Written by: Segun Akomolafe
In the world of travel, your backpack isn’t just a container for your belongings—it’s your constant companion, protector of valuables, and occasionally your pillow during long layovers.
Having spent countless hours testing the 5 best travel backpacks you should consider, I’ve learned that the right backpack can make or break your journey. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or embarking on a months-long adventure, your choice of backpack deserves careful consideration.
The travel backpack market has evolved dramatically in recent years. Modern designs now offer specialized compartments for laptops, hidden pockets for valuables, and innovative weight distribution systems that spare your shoulders from unnecessary strain. Today’s options blend durability with style, technical features with practical comfort.
After thoroughly testing dozens of options in real-world conditions, I’ve narrowed down the five backpacks that consistently outperform the competition. Each excels in different areas—some prioritize rugged durability, others emphasize sleek organization, while the best manage to excel across multiple categories.
What Makes a Great Travel Backpack?
Before diving into specific recommendations for the 5 best travel backpacks you should consider, let’s establish what separates exceptional travel backpacks from merely adequate ones:
- Durability: Can it withstand being tossed into overhead bins, dragged across various terrains, and exposed to different weather conditions?
- Comfort: Does it distribute weight effectively, with padded straps and back support for long carrying periods?
- Organization: Are compartments thoughtfully designed to access essentials quickly while keeping valuables secure?
- Versatility: Can it transition between urban environments and outdoor adventures?
- Size and Weight: Does it maximize capacity while remaining cabin-friendly and lightweight?
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the standout performers that have earned their place in this elite lineup.
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is one of the 5 best travel backpacks you should consider, representing what happens when meticulous designers obsess over every detail. This bag has revolutionized how photographers and tech-savvy travelers pack their gear.
What immediately stands out is the bag’s transformative nature—it expands from 35L to 45L, allowing you to adapt to different trip lengths or souvenir acquisitions. The weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell has survived torrential downpours in Southeast Asia and sandstorms in Morocco during my testing, keeping the contents bone dry.
The ingenious access points distinguish this backpack from competitors. Full rear access means you’re never digging blindly from the top, while side access panels let you grab your camera or laptop without unpacking everything. The dedicated tech compartment accommodates up to a 16″ laptop plus tablet, with thoughtful cable management features.
The shoulder straps and hip belt can be stowed away in seconds, transforming your backpack into a sleek duffel or briefcase. This versatility proves invaluable when navigating crowded trains or checking into upscale hotels where hiking gear might seem out of place.
At $299, it represents a significant investment. However, considering its five-year warranty and exceptional construction quality, the cost per use quickly becomes reasonable for frequent travelers. I’ve taken this pack through 18 countries over two years, and it shows minimal wear despite rough handling.
For travelers who value organization, durability, and versatility above all else, the Peak Design Travel Backpack delivers exceptional performance.
2. Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40
When conversations turn to travel backpacks, the Osprey Farpoint (men’s version) and Fairview (women’s version) 40L invariably enter the discussion—and with good reason. These packs also top the list of the 5 best travel backpacks you should consider. It has achieved near-legendary status among long-term travelers and weekend warriors alike.
The primary appeal lies in their perfect balance of simplicity and functionality. At 40L, they hit the sweet spot of maximum capacity while remaining compliant with most airlines’ carry-on restrictions. The lightweight frame and padded hip belt transfer weight to your hips during extended carries, significantly reducing shoulder fatigue during long transit days.
The front-loading main compartment opens like a suitcase, eliminating the frustration of top-loading designs. Internal compression straps keep clothing secured and minimally wrinkled. The separate laptop sleeve positioned against your back not only protects your electronics but creates ideal weight distribution.
Osprey’s LightWire frame suspension deserves special mention—it’s the reason you can carry this fully loaded pack for hours without the dreaded shoulder and neck pain that plagues users of lesser backpacks. The breathable mesh back panel significantly reduces back sweat, a small but appreciated feature in tropical climates.
Priced at approximately $160, the Farpoint/Fairview represents exceptional value, especially considering Osprey’s renowned “All Mighty Guarantee”—they’ll repair any damage for the lifetime of the pack.
One minor critique involves the front mesh pocket, which offers limited practicality when the main compartment is fully packed. Additionally, the water bottle pockets could be more accessible when wearing the pack.
These minor quibbles aside, the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview strikes an impressive balance between affordability, comfort, and durability that few competitors can match.
3. Nomatic Travel Pack (Expanded 30L)
For business travelers and digital nomads who need to transition seamlessly between professional environments and casual exploration, the Nomatic Travel Pack offers sophisticated organization in a sleek, expandable package.
This backpack expands from 20L to 30L, accommodating anything from day trips to week-long business journeys. The water-resistant exterior maintains a professional aesthetic while providing meaningful protection against unexpected weather.
Where Nomatic truly excels is in its organizational features. The pack includes dedicated compartments for virtually everything: RFID-blocking pocket, shoe compartment, water bottle holder, tablet sleeve, and multiple mesh dividers. The laptop compartment accommodates up to 15″ devices and features enhanced padding and elevated positioning to protect against impacts.
The strap system converts from backpack to briefcase carry in seconds, making this perhaps the most adaptable option for varied professional contexts. Magnetic water bottle pockets collapse when not in use, maintaining the bag’s clean lines.
