abroad. It’s also sold in a larger 40-liter variation for longer trips, although we found the smaller pack to be much more manageable. See the Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L

Best Budget Travel Backpack

5. amazon basics carry-on travel backpack ($46).

Travel packs are an expensive bunch, but Amazon makes an affordable but still surprisingly capable option in their Carry-On Travel Backpack. We’ll start with the good news: As its name implies, the bag is carry-on compliant, and it comes with most of the standard features we look for in a practical travel pack. These include a zippered laptop sleeve, internal and external compression straps, easy-access pockets for travel documents, and good organization in the main compartment. Like the Peak Design Travel Backpack above, the Amazon Basics can also be expanded to boost packing space while still meeting carry-on restrictions. And at just around $50 at the time of publishing (colorways vary on Amazon), the 40-liter Carry-On Travel Backpack is a great value for what you get, undercutting most similarly sized models on this list by $100 or more.

Now for the bad news: This Amazon Basics pack is far less capable than many of the picks here for shuttling a full load. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, while the hipbelt is a thin and basic webbing design that won’t feel comfortable under the weight of a full pack. The rest of the design has a cheaper feel, too, including a shiny and dated-looking exterior, a lot of plastic (read: breakable) components, and standard, non-lockable zippers. You don’t get dedicated water bottle storage either, which isn’t a necessary feature but certainly is nice to have. But if you’re an occasional traveler and aren’t yet ready to make a more sizable investment, the Amazon Basics pack is a perfectly serviceable entry-level option at a great price. For another capable budget design that comes with packing cubes and lots of colorway options, we also like Asenlin’s 40L Travel Backpack . See the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips

6. osprey farpoint 70 ($230).

The packs above are great for vacationers and travelers headed out for a week or two, but those embarking on longer and/or gear-heavy trips abroad will almost certainly need more storage and capacity. Enter Osprey’s Farpoint 70, which comes with a 15-liter daypack that can be attached to the front to maximize capacity or used separately for around-town adventures once you reach your destination (Note: The travel pack itself is 55L). Importantly, both come well appointed: The daypack boasts a dedicated tablet/hydration sleeve and water bottle pockets, while the main pack has great cushioning along the straps and backpanel (it’s an Osprey, after all), a well-ventilated backpanel, easy access via the large front panel, and an adjustable torso system for dialing in a good fit. It's all wrapped up in a thoughtful and sustainable package, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, along with a dedicated women's version called the Fairview.

All that said, there’s one glaring downside to opting for a larger-capacity design like the Osprey Farpoint 70: It doesn’t meet most carry-on size requirements. For reference, the standard domestic carry-on limit within the U.S. is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the Farpoint measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6. Another complaint is that the daypack obscures the pack’s main compartment when attached, making it tedious to access your belongings. Even so, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile and comfortable system for less (the daypack is a $65 investment on its own), making the Farpoint 70 our favorite high-capacity pick of the year. It’s also available in a larger 80-liter version, as well as smaller 40- and 55-liter capacities, although only the Farpoint 55 and 70 include the detachable daypack.  See the Osprey Farpoint 70   See the Women's Osprey Fairview 70

Best of the Rest

7. eagle creek tour 40l ($159).

Eagle Creek first started making packs in the mid 1970s, and their Tour 40L travel pack reflects that longstanding history in the market. From the get-go, we were immediately impressed by its highly practical design. The bag has great exterior storage, including a stretchy side water bottle pocket and expansion zipper for 5 liters of additional capacity in the main compartment. Additionally, the book-style opening provides quick access to the contents of the bag, and interior and exterior compression straps make it easy to snug things down. We also appreciate that it comes in two torso sizes (S/M and M/L) for maximizing fit, which is uncommon in the travel pack market and a really nice plus at this price point. And the cherry on top: The Tour checks in at a very competitive 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is tied with Topo Designs’ 10-liter-smaller Global Travel Bag above as the lightest on our list.

Other notable features on the Eagle Creek Tour 40L include side and top grab handles for easy loading and carrying, an integrated rain cover that stows away at the bottom and doubles as a backpanel cover if you check the bag, puncture-resistant and lockable zippers that are easy to operate even with gloves, and good overall carrying comfort. It’s not the toughest design out there—the water bottle pocket started to fray on our pack after just one trip—but uses durable 600-denier polyester elsewhere and is reasonably hardwearing overall. Final nitpicks include no pass-through sleeve for securing to a suitcase and a fairly bland exterior, but those do little to detract from the Tour’s otherwise well-rounded build.  See the Eagle Creek Tour 40L

8. Gregory Border Carry-On 40 ($190)

Like Osprey, Gregory is a leader in the hiking and backpacking markets, and their Border Carry-On 40 retains many of their well-loved technical features in a travel-friendly design. The big news here is the pack’s split-case design, which creates two distinct areas within the main compartment accessed via one large, clamshell-style opening. On one side, a zippered mesh panel with added zippered storage and compression straps keeps your clothing and some accessories organized, while an odor-resistant “ActiveShield” compartment at the opposite side effectively separates dirty clothes. As expected from Gregory, carrying comfort is also great with good adjustability at the sternum, a well-cushioned backpanel, and thick straps. You don’t get load lifters for bringing the pack closer to your body, but we didn’t have any issues, even when running through the Montreal airport to a connecting flight en route to Patagonia.

That said, the Gregory Border Carry-On’s split-case design does have a noteworthy pitfall: With both compartments zipped, storage feels pretty limited. Unzipping the larger mesh panel does help maximize space (especially when stuffing the pack to the brim), but it also defeats the purpose of the dual compartments. Compared to the competition, the Border also uses thinner materials than Osprey’s Sojourn Porter and Farpoint offerings, although the rest of the feature set stacks up similarly. In the end, it’s another comfortable and well-built travel pack, and the split-case design has its merits for those who pack light. See the Gregory Border Carry-On 40

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L ($350)

Travel packs are a dime a dozen in 2024, but Tortuga’s Travel Backpack 40L—which replaced their Outbreaker 35L—stands out as one of the most well-appointed and thoughtfully built options on the market. Organization is a clear highlight, including a large front pocket with several sleeves for divvying up small valuables and documents, a convenient clamshell-style opening with zippered compartments for separating clothes and shoes, and padded laptop and tablet sleeves with zippered mesh pockets at the other side for storing cords and accessories. Rounding out the feature set are easy-to-access water bottle pockets that can fit most standard-mouth bottles (our wide-mouth Hydro Flask was too big), zippered hipbelt storage that can accommodate a smartphone and passport, and lockable, water-resistant zippers. Finally, the design is well padded with thick cushioning along the backpanel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, which is fairly uncommon among travel-specific brands. 

It's worth noting that the Tortuga Travel Backpack has a slightly more streamlined storage layout than its predecessor, although you do get an additional 5 liters of capacity and a bump in usable space. However, the Tortuga is no featherweight at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which is a notable downside for long treks through the airport and around town. It’s also tied with Matador’s GlobeRider below as the priciest on our list at a steep $350. On the bright side, Tortuga does offer a lifetime warranty against defects, and they will repair/replace the pack or refund your money if a replacement isn't available. All told, it’s a nice dose of added assurance and helps justify the steep price, but the hefty build and lack of value push the Tortuga slightly down in our rankings. For another well-executed design with all the requisite travel features, check out Aer’s Travel Pack 3 , which is cheaper at $249 but 5 liters smaller and doesn’t include a hipbelt with purchase. See the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

10. Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack ($250)

Yeti's coolers and insulated drinkware are their bread and butter, but the focus on premium craftsmanship doesn’t end there. On the travel side, their Crossroads 35L Backpack is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the brand: excellent durability and functionality in a modern package. The body of the pack is made with Yeti's tough and confidence-inspiring TuffSkin nylon (which was inspired by motorcycle gear), while the PU-coated base adds a nice dose of assurance when setting it down. All of the other components have an equally durable and supportive feel, from the foam-heavy shoulder straps to the thick, protective backpanel. It’s all wrapped up in a sleek and streamlined design that’s offered in a nice selection of colorways, from bright Harvest Red to subdued Alpine Brown (shown in the photo here).

Yeti clearly put a lot of thought into the outside of the Crossroads, but the interior is well executed, too. The clamshell opening folds back to reveal a pocket-equipped mesh panel and generous main compartment that still can be accessed when wearing the pack. You also get dedicated storage for a water bottle and laptop, as well as a pass-through sleeve for securing to a roller bag. Our biggest gripe is the lack of padding: The detachable hipbelt is made of thin webbing and doesn’t offer much support, and the shoulder straps and backpanel have a noticeably thick and rigid feel, which is great for durability but detracts from overall comfort. And as with most Yeti products, the pack isn’t particularly cheap or light at $250 and nearly 4 pounds. Finally, the 35-liter Crossroads is on the smaller side and will require precise packing to fit more than about three to five days’ worth of belongings. But again, build quality is top-notch, and minimalists used to packing light may not mind the small sacrifices in comfort and storage. See the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

11. Matador GlobeRider45 ($350)

Matador may lack the name recognition of brands like Osprey and Cotopaxi, but don’t let that fool you: This Boulder-based upstart is quickly growing thanks to their outside-the-box thinking. From their travel collection, the new GlobeRider45 stands out as a very intentionally built design that spares no expense in terms of features. In addition to being on the larger end, the carry-on-compliant GlobeRider offers solid comfort and support with good padding along the straps and backpanel, a light but sturdy aluminum frame stay, and a well-executed suspension system that’s reminiscent of a backpacking pack. Organization also abounds with a large external stash pocket, thoughtfully designed electronics pockets, vertical daisy chain webbing, and a practical interior layout that includes a packing cube-like space on one side and open clothing storage on the other. All told, it's an intriguing new pack that does a great job merging the utility of both backpacking and travel designs.

