Best Travel Backpack Buyer’s Guide (2019)

If you are trying to find the best backpack for travel, it can be challenging to find one that ticks all the boxes. Many retailers and websites just won’t give you the right advice. They will often try to sell you the biggest and most expensive backpack, not the lightest, smartest, or most convenient.

I’m a frequent traveler and a former full-time nomad. I’ve owned many different backpacks and now regularly review backpacks. This guide is fully independent, so no sponsored content. Oh, aaaand… in case there is any doubt, I physically own and review these backpacks! I believe you can only recommend something if you’ve truly used it. These are all real reviews.

If you travel frequently or if you’re planning a big trip, then it’s often better to go for something light and versatile (and possibly carry-on size), as you’ll want a bag that is always comfortable to carry.

In this guide, I will share with you what I believe is the best travel backpack in several different categories. Whether you’re going on a holiday, a backpacking trip, or you need a backpack for your business travels, I’ve got you covered.

 

Key features to look for

If you travel frequently or if you’re planning a big trip, then it’s often better to go for something light and versatile (and possibly carry-on size), as you’ll want a bag that is always comfortable to carry.

Aside from this, there are a few features worth keeping an eye on:

• Front-loading (you will love this!). Many backpacks are top-loading, with a drawstring to close it at the top. This sucks. It means having to dig around awkwardly to get something from the bottom. Bags with a clamshell design are much nicer: you just zip them open face down, with everything within instant reach. Super convenient.
• Waist strap. Using a waist strap distributes the load around your whole body instead of just your shoulders. It’s essential for frequent travel as it helps avoid sore shoulders and bad backs.
• Laptop compartment. A separate padded compartment keeps your electronics secure. Of course, you can also use these zipped compartments for books, your travel journal, or many other things.
• Rain resistant. You don’t want water to leak into your bag! Make sure it’s weather sealed or includes a rain cover.
• Carry-on sized (if possible). It might not a deal breaker for everyone, but carry-on size lets you save time and avoid additional luggage fees on some airlines.

Other nice-to-haves: lockable zippers (rings that let you attach a padlock or wire lock to prevent opportunistic theft), good carry handles (for when you’re not wearing it on your back) and internal or external compression straps (helps you pack more and organize better).

Travel backpack size guide

Before we help you choose the best travel backpack for you, let’s stop for a moment to think about how big a backpack you might need.

Backpack sizes are typically expressed in liters (i.e., the volume they can contain). You’ll notice that backpacks sometimes have this number in their product name. Thinking in liters might not be totally intuitive, so here are my 2 cents on some of the common sizes:

Admittedly, I’m a bit of a light packer. For example, I typically pack no more than around 7 to 10 days worth of clothes, even if I’m traveling for much longer. I believe it’s much better to wash your clothes from time to time than to carry a huge travel wardrobe around everywhere. Read my guide to packing light for much more on this.

If you’re staying in hotels, apartments, or hostels, I generally do recommend a 40L or so carry-on size bag. You’ll end up with less weight on your back, more freedom to move, and much less hassle. Though you might want to combine this with a smaller daypack, which you can usually take these onto flights as your additional personal item.

Best carry-on travel backpacks

Tortuga Setout

TOP PICK for all-purpose travel bag

The Tortuga Setout is a high-quality, light, and attractively priced backpack, making it my go-to recommendation. It’s also highly versatile, making it equally suited to globe-trotting journeys and shorter trips. No matter what type of traveller you are, chances are you’ll love the Setout.

As of 2019 there are several Setout editions, all of which I’ve reviewed. The 35L and 45L versions have a larger capacity while staying within carry-on size limits. The Setout Divide is a more compact 26L size, but it can expand up to 34L for when you need just a bit more space.

All versions share certain features. Firstly, the clamshell design will give you easy access to all your stuff. The harness has wide straps making it very comfortable, while the back panel comes with proper padding and ventilation space. On the new 2019 editions, you’ll even find a load lifter strap. (Ignore any old reviews that claim it doesn’t have one.)

