minimalist travel backpack carry on

The Best Minimalist Backpacks for Modern One-Bag Travel

As a nomad who lives with less, few things get me fired up like simple one bag travel while donning my minimalist backpack. The feeling that overcomes me knowing everything I need is gently resting on my shoulders as I get to know a new place is simply exhilarating.

But fitting my travel essentials comfortably into one single bag didn’t always come naturally. Not too long ago, in fact, you could find me staggering around the streets of Western Europe with a bulging 80-liter backpack and an overstuffed suitcase. “You’re living the dream out there!” declared my family and friends.

Maybe, but that dream was dreadful to lug from one place to the next.

So I kept dragging my belongings around the continent until I met a young guy from Australia near the end of my trip. He was energetic, light on his feet, and carried a modestly sized backpack that held everything he needed to travel. Seeing him thrive with so little was a revelation, so I decided to become a one bag traveler myself.

When I got home, I bought a new backpack, overhauled my packing list, and whittled down my travel gear to the bare essentials. It’s taken me years of gradual downsizing, but all of my travel necessities now fit into a 30-liter carry-on-friendly backpack.

One bag travel with a rock-solid minimalist travel backpack is the best way to travel. Here’s how to get started:

• Find a simple minimalist backpack
• Dial in your packing list
• Start traveling

Now, let’s cross #1 off the list.

Best Minimalist Backpacks

• Noel’s Ultralight Travel Pack: Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25
• Noel’s Do-Everything Minimalist Travel Pack: Tom Bihn Techonaut 30
• Pro Traveler’s Top Pick: Aer Travel Pack 3
• Best Backpack for Digital Nomads: Minaal Carry-On 3.0
• Best Waterproof Option: Tortuga Outbreaker
• Best Pack for Photographers: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Most Spacious Pack: Osprey Porter 46L
• Best Anti-Theft: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
• Best Outdoorsy Travel Bag: REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack
• Best Segmented Simple Minimalist Backpack: Matador SEG42
• Most Durable: GORUCK GR3
• Best Ultralight Pack for Hikers & Backpackers: Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC
• Best Carry-On Backpack on a Budget: Amazon Basics
• Best Minimalist Travel Duffel Bag: Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L
• Best Packable Daypack for Travel: Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack
• Best Sling for Day Trips: Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack

Essential Accessories for One Bag Travel

• Considerations for Minimalist Backpacks
• Carry-On Bag Sizes & Rules
• Final Thoughts

Noel’s Ultralight Travel Pack Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25

MSRP: $250 Capacity: 25L Weight: 10.7 oz | 302 g Main Material: Ultra 100 & 200, 3D spacer mesh The Good: Extremely lightweight and functional, fully waterproof, a minimalist’s dream The Not-So-Good: Doesn’t offer much protection for your fragile gear

I recently switched from the Pakt Travel Backpack to the Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 and I’m thrilled with my decision. The Pakt was simply too heavy — nearly 7x the weight of the Bagger Ultra! — for my ultralight needs, and I cut nearly four pounds off of my travel base weight by switching bags. That’s significant.

Another reason I ditched my old bag is that I needed a pack that would conform to budget airlines’ personal item dimensions (which the Bagger Ultra does perfectly). I can pack this little beast as full as I want and never need to worry about paying for an oversized carry-on. This bag is fully waterproof, comes with two water bottle pockets, and isn’t bogged down with unnecessary features. It has everything I need and nothing I don’t.

Its futuristic Ultra fabric isn’t going to protect your expensive tech items on its own, so bring along cases for your laptop, camera, and whatever other fragile electronics you travel with. Use packing cubes for your clothing and a ditty bag for your odds and ends, as well, since the main storage compartment doesn’t have built-in organization like many other bags on this list.

If you’re a minimalist traveler searching for an extremely lightweight and functional bag, you’ve met your match. The Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 is the perfect pack to keep your travel packing list organized, streamlined, and as lightweight as possible as zip around from Point A to Point B. If there’s a better ultralight travel pack on the market, I haven’t seen it yet.

Noel’s Do-Everything Minimalist Travel Pack Tom Bihn Techonaut 30

MSRP: $392 Capacity: 30L Weight: 2.5 lb | 1.12 kg Main Material: 525D Ballistic Nylon The Good: Very comfortable and durable, extremely functional, converts into a duffle/shoulder bag, sleek and stylish The Not-So-Good: Expensive

I’m in the process of launching my YouTube channel (gulp), which means I need to start traveling with an expensive camera (and all of its expensive gear). To do so, I needed to get my hands on a slightly more spacious and protective pack than the Bagger Ultra above. After hours and hours of research, I landed on the Tom Bihn Techonaut 30.

Everything in my minimalist travel packing list fits perfectly into my Techonaut. The bag is extremely durable, highly weather resistant, full of clever features, and padded in all the right places. It protects my precious electronics as I bumble about, all while fitting like a glove underneath the airline seat in front of me.

It’ll also convert into a crossbody duffle for my hybrid travel/backpacking trips where I travel with two bags. On such voyages, I’ll wear my Zpacks Nero 38L as a backpack and sling the Techonaut comfortably over my shoulder while I zip around airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

I’ll definitely still use my super-efficient Bagger Ultra 25 on minimalist trips when I won’t be filming anything, but the Technoaut 30 has cemented itself as my go-to bag on adventures when I’ll be toting my camera gear. I need a little more experience with this bag before I bump it up to the #1 position, so stay tuned for updates.

Sure, the Techonaut is relatively pricey, but it’s absolutely perfect for my travel style and is made (in the USA) for the long haul. This top-notch bag is well worth the investment for frequent travelers in need of a high-end pack they can trust for the next couple of decades.

Traveler’s Consensus Top Minimalist Backpack AER Travel Pack 3

MSRP: $249 Capacity: 35L Weight: 4.1 lb | 1.86 kg Main Material: 1680D Cordura® Ballistic Nylon The Good:  Sleek, durable, efficient use of space, great external organizer pocket The Not-So-Good: Main compartment isn’t divided, not a ton of storage

The AER Travel Pack 3 is sleek, highly functional, and sits atop many other lists of the best minimalist backpacks. It’s about as modern, functional, and feature-rich as it gets for one bag travel.

This backpack is indestructible. Its 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon fabric is built to hold up for years of travel and is incredibly weather-resistant to boot. As a frequent backpacker, I appreciate that the AER is equipped with side compression straps, which draw the bag’s weight closer to your body and make it far more comfortable to carry. Its thoughtful external organizer pocket will stash all your cords, chargers, notebooks, pens, and other gizmos for quick and convenient access. The bag’s large main clamshell-style compartment is reasonably roomy and will fit a set of three packing cubes (large, medium, and small) quite perfectly if fully packed. It also sports a nifty waterproof shoe pocket at the bottom of the pack, which reviewers are quite smitten about.

This bag has only one large main storage compartment, meaning that travelers would have to stash their clothes and precious tech gear side-by-side. At 35 liters, this bag isn’t super roomy, either, so some travelers might prefer an option with more storage. Other than that, there isn’t much else to nitpick about this stellar backpack.

The AER Travel Pack works best for one bag travelers who have committed to simple packing and strive to travel with only the essentials. I don’t recommend this pack for anyone who has a more extensive wardrobe or plans to pack bulky luxuries like books, over-ear headphones, or hammocks * shudder *.

Best Minimalist Backpack for Digital Nomads Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag

MSRP: $349 Capacity: 35L Weight: 3.1 lb | 1.41 kg Main Material: 600D Picton Fabric The Good: Comfortable, very secure, protected by a lifetime warranty The Not-So-Good:  Expensive, often back-ordered, no hip belt

I nearly bought the Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag on several occasions but never pulled the trigger. Whether I balked at the price, the bag was backordered, or I got cold feet, this pack and I just weren’t meant to be.

Regardless of why I don’t own it, the 35-liter Carry-On 3.0 minimalist travel backpack may actually be the best option for me. For starters, the pack’s sleek exterior is made from high-end Picton fabric, which is incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally friendly. Its tech-forward design is highlighted by its divided main compartment, which keeps clothes and pricy gadgets separate (a feature I appreciate in my old Pakt backpack). The bag’s shockproof laptop sleeve, discreet secret pocket, and flexible internal frame combine to create a secure and comfortable carry best for those who pack expensive gear and travel extensively. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t daydream about this bag from time to time.

So, what’s not to love about the Carry-On 3.0? Its hefty $349 price tag (plus $19 shipping to the US) is sure to scare some travelers off. This bag isn’t equipped with a hip belt, either, though you probably won’t need one as long as you’re not overloaded. Minaal’s in-demand backpacks are often backordered, too, meaning you might have to wait months to get your hands on one.

I recommend the Carry-On 3.0 Backpack to frequent or full-time travelers who simply want the best gear and value attention to detail. If packed intelligently, this 35-liter pack can hold everything digital nomads need to earn on the go, secure their precious cargo, and stay very comfortable along the way.

Best Waterproof Backpack for One Bag Travel Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

MSRP: $269 | $299 Capacity: 35L | 45L Weight: 4.6 lb | 5.1 lb Main Material: VX21 Waterproof Sailcloth The Good: The Not-So-Good: 

I’m definitely understating the greatness of the Tortuga Outbreaker when I tell you it’s the best waterproof backpack for travel. Yes, this bag’s VX21 sailcloth gives it incredible weather resistance, but the Outbreaker excels at so much more.

Don’t believe me? Just ask the New York Times, whose trusted Wirecutter product review blog named the Outbreaker one of the six best carry-on travel backpacks on the market. Available in 35-liter and 45-liter versions, this do-it-all pack is thoughtfully engineered and quite deserving of all the press. Thanks to its super-adjustable harness system, generously padded back panel, and load lifters, this pack can carry large loads of gear exceptionally comfortably. Speaking of large loads, the 45-liter version of this backpack can fit a ridiculous amount of travel gear. Don’t believe me (again)? Just watch the walkthrough video on its product page . Oh, and did I mention this bag is waterproof ?

So, what’s not to love about the Outbreaker? At 5.1 pounds, the 45-liter version tips the scales as the second heaviest one bag travel pack on this list. The $269 and $299 price tags might be a bit hard to swallow, too, though thousands of happy customers worldwide find it to be well worth the investment. Some don’t like the look of the bag’s rectangular shape and VX21 sailcloth, either, but I definitely dig it.

I recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker backpack to anyone looking for an extraordinarily comfortable and weather-resistant bag that’ll take their carry-on travel game to a new level. I’d opt for the 35-liter version of this bag because less is always more in the world of minimalist travel.

Best Minimalist Travel Bag for Photographers Peak Design Travel Backpack

MSRP: $300 Capacity: 35L | Expandable to 45L Weight: 4.5 lb | 2.05 kg Main Material: 300D Nylon & Poly Menage The Good:  Built for photographers, expandable storage, handy side zippers The Not-So-Good:  Expensive, heavy

Next up on the best minimalist bags comes the Peak Design Travel Backpack, an uber-popular option that photographers, digital nomads, and one bag travelers have sworn by for years.

Peak Design produces premium photography and travel gear, and their Travel Backpack lands perfectly at the intersection of those two worlds. Like most other options on this list, this pack is made from durable, weather-resistant, and environmentally-friendly materials. It features 35 liters of internal storage but can expand to haul an extra 10 thanks to its dual expansion zipper system. This bag also sports external carry straps for your tripod, a roomy main storage compartment, and side zippers for quick access to cameras and other gadgets. Built to pair with Peak Design’s line of well-reviewed camera cubes , this pack can haul and protect delicate photography gear better than pretty much anything else on this list.

At nearly $300, this bag might be a tad too spendy for some travelers. It weighs 4.5 pounds, as well, which puts it on the heavier end of the simple minimalist bag spectrum. Its large main storage compartment forces travelers to store their clothes and camera gear side by side, but that shouldn’t be a huge deal for those willing to splurge on some packing and camera cubes.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is optimal for photographers who want a worry-free pack to stash and protect their invaluable gear along their journey. This bag works for the non-photographer travelers as well, since it’s adaptable and excels for those of us whose packing list grows and shrinks from trip to trip.

Most Spacious Carry-On Compliant Backpack Osprey Porter 46

MSRP: $160 Capacity: 46L Weight: 3.3 lb | 1.48 kg Main Material: Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth The Good: Durable, huge capacity, backed by All Mighty Guarantee  The Not-So-Good: Bulky when packed full, not very comfortable over 25 pounds

Before I was fully committed to minimalism and hadn’t yet refined my one bag travel packing list, I owned the Osprey Porter 46 backpack. It was a wonderful bag for me at the time, but we grew apart when I decided to downsize.

So, why would I still recommend the Porter 46? For starters, it’s an Osprey bag, meaning it’s backed by their All Mighty Guarantee , which promises that they’ll repair any damage or defects for any reason . It’s incredibly roomy, too, meaning you’ll have space to haul around a few more days of clothes or some extra luxuries. And at 3.3 pounds, the Porter 46 is a reasonably lightweight bag, considering its massive 46-liter storage volume. Though it’s not the most stylish bag, it’s incredibly durable, has a solid front organization system, and has solid anti-theft features, as well.

Resist the urge to pack this bag with much more than 25 pounds of gear, as it doesn’t have an internal frame and can get quite uncomfortable if overloaded. I never found much use for the bag’s top pocket, either, which was cramped and awkward to navigate when the bag was fully packed. Like most Osprey bags, the Porter 46 puts off an outdoorsy backpacker vibe, so don’t expect to blend in like a local while traveling.

I recommend the Porter 46 to one bag travelers who crave as much space as possible in their carry-on. The fast-paced adventure traveler might also find it useful since it’s highly durable and can stand up to a beating. If you’re looking for a similar bag that’s more comfortable but not quite as spacious, check out the Osprey Farpoint 40 .

Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

MSRP: $240 Capacity: 45L Weight: 3.13 lb | .21 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good:  Extremely secure, made from sustainable materials, lots of storage The Not-So-Good:  Thin material, not very weather-resistant, not much padding

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 was created for travelers who’ve heard (or experienced) horror stories of theft and robbery in faraway places and want zero part of it. This bag caters to the traveler that values security and peace of mind above all else.

While the Venturesafe EXP45 is comfortable, spacious, made from recycled fishing nets, and has a lot else to like, it truly stands out because of its safety features that deter theft at every level . From its patented Roobar lockdown systems, to its wire-mesh infused slash-proof fabric, to its built-in locking cable, this backpack serves one purpose: to thwart criminals at all costs. Pacsafe is raising the anti-theft bar to the next level, and other backpack companies should take notice of their efforts.

The Venturesafe EXP45 might be the best anti-theft travel backpack on the market, but it lacks a few features that could really make it shine. For starters, its 100D nylon fabric is thinner than most packs on this list, making it far less weatherproof and much more susceptible to abrasion. Padding at the corners of the pack is minimal, so your valuables won’t be protected from drops and bumps as well as most other options, either.

Those who are gung-ho about protecting their valuables or traveling in countries with high crime rates should consider the Venturesafe EXP45. Its safety and security features may seem a little overkill to some, but they could mean the difference between a trip-stopping travel disaster and a very close call.

Best Outdoorsy Travel Backpack REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack

MSRP: $149 Capacity: 40L Weight: 2.8 lb | 1.29 kg Main Material: Recycled Nylon The Good: Very comfortable, versatile for travel and outdoors, affordable The Not-So-Good: Not technically carry-on compliant (3″ too long)

The REI Ruckpack 40 is built for the intrepid traveler who isn’t afraid to ditch their hostel and head into the wilderness at the drop of a hat. No, it’ll probably never become my personal travel bag, but it will work swimmingly for those who want a hybrid travel/hiking pack that can take them anywhere.

The Ruckpack 40 has loads of features to get excited about. Equipped with a mesh back panel, a lightweight spring steel frame, and load lifters, this pack distributes weight well and can comfortably haul up to 30 pounds of gear. As evidenced by its back sleeve that’s compatible with both laptops and water bladders, it’s a versatile bag that can thrive on a crowded sidewalk or a wide-open trail. It sports TWO water bottle holders, allows wide-open clamshell access, and even comes with a stowable rain shell for when the weather gets dicey. Priced at an approachable $149, I think this bag is a terrific value and would consider it if I were more of a hybrid traveler.

You shouldn’t have problems carrying it onto a plane, but this bag’s 25″ length technically renders it ‘non-carry-on-compliant.’ And, if you want this pack to haul your backpacking kit, that’s great, but know that it won’t be roomy enough for both a complete set of gear and all of your urban travel essentials. If you want to travel with both, get a bigger pack like the Osprey Exos 58 or buy a carry-on compliant rolling suitcase to pair with it.

Traveling outdoor enthusiasts should consider the REI Ruckpack 40, as it’s very effective for urban travel yet adaptable enough to thrive in the backcountry. It isn’t the best minimalist backpack on this list, nor would I consider it among the best backpacking bags, but it might just be the best hybrid of the two.

Best Segmented Minimalist Backpack Matador SEG42

MSRP: $200 Capacity: 42L Weight: 2.3 lb | 1.03 kg Main Material: 480D Nylon The Good: High level of organization, very lightweight, highly weather-resistant The Not-So-Good: No frame, no water bottle pockets

If you’ve never seen a backpack like the Matador SEG42, that’s because there isn’t anything else like it on the market. Divided into five flexible (and stowable) segments, this minimalist pack is excellent for those of us who crave a little organization in our hectic lives spent living out of a backpack.

The SEG42’s intrigue comes from how different it is from any other pack on this list. While other options on this list would require a set of packing cubes to create five separate compartments, the SEG42 has five levels of division built in . Each compartment is sized differently than its neighbor, but each is also ‘flexible,’ meaning it can fill the surrounding space left empty by nearby under-filled compartments. The pack also sports a large clamshell compartment underneath the segments, which Matador recommends to use for stashing shoes and dirty clothes. Aside from its unique design, this pack is also very lightweight (only 2.3 pounds), waterproof, and has an external padded easy-access laptop pocket.

I worry that my perfectionist packing style wouldn’t really gel with the SEG42, as overpacked and underpacked compartments would likely drive me nuts. This bag doesn’t have any water bottle pockets for some reason, which is a head-scratcher, seeing as it’s marketed as a rough-and-tumble outdoorsy bag. I also imagine this bag could get a bit bulgy and saggy if fully loaded, as it doesn’t have an internal frame to support the weight of a hefty 42-liter load.

I think the SEG42 backpack would work best for fast-paced one bag travelers who crave simple organization but aren’t huge fans of packing cubes. Those who dirty up their clothing and gear quickly might also find this pack useful since its waterproof internal compartments are great for keeping the clean away from the not-so-clean.

Most Durable Backpack for Adventure Travel GORUCK GR3

MSRP: $395 Capacity: 45L Weight: 5.2 lb | 2.34 kg Main Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon The Good: Incredible durable, comfortable, weather-resistant, patriotic The Not-So-Good: Heavy, expensive

If you feel like you’re going to war when you strap on the GORUCK GR3 backpack, that’s not a coincidence. Made with burly Special Forces Grade 1000D Cordura Nylon, this bag was designed with both front-line soldiers and heavy use travelers in mind.

Simply put, the GORUCK GR3 is the most durable minimalist backpack on the market. Remember that 1000D Special Forces Grade nylon I just mentioned? Well, it’s about as thick, burly, tear-resistant, weatherproof, and rough-and-tumble as you could ever dream of. The “bombproof” laptop compartment on this bad boy is no joke either, as GORUCK claims you can use it to “securely take your laptop into combat.” (I don’t know insane travel plans you’ve made, but your laptop will be just fine in this pack.) Aside from its crazy durability, this pack is very comfortable and built to stand up to rain, snow, sleet, and whatever other wild weather mother nature has in store.

Because it’s made from such thick, indestructible fabric, the brawny 5.2-pound GR3 ekes out the Outrbreaker to win the honor of heaviest minimalist backpack on this list. Oh, and it’s also the most expensive bag on this list, with a premium price tag of $395. At the time of writing this, this pack has been out of stock for over a month, meaning GORUCK has fallen behind demand, and you might have to wait a while to get your hands on a GR3.

Are you a rugged traveler who puts your poor backpack through hell and has $400 burning a hole in your pocket? If so, the GORUCK GR3 is might just be the bag for you. Its unmatched durability will take any type of abuse you can throw at it, so go ahead and strap it to the back of your mud-caked ATV and get moving. I’m excited for you.

Best Backpack for Ultralight Backpackers & Travelers Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC

MSRP: $189 Capacity: 38L Weight: .8 lb | .36 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good: Incredibly lightweight, completely waterproof, surprisingly comfortable The Not-So-Good:  Not enough features for some, fragile, top-loading

Alas, a recommendation for the ounce-counting extreme minimalists among us: the Zpacks Nero 38L Robic. If you love to travel, hike, and backpack and have perfected your ultralight gear list , this might just be the pack for you.

Born from Zpacks’ minimalist mindset, the Nero 38L ROBIC is one of the lightest no-frills backpacking bags on the planet. Made from superlight waterproof ROBIC nylon, this bag weighs in at a stunning 12.6 ounces (or about as much as an unopened can of Coke). What you see is what you get with this pack, though, as there are no zippers, hidden compartments, or anything else that would add unnecessary weight to this pack. It’s built to haul only the most ultralight backpacking gear list but could also have space for a handful of minimalist travel essentials if your kit is truly dialed-in. This is a very simple pack and only makes sense for those who have fully committed to an ultralight style of travel.

Made for backpacking, the Nero 38L won’t offer nearly the same travel functionality as other packs on this list. This pack’s delicate 100D ROBIC nylon is relatively thin and could easily be punctured or slashed if not treated with care. This top-loading rolltop pack doesn’t have any anti-theft features, laptop compartments, padded corners, or hidden pockets, either. So, if you’re looking for a maximum comfort, feature-rich minimalist bag, I’ve got bad news for you: this ain’t it.

If you’re a beginner backpacker with bulky gear, the Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC probably isn’t the bag for you. Only those motivated to venture out with their ultralight backpacking gear and the absolute bare-bones travel packing list — think a tablet, a notebook, a pen, and one or two sets of extra clothes — should consider this bag. Everyone else should probably look for something a little more conventional.

Simple Travel Backpack on a Budget Amazon Basics Carry-On

MSRP: $51 Capacity: 40L Weight: 3.6 lb | 1.65 kg Main Material: Polyester The Good: Affordable, roomy The Not-So-Good: Boxy, uncomfortable when overpacked, made from cheap materials

If you’re hesitant to fork out $250 on your next backpack, I get it. That’s why I’ve included a functional budget option for the travelers who’d rather save their money for… well, traveling.