It's worth noting that we previously had Matador’s cheaper and lighter Seg45 ranked here, which boasts a unique segmented design that allows you to customize organization by day or activity. When unzipped, the five compartments at the front of the pack reveal independent (and stowable) storage cube-like areas for clothes and other soft items, while the main compartment below provides added space for dirty clothes, shoes, and other bulkier gear. While innovative, however, the Seg45 falls well short of the GlobeRider in carrying comfort, which is largely a result of the thin webbing hipbelt and lack of frame. The pocket-heavy exterior also made it hard for us to remember where we put certain items and detracts from the amount of usable space inside the main compartment. Both packs are arguably overbuilt for infrequent travelers, but the GlobeRider stands out as the more balanced option for those willing to splurge. See the Matador GlobeRider45

12. The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack ($169)

The North Face’s expedition-ready Base Camp duffels have long been popular among serious adventurers, and the Base Camp Travel Pack is a logical and carry-on-friendly addition to the collection. We found a lot to like about the pack during testing, including its burly and abrasion-resistant exterior and myriad storage options. We particularly enjoyed the Base Camp’s front pocket layout, which makes it easy to divvy up travel documents and electronics with a variety of mesh, zippered, and fleece-lined pockets. The smaller details are equally well sorted, from the well-padded shoulder straps and backpanel to the fleece-lined laptop sleeve and generous daisy chain system for attaching gear externally. Finally, despite being a little smaller than many of our top picks, the 35-liter Base Camp includes water bottle pockets that easily swallowed our 24-ounce Hydro Flask.

However, despite checking all the boxes for most travelers, the Base Camp starts to look a little less competitive when stacked up against options like the Eagle Creek Tour above. For $10 less, the Tour boasts an additional 5 liters of capacity and includes helpful additions like a hipbelt, load-lifter straps, and a rain cover—all for around a pound less. Another alternative worth considering is REI’s Ruckpack 40 , which costs the same as the Base Camp and is more capable of crossing over for hiking: The laptop sleeve can fit a 3-liter reservoir, there are attachment points for trekking poles, and the suspension system is more in line with standard daypacks. Depending on your needs, the Ruckpack might be the better option, but the Base Camp offers better organization for travel in a more modern-looking package than the Eagle Creek. A final note: Those with broader builds may experience discomfort where the shoulder straps meet the backpanel, but our narrow-framed female tester had no comfort-related issues. See the TNF Base Camp Travel Pack

13. Thule Aion Travel Pack ($200)

Swedish brand Thule is best known for their bike and roof racks, but they make sneaky-good packs, too. Our favorite in their collection this year is the 40-liter Aion, which combines the premium build quality that Thule is known for with a nice assortment of travel-ready features. One unique—but very functional—addition is the removable TPU rolltop bag for stashing dirty laundry, which prevents odors and dirt from making their way to the rest of your belongings. The rest of the design is nicely appointed, including dedicated water bottle storage, an easy-to-access clamshell opening, plenty of zippered spaces for electronics and valuables (including a padded laptop/tablet sleeve), internal compressions straps to keep items secure and tidy, lockable zippers, and carry-on-compliant dimensions. 

What pushes the Thule Aion down to a mid-pack finish? At this price point and capacity, we’re surprised to see that the bag doesn’t come with a hipbelt. You can purchase Thule’s compatible Aion sling bag separately, which can pull double-duty for around-town use, but it’s a fairly expensive addition at $50 (and a feature we consider critical for a pack of this size). To be fair, the rest of the build is very well executed, including a noticeably thick and robust 600-denier waxed canvas shell and PFC-free DWR coating for fending off moisture. If you don’t mind the added investment for the waist belt/sling bag, it’s a promising design with competitive specs to match. Of note, if you’re looking for something a little different for travel, the Aion collection also includes a roller bag and a 35-liter duffel . See the Thule Aion Travel Pack

14. Pacsafe EXP45 ($290)

Travel can be an exhausting endeavor, especially if you’re constantly worried about your luggage or valuables getting stolen. That’s why anti-theft designs like Pacsafe’s EXP45 are becoming increasingly common, particularly for international trips. Like most of Pacsafe’s offerings, the EXP45 is packed with protective features, from cut-resistant materials to lockable and puncture-resistant double zippers and built-in stainless steel cable locks. Importantly, these are nicely integrated and don’t detract too heavily from the Pacsafe's functionality as a travel pack—it’s still well organized with ample interior and exterior pockets and compression straps, offers multiple carry options, and is carry-on compliant.

That said, the Pacsafe EXP45 is a pretty niche design that prioritizes safety over carrying comfort and access. The pack is on the heavier end at over 4 pounds due to all the protective features, the padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt is firm (albeit decently thick), and there are no load-lifter straps to pull the pack closer to your body. Another downside is that the laptop sleeve is positioned at the front of the bag—we prefer when heavier items are situated close to the back for better weight distribution—and accessing items here can be difficult due to the half-length zipper design (we wish it had a clamshell opening like the main compartment). In other words, comfort- and convenience-focused travelers will likely want to look elsewhere, but the Pacsafe has its place for those who prioritize safety and security. For a cheaper and lighter option that doesn’t skimp on safety features, we also like Pacsafe’s Go 44L , although frequent travelers will likely prefer the more premium EXP45. See the Pacsafe EXP45

15. Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L ($199)

Patagonia’s Black Hole is legendary in the world of duffel bags, and the Mini MLC 30L travel pack variation shares that bag’s excellent durability and good looks in a more organized and carry-on-friendly design. Like the duffels, the Black Hole pack is made of strong (and recycled) polyester ripstop that’s highly tear-resistant with a TPU film on the exterior for fending off precipitation. It also boasts the signature daisy chain webbing along one side for securing extra gear. Importantly, however, the travel focus is clear: You get three carrying options (backpack, over-the-shoulder, or briefcase-style), compatibility with a roller bag, and a generously sized opening with two separate chambers for customizing organization.

Why do we rank the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L here? The most glaring downside is its 30-liter capacity, which is undersized for trips lasting longer than a few days (unless you’re a staunch minimalist). Patagonia does offer a larger 45-liter variation for $40 more, although we found it to be lacking in structure, which caused the pack to feel noticeably bulky and cumbersome when stuffed full. Thankfully, both options feature the same well-executed backpanel design that we love, which comprises sleeves at one side for a laptop and tablet with zippered and drop-in pockets at the other for divvying up cords and accessories. Again, the Mini version is underbuilt for extended trips abroad but remains an excellent pick for commutes, daily use, and as a secondary bag for travel. See the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

16. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L ($290)

Many of the picks above are built by reputable backpacking manufacturers, but Nomatic is a travel company first. Their Travel Bag 40L embodies that focus, combining thoughtful organization and storage with easy access in a sleek and minimalist package. Feature highlights include a customizable strap design that allows you to easily alternate between backpack and duffel carry, dedicated compartments for shoes and clothing at the top and bottom of the bag, and even a mesh laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate during travel. We also love the exterior pocket at the right side, which opens wide for easy access and features an array of mesh, fleece-lined, and zippered spots to organize electronics and cords, along with an RFID pocket for passports and other scannable documents. All told, it’s clear that Nomatic put a ton of thought into the design. 

It’s worth noting that Nomatic offers another intriguing option in their Navigator , although we consider the Travel Bag the more competitive all-around design. In parsing out the differences, the Travel Bag costs $110 less and is lighter by nearly 2 pounds, although it forgoes the Navigator’s expandable main compartment that allows you to alternate between 32 and 41 liters depending on your storage needs. The Navigator also includes load lifter straps and a sculpted foam backpanel for a boost in carrying comfort, but the Travel Bag is no slouch. And from a features perspective, we appreciate the Travel Bag’s dirty shoe compartment and included laundry bag. Those with smaller frames may have trouble dialing in a secure fit—our female tester (5’6” and 135 lb.) maxed out the Travel Bag’s hipbelt, for example—but the intentional organization layout and travel-ready feature set are undeniable selling points. See the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

17. Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 ($249)

Along with Osprey’s Sojourn Porter 46 above, Mystery Ranch’s Mission Rover 45 is a great option for those of us who aren’t particularly adept at packing light. Touted as a “workhorse gear hauler,” the Mission Rover offers three functional carry options (as a suitcase, shoulder bag, or standard backpack), has a well-organized main compartment with zippered dividers and a wraparound clamshell opening, and even includes separate areas for shoes and dirty laundry. As expected at this price point, you also get most of the standard travel-ready features that we look for, including a stowable hipbelt, lockable zippers, a sleeve to secure to a rolling suitcase, and a padded laptop space that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches wide. Finally, like many of Mystery Ranch's backpacking offerings, the Mission Rover has a premium feel with a thick nylon exterior and water-resistant YKK zippers.

However, as with the Pacsafe EXP45 above, the Mission Rover’s laptop sleeve is situated at the front of the pack, which detracts from carrying comfort and convenience. The Mystery Ranch is also on the heavier and pricier end of the spectrum at 4 pounds 4.8 ounces and $249, although the 45-liter capacity is undeniably generous (and the pack is still compliant with most carry-on size restrictions). Finally, the bag is relatively dated-looking and lacking in modern appeal compared to offerings from Topo Designs, Peak Design, Cotopaxi, and others above. In other words, the Mission Rover doesn’t stand out in any one area (hence our ranking), but it’s another durable travel pack with a nicely executed feature set. See the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45

Travel Backpack Comparison Table

Editor's note: "Carry-on" refers to whether or not each pack meets standard domestic and international air travel restrictions, which must be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H.

About Our Testing Process

True to our name, globetrotting is a big part of what we do at Switchback Travel. Managing editor Sarah Nelson put together our initial list of 16 picks in 2022 after a trip to El Chaltén in southern Argentina with fellow staff members and gear testers. From takeoff to our return flights home, we put our packs through their paces by stuffing them to the brim with two weeks’ worth of clothing and gear, schlepping them through domestic and international airports, shoving them into overhead compartments and below our seats, and getting intimately familiar with organizational layouts for divvying up our documents and electronics. Upon our return, we also evaluated each pack closely for signs of wear like tears and stains.

Our current list of 17 picks reflects our own experiences as well as feedback from our freelancers, travel-savvy friends, and the online travel community. We continue to test travel packs on adventures near and far, adding and removing designs as the market shifts and as we get firsthand experience with more options. For example, on a recent trip to Chilean Patagonia in February 2024, we brought along two new-to-us travel packs: The North Face Base Camp and the Nomatic Travel Pack, both of which are now featured in the guide above. We’ll be sure to add any other standouts and favorites to the list above with each update.   