The hip belt is nicely cushioned and has two zipped pockets, which is a handy feature normally reserved for trekking bags. For a traveller, that just means having two quick-access pockets whenever you’re on the move.

Don’t need that hip belt? Then you can detach the whole thing! The entire harness is entirely stowable as well, essentially turning the Setout into a duffel bag if needed. Despite all these features, the Setout weighs only about 2kg or 4.6lbs, making it lighter than many other packs.

The Tortuga Setout currently retails for $199 (via Tortuga’s online shop) and is my top recommended carry-on backpack. You can also read my in-depth review here.

Tortuga also sells the Outbreaker, which is aimed at professional travellers. It has increased weather-resistance and its harness can be fully adjusted to your height, but it also costs $100 more and weighs 1kg or 2lbs more than the Setout. That’s why for most travellers I recommend the Setout line.

 

Peak Design Travel Backpack

TOP PICK for premium carry-on travel bag

If you’re a serious traveller looking for a serious backpack, then you should definitely check out Peak Design’s Travel Backpack. Simply put, I think it blows other premium backpacks out of the water — even the oft-hyped Minaals, Outbreakers, and Nomatics.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack gets as close to perfection as you could reasonably expect. Using it just feels good, much like an Apple or Tesla product (or just think of your own favourite brands). All the little touches — like the magnetic pouches, hidden straps, and clever storage spaces — create a totally fluid experience.

What I like most is its thoughtful and restrained design. Other high-end backpacks that I’ve used went a little too far in tacking on features, leading to overly tight compartments, too heavy materials, or too many extraneous elements. But not so with the Peak Design backpack, where every clever feature is truly there for a reason. This means it still manages to be lightweight and always easy to access.

Despite its sturdy 400D nylon shell, which holds its shape when unloaded, this backpack weighs just 2.05 kg (4.5 lb). Its default capacity is 35L, staying well within any airline carry-on size limits. But if you need just a bit of extra space, you can expand it to 45L, truly making this an all-purpose travel bag.

To get the most out of this backpack, I recommend getting the Peak Design accessories. The toiletry bag, electronics pouch, and packing cubes are just as thoughtfully designed and fit the backpack exactly.

The price tag of $299 (or up to $399 if you include all accessories) might not make this backpack the world’s cheapest, but it’s an amazing investment if you travel often (by the way, it comes with a guarantee for life). The Tortuga Setout or Osprey Farpoint are my picks for a lower budget, but if you just want the best, then you just can’t go wrong with the Peak Design Travel Backpack. You can read my full review here.

 

Osprey Farpoint 40

Great for backpacking and hosteling

The Farpoint 40 is a great choice for world travelers looking for a light and budget-friendly bag. It’s hugely popular in the backpacking scene and I see them all the time in hostels around the world. I myself took one on a 2-year round-the-world backpacking trip.

Many travel backpacks come with just a flimsy little harness, but not so with the Farpoint 40. It’s super comfortable to wear thanks to a padded back panel, well-padded shoulder straps, and a full-size hip belt. Six different adjustment straps make it easy to distribute the weight fully along your entire back. All this makes it a great pack to carry for longer stretches of time if needed.

It’s not a trekking backpack, but it’s comfortable enough to take on an occasional hike. I even took it trekking in the Himalayas for a week and had no issues. (Mind you, I was staying in guesthouses, so I didn’t carry a tent or sleeping bag. For that it’s simply too small, and you should go with an Osprey Atmos 65 instead.)

It’s a great pack, though it doesn’t quite have as many organizational features as the Tortuga Setout or Osprey Porter 46. I also wish the laptop compartment was placed at the back, where it’s more secure and better balances the weight. While maybe not a perfect bag for a one-bag enthusiast or urban explorer, the Farpoint 40 is a somewhat sportier bag that’s excellent for budget traveling and backpacking.

There’s also the Osprey Fairview 40, which is the exact same bag but with a women’s specific fit and a different color.

