20 Best Travel Backpacks for Every Type of Trip

Weight: 3 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.5" x 6"
Capacity: 18L
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travelers looking for a more elevated backpack. According to associate commerce director Madison Flager, “it’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot—I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished." Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby.

Pros: Multiple pockets, trolley sleeve, comes with a removable pouch
Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulky

Weight: 1.2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.8" x 5.9"
Capacity: 18L
Warranty: One-year warranty

Away’s Large Featherlight backpack is extremely lightweight at just 1.2 pounds. Associate social media manager Emily Adler used this backpack on trips to Costa Rica, Los Angeles, and Connecticut. “I typically use it in addition to a suitcase as my personal item for plane travel,” says Adler. “It fits everything I need very well—headphones, snacks, laptop, planner, and any leftover items that won’t fit in my suitcase.” A zippered laptop sleeve keeps your tech secure, while a perfectly sized passport pocket keeps important documents organized. There's a place for not one but two water bottles and adjustable, padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable, no matter how much you pack inside. As with many of the backpacks on this list, there's also a trolley sleeve, so you can slip it onto any Away suitcase. Best of all, this backpack is machine washable.

Pros: Made from water-repellent material, lightweight, sleek design
Cons: Not as structured due to the material

Weight: 1.8 lb.
Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7"
Capacity: 22L
Warranty: One-year limited warranty

Calpak's Luka collection is made of scratch-resistant material, so you can rest assured that this backpack will hold up for years. “I love this backpack's material because of how durable it is for travel,” says Kenny. “I’ve spilled coffee, food, and makeup on this bag and it's so easy to clean with a disinfectant wipe.” It's her go-to backpack for day trips because of its many pockets, roomy compartments, and ultra-soft material. Inside, there's a large zippered compartment, a small mesh pocket, and three compartments for keeping items like socks, beauty products, or tech essentials separate. “One of my favorite features is the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag that fits a pair of slippers or sandals,” says Kenny. The Luka backpack can hold up to 22 liters of essentials, but it still feels so lightweight.

Pros: Laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, soft adjustable straps
Cons: Very narrow luggage trolley sleeve

Weight: 2.5 lb.
Dimensions: 20" x 12.5" x 8"
Capacity: 30-35L

The Roamer backpack is a great option for short business trips, but associate editor Charlie Hobbs says, “if you packed your cards right, you could get a month's worth of wardrobe out of it.” Its clamshell design makes it easier to organize and pack, as the front of the backpack fully opens and lays flat like a suitcase for carry-on free travel. One of its best features is the exterior laptop sleeve that has a lockable closure (lock is not included) for extra security. While it's on the larger side, it's great for college students heading home for a long weekend with space for two to three days' worth of clothes. “Despite its bulk, I'd go so far as to call this bag demure and looks brand new after extensive use,” says Hobbs. Inside, a pouch has been added for laundry or extra shoes, while the exterior has padded shoulder straps for added lumbar support so the adventures don’t have to end due to discomfort.

Pros: Built-in interior pouch for shoes or laundry that clips away when not in use, laptop pocket with lockable closure, clamshell opening
Cons: Quite large

Weight: 1.4 lb.
Dimensions: 15" x 11" x 6"
Capacity: 16L
Warranty: One-year warranty

This has long been a go-to work bag for commerce writer Paris Wilson: “I've carried this non-stop since I got it,” she says. “I just love how lightweight it is. It has a lot of storage space and a dedicated laptop sleeve." It has one main compartment with a laptop sleeve and interior pockets that have hard inserts and pen holders. It's impossible to overpack with this bag which means that you don't have to worry about the weight straining your shoulders. Wilson says that one of her favorite features of the backpack is the design: “It has a sturdy build where it stands up on its own while I organize my things. The reinforced structure makes me feel put together when I wear it.”

Pros: Multiple pockets, can stand on its own
Cons: Limited colors available

Weight: 3.2–3.8 lb.
Dimensions: 20" x 11.5" x 10"
Capacity: 22L–27L
Warranty: Three-year warranty

We know and love Yeti for its leakproof travel mugs, well-insulated coolers, and durable outdoor gear, but it's the brand’s new Ranchero backpack that we’re currently obsessing over. Made with water- and abrasion-resistant material, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a sleek hiking or camping pack. Commerce producer Erik Buckingham noted a standout feature was the two-zipper designs: “The zippers run down the middle, and give you easy access to items at the bottom of the backpack,” he says. “It comes in handy when you need items in a pinch.” While ideal for longer treks, Buckingham took the backpack around New York City and used it as a gym bag. The spacious compartments made it easy to pack workout clothing, equipment, and an extra pair of shoes.