Travel Backpack Buying Advice

Size and capacity.

• Carry-on Size Restrictions

Organization: Pockets and Main Compartment Access

Carrying comfort, grab handles and alternate carry methods.

• Other Features

Construction and Durability

Fit and sizing, women’s-specific travel backpacks, sustainability, packing cubes and other accessories, do you need a travel backpack.

The first question to answer when choosing a travel pack is how much capacity you anticipate needing. For reference, the options above range from 30 liters on the small end (the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ) all the way up to 70 liters for the Osprey Farpoint 70 (with the 15L daypack attached). Most travelers will land on something in the middle, with the sweet spot for many being in the 40- to 45-liter range—it’s no coincidence that well over half of the models above fall into this grouping, which is largely due to their carry-on-compliant dimensions.   

In general, we’ve found that packs of this size can easily accommodate a week or two of clothing, toiletries, and other travel accessories (and even more if you pack light). For reference, we had no issues fitting 14 days’ worth of belongings into the 40-liter version of Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag on a recent trip to Patagonia. If you stick to weekend adventures, you can keep things lighter and more compact (and save some cash in the process) by opting for the smaller, 30-liter variation. On the flip side, those embarking on longer expeditions abroad might need to step up to a larger design like the Osprey Farpoint 70 or 80 (at the sacrifice of carry-on compatibility).  

Travel Backpack Dimensions

Dimensions are a crucial consideration for most travelers, and especially those headed abroad. With that in mind, we’ve listed the length, width, and height measurements for each travel pack above both in the write-ups and in our comparison table . As you may notice, similarly sized travel packs don’t vary too considerably in terms of dimensions. This is mainly due to carry-on size restrictions, which we break down more in depth below. Carry-on Size Restrictions Right off the bat, we’ll note that there is technically no standardized size requirement for carry-on luggage domestically or abroad. That said, the universally accepted dimensions within the U.S. are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H. We’ve indicated whether each travel pack above meets these requirements in our comparison table, and REI Co-op does the same on each of their product pages. The only exception above is the Osprey Farpoint 70 , which measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6 inches.  

It’s also important to call out expandable models here like the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which is carry-on compliant when compressed to 35 liters (22 x 13 x 9.5 in.) but not when expanded to its maximum 45-liter capacity (22 x 13 x 11 in.). You may be able to get away with carrying these bags onboard, but don’t count on it, especially if you’re traveling during peak season to a popular destination. When in doubt, you can always check with your airline ahead of time.  

All of the packs above are purpose-built for travel with extensive organizational layouts and thoughtfully placed pockets for separating valuables, electronics, and other accessories. That said, some layouts are more functional than others, and a final decision will largely come down to your intended use and what works best for the items that you plan to bring along. For instance, sleek options like the Peak Design Travel Backpack and Nomatic Travel Bag are great for digital nomads and remote workers who need to organize a lot of electronics, while backpacking-inspired designs like Osprey’s Farpoint and Sojourn Porter offerings have fewer tech-focused features but work great for adventure travel. We break down some of the key organizational components below, from laptop and tablet sleeves to water bottle storage and pack opening styles.  

Laptop and Tablet Sleeves Laptop storage is a requisite feature in a travel pack, and all of the picks above come with a dedicated spot to stash larger electronics. In terms of dimensions, most sleeves can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, and many come with separate smaller compartments in the same space for a tablet, too. This area is typically well padded to protect electronics and positioned along the backpanel for the best access and weight distribution (keeping heavier items closest to your back will help maximize comfort and balance). A couple exceptions to this rule are the Pacsafe EXP45 and Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 , both of which have the laptop sleeve at the front of the pack and can feel a little less well balanced with heavier electronics situated farther away from your body.  

Water Bottle Pockets Unlike laptop sleeves, side water bottle pockets aren’t a standard feature on travel packs. Some models that include them are the Topo Designs Global Travel Pack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Farpoint 70 (on its removable daypack), Eagle Creek Tour , and Thule Aion, while the Cotopaxi Allpa and Amazon Basics Carry-On leave them out. And it’s worth noting that the Farpoint’s removable daypack is also compatible with a hydration reservoir, including a sleeve and access ports at either side for a tube (Note: This area on the daypack doubles as the laptop sleeve).   

Opening Styles and Access Easy access is a hallmark of a good travel backpack. The clamshell-style opening is far and away the most popular design and for good reason: With the pack laid flat, you can easily see and access the entirety of the main compartment. Some backpack-inspired designs, like Osprey's Sojourn Porter 46 and Farpoint 70, utilize generous U-zip designs instead, which are pretty functional but make it a little harder to reach contents at the very bottom of the bags. Finally, it's important to note that some bags come with multiple access points: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, for instance, includes both a full wraparound zipper and “shortcut” side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move.  

Comfort can be somewhat subjective, but a few features help certain travel packs stand out from the rest of the market. Typically, the most comfortable designs boast shoulder straps and hipbelts with thick padding and good adjustability for dialing in fit. Sternum and load-lifter straps can also be very helpful in effectively distributing a heavy load. One brand that stands out in this area is Osprey, which makes sense given their expertise in the backpacking pack market. One of our favorite options for shuttling heavy loads over long distances is Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 , which features thick cushioning and good adjustability at the shoulders and waist belt and comes with load lifters for bringing the weight closer to your back.  

On the flip side, models without hipbelts are generally the least comfortable, especially when wearing them for extended stretches. From the list above, only the Thule Aoin doesn’t come with one, although their Aion Sling Bag (sold separately for $50) can be attached to serve as a hipbelt. Thin webbing designs—like what you get with the Amazon Basics Carry-On and Yeti Crossroads —aren’t much better, providing very little support and structure for keeping the weight of the pack on your hips (rather than your back). If you plan to be walking long distances with your pack through airports or city streets, we consider a well-padded waist belt a critical feature and worth the added investment.   

The models above are designed to be worn on your back as backpacks, but many travelers appreciate the ability to carry their pack suitcase-style or over the shoulder. These options are especially helpful when standing in line to check in at the airport or retrieve travel documents. For instance, the Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts 360-degree grab handles that make it quick and easy to take the pack off and carry it one-handed through security checkpoints or narrow airplane aisles. Designs like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L also come with detachable straps for shoulder carry, which can be helpful when you need to access items inside but want to keep the pack off the ground and remain hands-free. Finally, many of the offerings here can be secured to a roller bag via pass-through sleeves, which we cover more below.  

Other Travel Pack Features

In addition to pockets and electronics sleeves, there are a few other features specific to travel packs that are worth having on your radar. Lockable zippers are fairly standard at the mid to upper end of the market (budget designs like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack forgo them), as are removable and/or stowable straps and compression straps or dividers to keep things tidy in the main compartment. As is common with backpacking models, some travel packs also come with built-in rain covers that stow away when not in use, including Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L and Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L. Finally, many will appreciate the ability to attach their travel pack directly to a rolling suitcase via a pass-through handle or sleeve (like what you get with Yeti Crossroads 35L and many others above).  

Given the inherently rough nature of travel, all of the packs above are well built and hardwearing enough to withstand frequent use. That said, some are certainly more durable than others, and looking at denier (a measurement of fabric thickness) can help differentiate between models. For instance, the Gregory Border Carry-On 40 is pretty average with a mix of 210- and 450-denier (D) materials, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is one of the thickest and most abrasion-resistant options on our list with a combination of 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon (Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag uses a similar combo but with 1,000D nylon and 1,680D ballistic nylon). Pacsafe’s EXP45 is another standout, with stainless steel wire mesh built into the 400D nylon body to guard against theft. At the thinner end, Matador’s GlobeRider45 uses a mix of mostly 100 and 420D fabrics, although the nylon body is coated with a PU laminate to boost weather and abrasion resistance, and Matador included reinforcements in high-wear areas.  

Other durability-related additions to keep an eye out for are thick padding along the interior to promote structure and protect your belongings, weather-resistant details like YKK zippers and DWR coatings on the outside to fend off precipitation, and thicker materials at the base to help protect the pack when you set it down. And we should note here that cost often correlates pretty closely with overall quality. In other words, a budget pack like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack feels noticeably cheaper than most other options above and will likely wear down far more quickly. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s almost certainly worth investing in a pricier and more premium option that will last.  

The weight spread isn’t huge among travel pack designs, but even a 1-pound difference may still be noticeable during long treks across town or the airport. For reference, the lightest options on our list are Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L and Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag 30L (both 2 lb. 10 oz.), while the Osprey Farpoint 70 is the heaviest at 5 pounds 6.6 ounces. Most models fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority of 40- to 45-liter designs hovering somewhere between 3 and 4.5 pounds. In the end, weight won’t be a primary consideration for many travelers, but those backpacking through Europe or expecting to cover serious ground will probably want to shop toward the lighter end.  

Unlike their backpacking pack counterparts, travel packs are most often only offered in a single unisex option. This can make it difficult to dial in fit, especially for those with particularly narrow or broad builds. One exception above is the Eagle Creek Tour 40L , which is offered in both S/M and M/L torso sizes, while a couple others (which we cover below) are sold in dedicated women’s models for better customizing fit. Regardless of which option you choose, we always recommend trying on multiple packs before buying to see which fits you best (or at least purchasing from a reputable manufacturer with a generous return policy). You’ll want to be sure that you can adjust the shoulder straps and waist belt to be snug around your torso and waist. Sternum straps and load lifters can also be helpful for bringing the load closer to your back to maximize comfort and weight distribution.

As we mentioned above, most travel packs are unisex by design. In fact, only one model on our list is offered in a dedicated women’s-specific version: the Osprey Fairview (the Farpoint’s counterpart). Key differences include varying colorways, minor weight variations, and slightly smaller torso and waist measurements. The Fairview also has more contoured shoulder straps and a curved hipbelt to better conform to narrower torsos/shoulders and larger hips, although the packs share an otherwise identical overall construction and feature set. Regardless of designation, we always recommend choosing the pack that fits you best.  