Regardless of what you think about Amazon, their 40-liter Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack is very well-reviewed and has worked out well for lots of travelers. Sure, this backpack’s design is a bit boxy, and it’s made from more affordable (read: lower quality) materials, but it’ll stash your travel gear semi-comfortably at an approachable price. Similar to the AER, this pack has one large main compartment and an external organizer pocket for your in-transit essentials. At 40 liters, it’ll stash more gear than the first two packs on this list, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.

According to reviewers, packing this bag full can render it fairly uncomfortable to carry. It isn’t made from high-end materials like other options on this list, either, so rips, tears, and failures are going to happen far more often. Aesthetically, it’s a bit large and clunky and could easily be mistaken for a rolling suitcase that lost its wheels. In all of the reviews I’ve read, this bag has never been accused of being sleek, eye-catching, or even remotely stylish.

The Amazon Basics Carry-On backpack might be a good fit for occasional weekenders who are willing to sacrifice a bit of style, comfort, and durability to save a decent chunk of cash. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who travels frequently, though, as I don’t trust its materials to stand up to the test of time.

Best Minimalist Travel Duffel Bag Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L

MSRP: $130 Capacity: 35L Weight: 2.0 lb | .90 kg Main Material: 400D Recycled Nylon Canvas The Good: Very lightweight, can be worn as a backpack, affordable The Not-So-Good:  Not meant for one bag travel, duffels can be awkward to carry

Though I’ve never attempted one bag travel with a duffel, there are plenty of brave souls who pull it off. The Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L would be a great fit for the minimalists among us who want to forego the more traditional options, like backpacks or rolling suitcases.

Admittedly, I’m pretty curious why anyone would choose a duffel over a backpack or suitcase as their standalone bag. (I think duffels are a bit cumbersome to carry, personally.) That said, Peak Design has put together a very good-looking and well-designed bag, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who gave it a go. For starters, the Travel Duffel 35L is a sleek and feature-rich bag that can also be worn as a backpack. Its internal and external pockets are thoughtfully placed, and its easy-to-access main compartment looks pretty spacious for 35 liters. It’s a top-notch duffel bag, no doubt.

My biggest hangup with this bag is that duffels are inherently more awkward to carry than backpacks. Yes, it is possible to wear this duffel as a backpack, but I have serious doubts that it would be as comfortable to carry as most other options on this list. It doesn’t have load lifters, an internal frame, or side compression straps, after all. When you sling this duffel across your shoulder, its weight won’t be distributed entirely evenly, and the bag is bound to bump against your leg, back, or butt as you walk.

So, who would find the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L useful? Well, if you’re among the minority of one bag travelers who do best with duffels over simple backpacks, it might be right up your alley. It’s my opinion, though, that this duffel would work best as a secondary bag to complement your more comfortable and less awkward minimalist backpack or rolling suitcase.

Best Packable Daypack Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack

MSRP: $65 Capacity: 16L Weight: .5 lb | .21 kg Main Material: 100D ROBIC Nylon The Good:  Very lightweight, packable, and comfortable to carry The Not-So-Good: Thin nylon material, belongings can poke at your back

If you’re using your main travel backpack during your short day trips, you’re doing it wrong. That’s why I recommend bringing along the 16-liter Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack. It works great for quick and simple adventures when you only need to pack a handful of your travel essentials.

I currently own Matador’s Freerain 24 Packable Backpack but am getting ready to switch this pack since the On-Grid pack is more tech-friendly. Weighing only half a pound, this little daypack can compress into its own pouch and will stash away comfortably into the corner of your main bag. It’s made from entirely waterproof 100D ROBIC nylon, which will protect your precious contents from rain, spills, and splashes. It has a handy external front pocket for quick access to your gadgets and sports a simple laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

Because it’s made from thin 100D nylon, you might feel this pack’s contents nudging you in the back as you wear it. To counteract this, stash your laptop or a lightweight foam pad at the back of the bag to create a nice flat surface. Other than that, I don’t see any downsides to this backpack. It’s simple, packable, and should do exactly what you ask of it.

I recommend the Matador On-Grid Packable Backpack to anyone looking for a simple, travel-friendly daypack for short trips into the city, day hikes, and any other quick adventures you can dream up. I’m excited to get my hands on one and look forward to putting some miles on it sooner rather than later.

Best Packable Sling Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack

MSRP: $100 Capacity: 6L Weight: 1.0 lb | .46 kg Main Material: 200D Nylon Diamond Ripstop The Good: Great anti-theft features, sleek The Not-So-Good:  Bulky for 6 liters, expensive

As wonderful as the 6-liter Venturesafe X Sling Pack is, I’m definitely not advocating it as your standalone travel bag. But I do think it would work well to securely carry your essentials during short trips into the city, day hikes, or as a personal item on an airplane.

Much like the Venturesafe EXP45 backpack , this stylish little sling is chock full of anti-theft features that are unmatched in the industry. From its slash-proof straps and fabric, to its Roobar locking system, to its RFID-safe blocking pockets, this beast will thwart thieves among the best of them. I’m not much of a sling guy myself, nor do I focus too much on anti-theft features, but I’m pretty impressed with how sleek, stylish, and secure this little sling is.

The Venturesafe X’s $100 price tag is bound to scare off some travelers, as there are plenty of more affordable (albeit not as secure) options on the market. While both feature-rich and impenetrable, this sling is a tad bulky for only holding 6 liters and isn’t nearly as packable as the more spacious 16-liter Matador On-Grid Daypack I reviewed above.

Those who want a slick-looking and comfortable sling that’ll keep their travel essentials secure should give the Pacsafe Venturesafe X some serious consideration. Of all the slings on the market, this little beast is as well-made and functional as they come and is versatile enough for countless travel scenarios.

Your job as a one bag traveler isn’t entirely done once you get your hands on one of the best minimalist backpacks. You’ll need a few more pieces of quality gear to round that your packing kit of yours. These six simple accessories will do just that and could elevate your minimalist travel experience to the next level.

Compression Packing Cube Set Suited Nomad

Packing cubes are essential to keep your stuff organized during one bag travel. Many travelers swear by the Eagle Creek compression set ; however, I love my Suited Nomad cubes, which do a splendid job for half the price.

Tool Case Minaal

Is this tech-stashing tool case worth $50? I think so. Especially if you’re a digital nomad who needs to keep their cords, chargers, SD cards, and other tech gear organized and protected from the rigors of travel.

Camera Cube Peak Design

Many of us travelers have invested loads of money into our beloved camera kits. A padded camera cube will protect all of that pricy gear while packing it away seamlessly into the main compartment of your travel bag.

Toiletries Bag Sea to Summit

Not only are travel toiletries hard to keep organized, but they’re messy. That’s why I recommend a simple, lightweight, and well-designed dopp kit that’ll help you stay fresh and nicely organized on the go.

Rain Fly Peak Design

Not all travelers need a rain fly. (Hell, one of the packs on this list even comes with one.) That said, I recommend a lightweight waterproof pack cover for those who anticipate a little precipitation on their journey.

TSA-Approved Locks Desired Tools

Grab these TSA-approved travel locks if you want to add an extra layer of security to your travel backpack. I use them to lock my pack’s zippers, while staying in hostels, or to secure my stuff in public lockers.

Factors I Consider When Analyzing Minimalist Backpacks

I’m a helpless gear nerd, so I put an agonizing amount of thought and effort into analyzing the 15 minimalist backpacks and bags on this list. I take gear very seriously, and would never write up or recommend a bag without first taking into account the following six factors:

Whether you’re racing through airports, navigating foreign sidewalks, or squeezing onto packed subways during rush hour, your backpack shouldn’t be a distraction as you get from point A to point B. That’s why I analyze the feel, fit, and ease-of-carry for each pack you’ll find in this post. Comfort matters and you should never sacrifice it.

Internal Storage

Internal storage volume is measured in liters (L), with one liter equal to the size of a cube that’s 4 x 4 inches. The backpacks on this list range from 30 to 46 liters, and should all fit the carry-on requirements for US-based airlines (as long as they aren’t overpacked).

Your task is to find the perfectly sized backpack for your style of one bag travel. Start by finding your sweet spot by mock packing your travel essentials in your current bag or a friend’s. Next, note the volume of the backpack, how comfortably your gear fits inside, and go from there.

The heavier your backpack gets, the more of a burden it’ll become when you’re traveling. Here’s some advice: keep your fully-packed backpack below 25 pounds (11 kilograms) . Heavier loads will tug at your shoulders, strain your back, and become exhausting to lug around.

If you’re spending a chunk of your hard-earned money on one of the best minimalist travel backpacks, it had better be well-made from high-quality fabrics and materials. I don’t have time for cheap packs that will fray, tear, or come apart at the seams. Do you?

All packs I recommend (aside from the budget option) are constructed from high-end fabrics, reliable zippers, and strong thread. I want your pack to hold up to the harsh realities of travel, and I want it to hold up for a very long time.

Functionality

Are the backpack’s zippers in the right place? Is the laptop pocket easy to access? Are there handles on the bag everywhere there should be? Is the internal layout simple and travel-friendly? Does the pack have sufficient anti-theft features to deter criminals?

These are the questions engineers ask themselves when designing one bag travel backpacks, and they’re also the questions I ask myself when analyzing them. The backpacks I recommend must be thoughtfully designed and engineered with you, the traveler, in mind.

Most of the packs on this list aren’t cheap, as most options fall between $150 and $400. The truth is, if you want a top-notch backpack for one bag travel, you’ll likely have to shell out a decent bit of cash.

These backpacks will last a long time, however, so a decent investment now should be rewarded with years of reliability, comfort, and functionality as you travel.

Carry-On Backpacks & Bags: Sizes and Rules

Domestic Airlines (US)

Though the exact dimensions vary slightly from airline to airline, the most common carry-on size for US domestic airlines is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ . Weight limits for carry-ons exist for a select few airlines but are seldom enforced.

International Airlines

There’s no standard carry-on size for international travel, but the vast majority of international airlines allow bags that fit the dimensions of 21″ x 14″ x 9″ and below. Weight limits also exist and usually fall at 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and below.

The bags on this list should all fit within domestic and international guidelines, as long as they’re not hopelessly overpacked. If an airline gives you guff about the weight of your carry-on, simply move some items to a packable daypack to reduce weight and claim it as your personal item.

A Simple Minimalist Backpack Will Make All the Difference

Do I miss the days of sputtering around Europe in the dead of the summer while lugging around a backbreaking amount of my belongings? Definitely not. I wish I could go back in time, actually, and sit myself down and for a nice long chat.

I’d tell myself that my excessive possessions will keep making travel less enjoyable if I don’t change my ways. “Wherever you go next,” I’d say, “You’ll feel every ounce of your belongings as you carry them around.”

“Yes, travel gear matters, but only bring exactly what you need.” I’d say as I place a hand on my younger self’s shoulder. “Oh, and you should check out this blog post we wrote about the best minimalist backpacks for simple one bag travel. Maybe you’ll find something that can help you end this overpacked charade for once and for all.”

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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Home » Gear » best minimalist backpacks

10 BEST Minimalist Backpacks (2024)

Minimalist travel has tons of benefits, and more people are making the switch to a minimalist approach to backpacking and traveling.

But there’s good news and bad news about minimalist backpacks…

The good news? Minimalist backpacks are amazing . They are often very modern, sleek, cater to modern travelers and are crafted with the utmost efficiency.

The bad news? There are so many awesome backpacks and different styles, that it’s completely overwhelming to know where to begin! This is exactly why I’ve put together this monster guide to the best minimalist backpacks of 2024.

This backpack guide gives you the best options, and helps you decide which of them is best for you. Whether you’re planning on simple budget travel or going on a long hike, there will be something for you.

I’ve made it easy for you to choose the right minimal backpack to suit your personal travel style, your budget, and your preferred style.

Let’s get right to it…

Quick Answer: Best Minimalist Backpacks Review

• Best Overall Minimalist Backpack for Travel: AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Carry-on Backpack for Minimalists: Tortuga Travel Pack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for True Minimalists: Nomatic Travel Pack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Women: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking: Osprey Stratos 36
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack: Incase Icon
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Day Hikes: Osprey Daylite Plus
• Best Budget Minimalist Backpack: REI Co-op Traverse 32

AER Travel Pack 3

• Price > $249
• Weight > 4.12 lbs.
• Liters > 35
• Best Use > International travel, everyday use.

Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Price > $$$
• Weight > 4 lbs
• Liters > 30

Nomatic Travel Pack

• Price > $325
• Weight > 4.16 lbs.
• Liters > 20/30
• Best Use > Short trips and everyday use

Osprey Farpoint 40

• Price > $185
• Weight > 3 lbs. 8 oz.
• Liters > 40

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Price > $245
• Weight > 3.7 lbs
• Liters > 42
• Best Use > Travel

Osprey Stratos 36

• Price > $220
• Weight > 3 lbs. 4.5 oz.
• Liters > 36
• Best Use > Day hiking, camping, travel, light backpacking.

Incase Icon

• Price > $300
• Weight > N/A
• Liters > 13
• Best Use > Laptop storage, everyday use.

Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

• Price > $175
• Weight > 1 lb. 5.1 oz.
• Liters > 23
• Best Use > Laptop storage, urban cycling

Osprey Daylight Plus

• Price > $75
• Weight > 1 lb 5 oz.
• Liters > 20
• Best Use > Day Hikes/urban travel.

REI Co-op Traverse 32

• Price > $159
• Weight > 2 lbs. 9 oz.
• Liters > 32
• Best Use > Backpacking, travel, camping.

Best Minimalist Backpacks Review: Top Picks and Performance Breakdowns

• Best Overall Minimalist Backpack – AER Travel Pack 3

Best Small Carry-on Backpack for Minimalists – Tortuga Travel Pack

Best minimalist backpack for true minimalists – nomatic travel pack, best minimalist backpack for women – osprey farpoint 40, best carry-on backpack for minimalists – stubble & co adventure bag.

• Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking – Osprey Stratos 36
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #1 – Incase Icon
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #2 – Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

Best Minimalist Backpack for Day Hikes- Osprey Daylite Plus

• Best Budget Minimalist Backpack – REI Co-op Traverse 32 

How to Choose the Best Minimalist Backpack: Buying Advice

Faq about the best minimalist backpacks, final thoughts on the best minimalist backpacks.

This ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks of 2024 provides you with my top picks, comparison table for easy cross-referencing, advice for first-time buyers, what I like and what I don’t like about each backpack, advantages of minimalist travelling and much more!

Let’s take a look at my top picks for the best minimal backpacks in 2024…

Best Overall Minimalist Backpack –  AER Travel Pack 3

• Price: $249
• Weight: 4.12 lbs.
• Capacity: 35 Liters
• Carry-on: Yes

One thing should be clear from the very beginning of this review: the best minimalist backpacks are not featureless, bare-bones, impractical backpacks. Minimalist backpacking might limit the amount of stuff you can bring with you, but it certainly does not mean that you can’t travel in organized lightweight bliss.

For travelers on the move, the AER Travel Pack 3 is one badass backpack. It’s one of the best backpacks for every day carry !

Basically, if ever there was a travel bag to cover ALL of your minimalist travel needs, the AER Travel Pack 3 Bag would be at the very top of the list.

It comes with a ton of brilliantly thought out pockets, compartments, and gear storage options. It even comes with a shoe storage compartment built-in. No more cramming those dirty shoes in the front pocket of your backpack, eh?

From start to finish the Aer Travel Pack 3 features one sleek design after another. My favorite features include the fleece-lined valuables pocket, the laptop pocket, and the high-quality water-resistant materials they used.

Remember, the Travel Pack 3 is one of the best carry-on bags for travelers as well. Well done, AER, well done.

Check out my in-depth AER Travel Pack review here .

• Great organization for travels
• Sleek and sharp design
• Mutiple pockets w/ specific compartments
• You’ll need to pay extra if you want the travel bag plus all of the accessories
• Definitely not a hiking backpack

• Price: $325
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Capacity: 30

For this review, I am recommending the Tortuga Travel Pack 30 liter model .

The height-adjustable suspension system and padding make the Outbreaker very comfy, in addition to it being super practical. For those backpackers obsessed with staying organized, the Tortuga Outbreaker will be your new best friend.

Now the Outbreaker is quite heavy for such a small backpack. All that padding and storage adds up, but the performance it delivers makes up for that in my opinion.

The Outbreaker’s design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase – which is 10 x’s more convenient than a traditional backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple because of the organization of the compartments.

I am a big fan of the Tortuga company and the gear they make as it is always top quality. For an excellent carry-on backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker 35L is where it’s at.

Check out my in-depth Tortuga Outbreaker review .

• Custom made for carry on
• Comfortable padding
• Convenient access through big opener
• Doesn’t come with a rain cover

• Price: $260
• Weight: 4.16 lbs
• Capacity 20/30 Liters
• Carry-On: Yes

The 40 liters of the AER pack is certainly nice. It’s the general standard across the board for minimalist backpacks given that they ALMOST always qualify for carry-on luggage.

However, 40 litres is excessive for many modern-day travelers. People who take shorter frequent trips or business excursions may just find the extra space a little too bulky. That’s where the Nomatic Travel Pack comes in.

This baby starts at a cool 20 litres – perfect for a gentle amble around a new city – but expands out to a very comfortable 30 litres. The slimline design removes that slight turtle-effect of many other 40 litre minimalist backpacks. If you are wondering how to pack light then the answer is go Nomatic!

All your tech is still well-protected. Nomatic has not skimped on the durability in the slightest, and they’ve still managed to sneak in that lovely shoe compartment!

Whether you’re a weekend-tripper or just a true disciple of the school of minimalism, the Nomatic Travel Pack is perfect for you. There’s a place for everything you need, and everything you don’t need… well… leave that at home!

• 20 to 30 liter expansion
• Hella durable!
• Makes airport check-ins a breeze
• Premium price
• Heavier than you’d expect
• Smaller size can be punishing on longer trips

• Price: $185.00
• Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. (size s/m)
• Capacity: 40 Liters

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is not specifically a women’s minimalist backpack. In fact, it is a unisex backpack.

That said, I will not insult the adventurous lady-readers of this blog by offering up a pink, flimsy, featureless backpack. That would be pointless and not helpful in the slightest. The Osprey Farpoint may be unisex, but it is certainly one of the best minimalist backpack options for female backpackers on the market.

The Farpoint 40 makes for an excellent minimalist travel bag if you’re planning a trip to South America or South East Asia .

The backpack features a large zippered panel that gives access to the main compartment. The zippers have lockable sliders too for added security.

There are three different ways you can carry the Osprey Farpoint 40. The standard padded shoulder straps, the padded top and side handles for hand carrying, and detachable messenger-style shoulder strap.

An important point to make is that the Osprey Farpoint 40 can be carried on planes.   99% of airlines will let you use this minimalist bag as a carry on , which over your travels will save you a ton of time and money. #gamechanger.

By going with a minimalist travel-light bag like the Osprey Farpoint 40, you’ll be able to keep all of your valuables with you. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money on checked baggage fees (which pays for the bag ten times over!).

Check out my in-depth  Osprey Farpoint 40 review .

• Lockable zippers
• Multiple ways to carry it
• Super-lightweight and comfortable
• Not a hiking backpack
• Lacks the space for travelers with lots of gear needs
• Laptop pocket might be too small

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Before we go any further, be sure to check out our friends over at  Nomads Nation  for a super in-depth video review of even more of the best minimalist backpacks.

• Price: £195
• Weight: 1.7kg (3.7 lb)
• Capacity: 42 Liters

The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is possibly the most perfectly designed carry-on-sized travel bag I have ever seen.

Not only does it follow the trend of providing a clamshell opening, but it goes one step further by instead opening up into two mesh-covered areas. Not only that but each side is divided up into several different-sized zippered compartments. I am such a massive fan of this and it helps me keep all my gear super organised and fits my packing cubes in perfectly.

In terms of capacity, when combined with the superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for both long backpacking trips, weekend breaks and short holidays. The size also means the bag is compliant for carry-on travel which is such a time and money saver on the road, not to mention lowering the possibility of your gear getting lost!

The material on The Adventure Bag is tough, durable and weather resistant whilst being completely soft-sided with no rigid elements. This makes the bag pretty light for this style and quality compared to some of the other similar packs I’ve tried out. It also makes it much easier to compress down using the side straps when things are getting a little tight!

Other notable features are the waterproof shoe compartment which is perfect for keeping soiled gear away from all your other shiz. This bag also comes with a rain cover too which in today’s world is actually pretty rare, so I really rate this! The hidden valuables pocket for passports too is something that is super useful too.

Overall, I love the functionality of this bag for both long and short-term trips alike. The high quality of the materials and construction also gives me confidence in the bag’s ability to cope with the sort of abuse that comes with backpacking too!

• Separate laptop compartment
• Clamshell opening
• Lots of organisation
• Shape is a little boxy
• Have to completely open bag to access anything

Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking –  Osprey Stratos 36

• Price: $220.00
• Weight: 3 lbs. 4.5 oz.
• Capacity: 36 Liters

I am big fan of Osprey backpacks. For the best hiking backpacks, Osprey has been an industry leader for years. The Osprey Stratos 36 is currently a good reflection of that tradition!

The Stratos 36 is a fully functional, durable, and versatile minimalist hiking backpack. It provides excellent padding, weather protection (rain fly included), and hiking performance.

36 liters does have its limits—though it also comes with a certain freedom. Having less stuff is truly a blessing. In addition to your physical body being more able to move with less restrictions, in an age of hyper-consumerism, cutting down on useless shit in your life is a liberating feeling.

I really enjoy having a lightweight minimalist travel backpack that I can rely on for short hiking trips.

The hipbelt, chest straps, and shoulder straps are all fully adjustable allowing you to obtain the perfect fit. Even better is the fact that the hipbelt straps and the chest straps are padded with die-cut foam and covered in mesh to provide an even more comfy experience. A big bonus is that the Stratos 36 comes with its own rain cover, which isn’t normally seen in Osprey bags.

For a versatile minimal backpack that will do you right in the city as well as in the mountains, look no further than the Osprey Stratos 36.

Check out my full review of the Osprey Stratos 36 .

• Slick and comfortable design
• Comes with raincover
• Hip and chest straps for secure fit
• Perfect for hiking
• Side mesh pockets make it difficult to access waterbottles
• Squeaks sometimes
• Contoured back panel shape isn’t for everyone

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Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #1 –  Incase Icon

• Price: $219.95
• Weight: 2lbs
• Capacity: 13 Liters

Incase is a well-known gear company in the realm of laptop storage and protection solutions. Their Incase Icon backpack is the perfect minimalist laptop backpack. With only 13 liters of storing capacity, it is amazing how Incase incorporated so many features.

