Choosing the perfect travel backpack can be a daunting task, especially for adventurous travelers who need a reliable and versatile bag to accompany them on their journeys. In this article, we review the top 10 travel backpacks that combine functionality, durability, and style. Whether you’re embarking on a rugged adventure or a city escape, these backpacks are designed to meet all your travel needs.
Key Takeaways
- * 9.2/10: Aer Travel Pack 3 (Best for one bag travel)
- * 9.1/10: GORUCK GR2 (40L) (Best for rugged adventures)
- * 8.9/10: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L (Best for travel photographers)
- * 8.8/10: TOM BIHN Synik 30 (Best for built-in organization)
- * 8.6/10: Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L (Best for suitcase-like organization)
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a versatile and comfortable travel backpack, perfect for adventurous travelers. Weighing in at a manageable 3 pounds 8 ounces, it offers a great balance between capacity and portability. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an outdoor enthusiast, or a commuter, this backpack is designed to meet your needs.
Key Features
- Hidden external laptop sleeve for easy access during TSA checks
- Easy-access zip pocket for your passport and keys
- Four interior zippered sections to keep everything organized
- Anti-theft features for added security
Best For
The Allpa 35L is ideal for those who need a reliable and organized backpack for various activities, from travel to camping. Its vibrant colors make it easy to spot in any setting, whether you’re at an international airport or a campsite.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and versatile | Might be too small for extended trips |
| Great organization features | Slightly heavier than some competitors |
| Anti-theft features |
With its combination of comfort, organization, and security, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a top choice for any adventurous traveler.
Aer Travel Pack 3
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is tough, compact, and packed with pockets and features. It’s ideal for anyone who travels with a laptop or other tech. Stylishly designed, intuitively organized, and thoughtfully furnished, you’ll find a spot for just about everything you need for a successful trip in the Aer Travel Pack 3.
Key Features
- Durable Materials: Made with CORDURA® ballistic nylon and YKK zippers, this bag is built to last.
- Load Lifters: Helpful load lifters to balance the weight on your back.
- Compression Straps: Easy-to-engage compression straps for better packing.
- Multiple Compartments: Easy access to different compartments for organized packing.
Why It’s Great for Adventurous Travelers
The Aer Travel Pack 3 takes some of our favorite travel backpack features and puts them into one bag. It’s a reliable bag that can withstand extended travel, making it perfect for the camping life and other adventures.
Versatility
If you need as much liter space, we recommend the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small because it takes key features from its bigger sibling and puts them in a smaller package built for shorter trips and smaller frames.
Conclusion
Aer has done some fantastic upgrades with the Aer Travel Pack 3. It’s slightly bigger at 35 liters and fits a 16” laptop. With new load lifters for your comfort and an improved compressed design, this backpack is a top choice for campers and anyone in need of reliable camping gear.
GORUCK GR2 (40L)
If you’re looking for a durable pack that can handle any adventure you throw at it, look no further than the GORUCK GR2. It’s a little on the heavier side (courtesy of the CORDURA® Nylon and beefy YKK zippers), though we think the durability is worth the weight sacrifice. We’ve fit its boxy shape under the seat in front of us on some budget airlines, which is great if you’re trying to maximize your carry-on space.
Why We Like It
- It has just-right organization and open space
- Compression straps don’t impede access to the compartments, so it’s easy to grab gear quickly
- The external fabrics are some of the most durable we’ve seen—it even held up when we dragged it behind a car
- Plenty of PALS webbing, so it’s easy to add modular MOLLE attachments to customize your organization
What You Should Know
- Magnetic compression buckles sometimes come undone on their own
- There isn’t a huge false bottom to the laptop compartment, which impacts tech protection—more of a nitpick, as we’ve found it’s still reliable
- The rugged materials and hardware add a lot of weight to the pack
- It has a tactical look and feel that’s hard to disguise if that’s not your style
Bold and italic formatting can be used to emphasize key points. This pack is a great choice for those who prioritize durability and organization in their travel gear.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Peak Design’s Travel Backpack may look relatively unassuming on the outside, but don’t be fooled: This bag is packed with thoughtful travel-ready features. First is the expandable design, which allows you to alternate between 35 and 45 liters by simply zipping or unzipping the frontmost zipper. Access is another highlight, including entry points at the top, side, front, and rear for easily retrieving items pretty much anywhere in the pack. Storage is also excellent with padded laptop and tablet sleeves.
Key Features
- Expandable design (35-45 liters)
- Multiple access points (top, side, front, rear)
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
- Comfortable harness system with sternum strap
- Structured sides and clamshell opening
Pros
- Versatile capacity
- Easy access to contents
- Excellent storage options
- Comfortable to carry
Cons
- Accessory cubes cost extra
- May be too large for some users
This bag is a joy to use for any travel activity, whether you’re a photographer, digital nomad, or just an adventurous traveler.
TOM BIHN Synik 30
The TOM BIHN Synik 30 is a versatile and compact travel backpack that doesn’t compromise on features. Going with a lower-capacity pack reduces size and weight, making it perfect for use as a daypack once you arrive at your destination. Despite its smaller size, it offers top-notch and customizable organization, a hallmark of TOM BIHN products.
Features
- Multiple exterior pockets for storing gear
- Numerous attachment points on the interior for modular pouches
- Durable fabric options, including 525D ballistic nylon
Pros
- Customizable organization
- Lightweight yet durable
- Versatile for both travel and daily use
Cons
- Higher price point
- Lacks a dedicated laptop pocket
The TOM BIHN Synik 30 is ideal for travelers who value organization and versatility in a compact form.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is designed with the adventurous traveler in mind. It features a thickly padded harness system, including shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a back panel, ensuring a comfortable carry even when fully loaded. The vertical height adjustment and load lifters add extra support, making it ideal for long journeys.
