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Your Guide to the Best Backpacks for Travel

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Travel Backpack Sizes

Travel Backpacks: Size Guide

Narrowing down the best backpacks for travel is no easy feat.

  1. There are A LOT of travel backpacks on the market
  2. It’s never a one-size-fits-all scenario

Location, trip length, climate, hiking/backpacking, carry-on luggage, just to name a few, are all vital factors in determining whether you’re taking the right travel backpack with you on your trip.

Before we decide on the best travel backpacks, let’s stop for a moment to consider the different travel backpack sizes.

Small: 15 -29 L Backpacks that fall into this category are considered small by travel standards. You’ll find most packs in this range are best suited to day trips or weekend getaways.

Medium: 30-44 L | This is a great size range for most trips. Importantly, packs in this size range should still qualify as carry-on luggage. Osprey’s Farpoint 40 Backpack falls into this category.

Large: 45 L+ | If you need the extra room, step it up to 45L+. For those passing through multiple countries and climates, additional space for bulky clothing may come in handy.

Secure Travel Backpacks

Travel Backpacks: Security

Unfortunately, professional pick pockets and slash-and-run thieves target tourist hotspots.

To better prepare for that next trip away, make sure you spend some time researching anti-theft technology to get a better understanding of how you can protect yourself.

For a head start, we’ve picked out one of the best anti-theft backpacks on the market. Pacsafe’s Venturesafe X30 Backpack features anti-theft slash guard technology, lockable zippers, and an RFID blocking compartment.

Remember, thieves are opportunistic and always looking for an easy target. Don’t risk it with a backpack that lacks adequate protections for your personal belongings.

Comfortable Travel Backpacks

Travel Backpacks: Comfort

Given the time your travel backpack will likely spend on your back, comfort is a feature that should not be compromised.

As a general rule, lightweight = comfortable. Although this is not a foolproof rule, it is a good starting point.

Additional features like paddingventilationhip/sternum support, and carry handles, are also important.

A backpack that ticks these boxes, and more, is the Osprey Fairview 40 Backpack.

Importantly, the Fairview 40 has an array of comfortable features. They include: padded mesh back support, adjustable shoulder straps, padded top and side handles, hip belt & sternum strap, and compression straps.

Stylish Travel Backpacks

Travel Backpacks: Style Guide

Will you be mixing in some work with your travel? If so, you might want something more stylish and professional that catches the eye.

The Valletta Backpack, from P.Mai, has a streamlined profile, and features a two-tone nylon twill fabric, neoprene shoulder straps, and an ergonomic carry handle.

If you need more work backpack inspiration, check out the following articles: Breaking Down the Best Backpacks for Work and 10 Strikingly Stylish Laptop Backpacks.

Durable Travel Backpacks

Travel Backpacks: Durability

We all know the importance of taking a durable suitcase with us when we travel, well backpack selection should be no different.

If you travel often, you should be all too aware of the importance of long-lasting travel gear.

Peak Design are leader’s on this front (and offer a lifetime warranty on their products). The Travel Line 45 is an impressive travel backpack.

Notably, the Travel Line Backpack is made of weatherproof material, and has an external nylon canvas shell for added protection. Furthermore, the Travel Line has a water-resistant interior and a rugged bottom liner.

Best Women's Travel Backpacks
(Top 3)

As discussed above, there are a number of factors to weigh up when it comes to selecting a women’s travel pack. From style and security to comfort and durability, there’s serious some serious evaluation to be undertaken.

These practical women’s travel backpacks offer spacious storage, ergonomic carrying support, and hard-wearing travel usability. Check out the breakdown below for our top three women’s backpacks for travel.

1. Osprey Fairview 40 Backpack

"The ideally sized Osprey Fairview 40 is an outstanding women's travel backpack. Featuring a women-specific carry system, the Fairview 40 offers large internal storage, while maintaining a streamlined profile. Furthermore, the Fairview 40 is carry-on compliant according to international luggage size standards."

Product Card

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Size: 21.3" H x 13.8" W x 9" D

Volume: 40 L

Material: 210D Nylon Ripstop

Laptop Compartment: Yes

Compression Straps: Front & Side

Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack

Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm

2. P.MAI Valletta Backpack

"The Valletta from P.MAI is a stylish women's travel backpack. Notably, the P.MAI Valletta features a wide-opening main compartment, four internal pockets, and a padded laptop compartment. Furthermore, the P.MAI Valletta Backpack comes with a free wristlet and dust bag."

Product Card

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Size: 15.5" H x 12.5" W x 6" D

Material: Nappa Leather & Nylon

Weight: 3 Pounds

Shoulder Straps: Air Mesh

Luggage Compatible: Yes

P.MAI Premium Valletta Leather Laptop Backpack

Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm

3. Eagle Creek Global Companion Backpack

"Eagle Creek's versatile Global Companion Backpack is as reliable as they come. Key features include a wide-opening main compartment, padded 17" laptop sleeve, and base shoe compartment. Importantly, the Global Companion is ergonomically shaped for women, and made of durable 450D Geo Ripstop for long-lasting use."

Product Card

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Size: 21.5" H x 13.75" W x 8" D

Material: 450D Geo Ripstop

Volume: 40 L

Shoulder Straps: Ergonomic

Zippers: Lockable

Eagle Creek Global Companion 40 Women's Backpack

Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm

Best Men's Travel Backpacks
(Top 3)

Best Men's Travel Backpacks

As outlined above, there are a number of factors to weigh up when it comes to selecting a men’s travel pack. From size and security to durability and comfort, there’s serious some serious evaluation to be undertaken.

These standout men’s travel backpacks feature multiple spacious interior and exterior storage options, durable exteriors, and secure valuables storage. Check out the breakdown below for our top three travel backpacks for men.

1. Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack

“From Osprey, the Farpoint 40 Backpack is the perfect men's carry-on travel backpack. Importantly, the spacious main compartment of the Farpoint 40 features padded laptop and tablet storage. Additionally, the Farpoint 40 has adjustable shoulder straps and an ergonomic back frame for carrying support.”

Product Card

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Size: 21" H x 14" W x 9" D

Volume: 40 L

Carry-On Compatible: Yes

Laptop Sleeve: Yes

Front Pockets: Two

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm

2. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45

"The expanding Travel Backpack 45 from Peak Design is an impressive travel backpack. Featuring dual expansion zips, the Travel Line Backpack expands in size for increased storage capacity. Furthermore, the Peak Design Travel Line has padded laptop and tablet sleeves and camera packing cubes."

Product Card

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Size: 22" H x 13" W x 9" D

Material: 400D Nylon

Volume: 45 L

Laptop Sleeve: Yes

Carry-On Compatible: Yes

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45

$299.95
6 new from $299.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm

3. PacSafe Vibe 40 Backpack

"If you're a after a backpack that places a heavy emphasis on security, the PacSafe Vibe 40 is for you. Notably, the Vibe 40 Backpack features anti-theft slash guard technology, lockable zippers, and an RFID blocking compartment. Moreover, the Vibe 40 has a spacious main compartment that opens wide for easy packing and unpacking."

Product Card

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Size: 19.7" H x 13.8" W x 7.1" D

Material: 210D Nylon Ripstop

Volume: 40 L

Laptop Sleeve: Yes

Cut-Resistant: Yes

PacSafe Vibe Anti-Theft Travel Backpack

$179.95
$147.95
6 new from $147.95
Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 12:25 pm
DISCUSSION

Let us know your nomination for the best travel backpack in the comments below!

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