The design is sleek, practical, and durable; it is no wonder the Incase Icon has won heaps of awards recently.

For storage, the main compartment provides space for larger items (laptops) and organization for flat documents and small accessories. For smaller items, the secondary compartment offers a series of organizer pockets to hold tech accessories and other odds and ends.

A cool bonus feature is the  hip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port which allows easy access to a portable power bank or headphones.

My only complaint about this minimalist backpack is the price. A 13-liter laptop backpack isn’t super useful for much else other than transporting a laptop and the associated kit, but if you are looking for in a low-volume backpack to fit only this, then you have certainly found it.

I’m also a big fan of Incase’s products, and I’m sure you will be too once you put the Icon into action.

• Low-volume but great features
• Padded laptop pocket
• Small (only 13 liters)
• Not super versatile

Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #2 –  Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

• Price: $89.00
• Weight: 1 lb. 5.1 oz..
• Capacity: 23 liters

Looking for an awesome minimalist laptop backpack that is comfortable, stylish, AND lightweight? Meet the Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack. In addition to being a high-performing minimal backpack, it was specifically purpose-built to safeguard your electronics and important documents.

The Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack features expandable volume via the flap or roll top main opening. This design is cool for when you don’t need to pack HEAPS of stuff. Other backpacks end up being floppy and odd-shaped when they are not packed to full capacity.

Since more backpackers are traveling with high-end electronics, having a tough minimalist backpack that offers up sufficient padding and protection to keep your stuff safe is a huge bonus. AND the Tuck Eco Pack is highly water resistant, adding even more bonus points.

I’d say the Timbuk2 Tuck Eco is not the ideal long-term traveling backpack. It is simply too small to be used that way. For quick weekend trips or for everyday use in your busy digital nomad life, the Tuck Eco Pack is the perfect backpack.

• Water resistant
• Expandable volume
• Straps can feel stiff
• Questionable zipper quality
• Customers have expressed concerns about the long-term quality of the bag

• Price: $75.00
• Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.
• Capacity: 20 Liters

Osprey has arrived on my best minimalist backpacks list again…. But I doubt you’re surprised 😉

For day hikes, the Osprey Daylite Plus is a top candidate for the best minimalist backpack. For most day trips where your primary needs are packing snacks, water, a few layers, and maybe some electronics, the Daylite Plus can serve all of your needs and more.

Frankly, Osprey did a truly fantastic job incorporating pockets into the Daylite Plus. Even this normally  never-satisfied-by-amount-of-pockets-dude  (myself) is very pleased, especially when looking at the price ($75!).

A great addition to the Daylite Plus is the open-topped pocket for quick-use items. To top it off, a small front zip pocket allows you to store items you use frequently in their own zone.

If you are the kind of minimalist hiker that likes to keep things organized, the Osprey Daylite Plus makes it easy to keep your stuff squared away.

The Osprey Daylite Plus helps keep you stay cool when you are active, perfect fro those sweaty-summer hikes. Be sure, the backpack is not a magical anti-sweat device, though the mesh back panels really do aid in keeping the air flowing as well as possible.

To add rain protection to your minimalist backpack, you can pick up an  Osprey Rain Cover  ($23.95). Be sure to take the extra small size!

Check out my in-depth Osprey Daylite Plus review .

• Fits the necessary equipment
• Panels allows airflow when being carried
• Very affordable
• Not ideal for long hikes
• No rain cover
• Frameless backpack not intended for heavy loads

Best Budget Minimalist Backpack –  REI Co-op Traverse 32 

• Price: $139.00
• Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz. (size m)
• Capacity: 32 Liters

Quality minimalist backpacks are neither super cheap nor super expensive. Luckily, the best minimalist backpacks do not share the same price tag as ultralight backpacks . With the REI Traverse 32, you get a good balance of quality offered up at a decent price point.

The Traverse 32 is an excellent option for a versatile travel and/or hiking backpack. It’s intended use is in fact hiking, though it makes for an excellent travel backpack for minimalist backpackers as well.

The REI Traverse 32 holds plenty of gear for overnight hiking trips, but it’s sleek enough to carry as a daypack if need be. And it’s designed to make every step of your trail time more comfortable.

Some of my favorite features include the large zippered front pocket for on-the-go organization which lies on top of a large stuff-it pocket to store wet, dirty or bulky gear. The “stuff-it” pocket is great for storing sandals, a travel towel , or others bits and pieces too.

You may be thinking $139 bucks isn’t dirt cheap. Remember this: REI has one of the best return policies of any outdoor gear retailer. If anything whatsoever goes wrong with your Traverse 32, you can get it repaired or replaced guaranteed.

If you are planning on traveling to warm-weather climates, the Traverse 32 is a great choice for that. Two more awesome features: a rain cover is included and the backpack is compatible with a hydration reservoir. Score!

• Rain cover and hydration reservoir
• Low-volume but big storage space
• Sleek design
• A few users have reported problems with the chest straps
• Not ideal for super serious/long-distance hiker
• Heavy for a 32 liter backpack

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Best Minimalist Backpacks Comparison Table

Now that you have see my top picks for the best minimalist backpacks, you need to know a few more things before you go to buy your own.

Like any piece of gear, minimalist backpacks are very activity specific. What will be an excellent choice for certain activities/uses will not translate into a good choice for other applications.

Below I’ll cover a few factors that you should consider before buying a minimalist backpack.

Finding the Best Minimalist Backpack Size

It’s a given that whichever minimalist backpack you go with, it is going to be rather small. That’s the point! Limiting what you can bring on any given journey is at the core of minimalist travel and philosophy.

For me personally, I’d say going with a minimalist backpack in the 35-40 liter range is going to give you the most versatility. Anything bigger and the backpack ceases to be minimalist. Plus, you won’t be able to use it as a carry-on backpack and things just start spiraling down hill from there.

If you are just looking for a smaller backpack to supplement your full-sized hiking backpacker, going with a 20-liter/30-liter is probably your best bet. You also have to keep in mind that it has to sit perfectly on your back, in order to avoid annoying scratches and pressure points. Finding the right fit is just as important as finding the right size.

Laptop-specific backpacks need not be overly large as the main purpose is just to transport your laptop and a few other bits and pieces.

Certainly don’t be intimidated by going with a minimalist backpack. You’ll find it to be a liberating feeling to hit the road without the burden of carrying a truly massive backpack.

Organization and Design Features of your Backpack

Packing your bag can be a struggle, but certainly doesn’t have to be.

In order to get the most of each backpack, the ones featured in this review have created some pretty ingenious organizational features. Some backpacks are so well-endowed with pockets, sleeves, and compartments that my brain struggles to even see the backpack as minimalist at all.

For the sake of this review however, we are defining minimalist as small-volume backpacks, not bare-bones as I mentioned before. You will have noticed that some of the more expensive backpacks are loaded with cool features. This is something you simply have to accept. The more you want, the more you have to pay.

You can be sure that every minimalist backpack has its own unique offerings. Dial in what sort of features are important to you and factor that into your final decision when the time comes to buy your backpack.

Hiking vs Travel Backpacks

I understand that for some backpackers, hiking just isn’t their thing. If you don’t foresee yourself doing much hiking on any given backpacking trip, then going with a travel-only minimalist backpack is the way to go. Often you get more travel-specific features and organizational bits when the backpack is designed for travel. Makes sense.

Likewise, if you’re a keen hiker, you are probably interested in things like comfort, fit, suspension, breathability, etc.

What you intend to use your minimalist backpack for most should determine what style of backpack you go with. If the bag you have your eye on is going to be your main travel backpack, again, you need to factor in what you will be doing most of. Simple, right?

I personally do a lot of hiking, so I need my backpack to be multi-functional. That means:

• sacrificing look for efficiency
• choosing comfort over sleekness
• going for simple structure than lots of pockets and organizational features

That said, all of the best minimalist bags for hiking on my list still have plenty of cool features. They are just purpose-built for travel like some of the others.

For a stand alone pack the AER Travel Pack 3 is certainly the best minimalist backpack on my list for the reasons listed above. It has more features and clever designs built in than I have ever seen from a backpack of its size. Yet, it is compact and certainly limits what you can bring. In fact, the AER is a bit of a catch 22 in the sense that it is the most tricked out minimalist backpack you’ll find.

For an awesome minimalist hiking backpack, the Osprey Stratos 36 is where it’s at.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What do you normally carry in a minimalist backpack?

The name says it all, a minimalist backpack only fits the essentials. There should be enough space to carry your electronics, wallet, a water bottle and a few other necessities. Don’t expect a minimalist backpack to carry all of your hiking equipment!

What is the best minimalist backpack for travel?

The Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the best minimalist backpacks for domestic and international travel as its got a sleek design, the perfect size for a carry-on and plenty of storage space.

What is the best minimalistic backpack for digital nomads?

Digital Nomads will love the Incase Icon as it keeps their laptop well protected. A cool bonus feature is the hip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port which allows easy access to a portable power bank or headphones.

Which is the most stylish minimalist backpack?

Style always depends on personal preferences, but we at The Broke Backpacker all agreed that the design of the AER Travel Pack 3 is the best!

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Well there you have my fellow minimalist care-free travelers… we have arrived at the end of my best minimalist backpacks review.

Minimalist backpacking is one fine way to travel. You’ll quickly discover the freedom and ease of travel that comes with going with a minimalist backpack.

After reading my ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks, you now know some of the best options available to you. Like I’ve said, each minimalist backpack from this review has its own individual merits.

Now that you have an idea of what some of the top minimalist backpacks are, you can make an informed decision based on your own personal style and preferences.

If you are still on the fence about which minimalist backpack is right for you, I recommend going with my top pick for the best minimalist backpack of the year: the AER Travel Pack 3 .

Want something suuuper minimalist and lightweight, check out the best packable backpacks too, you can even throw one inside one of these bags to all like minimalist-ception (like the movie inception!) or something like that!

Happy stress-free travel amigos!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Where’s the Minaal Carry-On 2.0? I’ve travelled southeast Asia for months with this 35 liter travel bag and it’s great.

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• Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel (Carry-On Size)

Finding the perfect minimalist backpack for travel, one that fits everything you need is no easy task. I know because I’ve been there, trying out many different backpacks. And even though I have found a few I really like, I by far haven’t tried all the great backpacks out there.

That’s why I asked a bunch of frequent travelers about their favorite minimalist backpacks so you have an amazing selection of the best minimal backpacks to find the right one for you.

Remember with a few simple minimalist packing tips and tricks you can make your limited space last longer, so even though some travelers only use their favorite backpacks for shorter trips, a true minimalist can come far with the smallest of backpacks.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks

Best minimalist backpacks recommended by travelers, 1. knack pack expandable.

The Knack minimalist laptop backpack is a true all-rounder. It features a separate laptop compartment, a main compartment that opens like a suitcase, a front compartment with multiple pockets for organization, and a hidden pocket for valuables.

The best part about the Knack Pack is that it’s expandable, so you don’t need different sizes of backpacks for different trips, you can simply expand the 24L by opening up a zipper and you get a 35L backpack.

Even the unextended 24L version of the backpack feels very spacious because of the amazing design. I can fit everything I need for my trips.

On my last minimalist spring trip , I layered up due to the chilly weather, packing all essentials in this compact backpack. By my return, temperatures had risen, allowing me to extend the backpack and pack away the warmer layers I no longer needed.

Sounds interesting? Read my full Knack Pack review .

🎒 This versatile travel backpack sounds perfect for me!

2. Patagonia Black Hole

The Patagonia Black Hole backpack is pretty basic to be completely honest, but I love how lightweight it is. And very often a lightweight, durable, basic backpack is all you need.

The Black Hole 25L backpack has one main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve inside, two side pockets for a reusable water bottle, one front compartment, and a small pocket on top. It’s made out of 100% recycled materials and it’s produced in a fair trade factory.

It packs everything I need for a month-long trip when I follow my minimalist packing list , proving that simplicity often trumps fancy features. You don’t need a backpack bristling with compartments and gadgets to explore the world.

Sometimes, all it takes is something as uncomplicated and reliable as the Patagonia Black Hole to accompany you on your adventures. It’s the ultimate example of minimalism meeting functionality.

If you’re intrigued by Patagonia but not quite sold on the Black Hole, I’ve also put the Black Hole head-to-head with Patagonia’s Refugio backpack for comparison and wrote a full review on the Refugio to help you decide if it’s a better fit for your travels.

🎒 The Patagonia Black Hole is the right backpack for me!

3. Tortuga Travel Backpack

Now, if you’re someone who loves having a spot for everything and loves the convenience of a suitcase-style opening, then the Tortuga Travel Backpack should be right up your alley.

I tested the Tortuga 30L travel backpack , and I’ve got to say its organization is on point. There are so many compartments and pockets, I couldn’t even fill them all!

However, while the spaciousness and the orderliness it brings to packing are big pluses, there’s a flip side – its weight. Even when empty, it weighs 1.8 kg, which ultimately made me stick with my simple Patagonia backpack.

But if weight isn’t an issue for you, then the Tortuga backpack is definitely worth checking out. Plus, it also has a removable hip belt, making it easier to carry on your back for longer periods of time.

🎒 I want the best backpack for organization!

4. Osprey Daylite Expendable Travel Pack

Recommended by Helen from Helen on her Holidays

The Osprey Daylite 26+6 is my favourite backpack for trips of up to 5 days, especially when I know I’ll be moving around a lot and changing hotels. I bought it ahead of my trip to Switzerland and northern Italy on the  Bernina railway  and it was absolutely perfect. 

The Daylite 26+6 is a 26-litre backpack that can expand if needed to 32 litres. The thing I like most about it is that it opens clamshell-style, like a suitcase, so it’s easy to pack and easy to stay organized, especially if you use packing cubes as I do.

The backpack is fairly rectangular so it looks a little boxy, but it means there’s no wasted space in the corners.

The straps are lightweight but comfortable, and there are two side pockets which I love, and a sternum strap. I’d prefer it to have a hip strap too, but it’s so small that it doesn’t really ever get too heavy.

The Osprey Daylite 26+6 is very slightly too large to count as an under-seat bag on some budget airlines but I tend to take my chances and I’ve never been challenged at the gate. 

🎒 This expandable backpack is perfect for me!

5. Cabin Max Travel Hack

Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day

When I decided to travel more frequently without check-in luggage, I knew I needed to find a backpack that not only looked stylish but also had enough space to fit all essential  travel accessories for women .

That’s when I came across the Cabin Max Travel Hack and it was love at first sight.

Despite its compact appearance, this backpack has the incredible ability to hold enough items for a 2-3 day trip, making it perfect for my short city breaks.

What sets this backpack apart from others is its clever design. It opens up like a suitcase, allowing for easy packing and unpacking of all my belongings. I can simply lay the backpack flat and neatly organize my clothes, toiletries, and other essentials without any hassle.

However, I must mention that there is one minor drawback to this otherwise fantastic backpack. The adjustable backpack straps could be a bit longer. As a taller person, I sometimes find that the straps don’t provide enough length for a comfortable fit, especially when I’m wearing thick winter jackets.

It would be great if the straps were a little more adjustable to cater to different body types and clothing choices. Nonetheless, this small inconvenience doesn’t overshadow the overall practicality of this minimalist backpack.

🎒 I want Paulina’s favorite backpack!

6. Lowepro Flipside BP 300

Recommended by Meredith from  Counting Her Travels

The Lowepro Flipside BP 300 is the backpack I use in all of my travels!

It is durable with water-resistant material and can fit under a plane seat. These features make it good for both casual travel and hiking! Not only can I use it as a carry on, but I can also pack all of my camera equipment safely and comfortably.

The first time I used this backpack on a trip, I was amazed at how comfortable it felt. The padded straps and back panel make a huge difference on long travel days.

I think this is the best minimalist backpack overall because of its adaptability and unique features. Because it has adjustable compartments, you can customize it to fit your needs.

I often adjust the Velcro compartments inside to keep my camera equipment secure and store a jacket and other essentials. This backpack also has a laptop sleeve inside for those who want to work on the go! 

The backpack’s main zipper compartment is against your back when wearing it, making it more secure. As someone who carries expensive camera gear while traveling, I really appreciate the extra layer of security.

While I do wish that the Lowepro Flipside came in more colors, it doesn’t make me stand out. This is great for keeping a low profile while traveling!  

I think this backpack is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable bag on their travels. It’s not just for photographers, but this bag is helpful if you carry a laptop or heavy camera. If you try the Lowepro Flipside BP 300 backpack , you may never need to try another!

🎒 I want the best backpack for camera gear!

7. Lovevook Viola

Recommended by Anya from Stop Going to Paris

Out of the dozen travel bags I’ve tried, the Lovevook is my absolute favorite. When comes the time to pack and choose among all the bags I own (and I own a substantial amount), if I know I need to travel light, it’s always the clear winner.  

It fits all my immediate needs: it’s sturdy, has lots of space and quite literally dozens of pockets. Top of my head, here are some of them: separate pockets for my laptop, my laptop accessories, my pens, my bottles and power banks, my keys and other miscellaneous objects, and many more.

It also offers a luggage strap for convenience and a USB charging port. 

What I especially love is that it doubles as a travel bag and a normal one, that I can take with me everywhere – I leave the clothes and toiletries in the hotel and then wander around in the city or hike with the very same bag I took on the plane. 

True story, I even use that bag in the office – it has a convenient handle that makes the conversion from backpack to office bag super easy. It’s also much prettier than most travel bags! 

🎒 This versatile everyday and travel backpack is the right one for me!

8. D__b__ Hugger Base

Recommended by Anja from  Anja On Adventure

I absolutely love my D__b__ backpack ! Which one? Oh, I have 7 of them. From a small 15L one to my biggest 40L one. The two that I use the most are Hugger 30L and Hugger Base 20L backpacks. 

But they all fit in a Carry-on baggage, so extra cost for the ticket or waiting in line after landing. They are super durable. I take at least 5 trips per year, and the color and backpack still looks like brand new. 

It has been with me to Mexico, USA, Seychelles, Zanzibar and other places. They are back-friendly and very ergonomic and easy to carry.

They hold shape even when completely full!

I can fit in all my clothes, shoes and all the accessories. It has a practical laptop pocket at the back, so it can be easily accessible. 

And the one I love the most is the pocket at the top, to keep my stuff neat and easily accessible. All D__b__ backpacks have a Hook-Up System™️, which means you can attach one backpack to another. 

If you don’t have one, you are missing out! A Lot! 

🎒 Browse the different D__b__ backpacks!

9. OIWAS Travel Rolling Backpack

Recommended by Shar of SightseeingShar

The OIWAS travel rolling backpack was the only piece of luggage I used during my three-month  European solo trip , and it was one of my best purchases.

This 30 L roller backpack features a main compartment that zips all the way around to open up like a suitcase, a laptop compartment, and two smaller zipped compartments for quick access. It has both backpack straps and a hideaway locking handle to roll it like a suitcase. It is also only $60 on Amazon!

The biggest pro of this backpack is its ability to both roll and be carried. As someone who packs a lot of luggage into one bag, this feature saved my back countless times during my trip.

However, it also allowed me to use it as a normal backpack when climbing stairs and on pesky cobblestone streets, making it the best of both worlds.

Additionally, the backpack has a large capacity, so I could fit in 10 outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, toiletries, a sweater, my laptop, a tote bag, and more. The zipped compartments also had more capacity than I had anticipated, and I could bring back many small souvenirs from my trip. 

The only con of this backpack is that the wheels add a little more weight than in a normal backpack. However, I believe that is a great trade-off since I could roll this backpack most of the time and only had to carry it a few times throughout my travels. 

🎒 I want a roller backpack for travel!

10. ITIWIT IPX6

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

ITIWIT produces waterproof backpacks designed for kayaking, but they make fantastic travel companions, especially if you are looking for something minimalist that’s reliable and won’t break the bank.

Since I travel with a lot of electronics such as a laptop, multiple cameras and hard drives, a waterproof backpack is very important to me, especially because I’m often on tours in Indonesia that involve taking a lot of boats. 

The interior of this backpack is very minimalist with a laptop sleeve and two smaller zippers. I love that it fits a lot of stuff, but since it’s made from waterproof material, it’s not super stretchy, so you have to be smart when packing.

I usually use this bag, which has a 30l capacity as a day bag, but I’ve also used it as my main bag since it perfectly fits as cabin luggage.

I’ve had this backpack for two years now and it’s incredibly durable, especially considering it only cost around US $60. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lightweight, foldable option that is 100% waterproof.

I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for something with a lot of interior compartments for organizing your things.

Final Thoughts: Smart Backpacks for Travel

A good backpack is essential for any minimalist traveler. The right backpack can make your trip more comfortable and convenient, while also keeping your belongings safe and organized.

With the variety of smart backpacks available in the market today, it’s important to find one that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or need something with multiple compartments, there is a smart backpack out there for you.

Don’t be afraid to invest in a high-quality backpack that will last you through your travels and provide both practicality and comfort.

• Minimalist Packing Checklist for Women

Ultimate Minimalist Packing List For Women

13 easy minimalist packing tips for travel.

• Minimalist Packing For Winter For Women

Best Tips for Minimalist Toiletries for Travelling

• My 13 Favourite Minimalist Travel Accessories
• Best Minimalist Shoes for Travel: Comfortable & Stylish

Packing List for Europe in Spring (Carry-On Bag Only)

• Honest TrustedHousesitters Review + Tips & Discount Code
• An Honest Suri Toothbrush Review
• Can I Bring A Water Bottle On A Plane? Bring a Reusable One!
• Can You Take an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane? Yes!

Pin it for later:

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

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Rolling Backpacks: For the Lightest, Most Comfortable One-Bag Travel

Your Backpack Tester

Mose Hayward

Minimalist-ish Vagabond

A carry-on backpack that rolls?

This, for minimalist travel, is the sweet spot.

I’ve traveled constantly with one small rolling backpack or another for the past decade. I have also been updating this article for nearly as long, every time I’ve tried a different wheeled backpack.

My favorites (and my recommendations) have tended to be Osprey bags. They’re thoughtfully designed with travel in mind, and they hold up against rough conditions fabulously. So my top recommendation is definitely the current Osprey model, but later in the article we’ll detail some cheaper options, as well as some good but more expensive and heavier options.

Our Favorite Rolling Travel Backpacks

Our top choices are the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled (for men) and Osprey Fairview Wheeled (for women). (I currently roam and live out of the Farpoint 36 version at right.)