In 2024, it’s pretty common to see pack manufacturers incorporating eco-friendly practices into production, including measures like recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics and PFAS/PFC-free DWR coatings. A couple examples include Pacsafe’s Venturesafe EXP45, which uses polyester that's made from recycled water bottles and other plastics, and Patagonia’s Black Hole Mini MLC 30L, which uses recycled and bluesign-approved (i.e., environmentally safe) polyester and is certified to the Fair Trade standard. A final feature to look out for is a PFC-free DWR coating, which forgoes the use of per- or polyfluorinated chemicals—"forever chemicals" known to be harmful to the environment. With many states stepping up to ban the sale of items that include PFCs, the outdoor industry is seeking better solutions for water- and stain-resistant finishes (for more, you can read about Patagonia’s take on the issue ).  

Packing your travel pack can often feel like playing a hard game of Tetris, especially for those of us who aren’t great at traveling light (this author included). To help, many of the brands above offer compatible accessories for their packs, from packing cubes to protective hard cases for electronics and more. Importantly, these add-ons are often modular and fit neatly into the main compartment of a compatible backpack. Some of our favorites include Topo Designs’ Pack Bags , Peak Design’s Packing Cubes and Tech Pouches, and Eagle Creek’s Pack-It compression cubes. In the end, these accessories aren't a necessary purchase for many travelers (and you certainly don't need to buy them from the same manufacturer as your pack), but they can go a long way toward maximizing organization and space and streamlining your load.  

The packs above make it easy and comfortable to shuttle your belongings across the globe, but not everyone needs a specialized design for travel. Duffel bags are another popular way to fly with a lot of clothing and gear, and many modern designs come with deployable backpack straps for more easily hauling through airports and around urban areas. However, duffels lack the impressive assortment of dedicated storage compartments and pockets for items like keys, passports, and electronics, are generally less comfortable to carry over long distances, and often don’t meet carry-on size requirements.  

Alternatively, some travelers may opt to use a standard backpacking pack . This can make a lot of sense when you’re traveling to hike, backpack, or embark on other adventures and plan to use your pack both for travel and for outdoor use when you arrive. Again, however, the lack of travel-specific features and organization options can make it harder to effectively divvy up your belongings. In the end, if you plan to fly domestically or abroad with any regularity (more than a couple times a year), we think most will find the investment in a dedicated travel pack worth it. Back to Our Top Travel Backpack Picks   Back to Our Travel Pack Comparison Table

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Best lightweight travel backpack: 10 amazing choices + buying tips

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: December 17, 2021

Well, we don’t know if you’re bitten by the travel bug but our post will surely help you choose the best lightweight travel backpack for your journies anywhere around the world:

Wondering what to consider when buying a light travel backpack? Click here.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In a hurry? Here is an overview of the best light travel backpacks

• Overall best lightweight travel backpack:   Matein rolling backpack
• Best light travel backpack for men: Osprey Farpoint 55
• Best light travel backpack for women: Osprey Fairview 55
• Best lightweight waterproof backpack: Nodland 40l backpack
• Best small travel backpack: Waterfly Sling backpack
• Best lightweight travel backpack with wheels: Matein rolling backpack
• Best lightweight travel backpack with laptop compartment: Osprey Farpoint 55 (men) and Osprey Fairview 55 (women)
• Best lightweight travel backpack carry on: Osprey Farpoint 44 (men) and Osprey Fairview 40 (women)
• Best lightweight travel backpack daypack: Outlander packable daypack
• Best lightweight nylon travel backpack: Zomake ultra light backpack
• Best lightweight backpacks for international travel: Bange travel backpack

Best lightweight backpack for travel

Best light travel backpack

Overall best lightweight travel backpack

After extensive research that involved reading customer reviews and expert feedback, we consider the Matein rolling backpack as the best travel backpack.

It’s lightweight, waterproof, has wheels and a laptop compartment. It’s also the perfect carry-on luggage.

If you are looking for an even lighter one, the Nodland hiking backpack is a great alternative.

Best lightweight travel bag with wheels

• Matein Rolling Backpack

Key Features

• Material: Polyester
• Type: Suitcase Backpack
• Weight: 4.9 lb/2.2 kg
• External Size (15.6”) – 19.6 x 13 x 9.1 inch/49.7 x 33 x 23 cm
• External Size (17”) – 20.6 x 13 x 9.4 inch/52.3 x 49.7 x  23.8 cm
• Capacity: 38 liters
• Water-Resistance: Waterproof Padding and fabric
• Multi-pocket design, lockable double zippers, main compartment with an elasticated belt, telescoping handle, back Velcro pocket, fully padded large laptop pocket, documents pocket, and small pockets on the inside.

Pros and cons

• Large storage space
• Bottom waterproof padding
• Durable zippers
• 2-in-1 wheel mechanism
• Rolls smoothly

• Easily twists while rolling
• Single pull bar design restricts control

A great choice for vacation travel, weekend getaway, business trip, or an overnight trip, the Matein Rolling Backpack can truly be dubbed one of the best lightweight waterproof backpacks for travel.

The large compartments can hold a laptop, tablets, chargers, books, and much more while the durable exterior is designed to last long.

Check prices and availability: Amazon

Best lightweight waterproof backpack

Nodland 40l lightweight hiking backpack.

• Material: Ripstop Nylon
• Type: Foldable Daypack
• Weight: 0.85 lb/0.35 kg
• Unfolded Size: 13.4 x 8.7 x 17.3 inches /34 x 22 x 44 cm (L*W*H)
• Folded Size: 7.5 x 3.1 x 8.3 inches/19 x 8 x 21 cm (L*W*H)
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Water-Resistance: Water-resistant fabric
• 2 Side Pockets, Main compartment, Zipped front pocket, Laptop pocket, Inner zipped pocket, Reflective straps, Breathable mesh shoulder straps, Abrasion-resistant zippers, Reinforced bottom and back, Double-stitched tear points, and Adjustable chest strap.
• Provides enough permeability in light to medium rain
• Water pipe and data cable hole available
• Folds into a compact bag
• Spacious compartments
• Water pouch area
• Shoulder straps aren’t too strong to easily bear 40L capacity in hiking conditions

Stylish and practical, the Nodland 40L Lightweight nylon travel backpack will be great for hitch-hikers, scouting enthusiasts, and every adventurist who loves the outdoor.

It has a water pouch compartment and strategically placed small pockets.

The waterproof fabric makes it ideal for wet climate hikes. It works equally well as a portable air travel backpack, and short travel backpack.

We’ll soon be writing a complete post on the best lightweight foldable hiking backpacks like this one.

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 2-Liter Hydration Pack Backpack

• Material – Shell: 200D Honeycomb Ripstop, 600D PU; Mesh (back panel)
• Type: Hydration Pack Backpack
• Weight: 2 lb/0.9 kg
• Size: 19.5 x 12 x 2 inch/50 x 30 x 5 cm (L*W*H)
• Capacity: 18 liters
• Water-Resistance: Water resistant with a sewn-in rain cover
• 2L hydration bladder, Kink-free sip tube, cushioned bite with cushion-lock, compression straps with mesh covering, sewn-in rain cover, air-mesh back panel, adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps, bungee cord for helmets, and large main pocket.
• Lightweight
• Waterproof fabric
• For men, women, and youth
• Adjusts to fit all body frames
• Size might not be comfortable for everyone
• Harness adjustments are limited and may not be enough for everyone
• Zipper quality isn’t too good

Being the best-selling product on most online seller platforms, it’s convincing that Teton Sports Oasis 1100 hydration backpack is among the most favored lightweight waterproof backpacks for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who likes outdoor activities.

You don’t need to buy a hydration pack separately when you are getting it for free with the Oasis 1100.

If you aren’t convinced of the above mentioned lightweight backpacks, have a look at these two for great alternatives.

Matein rolling backpack

Bange 32L travel backpack

Best small travel backpack

• WATERFLY Sling Backpack

• Material: Nylon
• Type: Sling Backpack
• Weight: 0.44 lb/0.20 kg
• Size: 18.5 x 12.2 x 5.1 inches/47 x 31 x 13 cm (L*W*H)
• Capacity: 10 liters
• Water-Resistance: Water-repellent coating
• Main pocket for a tablet (9.7”), zippered gauze pocket at the base for umbrella, bottle pocket, 2 small pockets on the strap and back, inner separated pockets for cards and small stuff, hook for sunglasses on the shoulder strap, breathable mesh pad, anti-friction fabric, and an earphone hole.
• Multi-purpose function
• For all ages
• Great zipper quality
• Left/right adjustment for shoulder strap
• Comfortable for large-chested women and men
• Small bottle holder
• Shoulder strap might cause discomfort

Want comfort while traveling without the bulk? Well, the WATERFLY Sling Bag Crossbody Backpack would come in handy.

Small, ultra-lightweight, practical, and slick, it’s great for daily use, short hikes, and traveling.

Your daughter can use it as a Sherpa bag or a mini-park bag for picnics and short trips.

For every traveler, this is a great small travel camera backpack too.

Moreover, you can even go for the Zomake Ultra-Lightweight Travel Daypack which we think is equally good.

Best lightweight travel backpack with laptop compartment

Osprey Farpoint and Farview 55 Lightweight Travel Backpack

• Main: 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
• Accent: 600D Packcloth
• Bottom: 600D Packcloth
• Type: Duffel/Carry On/Backpack
• S/M: 3.75 lb/1.69 kg
• M/L: 3.92 lb/1.76 kg
• Size: 25 x 13 x 13 inches/65 x 32 x 32 cm (H*W*D)
• Capacity: S/M: 52 liters / M/L: 55 liters
• Water-Resistance: Water resistant fabric (a rain cover can be bought seperately)
• Large U-zip lockable main compartment, Detachable daypack with scratch-free stash pocket, and a laptop and tablet sleeve, Hipbelt with zippered rear flap, and a stowaway back panel.  
• Easy to pack
• Detachable daypack
• Excellent for air travel
• Ample space in both duffel and daypack
• Large frame makes the main pack not suitable as a carry-on
• Mesh back panel may cause scuffing on the clothes

Talk of multi-purpose backpacks and you’ll come across the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 , featuring a detachable daypack with a large laptop and tablet sleeve.