At $280, it’s positioned as a premium product. However, for travelers who frequently navigate between airports, client meetings, coworking spaces, and casual outings, the versatility justifies the investment.
The Nomatic’s only significant drawback is its capacity—even expanded to 30L, it requires disciplined packing for trips exceeding 3-4 days. Nevertheless, for shorter business trips or minimalist travelers, this limitation rarely becomes problematic.
4. Tortuga Outbreaker 35L
If maximum organizational capability and thoughtful design for electronics are your priorities, the Tortuga Outbreaker warrants serious consideration. Designed by travelers frustrated with traditional backpacks, the Outbreaker addresses pain points that most manufacturers overlook.
The Outbreaker’s distinguishing feature is its exceptional weather resistance. The VX21 sailcloth exterior (developed for actual sailboats) provides near-waterproof protection without added rain covers. During a monsoon downpour in Taiwan, my electronics remained completely dry despite 30 minutes of heavy exposure.
The laptop compartment deserves special recognition—it accommodates up to a 17″ laptop in a suspended sleeve that prevents contact with the ground when setting the pack down. Adjacent to it, you’ll find dedicated sleeves for tablets, e-readers, and documents, each with thoughtful padding.
The harness system rivals many hiking packs, with a substantial hip belt that transfers up to 80% of weight off your shoulders. The height-adjustable system accommodates different torso lengths, a feature surprisingly rare in travel backpacks.
The packing experience feels like using a premium suitcase—the main compartment opens completely flat, with multiple mesh compartments for organization. The front panel features an unrivaled organization system for smaller items, with specific pockets for pens, passports, cables, and power banks.
Priced at $299, the Outbreaker positions itself as a premium product. However, for digital nomads and tech-heavy travelers, the superior protection and organization for electronics easily justify the investment.
The primary drawback is the somewhat boxy aesthetic, which lacks the sleek profile of some competitors. Additionally, at 4.6 pounds empty, it’s heavier than other options in this category.
5. Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
For adventurous travelers who need a pack that transitions seamlessly from urban environments to outdoor pursuits, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-on) offers unmatched versatility and environmental credentials. Therefore, it is also one of the 5 best travel backpacks you should consider today.
The distinctive recycled ripstop polyester with TPU laminate gives this pack its “Black Hole” moniker—it seems to swallow gear endlessly while providing impressive weather resistance. The material’s slight sheen might not appeal to everyone, but it sheds water effectively and resists abrasions remarkably well.
Unlike more structured options, the MLC offers a softer construction that allows it to compress into tight spaces or expand to accommodate bulkier items. The three-way carry options—backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase—adapt to different scenarios without compromising comfort.
The main compartment opens like a suitcase, with multiple mesh pockets for organization. The separate shoe or dirty clothes compartment prevents odor transfer—a thoughtful feature after lengthy hikes or beach days. The padded laptop sleeve accommodates up to 15″ devices.
At $199, it offers excellent value, especially considering Patagonia’s legendary durability and repair policies. Their “Worn Wear” program and lifetime guarantee reflect confidence in their product that few manufacturers can match.
The main limitations involve the shoulder straps, which lack the padding found in dedicated hiking packs, and the absence of a substantial hip belt for heavy loads. However, for most travel scenarios involving mixed transport methods, these compromises rarely become problematic.
Making Your Decision
When selecting from these exceptional options, consider your typical travel patterns:
- For photography-focused travelers: Peak Design offers unmatched camera access and protection
- For long-term backpackers: Osprey Farpoint/Fairview provides the best combination of comfort and value
- For business travelers: Nomatic delivers professional aesthetics with intelligent organization
- For digital nomads: Tortuga Outbreaker offers superior electronics protection and organization
- For adventure travelers: Patagonia Black Hole MLC provides versatility and environmental credentials
Remember that the perfect backpack doesn’t necessarily feature every possible bell and whistle—it’s the one that best addresses your specific travel needs while remaining comfortable through long transit days.
Beyond the Backpack
Even the finest backpack benefits from thoughtful packing strategies. Consider these complementary approaches:
Use packing cubes to compartmentalize clothing and maximize space. Compression cubes can reduce volume by up to 30%, creating room for souvenirs or gear acquisitions during your journey.
Adopt a modular approach with small pouches for different categories: electronics, toiletries, and documents. This system allows you to grab exactly what you need without dismantling your entire packing scheme.
Finally, remember that the best travelers pack for contingencies but avoid excessive “just in case” items. Every unnecessary pound becomes increasingly burdensome with each kilometer traveled.
The Bottom Line
Your backpack forms the foundation of your travel experience—choose wisely and it becomes an enabler of adventures rather than a source of frustration. Each of these five options represents the pinnacle of design and functionality in their respective categories.
While premium travel backpacks require significant initial investment, they typically offer superior longevity, comfort, and functionality that justify their cost over time. When calculated per trip or per year of use, the difference between budget options and these exceptional packs often becomes negligible.
Whichever backpack you select, it will soon collect passport stamps, weather unexpected storms, and accumulate stories alongside you. Out of the 5 best travel backpacks listed above, choose the one that best supports your unique travel style, and you’ll never look back—except perhaps to admire how well your perfectly packed backpack has served you along the way.