• Lightweight but solid; likely to hold up well for years
• Extremely comfortable to carry as backpacks
• The wheels glide over rough terrain without problems
• Small enough to meet most carry-on requirements (the 36L versions)
• Compatible with the clip-on Osprey Farpoint Fairview Travel Daypack , which works as an under-seat bag/personal item and holds essentials and a laptop
• A bit pricey (if you don’t travel much, see the cheaper Samsonite options below )
• The backpack straps are supremely comfortable but perhaps more elaborate than needed for our infrequent use, since the wheels do roll so well anywhere

Farpoint 36 Wheeled   Fairview 36 Wheeled

Farpoint 65 Wheeled   Fairview 65 Wheeled

Since the Fairview and Farpoint wheeled packs have the exact same styling, measurements, and features, so if one is out of stock just go for the other. (In fact, Osprey now markets the Farpoint 36 in Europe as unisex.) For the same reason, I’d recommend going with whatever version is cheapest at the moment.

This article gets regular updates from savvy, sweaty, human backpackers who enjoy wheels

The whole article was most recently completely re-researched and rewritten with new recommendations in February, 2023, with a few more updates in June 2023 and then in November 2023. PREVIOUS VERSIONS: First version published on June 24, 2016. Updated March 28, 2017: Information on the new version of the Meridian and the models from Granite Gear and Eagle Creek has been updated. Updated April 30, 2017: Eagle Creek options updated. They are coming in very close to the Osprey options, but we still prefer Osprey. Updated May 31, 2017: Added Lowe Alpine option and minor updates. Updated July 24, 2017: REI option not available. Updated Aug. 4, 2017: Minor changes to introduction. Updated August 18, 2017: Added Thule information. Updated Sept. 5, 2017: Info on Meridian hip strap. Updated Feb. 6, 2018: Minor fixes, added word “rolling”. Updated July 11, 2018: Added updated information throughout, changed some recommendations, and added more photos. Updated Nov. 14, 2018: The Osprey Ozone Convertible is discontinued but still available at this check. Updated May 24, 2019: Our snazzy new main recommendation, plus overhaul of the whole damn article. Updated Dec. 23, 2020 with new Eagle Creek options. Then the pandemic meant we went quiet for a while with travel stuff.

Who paid us to write this anyway?

We purchase these backpacks ourselves for our travel and to amuse you, dear readers. We’ve been recommending various rolling backpacks on this page for years. No brand—not Osprey nor the others, has ever paid us to sponsor them over any other. In fact, we’ve never even received a free rolling backpack for review. This site—as well as our travel and luggage purchases—is funded through automatically affiliated links to online shops, as noted at the top of the page. That means we can link to just about any backpack anywhere—such as on Amazon, Osprey, Eagle Creek, and other shopping sites—and if our readers like it, buy it, and keep it, a small percentage of the purchase comes back to us and helps us continue our adventures. So for our funding it doesn’t matter which brand we recommend, as long as we can find you all something good and useful.

This article focuses on all-in-one rolling carry-on backpacks for travel . If that’s not what you’re looking for, we also have articles focused on:

Why I Have Traveled for Decades with Only a Wheeled Carry-On Backpack

My first extended backpacking trips were around South America and I carried a traditional pack on my back. As I continued to move through the world I switched to large suitcases, which would quicklyget destroyed by bumpy streets in São Paulo and by aggressive baggage handlers in Chicago and Paris. I replaced a few.

Like most frequent travelers, I eventually whittled things down to start travelling as lightly as possible, and managed to reach that nirvana of travelling with only a carry-on.

And from there, finding the perfect carry-on backpack with both backpack straps and wheels was gravy. Now I could hop off a French train , roll my small bag through the station, and then jump onto a borrowed city bike with my belongings on my back.

I got more particular over the years, as bags like the one pictured above broke. I tried out a number of brands and models, especially (but not only) from Osprey. And aside from such real-world travel testing, we have continued to analyze brand reliability results from consumer testing organizations across Europe and North America, and we continuously read about others’ experiences on travel blogs in a variety of languages and talk to others on the road carrying (and rolling) wheeled backpacks.

Why Limit Yourself to a Carry-On?

If you’ve got more than a carry-on, you’re humping around more stuff than you need, and the quality of your actual experiences is going to suffer. That’s the whole point of our minimalist perspective on this site. Do you want to come home with memories, or have space for junky souvenirs you’ll never use? Do you want to spend extra time figuring out what to do with a big bag, or be able to change directions at the drop of a hat?

So my recommendation is to go with the carry-on version (36L) of the Osprey pack described here, but some of you may go bigger and move up to the 65L, which will need to be checked in planes.

Why Both Wheels and Backpack Straps?

Why wheels does that destroy my backpacker cred.

The wheel is not an invention to be ignored, dear backpackers! Wheeled luggage keeps your back from getting hot/tired; if you have them, you’ll use them 90 percent of the time. Save your travel energy for going out dancing, hiking, sightseeing, and the rest, not hefting around your belongings.

Why backpack straps?

For those moments when you need the flexibility of being able to pop your load up onto your back, quality backpack straps are a lifesaver. They’re particularly useful when you encounter lots of stairs in a city metro, when you’re off the pavement in the wilderness, when you want to hop on a bike for a moment, when it’s raining and the streets are full of puddles…. We don’t use them all that often, but we’re sure glad to have them when we do.

Our Current Top Recommendation: Osprey Farpoint / Fairview Wheeled

Quick specs.

The Key Advantages of Osprey’s Farpoint Fairview Wheeled Series

The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs meet our most key criteria that come out of years of rolling and hefting backpacks on the road.

• These are extremely durable packs designed by a company with decades of experience in meeting the needs of demanding travelers. They are backed by a lifetime warranty . Travel pieces with both wheels and backpack straps have more parts that could break, and so good design and materials are key. Over the years, many of my lesser luggage pieces have quickly broken, but my Osprey pieces have endured and never needed that very generous warranty.

• The designs fit with our minimalist aesthetic and style without a lot of silly extras that could add weight or too many pockets to lose things in. The pockets that it does have make sense.

• The wheels are large and inset, ready to roll easily over rough terrain.

• The backpack and hip straps allow the pack to be carried quite comfortably over long distances through nature, while biking, or on stairs. I tend to also use them on arrival at train stations in Europe, from where I will grab a city bike for a euro or two to get to my final destination. This would be impossible without the backpack straps.

• The materials, including the durable aluminum frame, are lightweight ; the packs themselves add little to your load (or to your weight limits on airlines).

• It is possible to attach a daypack like the Daylite or (recommended) Farpoint Fairview Travel Daypack. I personally always travel with a daypack, and it’s much more convenient to be able to attach it to my main pack to have a single unit to roll and keep track of.

• Internal and external compression straps:  If you go a bit too wild with your packing and need to cinch your luggage down, there are straps for this purpose both inside the main compartment and outside the bag.

A Few Drawbacks — But They Don’t Hold Us Back

• The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs are not exactly cheap , even taking into account that we expect them to hold up for decades. For me, having had to replace a few of the cheaper bags I mentioned earlier, the price ends up being worth it—but if you don’t travel much the expense may not be worth it for you.
• The shoulder harness and hip belt for backpack carry are perhaps overly elaborate.  Simpler backpack straps and no hip belt would have been fine in my opinion for most users. When you have wheels, you mostly use them and so the shoulder straps and hip belt may not get used all that often. At the very least, Osprey excels in making these ultra-comfortable for long periods of back carrying and they add very little weight to the unit.
• I would prefer interior (side) pockets for organization during long periods of travel. This can be remedied with packing cubes and organizers though, to help organize everything.

More on the Features, Durability, and Water Resistance of the Osprey Farpoint / Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs

How it carries: comfortable shoulder, sternum, and hip straps.

You unzip the back panel of the Farpoint / Fairview Wheeled Packs to quickly reveal shoulder and sternum straps. These can be adjusted to suit different sizes of backs and shoulders; once you get the right adjustment you are set, and can leave them ready for use or hidden away behind their zipped up panel so that they don’t catch on anything when not needed.

The sternum strap features a safety whistle that is integrated into the buckle. It’s clever and works fine, but would probably be much less effective than yelling loudly if you’re in trouble.

Easy-Access Pockets

Both the 65L and 36L versions of the Farpoint and Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs have two external mesh pockets that are ideal for water bottles, an umbrella, or a small wet towel or windbreaker that needs separating from your main luggage. They are quite deep—certainly more than large enough for any water bottle I’d carry while traveling.

These wheeled packs also have a top pocket for easy access to essentials—just be aware that what is easy for you to access is also easy for pickpockets in crowded places if you’re carrying the piece behind you. If traveling in backpack mode, it is better to carry valuables in a daypack, which can be worn in front of you or clipped to the front of the shoulder straps.

Fitting as a Carry-On — For Most Airlines

For most airlines around the world, the carry-on versions of the Fairview and Farpoint 36 Wheeled Packs pose no problem, but airlines love to mess with us, so check each one specifically before travel. The dimensions are in the table earlier in this article.

Also keep in mind that any backpack’s stated dimensions are going to be a bit squishy, just like the pack itself; even hard luggage is pretty complicated to measure, as Consumer Reports found in their laser tests . You can do your own checking, as airline size requirements for carry-ons vary within the USA as well as abroad.

Note also that some airlines, especially budget airlines, have been reducing the size limit for carry-ons. If you get the cheapest fare on Polish budget airline Wizzair , for example, you can only carry a bag much smaller than the standard carry-on; it must fit under the seat in front of you. Traditional carry-on sizes with wheels tend to require an extra fee.

The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs are small enough to fit in the overhead bins on our much-preferred modes of transport: buses and trains . And the carry-on versions are fine for the budget trains like Ouigo and Avlo that charge extra for full-sized luggage.

Men’s and Women’s Versions of the Wheeled Travel Backpacks

In theory, the Farpoint is designed for men and the Fairview for women. This distinction is more important with Osprey’s trekking packs, as the hip straps are a bit more angled for women.

Men’s bags usually have a slightly longer and narrower torso, but the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs have exactly the same dimensions, weights, and volumes.

At the moment there appears to be no sex distinction in Europe; Osprey sells the Farpoint and the Fairview Wheels 36 as the same “unisex” model: the Osprey Farpoint Wheels 36. This makes me wonder if there really is a difference at all, but I have not yet been able to compare the two models side-by-side to check if the angling is at all different. I suspect that both models are actually the same.

With other Osprey packs, the backpack straps are angled slightly differently for male or female hips, but as most users only wear rolling packs on their backs occasionally, the difference, if there is one for its wheeled packs, is likely to go unnoticed.

Durability: A Pack for Life

Our experience with Osprey pieces over the last decade has been excellent. They’re expensive, but you can expect them to last.

We’re not the only ones to like Osprey. The brand gets great raves from bloggers, consumer reviews, and online travel magazines. For travel writers who cover luggage, the Osprey brand has long been at or near the top of reviewers’ lists. They report that Osprey’s zippers, handles, and wheels in sealed housings withstand heavy use, and generally appreciate the same features we have commented on ourselves.

In our ongoing research for this article we monitor results from consumer testing organizations in Europe ( Which? , Que Choisir ,   60 Millions ) and America ( Consumer Reports ). Although they do not cover this particular subcategory of luggage (wheeled backpacks), they do offer pointers in terms of quality, rolling design and durability, as well as some limited testing of specific brands.

On top of these experiences we can add Osprey’s “All Mighty” Guarantee (“any reason, any product, any era”), which puts it among the top few luggage manufacturers in standing by its work. If a handle, buckle, zipper, whatever breaks on the road, you can get it repaired and sent back to you free of charge, and if they can’t fix it they’ll replace the bag. You pay only to send it in. If you’re on the road, just contact the international customer service center closest to you. Importantly, travelers have reported in that Osprey actually follows up on this promise, quickly, without fuss, and for free. We’ve never had reason to contact Osprey’s warranty department ourselves.

A Key Add-On Feature: A Great Daypack

A good daypack is essential for travel; you’ll actually use it more than your main luggage piece as you carry lunch and water through green landscapes, wander around in a new city with a few essentials, take a laptop to work in a café or co-working space, or even pack a change of clothes for a short overnight trip. So you want your daypack to be a good one.

We cover a full range of Osprey daypacks here , but if you’re looking for one to add onto the Farpoint / Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs, the choice is obvious: the Osprey Farpoint Fairview Travel Daypack , which is fully compatible with The Farpoint or Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs in that it can clip onto the front or back . You’ll likely want to wear it on the front when using your main pack as a backpack, because this provides better balance, is more comfortable, and keeps your valuables in front of you where you can keep an eye on them when in a crowded area (like city transport). You’ll likely attach it to the back of the pack when rolling.

There are two outer stretchy pockets that work well for water bottles, a sandwich, banana or other snack, or a collapsible umbrella. For many critics of other luggage this is a very appreciated feature of daypacks but one that is also a key stress point; often the poor-quality mesh material of the water bottle pockets on backpacks is the first thing to fall apart. On Osprey daypacks, these pockets are made from very durable stretchy material. They show no signs of wear on our daypacks yet, and we’re certainly not expecting them to give out the way such mesh pockets often do.

Offering an attachable/detachable daypack seems obvious, but many of the other rolling backpacks that we cover later in this article simply lack this feature. An attachable daypack allows you to roll all of your stuff as one unit, as well as leave the main piece and unclip the daypack with your essentials when that’s all you need.

Aside from the convenient carry options, an attachable daypack has also proved wonderful at times for getting through different airline carry-on restrictions:

• If the airline allows only a personal item, you can use the daypack as your personal item and then pay for checked luggage or a large carry-on, whichever is cheaper (often the former).
• If the airline or train does not allow a personal item, you can attach the daypack to the main piece and voilà, you have only a single carry-on. Just be careful not to overstuff the pack and exceed the dimensions for that particular mode of transport.
• If an airline decides to gate-check your carry-on at the last minute at boarding, you can detach the daypack with your valuable essentials and laptop and keep it with you while allowing the airline to gate-check your main carry-on. (One airline worker in France was very surprised and impressed when he saw me doing this.)

Water Resistance

These Osprey packs are treated with DWR, or Durable Water Repellent, which is what keeps water out of your pack if you get stuck in the rain. My experience so far has been that Osprey’s repellants do a good job when I’ve been stuck in brief downpours; we’ll do a test with the new DWR and report back soon.

The Osprey DWR is PFC-free (that is, no perfluorinated chemicals, which are harmful for people and the environment).

If you expect to be outdoors a lot in bad weather, you can improve your protection with an Osprey Raincover ( direct from Osprey USA , Osprey Europe , or from Amazon ), available in different sizes and in black as well as high-visibility options.

A Video: Opening up the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview Wheeled Travel Packs

Here’s a promotional video from Osprey that helps to give a good idea of the Farpoint and Fairview wheeled packs in all their glory.

Other Rolling Carry-On Backpacks

If you’re looking for something simpler, slightly different features or styling, or want to spend less, there are a few other options worth considering. You can also check out our article focused on larger (checked luggage) travel options with both wheels and backpack straps .

High Quality but Not Quite the Right Features: Eagle Creek Wheeled Backpack Carry-Ons

We find that Eagle Creek’s convertible rolling cabin bags come in at a very close second to Osprey’s. Eagle Creek has a solid reputation for durability and tops the list for luggage brand satisfaction in surveys by consumer organizations . Also, like Osprey, Eagle Creek offers a solid lifetime warranty and has repair centers around the world. If something goes wrong you pay to get the bag to a repair center, and they take care of the rest.

Eagle Creek bags are fabulous in terms of quality but slightly heavier and with different features.

For me, the closest contender is the Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On . It offers a detachable daypack, excellent rough-and-tumble wheels with good clearance, and (for my taste) the Caldera’s daypack is sleeker and smarter-looking.

The downsides to the Caldera are that there are no water bottle pockets, and it tends to be a bit more expensive.

The Eagle Creek Expanse 2-Wheel Convertible International Carry-On is a bit cheaper but maintains high quality construction and materials. It lacks a detachable daypack and some other features; the backpack straps are quite simple and there is no hip belt. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; you’re not likely to carry the bag for long distances on your back since you have wheels.

For more on these, see our comparison review of the Caldera International, Gear Warrior, and Expanse International .

Cheaper Wheeled Backpack Carry-Ons from Samsonite

If you’re looking for much cheaper options from a well-rated brand, Samsonsite is an obvious place to look for wheeled backpacks, particularly since Samsonite luggage has been generally reasonably well-rated by consumer organizations for its durability (and the British organization liked some of its rugged hard luggage).

That said, the materials and construction of the bags we’ve seen here do not seem as durable as our top choices (earlier in this article.) The water bottle pockets are made of a flimsy mesh material that often tears quickly and catches on things, and the wheels are not as large and don’t have as much clearance for rough roads as the Osprey options. Generally Samsonite does not even list the specific materials aside to say “polyester” and sometimes “recycled fabric”, without giving the type and grade.

That said, these are much cheaper options and worthwhile if you only travel occasionally, or want to experiment with the rolling+backpack travel life before committing to a more expensive bag.

A simple, two-wheeled carry-on option is the Samsonite Wheeled Backpack , which has a pull handle, organizational side pockets and water bottle pocket, a front pocket, and a laptop sleeve for 17″ laptops. The shoulder straps are padded. It is carry-on sized, at 8 x 14 x 21 inches (20.3 x 35.6 x 53.3 centimeters).

If you really want spinner wheels for some reason, or a smaller and much cheaper piece, the Samsonite MVS Rolling Backpack is an option.

We don’t use spinner wheels ourselves as they take up space, break off more easily and don’t serve much of a purpose,  particularly  with smaller carry-ons like this one that you will never end up pushing in front of you. I also think that at 19 x 12 x 12 inches (48.3 x 30.5 x 30.5 centimeters), this is a bit oddly sized and shaped for a standard carry-on and yet too large to fit reliably under the seat in front of you as a personal item, particularly with the wheels.

A bit more travel-oriented is the Samsonite Detour Convertible Wheeled Hybrid Backpack directly from Samsonite, which measures 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55.6 x 35.6 x 25.4 centimeters). It has a range of both inner and outer organizational pockets including one for a 15.6″ laptop.

There are well-padded backpack straps with a shoulder harness and a fabric flap that can cover the wheels to keep you clean when you’re using the pack on your back. I like that there is a divider that creates multiple compartments but this may not be to your taste if you like to have everything in a single main compartment in small bags like this one.

The Samsonite Tectonic Nutech Wheeled Backpack is a more expensive and likely more durable wheeled backpack carry-on of similar dimensions; it uses 1680D ballistic polyester fabric, including for the side water-bottle pockets (as opposed to flimsy mesh material).

There is a sturdy, two-bar pull handle and more plastic reinforcing around the wheel housing.

As with the other Samsonite options, there are quite a lot of external and internal organizational pockets. It opens out flat so it’s easy to get at everything.

The shoulder straps are padded (but no sternum strap, making it uncomfortable to carry significant weight for long) and there is a fabric covering for the wheels when you’re using the pack on your back.

These Samsonite luggage options come with a 10-year limited warranty .

Shopping Links for Samsonite Wheeled Backpacks in Various Countries

• Samsonite Australia
• Samsonite Belgium
• Samsonite Canada
• Samsonite India
• Samsonite Netherlands
• Samsonite Taiwan
• Samsonite USA

Other Well-Rated, Cheaper Rolling Backpacks for Travel

The following wheeled bags are the cheapest we have found that still have reasonably good ratings—but we think most people will be happier with our other picks above.

We think it’s best to ignore any of these brands’ dodgy claims of “waterproof” or “water resistance” on Amazon as they are not backed up by a specific IP rating for a specific, testable degree of water resistance.

There is a Yorepek Rolling Backpack that has a removable handle and wheels—making it more like a luggage cart/trolley with a backpack included. The bag has a sleeve for laptops of up to 17 inches and a variety of compartments and pockets. There is a USB jack which serves no real purpose (no battery is included—it simply allows you to run a cable from the inside to the outside of the bag) and yet may still arouse suspicions from airlines that reject bags with integrated batteries. Most customers seemed more or less happy with it though some complained that it is unstable on its rolling stand.

A bit pricier is the Glodiar 22-Inch Rolling Backpack , which is a good carry-on size, and it also comes in a couple of smaller sizes . The wheels are extremely oversized, giving it a bit of a crazy (and I think classy) look, but of course that eats into some of the valuable internal capacity.

There are lots of internal pockets and sleeves, including for a 17″ laptop. The shoulder straps are padded and can be hidden when not in use; there is no sternum strap.

An extremely similar bag with oversized wheels is sold under a different brand name: the Aocrin Rolling Backpack . It has much more of a business/briefcase look to it until you pop out the backpack straps. There is, again, lots of internal organization including a sleeve for a 17″ laptop. There is also, unfortunately, a silly USB plug integrated into the bag. The piece measures 18.5 x 13.3 x 9.4 inches (47 x 33.8 x 24 centimeters). It’s worth checking out mainly for the hilarious pictures of “businessmen” modeling it despite the oversized wheels and backpack straps.

See also some cheaper, smaller rolling backpacks for school or day-to-day use.

Wrap-Up: The Best Rolling Backpacks for Most Travelers

We love to hear about your experiences with these and other rolling carry-on backpacks in the comments.

• Osprey Farpoint 36 Wheeled (Men, Carry-On) ]
• Osprey Fairview 36 Wheeled (Women, Carry-On)
• Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled (Men, Checked)
• Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled (Women, Checked)

You can also browse the lineup of wheeled backpacks at Osprey USA (or the same at Osprey Europe and Osprey UK ).

As an add-on, we highly recommend also using a compatible daypack, especially the Osprey Farpoint Fairview Daypack , which attaches to the front (in packpack mode) or to the back.

Our Reviewers’ Picks of Underrated, Useful Travel Gear

About The Author

22 thoughts on “Rolling Backpacks: For the Lightest, Most Comfortable One-Bag Travel”

Sadly the new Farpoint is no longer carry-on, the old one was great

We like to the carry-on (36) versions above in this article, just check the links, they’re relatively new and very much still available.

Great information. Thinking of getting one to take to Japan. Does it meet airline carryon sizes with or without the daypack attached? Thank you.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Carry On: This is my minimal rolling carry-on, for quick trips that don t require backpacking. It has rugged features, water resistant, tough wheels, and easily flies as a carry-on. Available on Amazon or REI .

I recently bought the Osprey Meridian roiled backpack with removable day-bag. I travel the EMEA region for work every week and have been looking for a replacement for my 3 year old IKEA bag with removable day bag………..unfortunately the Meridian does not compare with regards to functionality. The day bag does not hold my laptop due to the air-mesh distorting the shape of the bag, there is no organization pocket for electronics, notepads, pens, etc. the main bag has undeniable build quality but it’s clunky to access the pockets at airport security…..even the click lock of the day bag is not very practical when trying to quickly attach/remove the day pack. Overall very disappointed with the Osprey Meridian and my search goes on for a replacement.

Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m curious what exactly your laptop issue is, as I use the daypack with my laptop nearly every day, and I have a rather large and heavy laptop at the moment. I use the tablet pocket for notepads and pens, but it’s true that there isn’t a dedicated pen slot like you find on some bags. I’m also not sure why you’re having issues with the buckles that detach the daypack from the main pack — those are far more quick and convenient on this bag than on others we’ve tested. Feel free to comment with more specifics if you wish!

Heart = broken. After much too much time scouring the internet for the Ozone, I can’t find it anywhere, in any size… except one for $570 from Japan! Amazon is out. Can’t even find it on eBay.

What I can’t understand is why Osprey would discontinue this pack. It’s 2lbs lighter than the Meridian, which is a lot for those of us with bad backs who end up packing our bags to the T. Maybe because they can charge more for it? So lame!

I’m not sure what country you’re in so it’s hard to help; checking just now, the Osprey Ozone Convertible is still available from Amazon at our links above for the USA; it has long not been available in Europe. It sounds, though, like you might prefer to travel with a bit more space? I’d go for a larger rolling backpack like the Meridian 75 in your shoes; because of your back you’ll roll it most of the time but it has comfortable straps when needed.

Quite an informative blog.

I have been considering the Meridian for a few months now for an upcoming trip to Japan..but I can’t seem to find one to try on anywhere where I live (Ottawa, Canada). I am also a little confused…I see in some sites advertise the Meridian with a hip strap and in other sites it does not have one. I really want a hip strap…can anyone let me know for sure if the Meridian has a hip belt.

Hi Mello, the new version (as of 2016) of the Osprey Meridian 22 does not have a hip strap, and can be purchased here in Canada . It sounds like you want a hip strap so the Osprey Ozone 22 would be better for you; it is slightly lighter to carry on your back, has basically the same features as the Meridian, and has the hip strap. Here’s the link for the Ozone in Canada . Amazon.ca offers free shipping and has a good return policy so you can return it if you change your mind.

I’ve been searching for a wheeled convertible backpack with a detachable daypack for a while. I am glad to have found this article with reviews. Aside from the lack of a daypack and the weird placement of the backpack straps, the Eagle Creek Flip Switch Wheeled Backpack 22 mentioned here is no longer available on the manufacturers website. There are, however, two other bags offered by Eagle Creek that are much more comparable to Osprey’s Ozone 22″ Convertible:

The Eagle Creek DoubleBack™ Carry-On: http://shop.eaglecreek.com/doubleback-carryon/d/1510C1522?CategoryId=115

The Eagle Creek Switchback™ International Carry-On: http://shop.eaglecreek.com/switchback-international-carryon/d/1584C3555?CategoryId=115

For me it is now a choice between the Osprey Ozone and the Eagle Creek Switchback.

Hi Darin, checking just now, the Flip Switch is available at Eagle Creek. Your suggestions about the Eagle Creek Switchback International and the DoubleBack are excellent, however, and we should have covered those earlier. We now have a full comparison of the two and we’ve also completely updated the Eagle Creek section of this page. Thanks for your careful comments and happy travels!

We didn’t originally mention the duffel version of this bag since it lacks a daypack, which we find essential. But sure, why not, for completeness. We have now added the duffel to the text above. As for the Meridian, there was a — we’d call it minor — update in 2016 that improved ventilation of the daypack and streamlined the harness design. This is also now noted above. We don’t think this takes away from the design of the piece at all, if anything it’s now even more appealing. Thanks for your careful comments!

Why not like the Eagle Creek Lync Series system? Their 20 inch is a true International carry on, unlike the flip switch or even the Ospey 22 inch you highlight.

We considered the Eagle Creek Lync 20 inch and 22-inch just a bit too weird—when is it really necessary to be able to remove your wheels? You’re going to want them at some point on any trip, so why take them off? And more importantly, they lack a daypack. Eagle Creek makes good backpacks and we think the Eagle Creek Flip Switch is a better option if you don’t need a daypack. We have not had any problems on international flights (including intra-Europe flights on budget airlines) with the Osprey and Eagle Creek carry-on options we highlight, nor have others reported problems.

If you’re going somewhere where you won’t use the wheels such as on a day hike you’d remove the wheels (well if it wasn’t such a hassle to re-install, which is the real complaint with the Lync bags). However, if as I do you own a separate daypack just use it instead and leave the roller at the lodging. You mention you can buy the usb separate but neglect to mention you can buy a good daypack for $20 that while not in use can be stuffed into your main bag.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to take off the wheels and carry my entire bag with me on a day hike; that’s what daybags are for. Great point about buying daypacks separately (we discuss that further here ). If you want to go that route, the Osprey Ozone 22″ plus the Osprey Ozone Adult Day Pack make a fine couple and are built to hook together. But note that it’s nice to be able to fully zip your packs together (especially when you have to fly on airlines that don’t allow a “personal item” in addition to your carry-on). Thus our recommendation at the top of this page.

These are great overviews! Wish I had stumbled upon this page during my two days of researching wheeled carry-on backpacks. You mentioned that the main bag of the Granite Gear Cross Trek backpack cannot be worn on a backpack, but I noticed in the video here that you can – you just need to unzip the back:

http://luggagebase.com/product/11907/Granite-Gear-Cross-Trek-22%22-Wheeled-Carry-On-Upright-with-Removable-28L-Pack.html

Yes, this was misstated in an earlier version of this article. This has now been clarified in the text above; thanks for your comment! The Granite Gear Cross Trek Wheeled-Carry-On is a decent bag at a great price, but with the daypack attached it is too big to be accepted as a carry-on — so not our top choice.

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Top Rolling Backpacks

For daytime jaunts and to carry a laptop, couple any of these with the clip-on daypack.

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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Wander-Lush

24 Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel

The best minimalist backpacks for backpacking, city travel, hiking and carrying camera gear – all lightweight, practical, and with an attractive design.

I may love souvenir shopping, but I’m a minimalist traveller at heart.

I always try to travel as light as possible, including on our 10-month trip around the world where I packed carry-on only . When it comes to travel luggage, I prefer a clean look and a modern aesthetic.

Travel backpacks are notorious for being clunky, clumsy, and let’s be honest, a little bit unsightly. Flaps, cords, pouches and pockets, zippers gaping and straps flailing about – it’s not a good look! Sometimes all you want is a minimalist backpack with a simple, street-ready design.

Read next: 10 tips to help you pack light every time .

Practicality is essential, and you don’t want to skimp on any features. You want a bag that gets straight to the point without any unnecessary details. Carrying a minimalist travel bag will also encourage you to travel light, keeping your pack tight and your costs down.

Whether you’re planning a quick European city break with carry-on only or a long-term jaunt across Southeast Asia, I’ve found the perfect pared-back travel pack for you. This post brings together 24 of the best minimalist backpacks for women and men.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How I chose these minimalist backpacks

There are lots of minimalist travel backpacks out there. When curating this list, I focused my search on sleek, contemporary designs that look just as at home in urban environments as they do in the great outdoors.

The best minimalist backpacks have a simple silhouette without too many bits and bobs. But they don’t compromise on features – each of these backpacks has that latest practical mod-cons inside, with a sleek profile outside.

Without unnecessary additions to weigh them down, minimalist backpacks are lightweight by nature, which makes them perfect for travel. Many of the bags featured on this list are crafted from ecologically friendly performance materials, so you know they’re made to last. And don’t worry – they’re not all black, either! I’ve made a point of featuring minimalist travel backpacks that use colour and texture, albeit in a more restrained palette.

Most of these designs are unisex, but I’ve grouped them into men’s and women’s backpacks for ease. I’ve also included both checked backpacks and carry-on backpacks .

Best minimalist backpacks for women

Sleek but still feminine, these travel backpacks are big enough to fit all your gear for a backpacking trip. I’ve also included 6 of my favourite minimalist laptop bags and day packs for women to help you stay organised on the road.

Minimalist travel backpacks for women

1. Pacsafe Venturesafe

2. Osprey Porter

3. Thule Landmark

1. packsafe venturesafe.

• Capacity: 45 litres / 65 litres
• Weight: 3.81 lbs
• Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.78 x 8.66 / 15.8 x 13 x 29.6

Approved for carry-on, the straps on this bag tuck in neatly when not in use. Even the zipper pulls fasten down flat. This is actually an a safety feature – this anti-theft backpack is self-locking and also has a top flap for extra protection. If you’re looking for security and streamlined design, this bag is a great choice. It comes in Black, Eclipse blue and Plum (pictured) and has a 5-year warranty.

View it on Amazon.

• Capacity: 65 litres
• Weight: 1 lb
• Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 12

When it comes to popular backpack brands, Osprey has the best minimalist designs. Multiple pouches make the Porter practical – but it’s also super light-weight and rather petite for a 65 litre backpack. The monochrome colour palette really helps to give Osprey bags a clean look (I love the Diablo Red). ‘Padded wings’ on either side in a textured fabric conceal the zippers, while the special ‘StraightJacket’ compression system allows you to bind the bag into a streamlined parcel when it’s not quite full. If you like Osprey designs, I’m also quite fond of the Renn .

• Capacity: 40 litres / 50 litres
• Weight: 3.17 lb / 4.5 lb
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 13 x 21.5 / 19.3 x 13 x 24.8

Even with the matching 20 litre day pack added-on, this bag still manages to look sleek. There’s a SafeZone compartment and CashStash pocket for security, and I love that this backpack opens up suitcase-style so you can keep everything neat and tidy inside. The Majolica Blue colour (pictured) is subtle, or there’s a sophisticated Dark Bordeaux version. If you like Thule, I also recommend checking out the Thule Guidepost .

Minimalist day packs & carry on backpacks for women

4. Herschel Travel Daypack

5. Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack

6. Himawari Laptop Backpack

More streamlined than some of Herschel’s other designs but with all the same great features, this backpack has a fleece-padded laptop compartment (15″), dual water bottle holders, and a breathable Airmesh covering on the straps and back. I adore the clean yet feminine Ash Rose colour and the single dark stripe on the exterior, which gives this backpack a lithe shape. Pinstripe lining inside adds a bit of quirky character.

Secure bags are all the rage right now, and the Anti Theft Classic by Travelon is widely considered one of the best on the market. This day backpack has lockable compartments, a slash-resistant body and straps, and built-in RFID blocking slots for your cards and passport. It’s available in 6 neutral shades to match any outfit. I really like the classic handbag-like shape and the touch of quilted stitching on the front.

This bag is made for students, but it works perfectly as a travel day pack as well, especially in the city. The textured body is made from water-resistant nylon, and the straps are padded for comfort. A single flap covers the entire front of the bag, concealing pockets and slots. It fits a 15″ laptop, has two handy side pockets, and my favourite feature of all is the full-length vertical zip that runs along the back of the bag so you can easily pull out your travel documents. Available in six minimalist colours.

7. Expatrié Leather Backpack

8. The North Face Kaban Pack

9. Cote&Ciel Isar Eco Yarn Backpack

The most elegant minimalist backpack on the list, the Noelle marries effortless glam with a practical interior. There’s something very 90s about this bag – in a good way! I love the squared-off shape and the uniform tone, even in the stitching. This bag is made from vegan leather, features a hidden pocket at the back, and uses a combined drawsting/magnetic closure for easy access. It’s not as secure as some other day packs, but boy does it look good. I like all the colours in the range, especially the Nude and the Mauve.

If you’re all about performance fabrics and durable design, look no further than this day pack from The North Face. Top-loading, free-standing and voluminous, it has a wraparound zip closure, a 17″ laptop sleeve, and padded back panels and straps. This is a perfect example of a versatile minimalist backpack made for the street and the great outdoors. The back is a bit strappy, but the angular lines on the front and sides present a clean look to the world. Military Olive and Metallic Silver colourings are on-trend and great for travel.

For those who like to go minimalist but still stand out from the pack, the Isar backpack by French label Cote&Ciel using simple elements to create a high-fashion look. From the back, it looks like a regular backpack, with mesh elements and adjustable padded straps. The exquisite shape at the front is created by a fold-over fabric panel, which secures down with a minimalist buckle strap. The colour is perfect for winter, and it comes in a medium or large. I can see this bag on the streets of Milano or Barcelona!

Best minimalist backpacks for men

Minimalist backpacks don’t have to be black! Here are 9 of my favourite men’s designs, all utterly practical yet still with a bit of character.

Minimalist travel backpacks for men

10. Peak Design Travel Duffelpack

11. Gonex Hiking Backpack

12. Heimplanet Monolith Rucksack

• Capacity: 45-65 litres
• Weight: 4 lb
• Dimensions: 13.4 x 16.5 x 26

I’m a huge fan of Peak Design’s unisex travel bags. The Duffelpack is versatile and chic, and with two external zippers, expands in width to fit up to 65 litres. Stowable straps mean you can carry this bag either as a backpack or a regular duffel. The top opens up like a giant ‘purse’, revealing vertical side pockets and a huge internal area. Best of all, the shell is made from weather-proof recycled nylon canvas.

• Capacity: 70-80 litres
• Weight: 4.83 lb
• Dimensions: 32.28 x 13.38 x 11.02

The Gonex resembles a regular backpacking bag, but the pared-back colours and slick fabric are enough to give it a minimalist aesthetic. The design is performance-focused – durable materials, an adjustable weight-bearing system for easy carry, and aluminium supports inside to protect your gear. There are five colours available, but I like the simple Navy or Black best. There’s also a smaller 45-50 litre version for shorter trips or hiking.

• Capacity: 45 litres
• Weight: 4.34 lb
• Dimensions: 24.8 x 13 x 11.4

The Monolith might not be to everyone’s taste, but I can really see this design coming into its own after a few months of rough and tumble on the road. Horizontal and vertical front straps look great when they’re snugly fitted. The Copper Red colour is a bit different, and although I don’t love the detailing on the front, it does add some texture. Inside and on the back, this pack is as practical as they come: There’s even a separate side-accessible sleeve pocket for a laptop, unusual for a bag of this size.

Minimalist day packs & carry on backpacks for men

13. Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack

14. Ucon Acrobatics Hajo Backpack

15. Bellroy Campus Backpack

I love everything about this design, including the dedicated tech pouch on the front and the oversized zipper pulls that add a bit of flare. The Jet Black finish is very urban, but this bag does well on the road, too. Performance textiles, waterproof construction and an air-flow back panel are added for comfort.

Berlin-designed Ucon Acrobatics bags are the epitome of minimalist sophistication. The Hajo blends urban and outdoor effortlessly. It fits a 15″ laptop in its neoprene internal pocket, and has loads of pouches inside for storing bits and pieces. Ultra-soft PU coating on the exterior is weatherproof and oozes cool. I love the roll-down top, which can be adjusted to pack more inside, and the easy-access side zipper.

Don’t let the simple shape fool you – this rather inconspicuous little day pack has been engineered to perform as well as any other backpack on the market. Padded straps and quick access zips are among the perks. I love the dual padded laptop/iPad sleeve that stands in the middle of the bag so you can pack around it. Extra clasps on the side straps help keep everything tight and tidy. There’s also an A5 document pocket inside, perfect for keeping your travel paperwork in order. The Bellroy comes in six gorgeous colour combinations, some with a contrasting bottom panel and all with a luxe internal lining.

16. Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack

17. Incase City Compact Backpack

18. Opposethis Invisible Backpack One

You probably know the name – Fjallraven has a reputation for quality luggage, and their Raven 28 Backpack, one of the simplest designs in the collection, is no exception. Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester and organic cotton, it features a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pockets to protect screens or lenses, side pockets, and internal compartments. Minimal colours and a smaller version for kids.

With an ultra-slim profile, this backpack is as compact as they come. The 15″ latop sleeve has 360-degree faux fur-lined padding, and there are multiple pockets for keeping gear organised. This minimalist backpack is perfect for city wear and made for digital nomads. Design-wise, I really like the matte texture of the woven fabric and the use of horizontal stitching on the front. It’s also available in Red and Khaki.

Low-key is the imperative when describing the Opposethis luggage range. Designed in Lithuania, these bags embody Baltic chic and in the words of the creators, are made to ‘simplify air travel’. A waterbottle pouch, 13″ laptop compartment and various storage compartments are hidden inside this inconspicuous design. The shell is weather-proof, and the whole thing packs down virtually pancake-flat when not in use.

Minimalist backpacks for hiking & outdoors

Lightweight, waterproof and streamlined, these minimalist hiking backpacks won’t weigh you down when you’re off exploring. Here are 3 unisex options for an outdoor adventure.

19. The Friendly Swede Graneberg Backpack

20. Hikpro 20L Hiking Backpack

21. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

19. the friendly swede graneberg waterproof backpack.

Nordic cool in bag form, the Graneberg waterproof backpack looks like a hiking pack, but it was actually designed for the city (hence the 13″ laptop pouch). That doesn’t mean you can’t take it out for a spin in the great unknown. A toxic-free tarpaulin body, roll-down top and splash-resistant zippers can withstand anything you throw at it. With a 15 litre capacity, and ultra-light weight body, it’s easy to carry, too. Functional, simple and sustainable is how I’d describe this bag. Actually, there’s a Swedish word for that – it’s Lagom .

The 20 litre Hikpro is one of the most lightweight, versatile hiking packs out there. Unisex and available in a rainbow of 10 colours, it still manages to look sleek thanks to its pared-back shell. Padded S-type straps and external mesh pouches are practical for the outdoors, and the inner-zip pocket (which doubles as a storage pouch when you want to collapse the bag) is a secure place to stash valuables. It looks delicate, but the nylon outer is both water and tear-resistant.

Another Osprey favourite, the pack-down Stuff Pack is ultra-light, rip-proof, and generally low-profile. An airmesh harness and stretch-mesh sides have been designed knowing the wearer will probably be spending long days in this pack in mixed conditions. It fits up to 18 litres – perfect for an overnighter.

Minimalist backpacks for photographers

Photographers must be onto something – most camera bags these days are slick and monotone. Here are 3 of my favourite minimalist backpacks for photographers.

22. Thule Enroute Camera Backpack

23. Peak Design Everyday Camera Backpack

24. Powerextra Waterproof Backpack

A true multi-tasker, the Enroute accommodates a DSLR, lenses and accessories, and a 15″ laptop and an iPad. There is side-zipper access to both tech compartments.

A Kickstarter success story, Peak Design is now a fully-fledged luggage brand. Their signature Everyday Camera Backpack is a favourite among professional photographers and it’s not difficult to see why: Nothing has been spared in the design of the ultra-modern, pimped-out backpack. Inside, it resembles a Transformer, with adjustable pockets, felted shelves and all sorts of nifty features. Outside, the bag’s profile is sleek and smart.

24. Powerextra Waterproof DSLR Camera Backpack

I love the understated design of this budget-friendly DSLR bag. Flip down the front panel to reveal a matrix of foam-padded compartments and mesh pouches, which make storing camera gear, cords and other accoutrements a breeze.

Minimalist backpack accessories

Peak Design Tech Pouch

Peak Design Packing Cubes

The Friendly Swede Ditty Bags

Mossio Shoe Bag

Metier Life Compact Canvas Dopp Bag

Sehnsucht Travel Toiletries & Makeup Bag

What to put in your backpack: Travel packing lists

• Packing list for Georgia and the Caucasus
• Ethical and sustainable travel clothes for women
• The Kosan Go – my favourite travel dress
• How to build a minimalist toiletries list

Do you own one of these minimalist backpacks? What’s your verdict? What is your go-to travel backpack?

Minimalist backpacks: pin it.

I also have an Osprey backpack and I love it. I love how detailed you are in your review. You really go over what the perfect comfortable travel backpack should be like. I wish I would have read your reviews before I ordered mine on the Internet.

Great site and great post!I really wanted to get the Tortuga but the price was just too expensive. Factor in the shipping costs (they charge more to ship to Canada). I ended up with an Osprey Porter. At 46L it’s a little larger than the ones you listed. Still, it’s a great pack. Love it and have no regrets about it.

Good choice!

I was confused about how to select the best backpack for myself, but after reading this guide, I understand which one is best. Thanks.

These truly are the best backpacks.

These really are the best backpacks with great features.

Nice choices.

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20 Best Minimalist Backpacks For Travelling Light

• November 9, 2023

In the fast-paced world of travel, finding the right backpack can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, having a reliable and stylish backpack is essential . We are here to guide you, In this guide, we will explore the 20 best minimalist backpacks for travel, carefully curated to cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences. From durability to design, we have covered it all. Let’s embark on this journey to discover the perfect travel companion.

Top Picks: 20 Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel

Now, let’s dive into our top picks for minimalist backpacks that combine functionality, durability, and style seamlessly. Each backpack on this list has been carefully evaluated to ensure it meets the standards of a discerning traveler.

1. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Overview: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L stands out as a favored choice among minimalist travelers due to its blend of lightweight construction, durability, and smart organization features. Ideal for those who value efficient packing and easy access, this backpack boasts a convenient clamshell design that unfolds fully, allowing users to see and reach items effortlessly. Moreover, it offers various internal pockets and compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve and an innovative packing cube system for meticulous organization.

• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Easy access with clamshell design
• Thoughtful internal organization, including a packing cube system
• Dedicated laptop sleeve
• Environmentally conscious: Fair Trade Certified and made with sustainable materials
• Relatively high price point
• Some users find zippers challenging to use

2. Osprey Farpoint 40

Overview: The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a popular choice for minimalist travelers, appreciated for its lightweight build, comfortable carry, and effective organization features. Designed with a suspended mesh back panel, it provides excellent ventilation and even weight distribution. The backpack offers multiple internal compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a removable hip belt for personalized comfort.

• Lightweight and comfortable to carry
• Ventilated design with suspended mesh back panel
• Internal compartments, including a laptop sleeve
• Customizable fit with a removable hip belt
• Backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee
• Higher price range
• Durability concerns reported by some users

3. Aer Travel Pack 3

Overview: The Aer Travel Pack 3 caters to both business and leisure travelers, featuring a sleek and professional design coupled with high-quality materials. This minimalist backpack offers seamless organization with features like a dedicated laptop sleeve, quick-access pockets, and various internal compartments. Additionally, it provides water-resistant capabilities, ensuring your belongings stay protected during unexpected weather conditions.

