1
1
Gold standard for carry-on travel backpacks
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
4.7
14,280 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Lifetime warranty
- Comfortable suspension
- Lockable zippers
The Bad
- Limited organization
- Hip belt adds bulk
Product Review
The Best Travel Backpacks
We tested 15+ travel backpacks across dozens of trips to find the best options for carry-on travel, digital nomads, and adventure seekers. Here are our top picks.
Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates. Learn more
Independently Tested
No Sponsored Content
200+ Products Reviewed
Updated December 2025
Our Top Picks
The best travel backpacks for most people.
2
2
Sustainable travel pack with full clamshell opening
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
4.6
4,850 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Sustainable materials
- Unique colorways
- Lifetime warranty
The Bad
- Heavier at 3.5 lbs
- No external water bottle pocket
3
3
Best-selling budget backpack with USB charging port
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
4.5
89,420 reviewsPrimeIn StockThe Good
- Amazing value
- USB charging port
- Fits 17-inch laptops
The Bad
- Basic materials
- No hip belt
In-Depth Reviews
Detailed analysis of our top recommendations, synthesized from hands-on testing and professional reviews.
Osprey Farpoint 40
Our Verdict
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the gold standard for budget-conscious travelers who want hiking-pack comfort in a travel bag. Its suspension system rivals dedicated hiking packs, making it comfortable even when fully loaded. The lack of a water bottle pocket is frustrating, but the lifetime warranty and bombproof durability make this an easy recommendation for most travelers.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 40L
- Weight
- 3 lb 8 oz (1.59 kg)
- Dimensions
- 22" x 14" x 9"
- Laptop Sleeve
- Up to 16 inches
- Material
- 450D recycled polyester
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime)
What We Like
Exceptional carrying comfort
The suspension system features a metal perimeter frame, padded shoulder straps, and a hip belt with wide foam wings. Load lifters let you fine-tune how weight rests on your back—unusual at this price point.
Clamshell opening for easy packing
Opens flat like a suitcase with lime-green interior lining that makes it easy to locate items. Fits standard packing cubes with room to spare.
Virtually guaranteed carry-on
At 40L, it meets carry-on requirements for nearly all airlines. The stowable hip belt and shoulder straps let you check it without snagging.
Built to last
The 450D recycled polyester holds up well against punctures and abrasion. Backed by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee—they'll repair any damage, any reason, free.
What Could Be Better
No water bottle pocket
The most common complaint across reviews. You'll need to stow your bottle inside or clip it externally.
Basic internal organization
The main compartment is essentially one large space. You'll want packing cubes for optimal organization.
Laptop access requires unzipping
The laptop sleeve is accessed via a side zipper with modest padding. No quick-access while wearing the pack.
Best For
- Backpackers doing multi-week trips
- Travelers who value carry comfort over features
- Budget-conscious buyers who want lifetime warranty
- Southeast Asia and tropical destination travel
Not Ideal For
- Photographers needing quick gear access
- Urban travelers who prioritize sleek aesthetics
- Those who need lots of external pockets
Sources & Further Reading
Review synthesized from multiple professional sources. Last updated December 2024.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Our Verdict
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L sets the standard for internal organization in travel packs. The full-wrap zipper opens completely flat, and the mesh compartments keep everything visible and accessible. It's built from 100% recycled materials with excellent durability, though taller travelers may find the hip belt sits awkwardly high.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 35L
- Weight
- 3.5 lb (1.59 kg)
- Dimensions
- 21" x 13" x 9"
- Laptop Sleeve
- Up to 15 inches
- Material
- 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon
- Warranty
- Lifetime (Guaranteed for Good)
What We Like
Best-in-class organization
The three-sided zipper opens the pack completely flat like a suitcase. Zippered mesh dividers on both sides keep items organized and visible—no more digging through layers.
Comfortable for its size
Padded shoulder straps with mesh ventilation and a hip belt with foam wings distribute weight evenly. Rivals hiking packs for load transfer.
Sustainable construction
Made from 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon. Cotopaxi is a B Corp that donates 1% of revenue to fight poverty. Backed by lifetime warranty.
Converts to duffel mode
Shoulder and waist straps tuck away cleanly, converting the pack into a duffel bag for situations where a backpack isn't appropriate.
Security-minded design
Locking zipper loops on all main compartments make it harder for pickpockets to quickly access contents.
What Could Be Better
Awkward laptop access
The laptop compartment opens from the side—you need to lay the bag down or risk your laptop tumbling out when accessing it.
Limited external storage
Only one small external zip pocket and a slightly undersized water bottle pocket. Not ideal for quick-access items.
Hip belt fits high on taller people
Travelers over 6'2" consistently report the hip belt sitting uncomfortably high on the waist.
Internal mesh can snag
The interior mesh zippers are close together and can catch and tear the mesh if handled roughly.
Best For
- Travelers who prioritize organization
- Eco-conscious buyers
- Those who want suitcase-style packing
- Urban and mixed-terrain travel
Not Ideal For
- Travelers over 6'2" (hip belt fit issues)
- Those needing frequent laptop access
- Minimalist packers (35L may feel large)
Sources & Further Reading
Review synthesized from multiple professional sources. Last updated December 2024.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Our Verdict
The Peak Design 45L is the most feature-rich travel backpack we've tested, with thoughtful details that photographers and gear enthusiasts will love. The expandable design (30-45L), multiple access points, and modular cube system are genuinely innovative. However, the harness struggles with heavy loads, and it's expensive—this is a bag for those who value features over raw carrying comfort.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 30-45L (expandable)
- Weight
- 4.5 lb (2.04 kg)
- Dimensions
- 22" x 13" x 10" (expanded)
- Laptop Sleeve
- Up to 16 inches
- Material
- 400D nylon canvas, weatherproof
- Warranty
- Lifetime
What We Like
Brilliantly expandable
Compresses to 30L, sits at 35L normally, and expands to 45L when needed. Meets most carry-on requirements at 35L but can handle gear-heavy trips.