Pros: Spacious, water-resistant nylon material
Cons: The two-zipper design that runs down the middle sometimes leaves the inside feeling a little exposed

Weight: 2.2 lb.
Dimensions: 18.5" x 12.2" x 6.1"
Capacity: 40 L
Warranty: One-year free replacement for all products with manufacturing defects

“It's almost like a mini suitcase thanks to its lay-flat packing design,” says bookings editor Jamie Spain. “It came with two packing cubes and a shoe bag, making it the perfect companion for weekends or overnights.” There’s plenty of storage compartments that can fit small toiletry bottles, pens, journals, and phone chargers. There is a dedicated laptop sleeve on the back of the bag that keeps it safe from scuffs and scratches, and helps to add to the versatility of the bag, especially for commuters who have long days ahead. Whether you’re headed to the office, the gym, or the airport, this affordable backpack has you covered.

Pros: It comes with packing cubes and a shoe bag
Cons: Unnecessary straps and zippers

Dimensions: 16.75" x 11" x 5.75"
Capacity: 20L
Warranty: 30-day return policy, limited lifetime warranty

Although labeled as a tech bag, the simple and sleek design makes it versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. There are two main compartments that give you plenty of room to pack clothes, toiletries, a laptop, an iPad, and large over-the-ear headphones. There are also multiple interior pockets that keep small essentials secure. Kenny was able to fit two days' worth of clothing inside and says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights. “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” she says.

Pros: Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, features a water bottle pocket
Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shaped

Weight: 3.2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.5" x 6.75"
Capacity: 21L
Warranty: One-year warranty

Traveler Contributor Lydia Mansel loves this sleek, convertible backpack for carrying all of her work essentials. It features a 13" laptop compartment and can easily transition into a tote, thanks to backpack straps that tuck into a back pocket. It has plenty of pockets for organization—including a hidden one at the top for slipping your passport and boarding pass into while at the airport—and a trolley sleeve. It's made of a mix of nylon and leather, and has memory foam straps for extra comfort.

Pros: It can carry two laptops, plenty of pockets, luggage sleeve
Cons: Offered in two sizes, but the smaller version is a little too small to store a day's worth of essentials

Read a full review of this backpack here.

Weight: 2.2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.92" x 11.81" x 7.87"
Capacity: 40L

“At the price point it’s a steal,” says Wilson. “It’s the same size as a personal item but has the space and organization of a carry-on.” It’s outfitted with a laptop compartment, a wet bag for liquid toiletries, a shoe compartment (enough for one pair), an anti-theft pocket, a trolley sleeve, and an easily accessible charging port. Though—not necessarily a negative aspect—travelers should know it doesn’t come with a charging bank; you’ll have to supply your own. It’s perfect for college students who don’t want to pack too much for a weekend back at home, frequent gym goers who need more space for extra clothes, and families traveling with young children who want to assert their independence and carry their own bag.

Pros: The backpack’s design maximizes space as much as possible, affordable
Cons: It's bulky and you can feel the shoes rattling around a bit

Weight: 2.2 lb.
Dimensions: 18.9" x 12.6" x 5.9"
Capacity: 25L

If you're looking for a sleek yet functional bag that's polished enough for the office, look no further than Troubadour's Apex backpack. Made of waterproof fabric, Kenny says this lightweight backpack is perfect for busy commuters. It fits up to a 17" laptop and has multiple pockets for small essentials like AirPods, glasses, or a wallet. This stylish backpack also features a breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for added comfort. “This would be a great bag for a business trip, and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," says Kenny.

Pros: Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve
Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated look

Weight: 3.7 lb.
Dimensions: 45L
Capacity: 22.4" x 13.4" x 6.18"
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

The Impulse backpack is one of the most comfortable options on our list, thanks to its adjustable waist straps and shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly. Copy director Damion Fallon appreciates the numerous pockets that indulge his love for organization: “I was pleasantly surprised each time I discovered a new place to stash things,” he says “The top pocket, which has an inside mesh pocket, is made of water-resistant material and expands into the bag if you want to quarantine dirty laundry, shoes, or items that could leak.” The storage compartments make it easy to pack a week’s worth of clothes and two pairs of shoes. While leaning more rugged and outdoorsy aesthetically, it still has a sleek silhouette and comes in two colorways: lavender and black.

Pros: Durable, roomy interior, many large pockets
Cons: The main zipper is not the smoothest

Weight: 2.83 lb.
Dimensions: 16.7" x 12.4" x 7"
Capacity: 23.75L
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects

Traveler contributor and professional photographer Karthika Gupta loves this trendy leather backpack, which she’s taken on both assignments and personal trips. Nex is a new luggage brand with many products, but this travel backpack stands out as a highlight. The Explorer features a variety of interior pockets for all your essentials while still maintaining its sleek outer shape. It has dual zippered compartments, a key clasp, two expandable accessory pouches (for bottles or chargers), and a logo sleeve that can conceal a small tracking device or AirTag. The exterior zippered pocket has protective padding and is spacious enough to fit a 15-inch laptop. However, to Gupta, the hidden back pocket secured with a magnetic button-clasp is one of the best features, as it’s deep enough to securely store valuables like cash or wallets. “I regularly travel internationally with my teens, who are as forgetful as they are opinionated, so this hidden pocket is a godsend for quickly accessing passports,” she says. Thick, comfortable shoulder straps, a padded handle, and a sleek trolley sleeve complete this design-centric backpack, making it perfect for both travel and everyday use.