• Stylish and professional design
• High-quality, water-resistant materials
• Multiple internal compartments and quick-access pockets
• Relatively high price
• Some users find it less comfortable for extended wear

4. Minaal Carry-On 3.0

Overview: Tailored for digital nomads and individuals carrying extensive gear, the Minaal Carry-On 3.0 is a minimalist backpack offering a range of practical features. It includes a dedicated laptop sleeve, a camera compartment, and various internal dividers for efficient packing. Its clamshell design ensures easy access, allowing users to swiftly locate and retrieve items.

• Comprehensive features for gear organization
• Easy access with a clamshell design
• Water-resistant construction
• Backed by a lifetime warranty
• Higher price tag
• Some users express durability concerns

5. Tortuga Outbreaker

Overview: The Tortuga Outbreaker is tailored for adventure travelers, designed with durable materials and intuitive features. Its clamshell design opens wide, granting effortless access to internal pockets and compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve and a removable hip belt for added comfort. The backpack appeals to those seeking reliability in rugged environments.

• Durable construction for adventurous use
• Wide clamshell opening for easy access
• Multiple internal compartments and removable hip belt
• Relatively high weight, making it less ideal for everyday use
• Considered pricey by some users

6. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Overview: Specifically crafted for photographers and creatives, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L combines minimalist aesthetics with specialized features. Its dedicated camera compartment and internal dividers ensure secure and organized transport of camera gear. The clamshell design aids in efficient packing and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the move.

• Tailored features for camera gear organization
• Clamshell design for easy access
• Water-resistant build
• Lifetime warranty for added peace of mind
• Higher price point
• Some users find it heavy for daily use

7. Wandrd Prvke 31L

Overview: Catering to photographers and creatives, the Wandrd Prvke 31L is designed with specialized compartments and internal dividers to accommodate camera gear and creative essentials. Its clamshell design ensures easy access, allowing users to efficiently organize and retrieve their items.

• Specialized compartments for camera gear
• Clamshell design for convenient access
• Lifetime warranty for product assurance
• Relatively high weight may not be suitable for everyday use
• Considered expensive by some users

8. Nomatic Backpack

Overview: The Nomatic Backpack is a versatile minimalist choice suitable for both business and leisure travelers. It features a range of compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve and internal pockets, offering efficient packing solutions. Additionally, it incorporates a built-in laundry bag, enhancing its practicality for travelers on the go.

• Various compartments for efficient packing and organization
• Built-in laundry bag for added convenience
• Lifetime warranty for long-term use
• Some users express concerns about durability

9. Everlane Transit Backpack

Overview: The Everlane Transit Backpack combines sustainability with functionality, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious travelers. Crafted from sustainable materials, it features a sleek design and includes practical elements like a dedicated laptop sleeve and multiple internal compartments for efficient organization.

• Made with sustainable materials
• Sleek and professional design
• Comfort concerns reported by some users

10. Timbuk2 Spire Backpack

Overview: The Timbuk2 Spire Backpack is designed for everyday use, offering a minimalist approach to daily carry. It incorporates durable materials and features such as a laptop sleeve, quick-access pocket, and various internal compartments for organized storage.

• Durable materials for long-lasting use
• Various compartments for efficient packing and organisation
• Lifetime warranty for product confidence

11. Thule AllTrail 35L

Overview: The Thule AllTrail 35L is a rugged minimalist backpack meticulously crafted for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. Constructed from durable materials, it boasts a plethora of features tailored to make your outdoor adventures more comfortable. The backpack includes a well-ventilated back panel, ensuring optimal airflow during extended hikes. It also incorporates a hip belt and sternum strap, providing stability and weight distribution. Furthermore, the AllTrail 35L offers a dedicated hydration sleeve, making it convenient for staying hydrated on the trail.

• Durability: Crafted from robust materials for longevity.
• Comfortable Carry: Ventilated back panel, hip belt, and sternum strap enhance comfort.
• Hydration Ready: Dedicated hydration sleeve for on-the-go hydration.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Price: Falls on the higher end of the price spectrum.
• Weight: Some users find it too heavy for everyday use.

12. Patagonia Chacabuco 30L

Overview: The Patagonia Chacabuco 30L is a versatile minimalist backpack suitable for both travel and daily use. Crafted from recycled materials, it aligns with eco-conscious values. This backpack offers an array of features designed to simplify packing and organization, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, a quick-access pocket, and various internal compartments. Additionally, its water-resistant properties make it reliable in diverse weather conditions.

• Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, promoting sustainability.
• Organized Storage: Multiple compartments, laptop sleeve, and quick-access pocket for efficient organization.
• Weather-Resistant: Water-resistant construction enhances durability.
• Warranty: Backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee, ensuring product quality.
• Price: Positioned at a relatively higher price point.
• Comfort: Some users find it less comfortable for extended periods of wear.

13. Fjallraven Kanken Classic

Overview: The Fjallraven Kanken Classic stands out with its iconic minimalist design and exceptional durability. Crafted from robust materials, it offers a straightforward yet reliable solution for everyday carrying needs. The backpack features a padded back panel and shoulder straps, prioritizing comfort during extended wear. Internally, it includes various pockets and compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, ensuring efficient organization of your belongings.

• Timeless Design: Simple and iconic design appeals to minimalism enthusiasts.
• Durability: Built with sturdy materials for long-lasting use.
• Comfort: Padded back panel and shoulder straps enhance carrying comfort.
• Organized Storage: Internal pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve.
• Size Limitation: Some users find it too small for extensive travel needs.
• Price: Positioned as a premium option in the market.

14. Topo Designs Core Pack 26L

Overview: The Topo Designs Core Pack 26L is a versatile minimalist backpack tailored for everyday use. Crafted from durable materials, it emphasizes practicality without compromising style. Featuring a dedicated laptop sleeve, a quick-access pocket, and an array of internal compartments, this backpack ensures efficient organization of your essentials. Its water-resistant construction adds an extra layer of protection, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Plus, the lifetime warranty reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and durability.

• Durability: Constructed with robust materials for long-lasting use.
• Organized Storage: Multiple compartments, including a laptop sleeve and quick-access pocket.
• Weather-Resistant: Water-resistant design protects your belongings.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind.
• Price: Falls in a relatively higher price range.
• Comfort: Some users find it less comfortable compared to other options.

15. Bellroy Transit Backpack

Overview: The Bellroy Transit Backpack strikes a balance between functionality and elegance, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Crafted from high-quality materials, it boasts a variety of features designed to enhance your travel experience. These features include a dedicated laptop sleeve, numerous internal pockets and compartments, and a built-in laundry bag for added convenience. Its water-resistant design ensures your belongings stay dry in unpredictable weather conditions. While it comes at a higher price, it offers the assurance of a lifetime warranty.

• Organized Packing: Multiple compartments, laptop sleeve, and built-in laundry bag for efficient packing.
• Water-Resistant: Protects your belongings from unexpected rain showers.
• Elegant Design: Blends functionality with a sophisticated aesthetic.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring lasting quality.
• Durability: Some users express concerns about its long-term durability.

16. Nomatic Travel Pack

Overview: The Nomatic Travel Pack is a minimalist backpack designed to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. With features like a dedicated laptop sleeve, multiple internal pockets, compartments, and a built-in laundry bag, this backpack offers efficient organization. Its clamshell design ensures easy access, allowing you to see and retrieve your items swiftly. The water-resistant construction adds to its appeal, making it suitable for various travel situations.

• Efficient Organization: Dedicated laptop sleeve, internal pockets, and clamshell design for easy access.
• Built-In Laundry Bag: Enhances convenience during travel.
• Water-Resistant: Protects your belongings from water damage.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, providing reliability.
• Weight: Some users find it too heavy for daily use.

17. Aer Travel Pack 2

Overview: The Aer Travel Pack 2 combines sleek design with functionality, making it an excellent choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Crafted from high-quality materials, it features a dedicated laptop sleeve, a quick-access pocket, and various internal compartments for organized packing. Its clamshell design ensures easy visibility and access to your belongings. While it falls in the higher price range, it offers water-resistant capabilities and the security of a lifetime warranty.

• Professional Design: Sleek and sophisticated, suitable for business travel.
• Organized Packing: Dedicated laptop sleeve, quick-access pocket, and internal compartments.
• Water-Resistant: Guards your belongings against unexpected spills or rain.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term use.
• Price: Positioned as a premium option.
• Comfort: Some users find it less comfortable during extended wear.

18. Minaal Carry-On 2.0

Overview: Designed for digital nomads and travelers requiring extensive gear, the Minaal Carry-On 2.0 offers a comprehensive solution. Its features include a dedicated laptop sleeve, a camera compartment, and multiple internal compartments, all accessible through a convenient clamshell design. Despite its expansive functionality, some users have reported concerns about its durability, although it benefits from a water-resistant construction and a lifetime warranty.

• Comprehensive Features: Dedicated laptop sleeve, camera compartment, and various internal compartments.
• Easy Access: Clamshell design allows for effortless visibility and retrieval of items.
• Water-Resistant: Protects your gear from water damage.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, providing assurance.

19. Pakt Travel Backpack

Overview: The Pakt Travel Backpack epitomizes minimalist sophistication, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Crafted from high-quality materials, this backpack offers a seamless blend of style and functionality. Its features include a dedicated laptop sleeve, a quick-access pocket, and a variety of internal compartments, ensuring effortless organization. The added advantage of a water-resistant coating enhances its durability, making it reliable in diverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the Pakt Travel Backpack is backed by a lifetime warranty, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to enduring quality.

• Elegant Design: Sleek and professional aesthetics suitable for various occasions.
• Efficient Organization: Dedicated laptop sleeve, quick-access pocket, and internal compartments.
• Durability: Water-resistant coating adds to its longevity and resilience.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term satisfaction.
• Price: Falls in the higher price range, making it an investment.
• Comfort: Some users find it less comfortable compared to alternative options.

20. Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Overview: Designed with photographers and creatives in mind, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack embodies minimalist excellence. Its thoughtful features cater to the needs of carrying delicate camera gear securely. The backpack boasts a dedicated camera compartment and various internal dividers, allowing for meticulous organization. The clamshell design provides easy access, while its water-resistant properties safeguard your equipment. While it offers excellent functionality, some users find it relatively heavy for everyday use.

• Specialized Features: Dedicated camera compartment and internal dividers for secure gear storage.
• Easy Access: Clamshell design facilitates quick visibility and access to contents.
• Durability: Water-resistant construction protects against unexpected spills and rain.
• Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring product reliability.
• Price: Positioned at a higher price point due to its specialized features.
• Weight: Some users find it too heavy for everyday use, particularly when fully loaded.

Why Minimalist Backpacks Matter

Minimalist backpacks have revolutionised the way we travel. With smart compartments, lightweight materials, and ergonomic designs, these backpacks allow travellers to pack efficiently while reducing the strain on their shoulders and back. In this section, we will delve into the importance of choosing a minimalist backpack for your travels.

Choosing the Right Minimalist Backpack: A Traveler’s Best Friend

When it comes to selecting the ideal backpack, functionality and style go hand in hand. The best minimalist backpacks are designed with travellers in mind, featuring multiple compartments, water-resistant materials, and anti-theft features. In this section, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing your travel companion.

Benefits of Travelling Light: Embracing Minimalism

Travelling light not only eases your physical burden but also enhances your overall travel experience. Minimalist backpacks encourage you to pack only the essentials, allowing you to focus on your journey rather than lugging around unnecessary belongings. Discover the joy of minimalist travel and its positive impact on your adventures.

Bookbag vs Backpack: Decoding the Differences

The terms “bookbag” and “backpack” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about their actual differences. While both serve the purpose of carrying items on your back, there are subtle distinctions between the two that cater to specific needs and preferences.

Bookbag: A bookbag, as the name suggests, is primarily designed for carrying books and other academic materials. Traditionally associated with students, bookbags feature a simple design with a main compartment and sometimes additional pockets. They are generally compact and lightweight, ideal for holding textbooks, notebooks, and school supplies. Bookbags often have a single strap that goes across the shoulder, making them easy to sling over one shoulder.

Backpack: On the other hand, a backpack is a more versatile and multifunctional choice. While it can certainly accommodate books and academic necessities, backpacks are designed with a broader range of uses in mind. They come in various sizes, styles, and designs, catering to different activities such as hiking, travel, work, and everyday use. Backpacks typically have two shoulder straps, distributing the weight evenly across the back and shoulders. They often feature multiple compartments, laptop sleeves, and specialized pockets for better organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are minimalist backpacks suitable for long trips? A: Absolutely! Minimalist backpacks are designed to maximize space and organization, making them perfect for extended travels. Choose one with ample compartments and durable materials for long-lasting use.

Q: Can minimalist backpacks accommodate laptops and gadgets? A: Yes, many minimalist backpacks come with padded compartments specifically designed for laptops and other gadgets. Ensure the backpack you choose has dedicated pockets and ample padding to protect your electronic devices.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my minimalist backpack? A: Cleaning and maintaining your backpack is essential for its longevity. Most minimalist backpacks can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing unless specified by the manufacturer. Additionally, regularly check for wear and tear, especially on zippers and straps, and repair or replace them as needed.

Q: Are minimalist backpacks suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and camping? A: Yes, some minimalist backpacks are specifically designed for outdoor activities. Look for backpacks made from durable, water-resistant materials with reinforced stitching. These backpacks often feature additional straps and compartments to carry hiking poles, water bottles, and camping essentials.

Q: Can minimalist backpacks prevent theft during travel? A: Many minimalist backpacks come with anti-theft features such as hidden zippers, lockable compartments, and RFID-blocking technology. These features provide an added layer of security and deter potential thieves, making them a popular choice among travelers.

Q: What is the ideal capacity for a minimalist travel backpack? A: The ideal capacity depends on your travel needs and preferences. For weekend getaways, a backpack with a capacity of 30-40 liters is usually sufficient. If you’re planning longer trips, consider a backpack with a capacity of 40-50 liters or more. Always choose a size that allows you to comfortably carry your essentials without straining your back.

In conclusion, finding the right minimalist backpack can significantly enhance your travel experience. By choosing a backpack that suits your needs and preferences, you can travel light, stay organized, and focus on the joy of exploration. Remember to consider factors such as durability, functionality, and style when making your decision. Happy travels!

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Simplicity Hunter

All Minimal Things.

9 Minimalist Travel Backpacks for Ultimate Wanderlust

What makes a backpack minimalist? Is it the sleek design? The number of pockets it has? Or is it the weight?

A minimalist travel backpack is a tool that helps you live your life without all the extra things. If that means you have lots of extra pockets, then so be it. If that means you opt for a bright color instead of the typical minimalist black, good for you!

Whatever minimalist backpack you choose, it should help you make the conscious decision to do with less during your day. Check out our list of minimalist travel backpacks designed for every walk of life.

9 Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks Reviewed

Incase eo travel backpack.

If you’re headed for a weekend work trip, then the Incase EO Travel Backpack is perfect for carrying all your work gear.

This weather-resistant backpack will carry all your electronics, like a laptop, iPad tablet, and any other cords you have. In fact, they have several built-in pockets to organize all your work accessories, from pens, notebooks, to cords and batteries.

Another wonderful thing Incase thought about while designing this backpack is how easy it is to remove your computer. All you have to do is flip open the top, and you can take out your computer for airport security points. It’s so easy, everyone standing behind you in line will thank you.

There is no external storage, so you’ll need to think about how to carry around your water bottle. Other than that, this is a good little travel backpack. The main compartment is expandable, so you can transition this backpack from weekday to weekend with no trouble.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L (Black Camera Bag)

With it’s odd design, many zippers, and thick straps, you might not think this is a good minimalist backpack. And you’d be right… if you were not a photographer.

Photographers, however, will love this backpack. The Peak Design Everyday 20L Backpack is specifically for your camera and all it’s needs. The main interior compartment has two side-loading options. Both side-loading flaps have extra dividers for lens caps and other accessories.

Inside the main compartment are large Velcro dividers. They’re perfect for stashing your lenses and main camera body without jostling them around. The Velcro allows you to make your storage one-of-a-kind, so you can adjust it however you need.

The back of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack has a compartment for your laptop or tablet. This way you can do your editing and work on the go with your camera.

The straps are stiff, but they have a chest strap and padding to make traveling with your camera even easier.

Hynes Eagle 38L Flight Approved Weekender Carry On Backpack

There is nothing worse than getting to the airport, everything you own in a carry-on, and having to check that bag.

This is the kind of situation you avoid with the Hynes Eagle 38L Flight Approved Weekender Carry On Backpack. The bag was crafted with airline travelers in mind, so it’s dimensions are perfect for fitting in over-head compartments.

This bag is also the perfect alternative for a suitcase. The front-loading design simulates a suitcase, so you can get whatever you need with ease. You can even use your packing cubes with this backpack.

There are three ways to carry this minimalist travel backpack. The handles on the top and side mean you can pick it up and move it easily, while the padded straps will help you carry it on your back during adventures. The straps themselves are “hidden” so you can easily make this into a suitcase.

Use the compression straps to keep your belongings in place, and this backpack will last through any adventure you throw at it.

Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack

Since 1989, Timbuk2 has been making backpacks and messenger bags for workers on the go. At first, they thought of how to help the commuters in their San Francisco market, but as the world has changed Timbuk2 has grown.

The Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack is the go-to bag for digital nomads and minimalist travelers. The straps are adjustable, comfortable, and the back has airmesh ventilation.

More importantly, it has several compartments for all your work travel gear. The back compartment can hold both your 15” computer as well as a tablet. It opens up “butterfly style” so that you don’t have to remove your electronics while going through security. The bag can lay flat, so both you and security save time.

The main compartment is great for storing notebooks, pens, and any other carry-on essentials. There’s even an external side pocket for water bottles and umbrellas. The reinforced handles on the side help you grab the bag and go.

If you’re a digital nomad looking for the best minimalist travel backpack, Timbuk2’s Uptown Travel-Friendly Laptop bag is for you.

Kopeck Deluxe Black Waterproof Laptop Backpack

If you’re a student or a tech worker who has to travel, the Kopeck Deluxe Black Waterproof Laptop Backpack is a good option.

This backpack has three large compartments for everything you need. The anti-theft compartment in the back is the perfect place to store your full-sized laptop.

The second compartment has pockets for tablets, wallets, or any books you need to carry.

The front compartment is the best place for pens, cords, or small notebooks.

Sturdy zippers seal off each compartment on the backpack. The backpack material is anti-scratch and water repellant. If it gets dirty, you should be able to just wipe off the mess.

The straps are thick, padded, and sewn to help improve your back posture. The padding on the back is comfortable, with special air vents.

If you’re looking for a sturdy and minimalist travel backpack that will also stand up to the rigors of student life then check out the Kopek Deluxe Black Waterproof Laptop Backpack.

Osprey Packs Stratos 36 Backpack

Hiking backpacks need a lot more bells and whistles than most everyday backpacks. That’s because hiking is a multi-day adventure over rough terrain. Even the most tranquil hiking trails need some strength and endurance.

That’s why it’s important to get the right backpack for hiking. If you’re looking for minimalist hiking backpacks, then the Osprey Packs Stratos 36 Backpack is one of your best options.

First of all, the straps are padded, well-made, and sturdy. You can adjust them to your height and comfort. The chest straps and hip straps are also adjustable, so you carry more of your stuff with your hips rather than your shoulders.

The storage capacity is also excellent. The pack has both a top-loading and a side-loading feature to make getting your items a lot easier. The little extras, like the hydration tool, hiking pole storage, and sleeping bag compartment, make this a great option for hiking.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack | Minimalist Travel Backpack for Women

Women have different needs than men when it comes to backpacks, especially if they’re on the curvy side. They also need adjusted hip-straps.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is the best solution for weekend warriors and hikers.

This backpack is front-loading, so you won’t have any problems with packing or unpacking your things. It’s has a 40L capacity, so you can pack quite a lot in this light backpack. There are also front compression straps to keep your stuff in place and ease the pressure on your zippers.

If you’re checking your bag, then use the Stowaway Backpanel. You can tuck away the padded straps, hip-strap, and chest-strap. This makes everything easier to pack in overhead bins, so there’s less of a chance you’ll have to check your bag.

The construction of the Osprey backpack makes hiking or exploring a breeze for women. If you’re someone who loves to have weekend adventures, this is the backpack for you.

Opposethis Invisible Backpack One Mini

If you love an original minimalist backpack in a small-size, this will be your best pick. The Opposethis Invisible backpack one mini has a compact size, and although not an outstanding pack, it is quite distinctive.

It harbors several compartments for various things you want to carry including a separate 13” laptop sleeve. Other than that, it has got a number of hidden pockets, where you can keep your valuables – phone and wallet –, a secret water bottle pocket, and even a shoe compartment.

It is ideal for travel where you need a small load yet still carry everything you need.

The pack is completely weatherproof and helps keep the contents in there dry at all times. The thing you’ll love most about this pack is that is very tech-friendly, thanks to the cut-off top.

Other than that, although it may seem like an ordinary low-key type of minimalist travel backpack, it is still one of a kind.

Miir 25l backpack

If you’re looking for, value for your money, I think the MiiR backpack delivers just that.

It is a waterproof  backpack with a bombproof 630D nylon with a finishing of durable water repellent. The internal of the backpack is also water resistance, courtesy of the polyurethane coating and PU coated zippers.

The backpack is also an embodiment of style and functionality. It is a great fit for your laptop, up to 15”, a change of clothes, lunch, among other valuables and necessities you need to carry along. Not to mention, you can travel with it to the beach, to the mountains, name it all.

The capacity of the backpack is relatively bigger compared to other minimalist travel backpacks. On the upside, you can easily customize it to pack up any load you’ll be carrying. This is all possible with the easy roll top with a zipper n the back, which allows you to access both the laptop and main compartments with ease.

If you’re packing for a long trip, the open top of the backpack will allow you to carry a bit more, and even larger items that will serve you for several days.

Buying Guide | Minimalist Travel Backpack

How to choose the right minimalist backpack.

When it comes to minimalist backpacks, aesthetics are just as important as practicality. In fact, the two should work hand-in-hand to help you live your minimalist lifestyle .

If you’re a minimalist, you want to be able to pack only the things you need in the smallest receptacle you can. That’s because minimalist travelers don’t want too many things. They only want what they need, and they don’t want to lug around a suitcase to have it.

That’s where minimalist backpacks come in. These backpacks are sleek, and great for storage. They don’t have a lot of extra zippers on the outside, so it makes it easier to travel with these backpacks on planes and while hiking.

Everyday Minimalist Backpacks have as few pockets as possible. They encourage you to bring only the essentials, and leave the rest at home. This makes it easier to carry, while making you think about your day in a purposeful way.