Many customers liked how quickly one can take out and put back a laptop from the daypack.

The waterproof shell along with a rain cover ensures enough permeability to keep your stuff dry.

A hybrid of Fairpoint 40 and Fairpoint 70, the Fairpoint 55 lightweight travel backpack is great for long weekend travels.

The Farpoint series is designed for men while the Fairview series is optimized for women.

Check prices and availability-men:

Check prices and availability-women:

• QINOL Travel Laptop Backpack

• Material : Nylon/Mesh/Sponge/Plastic (Zipper)
• Type: Laptop/Travel/School
• Weight: 1.76 lb/0.79 kg
• Size: 18.8 x 12.8 x 7.6  inches/47.7 x 32.5 x 19.3 cm (H*W*D)
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Water-Resistance: Water-repellent fabric
• Duo-bag design with 2 pockets for laptop (17” and smaller) and iPad (15.5” and smaller), an inner shockproof belt, 2 elastic mesh pockets, open pocket for small stuff, a removable USB hub, foam-padded top handle, shoulder straps with breathable mesh design, and an anti-theft pocket zipper.
• Multi-pocket design aids large storage
• USB charging hub
• Breathable and comfortable padding
• Water-repellent
• Anti-theft pocket
• Luggage strap for ease of carrying
• Average shoulder strap quality
• Internal pockets may rip if stuffed too much

If you’re a regular traveler, the QINOL lightweight travel backpack offers great space to keep valuables, equipment, and other necessary stuff.

You can safely and comfortably carry your phone and other valuable stuff, thanks to the anti-theft zipper in the back.

For on-the-go charging, there’s a USB hub while the laptop sleeve has a strap to keep your device safely tucked.

The waterproof nylon proves its worth when it rains but is not intended for long walks in heavy downpours.

If you aren’t convinced of this backpack, check out these great alternatives:

• Bange 32L Travel Backpack
• Nodland 40L Backpack

Best lightweight travel backpack carry on

Osprey farpoint and fairview 40 lightweight travel backpack.

• Type: Carry On/Duffel
• Farpoint S/M: 3.1 lb/1.4 kg
• Farpoint M/L: 3.2 lb/1.45 kg
• Fairview XS/M: 3.1 lb/1.4 kg
• Fairview S/M: 3.2 lb/1.45 kg
• Farpoint (men): 21 x 14 x 15 inches/54 x 35 x 37 cm (H*W*D)
• Fairview (women): 21 x 14 x 9 inches/54 x 35 x 23 cm (H*W*D)
• Capacity: Farpoint S/M & Fairview XS/M: 38 liters / Farpoint M/L & Fairview S/M: 40 liters
• Large duffle style main pocket with lockable U-zip, padded sleeve for both laptop and tablet (For 15” laptops), Stowaway back panel, hip belt with zippered rear flap, a small scratch-free pocket for sunglasses, and 2 front mesh pockets for water bottles.
• Meets carry-on guidelines for air travel
• Shoulder strap offers multiple carry options
• Sturdy frame
• Heavy packers won’t like it
• Doesn’t come with a zip-off daypack

Being closer to the 22” mark, the Osprey Fairpoint 40 and Fairview 40 take over the Fairpoint 55 as it meets carry-on guidelines for air travel.

Budget travelers who like or need to carry their laptops with them will be comfortable using this pretty lightweight travel backpack.

If the above mentioned backpack isn’t what you’re looking, have a look at these great alternatives:

• Nodland 40L
• Osprey Farpoint 55 and Osprey Farview 55
• QINOL Travel Backpack
• Zomake Ultralight Backpack

Best lightweight travel daypack

• Outlander Packable Daypack

• Material: Ripstop nylon
• Type: Daypack
• 20L: 0.46 lb/0.21 kg
• 33L: 0.5 lb/0.23 kg
• Unfold: 16.92 x 10.63 x 7.08 inches/43 x 27 x 18 cm (H*W*D)
• Fold: 6.29 x 5.90 x 1.97 inches/16 x 15 x 5 cm (H*W*D)
• Unfold: 19 x 13 x 8.2 inches/48 x 33 x 21 cm (H*W*D)
• Fold: 6.29 x 5.90 x 2 inches/16 x 15 x 5 cm (H*W*D)
• Capacity: 20 or 33 liters
• Bar tack reinforced stress points, 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zippers, main compartment, 2 small front zippered pockets, internal zippered security pocket, and 2 water bottle and umbrella side pockets, and a free carabiner.
• Great for day hikes
• Lighweight and sturdy
• Weather-resistant
• For all travel purposes
• Folds easily into a small zippered inner pocket
• Available in multiple colors
• Water-resistant but not waterproof
• Nylon pack feels a bit flimsy
• Inner lining is not durable

Minimalist travel enthusiasts who are on a budget can surely go for the Outlander Ultra-Lightweight Daypack.

Waterproof and easy to pack, you get ample space to keep all your essentials for the day trip.

Just roll it up inside the inner pack and store it to save space in your luggage or the boot of your car.

Not convinced of the above mentioned backpack? Have a look at these other great alternatives:

• Teton Sport Backpack
• Osprey Fairpoint 55 and Osprey Fairview 55
• Osprey Fairpont 40 and Osprey Fairview 40
• Zomake Ultra-Lightweight Backpack

Best lightweight nylon travel backpack

Zomake ultra-lightweight hiking backpack.

• Weight: 0.49 lb/0.22 kg
• Unfolded: 17.7 x 10.6 x 5.5 inches/45 x 27 x 14 cm (H*W*D)
• Folded: 6.7 x 6.7/17 x 17 (H*W)
• Bar tack reinforced abrasion-resistant SBS metal zippers, strengthened stitching on 28 places, 1 front zipper pocket, internal zippered pocket, mesh side pockets, and reinforced shoulder straps.
• Great for minimalist women travelers
• Packs easily into a sandwich-sized nylon pack
• Water-resistant
• Cost-effective
• Airplane-friendly
• Straps not durable enough for long term use

One of the most in-demand lightweight travel backpacks, the Zomako Ultra-Lightweight Backpack is specially designed for women.

With a 20L compartment, you will have enough space to pack everything for a short trip, weekend camping, or day hikes.

Going long-distance? You can fold it into the sandwich-sized nylon pack and keep it with you to store excess luggage.

Check out these alternatives if you aren’t convinced of the above mentioned backpack:

• Nodland 40L Lightweight Backpack
• Teton Sports Backpack

Best lightweight backpacks for international travel

Bange business trip extension pack light travel backpack.

• Material: PVC (Front)/Oxford Cloth
• Type: Laptop/School/Travel
• Weight: 3.44 lb/1.55 kg
• Before Extended (22L): 17.5 x 11.8 x 5 inches/44 x 28 x 13 cm (H*W*D)
• After Extending (32L): 17.5 x 11.8 x 9.5 inches/44 x 28 x 24 cm (H*W*D)
• Before Extended (23L): 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches/46 x 30 x 14 cm (H*W*D)
• After Extending (35L): 18.1 x 11.8 x 10.2 inches/46 x 30 x 26 cm (H*W*D)
• Before Extended (26L): 19.5 x 13 x 6.8 inches/50 x 33 x 17 cm (H*W*D)
• After Extending (45L): 19.5 x 13 x 11 inches/50 x 33 x 28 cm (H*W*D)
• Capacity: 22L that can be extended to 35L / 23L extendable to 35L / 26L extendable to 45L
• Water-Resistance: Waterproof fabric and inside waterproof pocket
• Front zippered pocket, large main compartment, holds a 17”-19” laptop, 2 handles on top and 1 on the side, luggage belt on the back, padded batter back panel, Adjustable anti-slip chest belt with quick release on shoulder straps, explosion-proof zippers, and hip-side power pocket with integrated cable port.
• Expandable design
• Padded and breathable back
• Waterproof pocket for liquids
• Thick straps and handles for more comfort
• Flight approved
• Waterproof exterior
• Zipper quality isn’t as told
• The bag is quite heavy

Bange has done a great job with their Business Trip Travel Extension Backpack.

The huge expandable design creates more space for you to add more clothes, essentials, and devices for your journey. This comes for both women and men and has a USB port to recharge your phone on the road. (note that there’s no portable battery included, you need to insert one of your own.)

The comfort is great, thanks to the ergonomic airflow back design with ventilated padding.

Overall, this is a top-grade luxury lightweight backpack for international travel at an affordable price.

If you aren’t convinced of the Bange backpack, these alternatives might be what you’re looking for:

• Teton Sports
• Osprey Farpoint 55 and Osprey Fairview 55
• Osprey Fairpoint 40 and Osprey Fairview 40

What to consider when buying a light travel backpack?

Choosing the right size backpack is the key to your carry-on traveling being a success.

Pick a small backpack so you pack less and have less weight on your back.

Considering the duration of your trip, you can decide which bag is good for you. Here are the major sizes you can choose from:

• Mini & Small: 6-10L
• Daypacks: 10-30L
• Medium Backpacks: 35-50L
• Large Backpacks: 65 and plus liters

Weight can slow you down which is why you need to manage your luggage in a way that your backpack doesn’t become a burden on you while you’re on the go.

Finding lightweight and compact backpacks can solve your problem as these are made of thin material and can be easily rolled into a small pack and carried along to store extra luggage further during your trip.

Depending on the model and manufacturer, light travel backpacks are available in multiple sizes.

You can choose from small, medium, and large, or look for backpacks that fit your waist or torso size. Another category to choose your backpack from is gender.

There are men and women-specific backpacks, then there are unisex with a one-size-fits-all design.

Backpacks with smaller capacities and more adjustment options are mostly for young users who are still growing.

Features 

Rain and moisture protection is necessary when you are on a trip, especially when you are hiking, scouting, or doing any other outdoor activity.

A rain cover is available in most backpacks these days while the shell is made of water-repellent, water-resistant, or waterproof material.