Pros: Soft and flexible leather that doesn’t scuff even after extended use, available in three gender-neutral colors
Cons: The numerous pockets may seem overwhelming at first

Weight: 2.1 lb.
Dimensions: 18.9" x 13.4" x 8.7"
Capacity: 27L
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Tested by research director Alexandra Sanidad on a trip to San Francisco and two trips to upstate New York, this backpack offers cushioned comfort and substantial storage compared to others on the market. “I really appreciated the padded interior to carry both my laptop and tablet,” says Sanidad. “There’s such intentional storage spaces with discreet pockets for important things like my passport. Plus, there are two large side pockets that can stash my water bottle.” There are also zippers along the side to expand the bag if you find you need more space. Sanidad notes it can fit a few days' worth of clothes, but might be a bit heavy to lug around. Luckily, the padded mesh back panel helps to keep you comfortable, while the sternum strap stabilizes the load.

Pros: Many zippered compartments and pockets, including a zipper that allows you to access your laptop from the side without having to dig everything out
Cons: Some of the handles could be longer to make the bag easier to grab

Weight: 1.9 lb.
Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 6.5"
Capacity: 26L
Warranty: Repair program

Made from water-repellent recycled polyester fabric, the Refugio Daypack can withstand everything from sharp corners to the occasional drips. “It’s best suited for outdoorsy pursuits,” says Flager. “It’s great for personal travel, especially trips when I have a single hike or day trip factored in and want a backpack that I can still bring on the plane and store my laptop securely in.” The removable tech caddy works as a mobile workstation where travelers can use the zippered pockets to keep chargers and other tech accessories in close proximity. While the main compartment can hold most of the bulkier items, the front pocket has a vertically oriented zipper that makes it easy to get the necessities out.

Pros: Comfortable, dual water bottle pockets
Cons: Could use a few more interior pockets within the main compartments

Weight: 3 lb.
Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 7.5"
Capacity: 25L
Warranty: Two-year warranty on any manufacturing defects

Elevated, sophisticated, and comfortable are just a few of the words that Adler used to describe this bag after traveling with it to upstate New York, the Hamptons, and Washington, DC.  Inside you’ll find a laptop sleeve big enough for a 15-inch laptop; four smaller pockets for pens, lip balm, headphones, and chargers; and an exterior front pocket for easy access to your most important documents like a passport or wallet. “Personally, I’ve been using it as a carry-on bag alongside a suitcase for trips,” says Adler. “Otherwise, on its own, it would definitely work well for an overnight trip.” With two plush straps, it's easy and comfortable to carry, but can also slide onto the handles of a carry-on thanks to the trolley sleeve on the back.

Pros: Sleek design while being practical, functional, and carrying a lot
Cons: Not spacious enough for international trips

Weight: 1.74 lb.
Dimensions: 19" x 12.6" x 7.7"
Capacity: 26L
Warranty: One-year limited warranty

“My ideal backpack has tons of interior pockets hidden neatly behind a sleek, simple exterior,” says associate transportation and travel news editor Hannah Towey. “ This bag has a pocket for everything.” With two water bottle side pockets that fit up to 32-ounce bottles; a separate front compartment with slip pockets for easy access to small essentials like keys and your passport; two 15-inch laptop compartments (one exterior and one interior); an extra, hidden zipper compartment; and trolley straps to secure it on your suitcase—it’s easy to see why it was Towey’s first choice on her trips to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Made from 100% water- and abrasion-resistant Dual Action fabric from Away’s Outdoor Collection, it’s designed to protect all your gear from the elements (and travel) while being easy to wipe down when needed.

Pros: Made from responsibly sourced, recycled materials
Cons: Needs more interior zipper pockets and colorways to choose from

Weight: 1.72 lb.
Dimensions: 15.8" x 11.8" x 4.8"
Capacity: 14L
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Made from 15 plastic bottles, the sleek recycled nylon on the Quince backpack is smooth to the touch, water-repellent, and lightweight. The nylon material is a selling point for the commerce director at Architectural Digest, Rachel Fletcher. “I love the black nylon because it’s basically invincible when it comes to stains—something I’m very prone to," she says. Though compact, it can still fit quite a bit—Fletcher has used it for commutes to the office as well as a weekend to Connecticut. “It fits an East Coast summer weekend’s worth of clothing pretty comfortably,” she says. "It's best to bring on an airplane as your personal item, but if you’re a light traveler, it would definitely fit the bill for a quick trip."

Pros: Thoughtful laptop sleeve, water-repellent material, accessible price point
Cons: Bulky