Key Features
- Thickly padded harness system
- Vertical height adjustment
- Load lifters for extra support
- Water bottle pockets
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable carry with a fully padded harness system.
- Plenty of organizational features.
- Durable and water-resistant materials.
Cons:
- Heavier compared to other travel backpacks.
- Higher price point.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in. |
| Weight | 4 lb. 8 oz. |
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is like a suitcase with backpack straps, offering a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage.
TOM BIHN Techonaut 30
The Techonaut 30 is a classic example of what makes a TOM BIHN bag great. There are a ton of durable fabric and colorway options—we like the 525D ballistic nylon because of its strength-to-weight ratio, though there are stronger and lighter-weight options available depending on your preferences. Plus, it has clever, functional organization that’s easy to load with all your gear. When we need to keep even more small items in check, we add TOM BIHN pouches to the included O-rings around the bag.
Versatility
You can carry the Techonaut 30 like a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, although you’ll have to get a separate strap to carry it as a messenger. We prefer backpack mode because the back panel is supportive even when all 30 liters are fully packed.
Compact Yet Feature-Rich
Going with a lower-capacity pack reduces size and weight, meaning you can even use it as a daypack once you arrive at your destination. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be short on features. Enter the TOM BIHN Synik 30. It’s a smaller version of the Synapse and features the same top-notch and customizable organization we’re used to seeing from TOM BIHN. That means it has multiple exterior pockets for storing gear and numerous attachment points on the interior for attaching modular pouches.
Bold: The Techonaut 30 is a thoughtfully designed bag with one main clamshell compartment and six secondary pockets within the rest of the pack. The more you pack and organize, the more you’ll appreciate its design.
Sustainability
TOM BIHN Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches are great for carrying tiny travel accessories wherever we go. Sizes range from Super Mini, which can hold AirPods, chapstick, and similarly sized items, to A5, which is big enough for an A5-size notebook and pens. They’re made from scrap fabric, so you can feel good about saving them from the cutting room floor.
ULA Equipment Dragonfly
The ULA Equipment Dragonfly is a top choice for those who crave adventure and need a reliable backpack. Constructed of ultra fabric and ultrastretch™ mesh, this backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of any journey.
Key Features
- Ultra-strong materials
- Lightweight design
- Multiple compartments for organization
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Higher price point |
| Lightweight | Limited color options |
| Spacious | Not waterproof |
Ideal For
- Weekend adventures
- Day hikes
- Urban exploration
The ULA Equipment Dragonfly just got ultra-strong, so you can kick your weekend adventures into high gear.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a well-designed bag that is packed — pun intended — with great features and usability that make it the perfect travel companion. With a capacity of 46 liters, this bag offers generous storage and is purpose-built for adventure travel. Despite its larger size, it remains carry-on compliant, making it the largest option here that still meets most domestic and international airline restrictions.
Key Features
- Capacity: 46L
- Dimensions: 18 x 15.75 x 12.2 in.
- Weight: 3 lb. 7.2 oz.
- Other sizes: 30L, 65L
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Practical and generous storage
- Purpose-built for adventure travel
- Carry-on compliant
- Sturdy and durable
Cons:
- No women’s-specific variation
Comfort and Usability
Osprey is a leader in the backpacking pack market, and much of that technology and expertise has trickled down nicely into their travel pack collection. The Sojourn Porter 46L combines the impressive carrying comfort that the brand is known for with a practical, carry-on-friendly build and feature set for travel. Starting at the outside, you get a rigid foam back panel with well-cushioned shoulder and hip belt straps that feel reminiscent of Osprey’s backpacking designs.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack, offering more capacity while still being carry-on compliant.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is a remarkably durable option for adventurous travelers. Made with very thick nylon throughout, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel. It is a well-built, durable, and stylish option for overnights, short weekend getaways, and even minimalist adventures abroad. For those needing more space, there is also a larger 40-liter variation available.
Durability
The bag features 1000D nylon and beefy YKK #10 zippers, ensuring it won’t let you down. This makes it a reliable choice for any travel scenario.
Internal Organization
One of the standout features of this bag is its internal organization. There are numerous options for divvying up your belongings, making it easy to stay organized on the go.
Comfort
The bag distributes the load pretty well, and the hipbelt can be tucked away when not in use. This makes it comfortable to carry, even for extended periods.
Topo Designs flies a little under the radar compared to well-known brands like Cotopaxi and Osprey, but don’t let that deter you—this company makes exceptionally built and good-looking packs for everything from commuting and travel to more technical pursuits like biking and climbing.
Discover the ultimate travel companion with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. Perfect for any adventure, this versatile bag offers ample space and smart organization to keep your essentials in check. Ready to elevate your travel game?
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel backpack can make all the difference in your adventures, whether you’re embarking on a rugged hike or exploring a bustling city. Our top picks, from the versatile Aer Travel Pack 3 to the rugged GORUCK GR2, cater to a variety of travel styles and needs. Remember, the best backpack for you is one that fits your unique travel habits and preferences. We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect companion for your next journey. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall travel backpack?
The best overall travel backpack is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, known for its versatility and durability.
Which travel backpack is best for one bag travel?
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is rated 9.2/10 and is considered the best for one bag travel.
What is the best travel backpack for rugged adventures?
The GORUCK GR2 (40L) is rated 9.1/10 and is ideal for rugged adventures.
Which travel backpack is best for travel photographers?
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L is rated 8.9/10 and is the best choice for travel photographers.
What travel backpack offers the best built-in organization?
The TOM BIHN Synik 30 is rated 8.8/10 and excels in built-in organization.
Which travel backpack is best for lightweight carry?
The ULA Equipment Dragonfly is rated 8.3/10 and is the best option for lightweight carry.
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