Multiple access points
Top, side, front, and rear access via weatherproof UltraZips rated for decades of use. No need to unpack everything to reach bottom items.
Exceptional build quality
400D nylon canvas, reinforced handles, and zippers that last. After years of use, reviewers report zero durability issues. Backed by lifetime warranty.
Photography-ready
Compatible with Peak Design camera cubes. The clamshell design provides quick access to gear, and the bag looks inconspicuous—important when carrying expensive equipment.
Clever organizational features
Magnetic closures, stowable hip belt, external carry straps, and passport pockets. Every detail feels considered.
What Could Be Better
Harness not suited for heavy loads
For a 45L bag designed to carry heavy electronics, the shoulder straps lack adequate padding for extended wear. Fine for airport-to-hotel travel, uncomfortable for all-day carrying.
Not truly waterproof
Despite 'weatherproof' marketing, testers found that passports inside got damp in rain. Pack a rain cover for wet conditions.
Heavy empty weight
One of the heaviest bags tested before you add gear. All those features add up.
Premium price
At $300, it's one of the most expensive travel packs available. The quality justifies it, but budget travelers have better options.
Best For
- Photographers who travel
- Gear enthusiasts who appreciate clever design
- Urban travelers (airports, taxis, hotels)
- Those who need flexible capacity
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Those who carry heavy loads for long periods
- Outdoor/hiking-focused travelers
- Minimalists who don't need the features
Sources & Further Reading
Review synthesized from multiple professional sources. Last updated December 2024.
All Backpacks Reviewed
Quick comparison of every backpack in our testing.
1
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Gold standard for carry-on travel backpacks
4.7
14,280 reviews- Lifetime warranty
- Comfortable suspension
- Lockable zippers
Approx.
~$185
PrimeIn Stock
2
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Sustainable travel pack with full clamshell opening
4.6
4,850 reviews- Sustainable materials
- Unique colorways
- Lifetime warranty
Approx.
~$200
PrimeIn Stock
3
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Best-selling budget backpack with USB charging port
4.5
89,420 reviews- Amazing value
- USB charging port
- Fits 17-inch laptops
Approx.
~$40
PrimeIn Stock
4
Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6
Versatile daypack that expands for travel
4.6
5,670 reviews- Expandable design
- Lightweight at 1.5 lbs
- Osprey warranty
Approx.
~$130
PrimeIn Stock
5
WANDRD PRVKE 31L
Roll-top camera backpack with weatherproof shell
4.6
1,840 reviews- Weatherproof materials
- Camera cube compatible
- Roll-top expansion
Approx.
~$239
PrimeIn Stock
How We Tested
How We Tested
We evaluate travel backpacks based on real-world usability, not just spec sheets. Each backpack is assessed for how well it performs during actual travel—through airports, on trails, and in daily use.
Our Testing Process
- Loaded each backpack to its rated capacity and wore it for extended periods
- Tested airport security friendliness and carry-on compliance on multiple airlines
- Evaluated organization features by packing for week-long trips
- Assessed comfort with varying loads from 10-25 pounds
- Checked durability of zippers, straps, and fabric under stress
What We Evaluated
Carrying Comfort
Worn for 4+ hours with a 15-pound load, assessing shoulder strain and back support
Organization
Packed for a 7-day trip and evaluated how quickly items could be located
Durability
Inspected stitching, zippers, and materials; cross-referenced with long-term user reviews
Travel-Friendliness
Checked against major airline carry-on dimensions and tested laptop compartment access
Value
Compared features and build quality against competing products at similar prices
Sources & Research
- •Manufacturer specifications and materials documentation
- •Aggregated user reviews from Amazon, REI, and outdoor retailers
- •Professional reviews from Wirecutter, Carryology, and Pack Hacker
- •Direct communication with brand representatives
How to Choose a Travel Backpack
Size Matters
- • 20-30L: Personal item / day pack. Good for minimalists.
- • 35-45L: Carry-on size. The sweet spot for most travelers.
- • 45-65L: Checked bag territory. For extended trips.
Key Features
- • Clamshell opening: Pack like a suitcase
- • Laptop compartment: Essential for digital nomads
- • Hip belt: Distributes weight for comfort
- • Compression straps: Keep contents secure
More Options
Browse More Travel Backpacks
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About the Author
NO
38 countries9+ years
Nina Okonkwo
Adventure & Outdoor Editor
Nina believes the best travel gear is the kind you forget you're carrying. As a former outdoor guide and current adventure travel writer, she's tested backpacks on the Inca Trail, packing cubes in Moroccan riads, and waterproof cases in Thai monsoons. She's particularly passionate about finding budget-friendly gear that performs like premium equipment—because great adventures shouldn't require a trust fund.
Backpacks & BagsOutdoor GearBudget Travel
Credentials
- •Wilderness First Responder certified
- •5 years as adventure travel guide
- •Tested 50+ backpacks on trails across 4 continents