Minimalist Traveling Backpacks are a different animal. They’re made for weekend trips or long hikes. While they’re still engineered to help you carry the essentials, you need more space and organization for your trip.

Minimalist Hiking Backpacks are like traveling backpacks in spirit, but they’re made for the rugged outdoors. They’ll have more features, like chest and hip straps, so that you can have an enjoyable hiking experience.

No matter what kind of minimalist backpack you choose, each pack should have some of the same features.

– Lots of Pockets to store all your things.

– Durability , because part of the minimalist lifestyle means buying less stuff.

– Easy-to-Open for practicality.

– Versatility so you can take your minimalist backpack wherever you go.

Buying a minimalist travel backpack is about finding the best product for your lifestyle that will last as long as you need it.

How to Get the Right Fit

In an ideal world, we could walk right into our corner store and try out as many minimalist backpacks as we need until we found the right one. We don’t live in a perfect world, so we often have to make the best guess we can base on what’s on the Internet.

The first thing you’ll need to help you fit a backpack is a measurement. This measurement should be from the base of your neck to the top of your hips. It should be taken along the spine.

Based on this measurement, you can pick out the size of your pack.

– Extra small packs are 15” and under.

– Small is 16” to 17”

– Medium to Regular is 18” to 19”

– Large is 20” and up.

After this, adjust the load of your backpack to keep the load forward. It should never be dragging you down, as this puts a lot of weight on your shoulders. If you’re fitting a hiking backpack, make sure the load is more on your hips than on your shoulders.

Picking the Right Capacity

Choosing the right capacity for your minimalist backpack depends a lot on what you want to do with it.

Are you carrying it to work? Then you really don’t need a backpack with more than 20L capacity. In fact, 10L capacity should be just fine.

Instead, if you’re choosing a minimalist laptop backpack , it might be easier to choose a pack based on laptop width. Most of us carry computers with us to work or on trips, so your backpack needs to accommodate this.

Full size laptops can be up to 17” or more, so make sure you get a backpack that fits this size.

Most backpacks will fit a laptop up to 15”, but again you need to make sure of this before you buy the pack.

If you’re going on a weekend long adventure, then choose a backpack with 50-60L capacities. Experienced minimalists can make this capacity work for longer than a weekend, but that takes lots of experience and practice.

Going on a week-long trip? 60-80L is the best capacity for you. The problem with this large pack is that you won’t be able to check it in as a carry on. That’s the true mark of a minimalist backpack.

That said, you should sacrifice a comfortable trip for your minimalist ideals. If you’re going on a month-long hiking trip through the Alps, take as big a bag as you need. You’ll need to pack things like food and cooking utensils, so don’t be afraid to take a large bag to do so.

How Much Should A Minimalist Backpack Weigh?

Again, the weight of your backpack will have a lot to do with what your goals are.

Unlike minimalist shoes , there isn’t a weight limit for a minimalist backpack. Yes, it should be as light as possible, but the goal of a minimalist backpack is not the same as minimalist shoes.

Minimalist shoes want to improve your life by simulating a barefoot experience. Minimalist backpacks know there’s no way to simulate a “bareback experience.” Instead they make your life better by making it easier for you to carry the essentials on your daily journeys.

With that in mind, there are still some guidelines for how much your pack should weigh.

No matter what you’re doing, a loaded travel backpack should never weigh more than 20% of your body weight. For example, if you’re 200 lbs, your backpack should never exceed 60 lbs.

When it comes to everyday backpacks, the weight should never be more than 10% of your body weight. Again, if you’re 200 lbs then you shouldn’t carry anything more than 20 lbs during the day.

This is one way minimalism comes into play for backpack users. To reduce the weight of your backpack, you need to drop any unneeded items. This can include extra pairs of pajama pants, when you really need extra socks.

Minimalist backpacks are about using your space and tools in the most economic way possible. If your backpack isn’t helping you do that, it’s not minimalist.

What Sort of Organization and Design Features Should a Minimalist Backpack Have?

To be honest, your backpack can have as many or as few design features as you want. Again, the whole point of a minimalist backpack is to make life easy for you.

For example, some people need those extra pockets to help them organize all their things. If they know where everything is, then they can find it more easily.

Others though think the extra pockets are a waste of space and unnecessary weight. These purists are the ones who would rather have a lightweight bag with a few things than a bag with a ton of extra compartments.

Yet again though, minimalist purists need to be wary of cutting out too much when it comes to long trips. For example, they might want a simple Herschel Heritage bag for work but need the eBags Perfect Slim for traveling overseas.

When it comes to features, think about your lifestyle. Do you always seem to run out of battery life on your phone? Get a bag with a USB feature.

Do you travel by plane all the time? Then a travel bag that makes security easier could be a god-send for you.

Don’t let the minimalist mantra of “less is more” stop you from getting the best bag for your lifestyle. If it doesn’t work for you, you’ll only end up buying more things, which defeats the purpose of minimalism.

What Do Women and Children Need to Look for in Minimalist Backpacks?

There are a few key differences in the way women and children carry their backpacks versus men.

Children are still developing, so it’s important to get them a pack that helps them rather than harms. It’s important to get them something with thick padded straps. The backing should spring back when you press it. It should never pop like bubble warp or crinkle.

You also need to be very careful not to overpack a child’s backpack. Again, we should only be carrying 10% of our body weight. If your child is 80 lbs, they should only be carrying 8 lbs worth of stuff.

Adjust the straps until the load is leaning forward instead of weighing them down.

If you can, get a backpack with wheels instead. They’ll still enjoy their new minimalist backpack without having to worry about carrying it.

Women also have different things to worry about when it comes to minimalist backpacks. Curvy women already have a lot of strain on their backs, so it’s important to get a backpack that fits properly.

Each woman should measure her torso before ordering a backpack to ensure she has the right size. She should also consider getting a backpack with chest straps and hip straps made for women.

As far as everyday backpacks go, women need to make sure the load of her backpack is sitting forward. It can help her shoulders and reduce the weight on her back.

Best Minimalist travel backpack buying guide: Final Thoughts

It’s time to wrap up!

Travelling simply on the road, with minimal belongings, provides a ton of benefits! Increasing numbers of people are choosing to live in a minimal way as a result.

Finding the perfect minimalist travel backpack isn’t a bad place to start!

I really hope this buying guide to the best minimalist travel backpacks has helped you find the perfect pack for your needs.

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12 Very Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel

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Carrying a minimalist backpack for travel is so liberating. They are modern looking, sleek, and super-efficient and for the most part very lightweight. We exclusively travel with our backpacks and love it. We have compiled the very best minimalist backpacks for travel to fit every occasion from urban to outdoor adventurers, daily commute to camera bags – we got you covered!  

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Top Picks: 12 Very Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel

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• Pacsafe EXP45”
• Carry-on ✔️
• 22” x 14” x 9”
• OVERALL BEST

• Fjallraven Kanken
• 15 " x 10.6 " x 5 "
• Unisex, Tons of colors
• DURABLE - EVERYDAY

• North Face Duffel Bag
• 9.5" x 12" x 8"

• Osprey Arcane
• 19 " x 12 " x 7 "
• EVERYDAY WEAR

• Herschel Classic XL
• 17.5 " x 12.5 " x 6 " (XL Size)
• 30 Litres (XL)

• Timbuk2 Q Laptop Bag
• 18.5" x 11.4 " x 5.3 "
• Laptop 17 inch
• TECH & WORK BAG

• Citadel Minimal Backpack
• 12.5" x 6.5" x 19.5"
• Laptop 15 inch

• Timbuk2 Hero
• 17.3 " x 14.6 " x 4.7 "
• Mid size backpack
• Laptop 15 inch, hidden pockets

• Incase Designs City Backpack
• 20.5 " x 13.5 " x 5.5 "
• TECH & EVERYDAY

• Kensington Backpack
• Can fit 14 inch laptop
• Can fit small water bottle

• Hikpro Packable
• 18 " x 12" x 5.5"
• Waterbottle ✔️
• SHOPPING, HIKING, EVERYDAY

• NOMATIC Anti-theft
• 20 " x 14 " x 4.5 "
• 20 - 25 Litres (Expandable)
• Waterbottle & Sunglass Case
• TRAVEL (ANTITHEFT) EVERYDAY

Why choose a minimalist backpack for travel?

Would you like a backpack with loads of straps that knot into themselves and tangle, with gazillions pockets that you can’t find your toothbrush or that key to your mailbox? If the answer is no – then you go to get a NEW minimalist travel backpack.

Minimalist backpacks simplify your travel life – they are fuss-free, has the right amount of compartments and pockets for essentials (so that you don’t overpack).

They are lightweight as they are sleek, you can carry them for hours on a day tour or a hiking trip. They are of that optimal size that fits into an overhead compartment in an aircraft and thus pay no baggage fees!  

If you are carrying a variety of outfits (like me), it is hard to stay organized without a packing cube. With all the backpacks, we recommend using packing cubes to organize the items inside. Use them to separate clothing items (clean or dirty), or different sets of outfits – they are super handy.

Detailed Reviews: Best Minimalist Backpacks

Pacsafe venture safe 45 – best minimalist backpack for europe .

With 50% of the entire European continent explored by us, a minimalist backpack for traveling to Europe is a must. Europe is notorious for pickpockets especially in popular cities like Barcelona , Paris , or Venice.

This anti-theft minimalist backpack can be tied to an immovable object like train seats or in a restaurant to keep thieves at bay. The size of the backpack is optimal for carry-ons at 45 liters or less (if you take less clothing).  

• Anti-theft minimalist backpack with slash-proof technology
• Root-bar deluxe locking system
• Compression straps for comfortable wear
• Comes with an adjustable hip belt for support
• Can be worn as a backpack or briefcase-style
• Has a laptop compartment inside (up to 15 inches), including a pocket for small items (like a pen, keys, etc)
• External attachment for a water bottle, travel blanket, light jacket or mat
• Good size for carry-on

Fjallraven Kanken Pack – Trendy travel daypack small

This backpack is a perfect daypack, carry-on companion for long haul flights or for the everyday commute. Its design is super sleek and simple.

For me, the main compartment is all you need – store your Kindle, notebook, umbrella, large wallet, snack or sneak in a scarf! It all fits here. The zippered pouch in the front is handy for keeping loose change or bus/train tickets.

The Fjallraven Kanken Pack is a Swedish brand, and it was created for school kids with durable material to last long! 

The minimalist design will appeal to no-nonsense ‘bare -essentials’ lovers and the ultra creatives can actually re-design it with travel patches, paints, art-work – whatever you fancy! 

• Frameless backpack, with a capacity of 16 litres
• Perfect for everyday wear and for use as a travel daypack
• Backpack is made up of Fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which deflects light rain and snow
• It has adjustable straps, which makes it easy to carry as a backpack or a bag via convertible straps
• Zippered main compartment has a large opening and is super roomy, you can fit a laptop or tablet, but it doesn’t have a designated sleeve
• Removable seat pad
• 2 side pockets for storing smaller items (can’t fit water bottle – good for wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, map)
• Front pocket for your wallet or any valuables

The North Face Travel Duffel Pack

After Pacsafe, probably my favorite backpacks brand is the North Face. The North Face makes a lot of hiking and outdoors clothing, gear and equipment, so although I don’t use them a lot in my travel pictures (I prefer wearing my flowy dresses.) 

I do own a backpack, a few softshell jackets and shoes from the North Face. This 37 litre minimalist backpack aka duffel bag is perfection for long trips of 2 weeks.

The main compartment is plain, so I use packing cubes to organise my clothing. The straps are super comfortable and it helps to distribute the weight evenly. 

The front of the backpack is perfect for storing headphones, sunglass case or cosmetic pouch. It is also great for storing documents or hair accessories. We use our backpacks as carry on, we never check them in (so storing documents is fine, as it will be with us throughout the journey).

This travel backpack is roomy for long trips, with a minimalist design – no screaming logos or multiple pockets. It can store your laptop though, as it comes with an assigned sleeve for your tech items. 

• Minimalist backpack, which can be used as a duffel style bag as well
• Super roomy for long trips
• Padded and adjustable shoulder straps for a comfortable carrying experience
• Has a structured main compartment and a padded laptop sleeve
• Inner compression straps keep your clothes looking fresh for arrival

Osprey Arcana Large Daypack – the Everyday Minimalist Backpack

The backpack is made up of durable material and is coated with water-resistant material. The zipper opening is smooth and it makes it easy to take items in and out of the backpack. 

Pro tip: The size of this backpack is great for sleepovers or weekends away.

• This minimalist backpack can fit a large size laptop (main compartment has a laptop sleeve), plus a document and a zippered pocket
• The clean fabric design makes it super versatile for work, outing or casual days
• Anti-theft – The security hook on the left shoulder can be used to secure around a table leg or pole to prevent theft
• Back panel has a breathable NeoSpacer mesh for comfort
•  Low profile side panel for storing water bottle
• This amazing day pack is made from 10.5 plastic bottles!

Hershey Classic XL Pack – Trendy backpack for everyday commute or travel 

PS: They are Canadian! 

• Versatile and roomy minimalist backpack for travel, office, school or running errands
• Super trendy. Has a very small logo and comes in a variety of colors
• Includes a laptop sleeve, can fit up 15 inch
• Front pocket has storage options/organization
• Dual water bottle pockets included

Timbuk2 Laptop Backpack – Best laptop minimalist backpacks

Timbuk2 is a San Francisco-based bag manufacturer and marketer, manufacturing tough and durable travel bags.

The large main compartment has a zippered closure and it can also fit a lightweight travel jacket (along with the tech items mentioned above). 

One of the cool features of this tech bag is that it comes with a smart-power brick pocket that remembers where you stored your cords, isn’t it cool?

Timbuk2 Laptop Backpack also has a designated side pocket for a water bottle and space for a lunch box as well. 

• Perfect for travel and office
• Can fit a large laptop, upto 17 inch
• Smart power-brick pocket remembers where your cords are so you don’t have to
• On-strap bottle opener for quick refreshment

Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack

Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack is an over-engineered pack with a blacked-out, minimal and stealthy aesthetic. The backpack is easy to unzip to 360 degrees, giving you a good access/glance to all the contents inside.

It comes with a top-loader zipper, which comes in handy to take your laptop and other essentials out from the laptop. 

External fast access for essentials like: Keys, wallet and phone, soft and protective pockets for Laptops and tablets, generous easy access pockets, and hidden zipper pockets for secure items. It also includes a built in tablet sleeve. 

Although not a designated camera bag, you can store a DSLR in it.  It can be used with the Citadel, or used independently as a shoulder bag (sold separately).

One of the handy features of this minimalist travel backpack is this internal Compression Divider, which helps compress clothes inside. 

• A super jam-packed backpack – use it for tech/laptop (upto 15 inch) or as a camera bag
• Perfect as a carry-on (can store clothing and other smaller items)
• Waterproof minimalist backpack
• Zippered main closure/compartment
• The Citadel is a clamshell style pack, which means it unzips 360 degrees, so you can see all your gear laid out and well organized right in front of you.

Timbuk2 Hero Pack

There is a designated compartment for laptops.

Other features include a small security pocket for small essentials or valuables. There are 2 pockets on the exterior for a water bottle and umbrella.

• Lightweight and can be used as a carry-on
• Fabric is water resistant
• Dual side pockets fit water bottles (32 ounces), an umbrella or mini U-lock
• Security pocket hides small essentials
• Unisex design

Incase City Backpack – An urban/ tech minimalist backpack

With an amazing sleek design, the Incase City Minimalist backpack is an urban commuter’s companion. 

It also features adjustable shoulder straps with air mesh padding for added comfort and a customized fit.

• Features a 360-degree faux-fur laptop compartment, 
• Padded adjustable shoulder straps
• Large organizer compartment, plus tablet and phone pocket with fleece lining, 
• Small pockets for valuables

Kensington Triple Trek Slim Backpack – Budget Minimalist backpack 

The padded back support system is wide, and comes with adjustable padded straps for comfort. 

• Fleece lined compartments for thin laptops, tablet, smartphones, etc to keep devices organized and protected against scratches
• Minimalist and compact design with enough storage for technology and other daily essentials
• Padded shoulder straps, adjustable
• Each product comes with 3 year warranty

HIKPRO 20 L Hiking backpack 

HIKPRO 20 L Hiking backpack is a super compact minimalist backpack. It is made up of high quality water and tear resistant nylon material, coupled with a durable abrasion resistant zipper. 

One of the positive things about this HIKPRO 20 L minimalist backpack is that you can fold it into a smaller size. Yes it is foldable and packable size to carry while flying or heading for shopping! 

When opened up into a full size, you will find 3 zippered compartments. The main pocket is super roomy to store clothing, full size notebooks, blankets, jackets, etc. The smaller pockets are perfect to keep your wallet, cosmetic bag, small note-book, etc. 

Also includes side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas. 

The shoulder straps on this backpack is comfortable with wide breathable mesh straps, which are adjustable too. 

• 20 litre minimalist backpack
• Roomy, but can be folded into a smaller pack to carry
• Water resistant 
• Side pockets for water bottle or umbrellas
• Shoulder straps are adjustable, and is equipped with wide breathable mesh

Nomatic Backpack- Slim Black Water Resistant Anti-Theft 20L Laptop Bag RFID Protected

The NOMATIC Slim Minimalist Backpack is a sleek tech bag, with an anti-theft material. 

The exterior Kodra 500D Tarpaulin is water resistance and will keep your items nice and try in rainy weather.

The NOMATIC Backpack includes a removable accessories panel, which features a retractable key leash, hard case sunglass compartment, cord management pockets, RFID pocket, notebook, planner, laptop, tablet storage, charging cord pass through holes and much more.

• Slim backpack – 20 litre expandable to 34 litre
• Fits most 15.5″ screened laptops and 12″ tablets
• Removable accessories panel
• Pockets: Specific pockets designed to carry your phone and laptop charger, planner, notebook, phone, laptop, tablet, water bottle, keys, sunglasses, phone, wallet, etc.
• There are 2 exterior water bottle pockets, with magnetic snaps to close when not in use
• Made from water resistant Kodra 500D Tarpaulin fabric, with a lifetime guarantee

So that’s a wrap! These are some of the finest minimalist backpacks out there for travel, work and for everything in between!

Let us know what’s your favorite? 

Additional Buying Guides

• Looking for anti-theft backpacks? Read our guide to choosing the best anti-theft backpack
• Wheeled backpacks for travel – Here is the guide choosing a rolling backpack for travel
• Amazing sling bags for travel and work – Get the best to the best sling backpacks in the market
• Guide to women’s purses for international trips – Buying guide to Travel Handbags
• Get Travel Blankets for your trip –  11 Travel Blankets Reviewed
• Women’s travel jackets –  Travel Jackets for Women – Reviewed

Pin: 12 Very best minimalist backpacks for travel

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Loved it, really!!! A fantastic way of introducing some of the exquisite backpacks. But surely, to present these backpacks, you needed to photograph them along with retouching.

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Home » Travel » Travel Tips » The Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks for Carry On

The Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks for Carry On

In the past two years of traveling the globe, I haven’t checked a single bag. When it comes to vacation time and money, I don’t want to waste any of it. And with the best minimalist travel backpack for carry on, you won’t have to either.

Growing up in America, I was spoiled by the generous carry on luggage policies on domestic flights. It was easy to avoid checking a bag when you could bring a huge personal item and rolling suitcase on the plane.

But after I moved to London and started flying around Europe, everything changed.

Between the more strict international carry on restrictions and the downright stingy luggage policies of budget airlines like Ryanair, I knew I needed a quality backpack for traveling light.

After a few years of trial and error, I’ve figured out which minimalist travel backpacks give you the best bang for your buck. Each of the bags on this list have been chosen based on their comfort, capacity, safety features, and carry-on friendliness.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here .

Jump to the Minimalist Travel Bag Reviews

• Front Loading and Ultra-Comfortable: Tortuga Setout 35L
• Anti-Theft and Compact: PacSafe Venturesafe X30
• Budget Friendly: Under Armour Hustle 4.0
• Personal Item: Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag

Why I pack carry on only

There are so many reasons to ditch checked luggage in favor of carry on only packing. But the biggest reason I made the switch was time. I had a precious few weeks of vacation time each year, and I didn’t want to waste them at the luggage carousel or check-in counter.

Money also became a deciding factor. Once more and more airlines began charging for checked bags, it was hard to justify spending $50 to bring stuff I could live without. And when I started flying budget airlines out of the UK, finding the best backpack for Europe became a money-saving priority.

Additionally, minimalist packing is incredibly convenient . It only takes a few minutes to decide what to bring, and even less to unpack everything. And if you’re changing accommodations mid-trip, it’s far easier to pack up and move when all you have is a minimalist carry on bag and a personal item.

In the end, it all comes down to priorities. Personally, I care more about maximizing my travel time than having the perfect shoes for every occasion. For some people, their love of fashion or need for certain gear makes carry on only travel impossible, and that’s okay.

But if you’re ready to take the minimalist travel packing plunge, I have a few recommendations to make your life easier.

The Best Front Loading Travel Backpack for Carry On: Tortuga Setout 35L

The downside to using a regular backpack for travel is the opening. Top-loading bags are tough to organize, and you have no easy access to the items towards the middle and bottom.

Luckily, the geniuses at Tortuga invented the Setout Backpack , a suitcase-style , front loading travel backpack with different designs for men AND women. They sent me a free backpack to test on my week-long trip to Italy, and it was glorious.

At 35L, the Setout Backpack is incredibly spacious without being unwieldly . I fit a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries inside, along with my tripod!

I took the Setout on planes, trains, buses, and crowded streets with ease. I could even crouch and bend at odd angles to take photos without losing my balance

The padded hip belt and adjustible chest straps came in handy when making the long walks from our hotels to the train stations.

When you’re on a multi-city trip, it’s annoying to unpack and re-pack every time you move. With the Setout, I could leave evertything in my bag without worrying about wrinkles or digging around for socks buried at the bottom.

The only downside to the large size is that you’ll be tempted to overpack. Just remember to stick to your minimalist packing list, and you’ll be fine.

To recap, here’s what I love about Tortuga’s Setout Backpack :

• Carry-on sized to skip the luggage queues
• Opens like a suitcase for easy access to your stuff
• Comfortable suspension system that’s designed differently for men and women
• Clever pockets and pouches  to organize toiletries, electronics, and more
• Made of recycled polyester

Of all the bags I’ve tried, the Setout takes the trophy for best minimalist travel backpack.

Buy your Setout Backpack now!

You can check out my comparison of the Setout vs. Osprey Farpoint for a more detailed review.