Osprey Porter 46

A bit less comfy than Farpoint, but better organization

The Porter 46 is an interesting alternative to the Farpoint 40. It seems designed from a different starting point; the Farpoint 40 feels almost like a down-sized trekking bag made suitable for general travel, while the Porter 46 feels like a duffel bag that got upgraded to a backpack.

It has padded walls that stand up, whereas the walls of the Farpoint 40 will fold in when not packed. It has more side-pockets and a better built-in travel organizer. But also its harness is thinner and not as well-padded, making it less ideal for heavier loads or walking long distances. It’s basically more of a city bag.

I think the Porter 46 is more suited for urban/general travel, while the Farpoint is better for adventure travel. The Porter 46’s frame is slightly clunky and wide and it isn’t quite as comfortable on your back, but it’s a lot easier to store your stuff inside and feels more versatile. It also does a better job of carrying a laptop. You can read my full review here.

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

TOP PICK for business travel backpack

The Nomatic travel bag is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign that promised to create the most functional backpack ever. It got a ton of pre-release buzz and so I ordered one to try it for myself.

And yep, it is ridiculously clever and innovative. You’ll find way more packing features on the Nomatic Travel Bag than virtually any other backpack. You can even pimp it with optional accessories like a laundry bag, shirt organizer, toiletry bag, and vacuum compression bag — all designed to work as one integrated system.

I do have two pitpicks though. One is that while the exterior is very sturdy and wonderfully weather-sealed, it’s also very stiff. This can make the space inside feel just a bit cramped. Access to the main compartment is also a bit unusual, in that the zippers are on the back panel (behind the shoulder straps). This takes a bit of getting used to.

You could also argue that the Nomatic bag could be a bit too tricked out at times. I mean, do you really need a separate book pocket or even an underwear compartment? Personally, I do like all the clever bells and whistles, but I can see how someone might wish for a slightly less compartmentalized design.

This bag is probably overkill for just a casual holiday. But I think business travellers — who can carefully hone their packing methods over time — can get the most out of the Nomatic Travel Bag.

With the added accessories it’s the perfect hotel/city backpack, thanks to the shirt organizer that keeps shirts wrinkle-free, the laundry bag (which you can hang on your hotel room door), the shoe compartment, compression bag, and so on. A pass-through sleeve will let you easily attach this backpack to rolled luggage as well. If you’re a frequent traveller, you’ll be able to really use this bag as intended.

While it’s maybe not the first choice for those who want a simple and affordable bag, it’s an excellent choice for business travellers and digital nomads.

Standard Luggage Co. Carry-On

Fully featured carry-on (with a different style)

This carry-on bag by Canadian manufacturer Standard Luggage Co. can be used either as a backpack or as a duffel bag using a shoulder strap that’s included. This backpack has some great design touches that make it stand out from the rest, which is a key reason for me including it here. I like the color accents that are used, which can be changed between orange and blue (both colors are included).

The suspension system is deliberately kept simple to make it fully stowable, though it does include an adjustable sternum strap, two padded straps, and a nicely padded back. This makes it a capable and complete backpack for any type of trip.

The bag has loads of storage spaces. The most notable pocket is the laptop compartment, which is better than I’ve seen in many other backpacks. You can put your precious laptop inside a protective sleeve, which in turn is held vertically by two straps, and this harness, in turn, sits inside the back compartment. Your electronics will be highly protected inside.

Pacsafe Venturesafe X40

Best security features

Pacsafe has long made a name for itself with travel security products such as money belts, passport wallets, and portable locks. They also make backpacks with a focus on anti-theft features.

The X40 is a lightweight carry-on bag with a comfortable harness that’s comparable to the Farpoint 40. I like that it has a back panel mesh as well as wide waist straps that also have zipped pockets in them, which is a handy feature typically only seen on trekking backpacks. Safety features include slash-proof webbing, lockable D-rings, a smart zipper lock for the main compartment, and an included padlock. The built-in rain cover is a nice plus, as is the removable internal divider (can be used to separate clean and dirty gear, among other uses).

