7 Best Travel Backpacks

Get one thing straight: this is a heavy backpack! It weighs 4 pounds empty, and it just gets heavier as you pack it. It also doesn’t have good weight distribution, and it’s one of the least comfortable options on our list.

That being said, it’s the best backpack to take as a carry-on. Its dimensions (22″ by 14″ by 9″) is the maximum legal size for carry-on in the United States. Simply put, it’s as large as it gets while still legally being allowed to carry it onto the plane.

You get a lot of storage space from this backpack, and you’ll find it’s very handy for carrying not just clothes, but also electronics, gadgets, and any knickknacks or souvenirs you pick up on your travel. The expansion zipper gives you 10% more storage space!

Many reviews have mentioned how this bag holds up very well to all the travel punishment.

The backpack has a few internal dividers and compartments to make it easy to organize your stuff, with one extra pocket on the outside top of the pack. It’s definitely an organizer’s best friend, and it will make it easy for you to carry everything you want/need in one bag.

eBags come with a special “Laptop Sling” designed to securely cradle laptops and keep them safe while traveling.

This is a pricey backpack, but built to last! It feels solid and durable to the touch, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting it anywhere. As long as you don’t plan to do a lot of hiking or walking, this is your best choice for carry-on luggage.

The pack is designed to fold into its own zippered pocket, making it compact enough to fit in any carry-on suitcase. The breathable mesh shoulder straps offer enough padding for the bag to be comfortable when full. With its 35-liter size, you’ll find you have more than sufficient space to pack for a day trip or even a weekend getaway.

This backpack is made out of durable, water-resistant material. Though it weighs less than your average backpack (just 0.7 pounds), it’s built to last while traveling, hiking, or camping. You’ll find the material can keep your clothes dry in light rain showers, and the fabric will last for years of regular use.

In addition to the two beautifully padded shoulder straps, the backpack comes with a chest strap that will help take the weight off your shoulders. It’s comfortable enough to use for a hike or cycling trip, though it can sag a bit when full.

The main compartment, two side pockets, and two zippered front pockets give you all the space you need to store clothing, toiletries, electronics, and documents easily. The whistle buckle makes it easy to securely lock the pack.

This is one of the cheapest backpacks on our list, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality for low cost. It’s a great little lightweight pack to take when you want to travel light for a day trip or a week away.

For those who want to travel like real men, this leather backpack is absolutely worth the high price! It’s made from genuine saddle leather that has been hand-stitched together, and the materials are beautifully rugged. Leather looks more beautiful with age, and this backpack will just get manlier as you use it.

It’s not the largest pack on our list, so don’t expect to fit a lot of items in at once. However, you’ll love the built-in sleeves to protect your laptop (up to 17″ screen) and other electronics. The soft cotton lining on the interior will prevent scratches or damage, and will keep your clothes fresh and smelling nice as you travel.

The backpack comes with five front pockets for organizing your electronics, passport, and other documents, plus a water bottle holder. The straps may not have padding, but they will sit comfortably on your shoulders. They’re beautifully easy to adjust and will keep the pack in the right position on your back to reduce strain.

The zippers are very durable, and they’ll survive a lot of regular use. The old school-style buckles give this backpack a truly classic look you can’t help but love.

There’s no doubt about it: this is a pricey backpack! However, given that it’s made with 100% genuine leather, it’s worth every penny—the perfect mix of stylish and rugged.

This is the backpack to take EVERYWHERE: to the office, on business trips, and on holiday abroad. It’s sleek and stylish, made of eco-friendly nylon that is very durable and looks very elegant. The dedicated laptop pocket comes with cushioning to protect his computer, and it can fit up to a 17-inch notebook.

The beauty of this backpack is that the zipper is designed to be theft-resistant, and it comes with a lock that will help you keep your valuables safe as you travels.

Not only are there three main pockets, but the backpack offers 9 smaller inner pockets and 2 sealed side pockets. Best of all, there’s a USB charger cable that allows you to charge your (Android-only) devices from the backpack. Talk about handy for travel!

This daypack can handle up to 33 liters, weighs half a pound, and is built to last. With multiple compartments and pockets for an umbrella, water bottle, and valuables, it’s an awesome choice for those going on short outings. It’s made from highly rip and water resistant nylon fabric. And, if anything should happen to your backpack, Outlander promises a lifetime warranty and will send you a new one.

Although the pack may look small, it actually holds much more than you would think. It’s a true space saver, and its compact size makes it perfect for travel as well. It folds into a zippered inner pocket so that you can tuck it inside your luggage or keep it in your car.

The Outlander bag is about as simple as it gets. There are three compartments and a few smaller pockets. However, it doesn’t come with any fancy features. It’s availble in nine awesome colors including green, blue, orange, red, pink, and purple.

You really can’t beat the price of this backpack. At less than $20 for either size, it’s the cheapest on our list.

Traveling with a briefcase-styled carry-on screams power. But, when you’re passing through airport security almost constantly you will want something truly comfortable and convenient. The material (polyester) is durable, and the Swiss-built backpack is guaranteed to last for years to come.

The TSA checkpoint-friendly backpack is designed to open quickly at airport security. Your clothes or electronics within will be fully visible, making it easier for the TSA to scan the backpack’s contents easily. It’s the perfect choice to take the hassle out of your travel inconveniences!

The backpack features a water bottle pocket, an audio interface, and an Airflow Back system to reduce sweating as you haul the pack. The shoulder straps have enough padding to keep the pack comfortable, and you’ll find it’s great for walking, hiking, or cycling.

At $60, this backpack is definitely the one you’ll want if you go on business trips regularly. It takes all the hassle out of those TSA checkpoints!