Always check if there is waterproof lining on the inside.

Some bags even come with waterproof zippers.

Attachment Points

If you are an adventure traveler, find backpacks that have loops to attach trekking poles, helmets, sunglasses, or an ice ax. You can look for the following for greater convenience:

• Daisy Chain: It’s the webbing outside a pack that has multiple gear loops for tools, a helmet, or anything that didn’t fit inside the bag.
• Reinforced Crampon Patch: This fabric prevents holes from appearing because of crampon points.
• Extra Gear Loops: Find a pack with extra gear loops on the lower part of a pack or the hipbelt for greater convenience while hiking.

Internal frame

Buying a bag with an internal frame is crucial for greater stability and safety while traveling.

The support structure is hidden under the back panel and helps maintain stability on uneven surfaces.

Various manufacturers incorporate innovative technologies for better weight distribution and strength of the pack.

Make sure to buy a pack with an internal frame if you’re carrying a lighter load.  

Panel Access

Whether your backpack has a top-loading or side-loading design, it’s entirely up to you how you want to transport your luggage.

Backpacks are convenient as long as they ensure the utmost comfort and safety of your belongings while you are on the go.

Top-loading packs have exterior pockets while the side-loading ones don’t have any.

Side-loading packs offer more convenient access to your belongings. It’s your call at last depending on your travel needs.

Removal daypack

A removable daypack can be pretty convenient for travelers who want to store small essentials in an easy access pack.

A lot of manufacturers have designed packs with a detachable daypack that is ideal for short trips or supply runs during a thru-hike.

The top lid or reservoir pocket of an overnight pack has a daypack integrated into it with a zipper to remove it from the main pack.

Look for ways to save on your purchase by following the below tips:

• Get a good idea of what you need so you don’t pay extra for features you don’t need.
• Compare features and prices on the Amazon website to get a better idea of the actual price and how much you’ll be able to save.
• Maybe you don’t need the very latest model and you can buy last year’s design which is often cheaper
• Buy your backpack in the holiday season (Black Friday, Christmas, …) for better bargains.

Finding the right light travel backpack can now be a smooth game with so many options listed for you to choose from.

Our research is based on customer reviews and industry ranking to build an accurate opinion.

Here you can find our other travel gear posts:

• Best Garmin hiking watches
• Best hiking tripods
• 10 best lightweight binoculars
• Collapsible hiking poles
• Trekking poles for women
• Lightweight trekking poles
• Budget trekking poles
• Best lightweight waterproof hiking shoes
• Best leggings for hiking
• Best sneakers for travel

Winter travel gear:

• Best winter hiking leggings
• Best fleece lined hiking pants
• Best ice cleats
• Best ice cleats for boots

13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Featuring brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Nanuk, and more.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

One smart way to create stress-free travel is by using a travel backpack . It's what the travel experts recommend, and it's also what your Aunt who travels for work recommends (she has more airline miles than anyone in the family combined, you know). Traveling light often means going carry-on only, but traveling the leanest way possible usually involves just a travel backpack, also known as a carry-on backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Matador seg45 travel pack.

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Patagonia black hole pack 32l.

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35 l travel pack.

Travel backpacks are a versatile, easy-to-carry luggage pick if you're trying to pack as smart and fast as possible. A travel backpack is also a great choice if you want to bring a bag with you on the plane (instead of a formal carry-on suitcase) to go with a checked piece of luggage. Unlike a regular backpack, a good travel backpack is going to offer a little more size and space (usually between 30 to 40 liters). Most travel backpacks are made to hold at least a few outfits, plus all your electronics and travel gadgets . The generous space helps carry an entire weekend's (or week's) worth of clothes. It can also hold all your flight essentials: your hoodie , plane shoes (great for long flights), travel pillow , headphones , and more.

If you believe you can only carry a significant amount of belongings via a roller bag or duffel bag , think again. All of our travel backpack picks below offer optimized storage with comfortable straps and friendly designs that make navigating your environments that much easier. Ready to see what's out there? Let's dive into the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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Matador already makes some of the world's coolest, most clever travel gear. Its SEG45 Travel Backpack is no exception. The clamshell-style zipper opens to provide full access to the pocket-free interior. So you can stash everything inside the open-layout interior like a duffel bag (the included carry strap allows for carrying like a traditional duffel, too) if you're a free-wheelin, "I don't need no pockets" kind of guy.

The other option is to pack this bag using the five front zippered pockets, each with a slightly different capacity (together, they total 45 liters). So, for example, you can stash smaller items like your passport, headphones, and snacks in the small top pocket. Larger electronics can go toward the bottom. You get the gist.

There's also a zippered, padded laptop sleeve at the rear, so it sits directly against your back when worn like a traditional backpack. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable all-day carry, and they can be tucked away when not in use. An external water bottle pouch and a reinforced water-resistant bottom round out the great features.

Read more: Best Packable Down Jackets

The Black Hole Pack is a tried-and-true favorite among Patagonia fans due to its long-term durability and smart compartment design. The pack holds up to 32L, which is sizable enough for traveling but also small enough for everyday use (if you want even smaller, you can elect to get the bag in a 26L size).

Patagonia designed an external zip-down laptop sleeve that sits on the inside (meaning your laptop would be resting directly against your back) and helps create more open space. Front and top stash pockets are added for storing small goods in streamlined ways that do not impede on the interior storage either.

Now, you do sacrifice a bit of space by opting for the Black Hole Pack instead of a 40L travel backpack pack, but the way Patagonia designs this bag creates an optimized way of fitting clothes, shoes, and more without being too much of a burden to carry. If you're looking for a bag you can use to pair with a checked bag, or if you're looking for a bag that can pull double duty for everyday and outdoor use, then you won't find anything more suitable.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

Cotopaxi's Allpa is a frequent traveler favorite due to its strong, lightweight material blend of TPU-coated 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. Travelers also love this travel backpack due to its booklet opening (like many popular suitcases) and secret laptop compartment on the inside back of the backpack (the laptop sits on your back when carrying). In terms of carrying, the bag has four grab handles so you can move it off your shoulders when you get tired. And to add durability and other cargo add-on options, it comes fitted with YKK zippers, carabiner lash loops, and tuck-away straps.

The Allpa is a do-it-all pack for those who truly want to use their travel backpack as their only bag on the road. The cool part is the Allpa comes in fun colors that are easy to spot on the baggage carousel (assuming you check it ... but you won't because you're better than that).

Read more: Waterproof Hiking Gear

Nanuk N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Traveling with serious electronics like digital cameras, lenses, action cameras, tablets, and drones can be nerve-wracking. You want luggage or a backpack that can protect everything for those long-haul journeys. Nanuk's N-PVD line of travel backpacks is purpose-built for just that.

Every bag in the line-up features a well-padded interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate whatever you're hauling. Every removable velcro pad can be flipped, turned, and moved around inside the interior so you can Tetris all your most valuable electronics to fit and protect everything exactly how you want. There's also a padded laptop sleeve and a bonus top pocket that's perfect for smaller essentials you want to keep within easy reach.

"I used the 18L model as my only camera bag on a recent trip to Antarctica," said MH gear writer Mike Richard. "I was able to pack my digital camera, a couple of lenses, a 15" laptop, my GoPro equipment, and a bunch of other must-haves, like snacks and my passport, with room to spare. Plus, the recycled polyester shell held up to daily Zodiac rides, pounding rain, and penguin encounters like a champ!"

Read more: Cool Tech Gadgets

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

We admit to fanboy'ing over Peak Design, as it seems every product the company reinvents turns to gold. We love the incognito look and simplicity of Peak Design's Travel Backpack. Aside from a top stash pocket, the bag relies on a single zipper that opens out the entire bag. From there, you can add in your clothes and shoes without packing cubes , or you can grab any of Peak Design's matching packing cubes and load in your clothes, electronics and gear.

The inner compartment also holds a padded laptop sleeve that keeps your device tightly secured. Our favorite feature of this travel backpack is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pick-pocket thieves from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds.

As far as construction materials, Peak Design went with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas thanks to its supreme water and abrasion resistance. In terms of comfort, padded shoulder pads, a generous adjustable strap length, and an optional hip belt accessory help limit fatigue, so you can power through long travel days.

COR Surf Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

The most active travelers demand a lot of their luggage. In most cases, they want their bags and backpacks to pull double duty: They need them to transport everything from A to B on the plane, then haul all their gear essentials around on the beach, the trail, or the slopes. That's where COR Surf's Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle comes in. The 40L model (it's available in 28L and 40L flavors as well) is roughly the size of a carry-on but way more durable and versatile.

The design opens wide like a traditional suitcase for easy access to everything. This bundle includes a water-resistant toiletry bag and a set of compression cubes to wrangle your clothes, shoes, electronics, and souvenirs on the way home.

The outside is built for all-day wear with wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap to help distribute heavier loads. It's built with double stitching all around, so it's ready to go the distance wherever you travel.

We especially like that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can color coordinate with your personal traveler's vibe (if that's your thing). Plus, it's crazy affordable at around $125 on sale.

Nomatic 40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

In the "new era" of next-gen travel backpacks we're currently living in, Nomatic was one of the OG brands to seriously reinvent the game. Its convertible travel bags are still some of our go-to favorites. The 40L option is sized like a traditional carry-on but carries like a duffel or travel backpack. With clever built-in straps, it transitions seamlessly between either carry method, so it's comfy to tote around even on your longest travel days.

It boasts 20 clever features, all targeting the needs of modern nomads. There are plenty of compartments to organize your clothes, shoes, tech, and other gear. A water bottle pocket helps you stay hydrated, and the included laundry bag helps keep your funky clothes quarantined away from your clean threads. It's all wrapped in a rugged, water-resistant tarpaulin material that's vegan-friendly and 100% synthetic.

If you're looking for something a little more streamlined, Nomatic's 30L model has all of the same features in a more compact footprint.

CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack

If you're an ultra-minimalist traveler or are just looking for a compact, rugged bag to supplement your carry-on, CamelBak's A.T.P. is just the trick. The 26-liter model is perfectly sized for hauling everything you need and nothing you don't. (It's also available as a smaller, cheaper 20-liter model )

In stark black or pure, undyed white, the exterior aesthetic is about as clean and streamlined as it gets. There are no extraneous pockets or design flourishes—this bag is all business. The interior is accessible either via the top flap (like a traditional top-loading hiking backpack) or through a long zipper topped with a snapped "collar" closure of sorts that almost resembles a zip-up hoodie. It makes accessing the inside way easier than most travel backpacks. The open-concept interior includes a laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and several small drop pockets for smaller travel essentials. Outside, compression straps allow you to cinch it all down to the exact size you need, so there's never any wasted space.

One of our favorite features of this travel backpack is the ultra-green manufacturing process. CamelBak touts this as its "first pack to ever earn the highest rating on our sustainability scale. The A.T.P. is made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor and creates half the greenhouse gas emissions produced in traditional manufacturing processes." Nice!

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Made with water-resistant nylon, this best-selling 40L travel pack promises organization through multiple zippered compartments. Starting from the front of the bag, there are four small zippered pouches, followed by a large zippered compartment for clothes and shoes , and then finished with a laptop sleeve compartment.

At under $60 retail (often less than $40 on sale!), you'd be hard-pressed to find a travel backpack this functional and durable for less. It's true the bag might not have the longest lifespan as others on this list (the zippered compartment design worries us about pockets potentially getting damaged), but in terms of getting solid bang for your buck, it's a great pick.

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

Yeti brings the design chops from working on the best, most rugged coolers to the world of travel backpacks. The Crossroads 35L is one of the toughest travel backpacks around.

For starters, the outer material of the Crossroads 35L is something you won't see on other travel backpacks. Why? Because Yeti opted for a textured Tuffskin nylon and a strong 700D nylon that's both water and abrasion-resistant. Yeti says it feels more like motorcycle gear, and we agree.

Second, the bag's clamshell opening allows for easy access to the laptop sleeve and for the ability to roll your clothes up and bag them down into the bag tightly. Last is the strength of the zippers, which are waterproof and tough as nails from the outer stash pockets all the way the main compartment zippers.

The only downside some might have is the shoulder pads could be more cushioned, but we found them to provide just enough comfort while stepping through the airport. But, if you're looking for a rugged backpack that's down for whatever, you can't go wrong with this pick.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

One of our favorite duffel bags, the North Face Base Camp, also works great as a convertible travel backpack. The straps on the Base Camp might have some of the best paddings you can get, making it that much more comfortable in terms of all-day carry. And as far as materials, the strong 1000D recycled PVC with water-resistant zippers is damn-near-bulletproof, ready to repel any and everything.

Our only gripe about this bag is the interior storage configuration. It doesn't have any special laptop compartments or unique pocket designs: It's a simple, straightforward duffel at the end of the day. But remember, if you ever get tired of carrying this on your back, you can carry it by the hand straps or sling it over your shoulder. So you've got options here.

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Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Talk about a behemoth! Away's F.A.R. Convertible Backpack is equal parts duffel bag and ackpack. It holds a whopping 45L, which makes all the difference if you want to add another pair of shoes or bring home souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

While you don't have a ton of compartments on the inside of this bag, it does have built-in compression straps, which allow you to clamp down your clothes and keep everything condensed. This travel backpack is made from water- and abrasion-resistant polyester that's strong enough to handle pretty much anywhere unless you're planning on getting far off the path (like a hiking or camping trip, or a trip to somewhere less developed).

While the bag can feel a little heavy on your back if packed to the gills, the good news is you can always convert it to duffel carry. You get the best of both worlds here.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

The Porter 46 reminds us a lot of a hiking backpack in looks and in its durable design. It holds a whopping 46 liters, which can be deceiving thanks to the outer clamp-down straps. On the front of the bag is an easy-access laptop sleeve, and on the side are grab handles for briefcase-like carry if your shoulders get tired. If you want to know our favorite features of the backpack, though, it's the U-zip opening design, which allows the user to pack in and access their goods with ease—it's especially easy to get items on the bottom of the bag when the back is laid down and opened.

A couple of qualms include the straps being a bit too narrow, which can cause some discomfort for long travel days. The other is there aren't a lot of stash pockets. So if you like to use those to wrangle your favorite travel essentials, you might want to look for a different backpack design. But if you're looking for a big-time hauler that fits a rugged, traditional hiking backpack design, then this is a solid choice.

Read more: Best Hiking Boots

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing all of the latest packing tools and accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within the travel space.

When it comes to travel backpacks, our gear enthusiasts in the office tested a total of 30 different travel backpacks over the past two years. We inspected the bags in office first before taking them out on assignments and vacations. Then, after wear and tear, we accessed the condition of the bag and added in our testing notes. Lastly, we considered what each travel backpack does best by applying them to all the different types of traveler needs—like size, versatility, weight, and more.

Read more: How We Test Products

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

There are a couple of features you want to keep an eye on when shopping for a travel-worthy backpack. Overall, your travel backpack should be lightweight, organized, and suitable for the types of travel you typically take. These are the most important considerations.

As mentioned earlier, a good sweet spot for travel backpack capacity is between 30L and 40L. This amount of space usually allows you to pack a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes or allows you to pack all your airplane essentials. Some of the travel backpacks above go up to 45L. We love the generous capacity, but if you go above this sizing, you might be veering away from carry-on size requirements or you might find a bag packed that fully becomes a little heavy on the shoulders.

TSA Carry-On Approved

Pretty much all travel backpacks are TSA-approved for carry-on use. If you're someone who likes to keep a bag under the seat, you'll want to pay closer attention to the exact dimensions and how your bag looks when it's fully packed. Some airlines—especially ultra-budget carriers—are getting mighty strict on baggage size requirements these days.

Outer Materia ls

The good news about our travel backpack picks above is they're all made with some sort of water-resistant material. Most have abrasion resistance too. Aside from looking for these two qualities, most travel backpacks use nylon or polyester blends. A truly tough bag might don an outer material of 500-denier nylon or higher, which is a material grade that ensures the nylon is strong, water-resistant, and tear-resistant—all great features in a travel backpack.

Packing Organization

Last to consider is your personal packing style. The vast amount of travel backpacks on the market has led us to have all sorts of bag openings and packing configurations. Some have lots of compartments (interior and exterior), while some have a single main compartment and only one stash pocket. Most travel backpacks have openings that help you pack clothes down tightly and allow for easy access if you need to get something at the bottom of the bag. A few common bag opening designs include U-shaped zipper openings, suitcase openings, and clamshell openings. There's no one best design; it's all about what's right for you .

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks for 2024. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard, reviewed dozens of packs to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some travel backpacks promise a better overall value than others. In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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10 Best Travel Daypacks for Travel: Lightweight, Durable, and Ready for Any Journey

When you’re on the ground galavanting around Europe, once the stress of getting to your destination has dissipated, it’s time to leave your luggage at the Airbnb and explore. Daypacks are essential for squeezing the most out of your exploration, whether you’re crushing trails in the Alps or brushing up on your history in Athens. Why a daypack? Usually, these packs are a little smaller, a little lighter, and therefore more nimble as you dodge crowds and enjoy the sun in crowded piazzas. Here are our top picks for daypacks for travel.

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack – Del Día (US$65)

Want a unique pack that’s great value for money? Cotopaxi delivers with their Batac 16L Backpack in the Del Día collection, which results in a unique pack each time since the bags are made with excess fabrics and components mixed and matched by individual designers and sewers. The unique constructions allow for reduced waste while providing functional, versatile designs for day-to-day, travel, and outdoor use. Internally there’s a sleeve divider and hanging pocket, complemented by an exterior front zippered pocket and dual side mesh pockets.

CamelBak A.T.P. 20 Backpack (US$96)

Ready for travel but versatile for everyday use too, the A.T.P. (Adventure Travel Pack) 20 offers a sleek silhouette with a panel-loading main compartment. Designed to be tough and sustainable, the CamelBak A.T.P. 20 Backpack is made with 100% post-industrial recycled CORDURA re/cor (with the undyed version offering even greater sustainability through using reduced resources). Flexible organization options include a removable padded 15″ laptop sleeve, an expandable bottle pocket, an exterior hydration bladder sleeve, a quick-access side pocket, and a sunglasses pocket. Plus with a luggage passthrough you get added travel convenience too.

Osprey 50ᵀᴴ Anniversary Osprey Arcane Large Day (US$110)

The limited-edition Osprey 50ᵀᴴ Anniversary Osprey Arcane Large Day is made with premium fabrics and the brand’s 50th anniversary logo. The pack features a bluesign-approved NanoFly main body fabric and bluesign-approved 100% recycled 500D high-tenacity nylon base. The J-zip large front panel provides easy access to the main compartment, while a front zippered pocket and side stretch pocket store quick-access essentials such as a phone, wallet, and water bottle. A zippered interior pocket and a key clip store smaller items, with further organization courtesy of an external stretch shoulder strap sleeve that’s handy for items such as travel cards.

Bellroy Via Backpack (US$129)

Bellroy’s Via Backpack is a great choice if you want a daypack that can do double duty in the office and on your travel adventures. The clean aesthetics look understated and professional for work settings, while the functional design lends itself to work commutes and travel use alike. The dropdown front panel offers convenient visibility and access to gear in the main compartment, with a padded 16″ laptop sleeve, key clip, and zippered pocket on hand for organization. Additionally, a top pocket provides storage for sunglasses or other delicate or quick-access items. A padded contoured back panel, water-resistant fabric and zippers, and a comfy grab handle round out the features.

GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop – Ripstop Nylon (US$155)

If you love the versatility of the Bullet Ruck but want dedicated storage for a laptop, GORUCK has you covered with the Bullet Ruck Laptop. As the name suggests, the pack offers the trusty Bullet design with a rear laptop compartment and additional lumbar support. The 420D ROBIC® Ripstop Nylon version provides a combination of light weight and water resistance, while extra-padded shoulder straps and a removable frame sheet increase carry comfort for heavier loads. Interior pockets paired with an exterior pocket and external MOLLE webbing offer organization for travel essentials and the lay-flat main compartment makes it easy to pack and retrieve gear.