Best larger travel backpacks

Osprey Farpoint 55

TOP PICK for medium-sized travel bag

I love the versatility of the Farpoint 55. It’s essentially two travel packs combined into one integrated system. You can leave the detachable daypack on or off, you can clip the daypack onto the main bag for a ‘turtle shell’ carry mode, and you even can zip away all the straps and carry it as a regular bag.

I recommend this backpack if you don’t want to go for full minimalism and need just that extra bit of space. Multiple pockets and pouches on the daypack provide easy access to smaller items, though as with the other Osprey packs I do also recommend getting some packing cubes to help you organize the main compartment.

I’ve traveled with this backpack extensively and you can read my full review of the Farpoint 55.

Left: the Farpoint 55 main backpack plus daypack (zipped off).
Right: the Farpoint 40.

 

Osprey Atmos 65

TOP PICK for campers, trekkers & backpackers

This is the backpack to get if your trip will involve any camping or extended trekking. It’s also a fine choice if you’re a backpacker staying in hostels but you want something a bit bigger than a carry-on (or maybe you just want to go for that traditional backpacker look). Keep in mind though that this is a top-loading backpack, unlike the others mentioned previously on this page.

The reason I recommend the Osprey Atmos 65 is that it has a good balance between carrying capacity and weight. It’s also ridiculously comfortable to wear.

Now, there are plenty of other trekking backpacks such as the Osprey Aether 70 that have much heavier frames designed to carry heavier loads. Those are cool if you’re, say, going to be trekking for weeks on end, or you’re carrying tons of heavy mountaineering gear. But for the average travel backpacker or hiker, I think the lighter Atmos 65 is the better pick.

It has a trekking pole attachment and while a water reservoir isn’t included, you can buy one separately. There is also the Osprey Aura 65, which is the same backpack but with a women’s specific fit.

What about other backpacks?

There are a lot of backpacks out there, but many I just chose not to list for various reasons.

For example, North Face has the Terra 50 rucksack, but it’s annoyingly top-loading. All the Berghaus, Vango, Lifeventure, and JanSport bags are as well, and they also lack many useful features. I used to list the eBags Motherload and Deuter 55 here, but I now think other bags are better. I excluded bags like the Cabin Zero which look nice and are inexpensive, but lack the features needed for serious travel.

I chose to list the backpacks above as they all have neat features and would be ideally suited for frequent travellers.

Why it’s worth the investment

A good backpack is an investment that pays off over time. Spend somewhere in the range of $150 / €120 / £100, and you can likely enjoy using this bag for a long time to come.

You get what you pay for, which is something I had to learn. I once bought a cheaper backpack by Mountain Warehouse (a UK store), and it fell apart just two months into my trip to Southeast Aisa. I had to replace it when I was in Vietnam and still had several months left to travel. I got a (possibly fake) North Face backpack in Hanoi, and it too died on me soon, with the shoulder straps quickly tearing apart. In hindsight, I should have gotten something proper from the start.

Best travel backpack overview

Finally, a quick comparison of all the top backpacks mentioned in this post.

• #1 Tortuga Setout — Best Travel Backpack Overall (Carry-On)
• #2 Peak Design 45L — Best Premium Carry-On Backpack
• #3 Osprey Farpoint 40 — Best For Budget Backpacking (Men’s)
• #4 Osprey Fairview 40 — Best For Budget Backpacking (Women’s)
• #5 Osprey Porter 46 — Best Duffel-Style Carry-On Backpack
• #6 Nomatic Travel Bags — Best Backpack for Business / Digital Nomad
• #7 Osprey Farpoint 55 — Best Larger Travel Backpack
• #8 Osprey Atmos 65 — Best Travel / Trekking Backpack (Men’s)
• #9 Osprey Aura 65 — Best Travel / Trekking Backpack (Women’s)
• #10 Tortuga Setout Divide — Best Laptop + Travel Backpack

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