Osprey Talon Earth 22 (US$170)

Osprey’s Talon Earth 22 high-fives people and the planet with its sustainable construction and multifunctional design. The pack features 100% recycled bluesign fabrics throughout, from the main body to the base and lining. Designed for comfortable carry during active use, the pack has a breathable AirScape back panel paired with a BioStretch harness and hipbelt to keep the pack secure and close to the body. A panel-loading main compartment offers easy access, with a zippered pocket and multifunctional laptop/reservoir sleeve for organization. Externally you’ll find ice ax and trekking pole attachment points, a top zippered pocket, side stretch pockets, as well as attachment points for a bike light and helmet. Plus with easy-access pocketing on the harness and hipbelt, you can keep small essentials close at hand too.

Arc’teryx Granville 16 (US$200)

Adaptable for light hikes or city exploration, the Arc’teryx Granville 16 is a versatile pack for day-to-day, outdoor, and travel settings. It’s made with a tough and water-resistant N400r-AC² ripstop fabric and taped seams for protection against the elements. Inside the main compartment is a stretch mesh laptop sleeve, while an exterior top pocket offers convenient quick-access storage for small items. With its clean style and durable construction, this is a solid pick if you’re after a minimalist urban/outdoor hybrid. 

Black Ember Citadel 18 (US$239)

Black Ember’s Citadel 18 offers a thoughtful blend of pared-back aesthetics and considered features, resulting in a pack that works equally well for daily commutes and travel. Made with CORDURA’s re/cor RN66 fabric, the pack features a lay-flat main compartment with a suspended magnetic laptop sleeve and a separate magnetic tablet sleeve. Two external quick-access pockets store frequently used items and the luggage passthrough enables all-in-one transport with wheeled luggage. For added peace of mind, the pack also includes lockable zipper pulls and a tough, weatherproof build.

EVERGOODS MPL22 (US$260)

The EVERGOODS MPL22 takes you from mountain trails to adventures around town with a comfortable hybrid design that’s built to last for years to come. The ECOPAK version is built with a durable and highly water-resistant 100% recycled EPX400 fabric, paired with trusty water-resistant YKK zippers. The panel-loading design provides swift and easy access to the main compartment where you’ll find a padded and suspended laptop sleeve that can also be used for hydration bladder storage. Externally the pack has dual side stretch pockets, a top pocket, and a full panel front stash pocket, with a removable waist belt and adjustable sternum strap for secure carry comfort.

Tom Bihn Synik 22 ($330)

The Synik 22 is inspired by the iconic Tom Bihn Synapse but adds additional features including a lay-flat main compartment, dual-access 13″ laptop compartment that can be accessed externally and internally, and a removable interior frame. The pack also includes a luggage passthrough and a padded grab handle and base. Five external pockets provide plenty of options for stashing frequently used items close at hand, while the removable sternum strap and waist strap help keep the load stable on the go.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Catherine Baecker-Khoury

Catherine is a tea addict and fan of hands-free carry. She loves hill scrambling, forest traipsing and is the reason our grammar and spelling are so awesome, running her eye over every post that you get to read.

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Home » Adventure Tales » Packing Advice For First-Time Travellers

Packing Advice For First-Time Travellers

There’s something exciting about planning your first big travel trip. Checking guide books, blogs and yes Instagram for travel inspo, drafting up itineraries and working out if you can fit both The Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu into a single day trip (sure you can) – it’s the best part of the whole trip for some.

But travel planning also includes some proper careful and thoughtful packing—and packing is one of the most overlooked aspects of travel that can make or break your adventure.

It’s easy to get it wrong. Overpacking can leave you lugging around a heavy suitcase filled with clothes you’ll never wear, while on the other hand underpacking may mean you’re without that all-important rain jacket in the middle of a sudden downpour. And let’s not forget the potential disaster of bringing along unsuitable items—high heels for a hiking trip, anyone?

But fear not dear reader! We’re here to help you navigate the art of packing like a seasoned traveller, ensuring that your journey starts off on the right foot.

How To Pack For That First Trip

What to take (and not take) on your backpacking trip, final thoughts.

Efficient packing is a skill that takes time and bitter experience to perfect, and it’s normal to get it wrong on the first few rodios. We’ve all heard the horror stories: a backpack filled with outfits you never touch, forgetting the essentials like a waterproof jacket, or the dreaded toiletry explosion that leaves your clothes coated in shampoo.

The first rule of packing is simply to be realistic . You might think you need those five different pairs of shoes, but trust us, you don’t ( unless you do?) . Stick to versatile, lightweight items that you can mix and match. For example, a good pair of jeans or chinos, a few t-shirts, and a light sweater can take you a long way. And don’t underestimate the importance of a well-organised toiletry bag—just remember to opt for travel-sized products and remember the 100ml liquid rule if you’re flying with a carry-on.

Speaking of carry-ons, let’s take a few momo’s to talk about baggage. With checked luggage fees rising and even budget airlines charging a premium for every extra gram, travelling light has never before been more important.

A well-packed cabin bag can be your best friend, but it’s not suitable for every type of trip. For short city breaks or warm-weather destinations, a carry-on will suffice. But if you’re headed on a long-term backpacking adventure through varying climates, you might need the extra space that checked baggage offers.

When it comes to packing for a backpacking trip, the golden rule is to prioritise functionality and versatility.

Here’s a breakdown of the essentials and the items you should definitely leave at home.

Lightweight 40L Cabin Bag

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A 40L backpack is the perfect companion for first-time travellers aiming to pack light and avoid baggage fees. It’s small enough to fit in the overhead compartment but spacious enough to carry everything you need for a few weeks on the road. Brands like Osprey Farpoint 40 and CabinZero Classic are popular choices due to their lightweight design, durability, and comfortable fit. These bags also have multiple compartments, making it pretty sweet to keep your belongings organised and accessible.

Why 40L? Two reasons. Firstly because 40L is generally airline carry-on-limit size and also because it forces you to bring only what you truly need. You’ll be less tempted to overpack, and your back will thank you when you’re navigating crowded streets or rushing to catch a bus. Plus, you won’t have to worry about lugging a massive suitcase up several flights of hostel stairs!

Toiletry Bag

A well-stocked, compact toiletry bag can save you from many sticky situations (literally!). Look for either a waterproof, roll-up bag like the Sea to Summit, TravellingLight or the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter. Alternatively plump for a nice, stylish leather toiletry bag as leather is a wipeable and durable material. I have personally used the mens toiletry bag by Leatherius for my last few trips now 😉

Remember, if you’re only carrying a cabin bag, you’ll need to adhere to the liquid limits when packing your toiletry bag. So maybe opt for solid toiletries like shampoo bars, deodorant sticks, and toothpaste tablets. Not only will this save space, but it’ll also prevent any messy leaks from ruining your perfectly packed bag.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

A rain jacket might not seem like an obvious choice, especially if you’re headed somewhere sunny, but the weather can always be unpredictable. A lightweight, packable rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell or The North Face Venture 2 is an excellent investment for travellers. These jackets are not only waterproof but also breathable and versatile enough to be worn in both urban and rural settings.

Alternatively go for one that’s easy to fold into a small pouch—it’ll fit neatly into your daypack and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. You’ll be grateful for it when you get caught in an unexpected downpour or need an extra layer on a chilly evening. The Patagonia Houdini is a good one.

Micro Towel

Regular old towels are bulky, heavy, and take forever to dry— as such they are not exactly ideal for the backpacking life. Instead, savvy travellers opt for a microfiber towel like those from Sea to Summit or PackTowl. These towels are lightweight, incredibly compact, and dry incredibly fast, making them perfect for hostel stays or beach trips.

They also come in various sizes, so you can pick one that suits your needs. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a swim, or just need something to dry off after a shower, a microfiber towel is a must-have item for any backpacker.

The first rule of packing travel clothes is that less is more. Now we’re not here to dictate your style, but really versatility is key. Choose items that can be dressed up or down—think shirts that can be worn buttoned up for a night out or open over a t-shirt for a casual day look. Merino wool t-shirts are a great option as they’re lightweight, breathable, and odour-resistant.

Always check the weather forecast before you fly and pack accordingly. If you’re heading somewhere with unpredictable weather, layers are your best friend. And whatever you do, don’t overpack as you can always buy extra gear or do laundry on the road.

Technical Trainers/Sneakers

A good pair of comfortable, multi-purpose shoes can be a great investment. Technical trainers like the Salomon X Ultra 3 or the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent grip, making them perfect for city strolling, light hikes, and everything in between. However they are not always the most aesthetically pleasing and personally I don’t like wearing them in urban situations or when going for dinner/drinks.

Still, try not to bring multiple pairs of shoes—they take up too much space. Instead, focus on finding one or two pairs that can handle most situations. And don’t forget, you’ll be wearing these a lot, so make sure they’re broken in before your trip!

Quick Drying Anti-Odor Socks

Never underestimate the power of good socks. Quick-drying, anti-odor socks like those from Smartwool or Darn Tough really are worth every penny. They’ll keep your feet dry, comfortable, and stink-free, even after a long day of exploring.

Pack a few pairs, but don’t go overboard—you can always wash them on the go even if it’s only in your bathroom sink. Look for merino wool or synthetic blends that dry quickly and resist odour buildup.

Staying connected on the road is a must these days, and a travel eSIM can be a game-changer. Companies like JetPac and HolaFly offer eSIM options that you can purchase and activate before you fly, allowing you to use local data without the hassle of finding a SIM card vendor upon arrival.

It’s a great way to avoid high roaming charges and ensure you have access to maps, booking confirmations, and travel information as soon as you land. Just make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before making a purchase.

Packing for your first backpacking trip can be daunting, but with a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll be ready for anything. Remember to prioritise versatility, keep it lightweight, and always check the airline’s baggage policies before you pack. Now, get out there and make some incredible memories!

Aiden Freeborn

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5 Set/8 Set Packing Cubes - Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag

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• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches; 1.04 Pounds
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ April 17, 2024
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D1XCV6LY
• #11 in Travel Packing Organizers

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