The Best Anti-Theft Minimalist Travel Backpack: PacSafe Venturesafe X30-30L Anti-Theft

Update March 2021: The PacSafe Vibe 30L is being phased out and is difficult to find. Fortunately, there’s a fantastic alternative by the same brand: the PacSafe Venturesafe .

Just like the Vibe that came before it, the Venturesafe is packed with anti-theft features, storage pockets, and comfortable straps. At 30L, it offers the same amount of space as the Vibe while still being compact enough to meet strict carry-on standards.

The only downside to this travel backpack is that it’s top-loading. If you’re looking for a suitcase-style travel backpack , jump to my review of the Tortuga Setout.

Buy your PacSafe Venturesafe X30 now!

Before I tell you all the reasons why I love my Pacsafe travel backpack , know this: I bought this bag with my own money . This is not a sponsored review. This minimalist backpack is so amazing I wanted to share it with the world!

With that out of the way, here are the features that make this the best carry on backpack.

• The 30 liter capacity is small enough to fit even the strictest airline carry on size restrictions. Yet, it’s spacious enough to pack an entire week’s worth of clothing .
• It’s built with anti-theft features like slashguard fabric and locking zippers to keep your stuff safe. This makes the Pacsafe Venturesafe the best backpack for Europe , where pickpockets and bag slashers take advantage of tourists.
• There are so many pouches and pockets to keep everything organized, including an easy-access top pouch I use for my bag of liquids.
• The stowable padded straps are super comfortable, and the sternum and waist straps make carrying heavy loads a breeze.

When I was trying to find the best minimalist travel backpack, I spent days searching online and in stores. I must have read nearly 100 product reviews and scoured a half dozen outdoor stores in London.

So I can say with confidence that it’s hard to beat this bag. It’s the perfect balance of space, comfort, and safety .

And this feature combo made me feel comfortable investing a little more money than I had originally planned. I have several Pacsafe products now, and their quality is outstanding.

Finally, if you’re a photographer and need to travel with a tripod, I have good news. This backpack is small enough that you can attach a small tripod and still meet carry on size requirements! I use a Manfrotto BeFree tripod and connect it to my backpack with a carabiner.

Get your own PacSafe backpack today!

A Budget-Friendly Minimalist Travel Backpack: Under Armour Hustle 4.0

If you aren’t ready to invest in the PacSafe, but still want a sleek, carry-on backpack, the Under Armour Hustle 4.0 is for you.

With water-resistant fabric, a front metal D-ring, and a bottom pocket that’s perfect for shoes or dirty laundry, this bag is a great choice for light travelers. The 26L capacity is plenty for a long weekend trip, and you could easily attach a smaller bag without going over carry on size limits.

Order your Under Armour backpack today!

My favorite minimalist travel bag: Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag

When you’re not checking luggage, it’s critical to maximize your personal item allowance . That’s why I love my deceptively spacious travel bag, the Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag .

• It’s the most spacious and well-organized purse I’ve ever had. The side pockets in particular are handy for carrying bottled water and mini-umbrellas. You can even fit an iPad inside !
• Like the Pacsafe backpack , this minimalist travel bag has an  anti-theft design , including locking zippers and anti-slash material.
• The crossbody style means it’s  comfortable all day , and harder for thieves to snatch off your shoulder.
• It comes in a variety of colors, and the material is easy to clean .

And just to clarify: I paid for this bag myself. I bought it right before my first international trip to Japan. Eight countries later, and it’s still going strong.

Buy your Travelon Anti-Theft Bag today!

What’s in my minimalist travel backpack

People are often surprised to see a woman travel carry on only. Even though I don’t have tons of luggage space, I still manage to bring cosmetics, a few toiletries, and other essentials with me wherever I go.

Here’s a list of what goes into my minimalist travel backpack every time I travel:

• Personal Care/Cosmetics Bag: This slim zippered pouch holds a few makeup items, hair ties, bobby pins, and any feminine products I may need for the trip.
• Toiletries: When it comes to toiletries, I keep it as simple as possible. I have sensitive teeth and skin, so I always bring my own toothpaste, deodorant, cleanser, and moisturizer from home. Dry shampoo is essential for my oily hair, and I swear by Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day . Other than that, I use what’s provided at my accommodation, or source what I need from a local convenience store.
• Hairbrush: I have long, thick hair that requires this unfortunately large paddle brush to tame. Otherwise, I’d opt for a smaller travel-sized brush.
• Portable Battery Pack: I never travel without my Anker PowerCore battery pack . It’s super slim and holds enough juice to fully recharge my Google Pixel 2 three times. Running out of phone battery is a terrible international travel mistake .
• Universal International Travel Adapter: If you travel internationally, having a versatile travel adapter is essential. BESTEK makes great products, and their all-in-one travel plug adapter is ultra portable.
• Headphones: A good pair of earbuds makes any trip easier to enjoy. I’m still searching for the best pair, so feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments!
• Pocket Notebook and Pen: As a writer, I like having a notebook and pen with me to jot down ideas. And it helps preserve my phone battery. Having a pen also lets me fill out my landing card before immigration, meaning I’m closer to the front of the line.
• Backpack Rain Shield: To keep my stuff from getting soaked, I always keep a rain shield in my minimalist travel backpack.
• Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit: I love this super portable lens cleaning kit from Zeiss. It has everything from an air pump to lens wipes to keep my camera smudge and dust-free.
• Flats: I always travel with two pairs of shoes: either sneakers or walking boots, and ballet flats. A comfortable and neutral pair of ballet flats are ideal for travel, because they are very slim and can be worn with dressier outfits.
• 4 tops (as lightweight as possible)
• 2 bottoms (usually two pairs of jeans)
• 1 cardigan (I tie it around my waist on the plane if I need more room)
• 4 pairs of socks (two of which are re-wearable SmartWool )
• 2 sets of pajamas (usually shorts + tank top and a thin nightgown)
• 7 pairs of underwear (I always carry a spare)

RELATED: The Best Gifts for Hikers Under $100

Save me for later!

My top 10 minimalist travel packing tips

• Be strategic about toiletries. If you don’t need a certain type of product, use the free stuff at your accommodation or buy it from a local shop.
• If possible, pack lightweight clothing and layer if necessary. A chunky knit sweater takes up far more space than a t-shirt and cardigan.
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up bag space.
• Create a minimalist packing list and a minimalist travel wardrobe . That way, you won’t need to keep assessing if your stuff can fit in one bag.
• If you’re traveling with a coat, utilize the pocket space for extra storage.
• Get comfortable wearing things twice (except underwear). I love re-wearable things like SmartWool socks , which are naturally odor-resistant.
• Don’t be afraid to invest in versatile items, like a waterproof coat with removable warm liner. This will eliminate the need to pack specialized items.
• If you like buying souvenirs, look into having them shipped home. Or, switch to something small and meaningful, like a postcard depicting your favorite place from the trip.
• Use your phone for entertainment instead of packing a book/iPad/Nintendo DS solely for fun. Download some Netflix content, install a video game app, and/or get ebooks for travel and down time.
• Remember that you can do laundry mid-trip if necessary. Book accommodation with laundry access, use a local laundromat, or wash your garments by hand in the sink/tub. I’ve heard great things about Soak no rinse detergent .

If you’re tired of losing time and money on checked luggage, do yourself a favor and invest in a quality minimalist travel backpack like the Tortuga Setout .

Then, use these minimalist travel packing tips to get everything into a carry on bag. Your future self will thank you.

Have questions about my carry on packing style or gear? Let me know in the comments section!

8 thoughts on “The Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks for Carry On”

Great post. I love travelling with only a carry on and minimal things….even tho I still end up over packing because I use a 40l. You’ve tempted my to 30l world.

Kristen Kristenabroad.com

Thanks, Kristen! I love the 30L bag because I can take along my tripod and still fit within the tight carry-on restrictions on European airlines. Good luck paring down your packing and traveling lighter!

Have you traveled with Ryanair’s new baggage restrictions using this bag? I’m curious to know if it worked!

Hi Alyssa! I’ve always used Ryanair’s Priority boarding option, which lets you bring a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm). It only costs an extra £6-12 (which is equal to or cheaper than checking a bag), and also lets you reserve a seat. This PacSafe backpack fits those dimensions, even if you strap on a small tripod!

This is what I do in all my trips. I love minimalism and freedom to roam without heavy luggage.

I’m glad you agree, Ankurman! It’s much easier to explore and make the most of your time when you pack like a minimalist.

Great post! The best earbuds are the ones from Sony, small and great

Thanks, Carolina! Glad you found a favorite pair of earbuds. I’ll check those out!

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15 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks of 2024

Wanting to try one bag travel and in the market for a new carry-on backpack? We’ve personally battle-tested each bag on this list to bring you the best carry-on backpacks of 2024.

Maybe you’re a one bag travel veteran, and you’re readily aware of just how critical it is to find the best carry-on backpack. Or perhaps you’re about to embark on your first trip, and you’re determined to travel the world with carry-on backpacks only to relieve some of the nerves.

Whatever the case, sifting through the mountain of options is, well…daunting. Of course, many travel backpack brands tout themselves as the be all end all. Which means that you’ve got more choices than toppings on a build-your-own pizza menu.

Except some people put pineapples on their pizza. And, in the same vein, not every carry-on is going to be the best carry-on bag for you.

Do you want a top-loader or do you prefer a front-opening bag? How do you feel about zippers or velcro? Snap or drawstring closure? What size backpack are you looking for? Just how durable does this carry-on backpack really need to be?

From modular to minimalist, I’ve compiled the best carry-on backpacks on the market today. I’ve also put together a section on specific features and details to pay extra close attention to when you’re making your final decision.

These are my top picks of the best carry-on backpacks for every scenario.

Why You Should Trust Us

Every member of the TravelFreak team is an avid traveler and adventurer. We have a soft spot in our hearts for a great backpack. Most of us have lived out of a backpack at one time or another, whether doing one-bag travel around the globe or long-distance thru-hiking.

Needless to say, a fair number of packs have gone through our hands over the years. Over the past two decades, we’ve tested well over 100 travel packs and learned a lot about what makes a good carry-on backpack.

We know how hard it is to find the perfect pack, and we want to make the process easier for you. So we got our team of gear junkies and former product engineers together to develop the most comprehensive backpack test methodology and rating system possible.

We tested the majority of backpacks on this list hands-on during our own travels. These include the Tortuga Travel Backpack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Cotopaxi Allpa, Aer Travel Pack 3, Nomatic Travel Bag, Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack, and Osprey Farpoint. The remaining packs were chosen based on extensive research of existing reviews, specs, features, and design.

• Best Carry-On Backpack Overall: Tortuga Travel Backpack
• Best Carry-On Backpack for International Travel: Peak Design Travel Bag
• Best Carry-On Backpack for Women: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
• Most Versatile Carry-On Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 3
• Best Rolling Carry-On Backpack with Wheels: Osprey Sojourn
• Best Minimalist Carry-On Backpack: Minaal Carry-On 2.0
• Best Carry-On Laptop Backpack: Nomatic Travel Bag
• Best Small Carry-On Backpack: Topo Designs Travel Bag
• Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 40L / Osprey Fairview 40L
• Best Anti-Theft Carry-On Backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe X40
• Best Expandable Carry-On Backpack: Tropicfeel SHELL Backpack
• Most Comfortable Carry-On Backpack: Able Carry Max Backpack
• Best Modular Carry-On Backpack: Mission Workshop Radian
• Best Carry-On Duffel Backpack: Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel
• Best Budget Carry-On Backpack: eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel Backpack : Best Carry-On Backpack Overall

For dashing from country to country and city to city like the traveling pro you are, no bag can match space efficiency, durability, or style that the 40L Tortuga Travel Backpack brings to the table. There’s a reason it tops our list of the best carry-on backpacks.

The front-loader main compartment makes the Tortuga Travel Backpack open just like a suitcase, and it has plenty of open space for all the clothes you could possibly need for a successful one-bag adventure. But you organizers out there needn’t worry; there are ample pockets in this travel pack as well.

Gear such as laptops and tablets will find dedicated sleeves, while anything and everything from underwear to toothbrushes can find a home in one of the many accessory pockets. Plus, the nearly indestructible sailcloth exterior will stand up to all the rigors of international travel.

But what the sailcloth boasts in durability it lacks in rigidity. So all the space and compartments available to you can be a bit bulgy, especially if you’re an over-packer. This may lead to an awkward sizing situation as you’re trying to board your flight with a large bulging bag as a carry-on. And be warned, that if you’re a superb over-packer, the bag may not fit in the carry-on sizing box at all!

Keep an eye on size, and utilize the padded shoulder straps and removable belt to distribute the extra heft this bag has.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack isn’t overly complicated. It has just the right features to keep you organized, and the comfort and durability make this travel pack really stand out from the crowd of carry-on backpacks.

Click here for my full Tortuga Outbreaker review.

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Incredibly durable sailcloth material
• Practically identical bag available in 35L and 45L
• Intuitively organized pockets and sleeves
• Plenty of open space for clothing storage
• Can easily expand beyond official carry-on size restrictions with a lot of gear stuffing
• A little on the heavy side

Peak Design Travel Bag : Best Carry-On Backpack for International Travel

If you’re an organized traveler, the Peak Design Travel Bag is just what you need. Peak Design has been in the pack industry for years, and it places a special emphasis on photography-compatible travel bags. So their products are ideal for those who plan on carrying camera gear. But don’t turn away if you’re not an avid photo taker.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack has pockets and sleeves galore in the 35 liters (expandable up to 45 liters). The laptop sleeve, hidden passport/document pocket, multiple mesh pockets, and dividers all work together to make sure that every single piece of your travel gear is securely stowed. The side-access pockets and full-panel opening also ensure that all this gear is accessible, while the impressive weatherproof zippers and nylon keep everything dry.

The cons? Over-compartmentalization in the Peak Design Travel Backpack can sometimes limit the amount of travel gear you can bring if you’re continually trying to shoehorn items into dividers and pockets.

Still, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a little boxy, this backpack will hold its shape and sit upright even when empty, which can be a pro or con depending on your travel style. Speaking of style, this bag can be an ideal companion for one bag travel to cities, countrysides, or even safaris where camera users can really see the compartmentalization design shine.

While I wouldn’t recommend it for extreme hiking, The Peak Design Travel Backpack is the best option for international travel.

Read my full Peak Design Travel Backpack review here .

• Impressive pocket and organizing system
• Side access and full front panel opening
• Collapsible design
• Weatherproof
• Comfortable and stash-able shoulder and hip belts
• Well-padded laptop sleeve keeps your device safe
• Bag style is capsule-like and an acquired taste
• Over organizing may limit the amount of gear, as opposed to an open cavern bag design

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack : Best Carry-On Backpack for Women

For women looking for a comfortable and stylish carry-on travel backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is hard to beat. This sturdy little bag will stand up to even the roughest treatment, and the interior is meticulously organized, making it easy to pack.

TPU-coated 1000 Denier Polyester is certainly nothing to sneer at. It will hold up to drips, drops, and drags with ease and, when the clouds come out, there’s a cover for the rain. While all this protection does add to the overall weight, you’ve got a practically bombproof bag.

Plus all the organization is top-notch. Once inside the suitcase-style zippered bag, you’ll find a main zippered mesh compartment for your larger items (clothes), as well as several smaller zippered mesh pockets on the opposite side for all your additional gear. (All external zippers feature security loops to hinder anyone who might try to open your bag and slip out any valuables.)

Notice all the zippers? If you’re in a hurry or simply don’t like zipper-ing constantly, then this can be a hindrance. The intuitive organization, however, overshadows this handicap as there seems to be a custom spot for just about every piece of gear, including your laptop.

All in all, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a wonderfully stylish pack that can hold up to city or outdoor travel without breaking a sweat. Check out my full Cotopaxi Allpa review here.

• Heavy-duty TPU coated polyester
• Theft-proof webbing across all openings
• Very durable
• Wonderfully organized—practically packs itself
• Heavy for its size
• Hip belt seems to be an afterthought and is minimally useful

Aer Travel Pack 3 : Most Versatile Carry-On Backpack

Gentlemen, your top choice of travel backpack may very well be the Aer Travel Pack 3 . 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. Aer already proved their bag design prowess in the original travel pack, and have truly outdone themselves to bring you this third-generation gem.

Aer has done some fantastic upgrades with the Aer Travel Pack 3. It’s slightly bigger at 35 liters (as opposed to 33 liters), and it fits a 16” inch laptop (as opposed to a 13” laptop). But it also has new load lifters for your comfort and to balance the weight on your back, and an improved compressed design so you can better access the main compartment while on the go.

All this organization comes wrapped in the tried and true Cordura material that will withstand travel to every corner of the planet. Aer has, however, presented this durability in a sleek envelope that, while perhaps a little boxy for some tastes, will feel right at home in the urban landscape.

Another thing I love is the unique hidden smart tracker pocket where you can stash an Airtag or Tile device to help locate your bag if it goes missing. If you travel with a lot of photography or computer gear like me, this gives some added peace of mind.

The only thing missing is the shoe compartment, which Aer removed to make this bag more compressed. The plus side is that you get an extra 2 liters of space if you really want to pack them!

Take note here: This is just for urban travel and not designed to hit trails or mountain tops. Please also note that, at 35 liters, it’s a little on the small side compared to other backpacks on this list, so you’ll have to pack very meticulously.

It is nevertheless a powerful performer and perhaps the best travel backpack you’ll ever own! For more information, check out our full Aer Travel Pack review .

• Fantastic organization
• Sleek and stylish design
• Very organized interior
• Extremely durability
• Tons of pockets
• Capacity is smaller than other packs
• Exclusively designed for urban travel—not a suitable hiking bag
• Doesn’t have a dedicated shoe compartment

Osprey Sojourn : Best Rolling Carry-On Backpack with Wheels

For making that infinity walk from security to gate G523, there’s nothing better than having a pair of wheels. But when curbs, uneven pavement and tight maneuvering come into play, having a backpack is absolutely gold. Osprey has figured out how to have both: the Sojourn rolling backpack .

When you’re rolling, you’ll have Osprey’s highroad chassis. This means big wheels for a smoother ride and improved clearance, a fiberglass base to trim some weight, and a telescopic handle. All these features work together to make a very stable platform to take all that weight off your shoulders.

But when circumstances demand some shoulder toting, you’ll find Osprey’s backpacking prowess shine with the harness and hip belt system. Taking cues from their famous anti-gravity system, you have a breathable and comfortable mesh backing that partners perfectly with the mesh hip belt to distribute all the extra weight. All of this stashes behind a fabric cover when you decide to roll.

The full-front opening allows you to pack this bag just like a suitcase, and the plethora of internal pockets make organization simple. I’m particularly fond of the compression straps to help keep all your gear tight and organized while transitioning from backpack to suitcase mode.

While this bag is significantly heavier than your average backpack, the rollers should be taking this weight the vast majority of the time. But when the harness is needed, I’m very impressed by its support and comfort for such a bulky load.

I therefore believe that the Sojourn is clearly the best travel backpack for carry-on that also doubles as a roller suitcase. My one wish is that it included a dedicated laptop compartment, but the Sojourn still shines in other departments!

• Roller suitcase and Backpack
• Osprey's superb warranty
• Osprey's superb harness system
• Internal straps for compression
• No spinner wheels

Minaal Carry-On 2.0 : Best Minimalist Carry-On Backpack

Not everyone needs more gadgets, straps and gear than 007 on a weekend trip — and sometimes simpler is better. That’s certainly the mentality that Minaal adopted for their Carry On 2.0, and they’ve certainly hit the nail on the head.

One word to describe the outside of the Minaal Carry-On 2.0 : Slick. No overt bulging pockets and no unnecessary straps whipping to and fro. Just clean and uncluttered durable nylon that looks great and keeps your gear safe.

That can be a huge benefit for traveling in Europe when you don’t want to have a giant flashy backpack that’s essentially a big neon sign saying, “I’m a tourist!”

You do, however, have two small easy-access pockets on the top of this Minaal bag, both of which, along with the main compartment, boast durable and weatherproof YKK zippers.

The clean and uncluttered approach continues inside the main clamshell opening where you have completely open space to play within one half, and two large mesh pockets for organization in the other half, and that’s all. The secondary, organizer section contains several smaller mesh pockets that are perfect storing important items such as phones, passports, etc.

Speaking of secure, Minaal’s suspension system keeps your devices loaded into sleeves and secured with velcro in the middle of your back. This system both prevents them from impacting the ground if you drop your bag and keeps the weight perfectly distributed.

For added security, you can also extend a zippered cover to secure the harness straps. But this cover must be very carefully stowed in order to avoid an annoying bump on your shoulders.

So for an uncluttered, but no less functional, approach to one-bag travel, I urge you to seriously consider the Carry-On 2.0. No extra frills to boost weight and price, and every feature included is top-quality and indispensable to a seamless trip!

• Minimal exterior baubles and straps
• Secure laptop suspension system
• Clean and slick design
• Detachable hip belt
• Included rain cover
• Harness cover needs to be meticulously packed to avoid uncomfortable pressure on your back

Nomatic Travel Bag : Best Carry-On Laptop Backpack

Digital nomad on the road? The Nomatic Travel Bag is designed with you in mind. From laptop, tablet and electronics pockets aplenty to a sleek and durable exterior, this is the perfect bag to take your career on the road.

Let’s start with the obvious: electronics space. The padded laptop sleeve can accommodate any computer up to 15 inches, and there’s an adjacent smaller sleeve for your tablet. The bag also features a dedicated compartment full of pockets for other electronics.

The dark side to storing all your electronics in one bag is, of course, the danger of leaking fluids or petty thievery. But Nomatic tackles this. For any water bottles, toothpastes, sun screen etc., Nomatic has provided a slick waterproof internal pocket.

As for security, the zippers to the main and laptop compartment are partially hidden to prevent easy access to your valuables. On top of that, these features are wrapped up in in a very sturdy duraflex tarpaulin material that is hardwearing and weather resistant.

However, the primary back panel is, for a reason unbeknownst to me, a different material that can allow some water to seep in. This is a distinct negative that can compromise your bag’s weatherproofing, so be aware before laying your bag down on a wet surface.

If you want to learn more about this bag, read the full Nomatic Backpack Travel Bag Review!

• Packable laundry bag RFID blocking pocket
• Dedicated shoe compartment
• Internal waterproof pocket
• Very space efficient
• Boxy shape can be an acquired taste
• Back panel utilizes material that is not weather proof

Topo Designs Travel Bag : Best Small Carry-On Backpack

For you ounce-counter travelers out there, this Travel Bag from Topo Designs may be just what you need in the best carry on backpack for one bag travel that won’t break your back. The Topo Designs Travel Bag has massive amounts of storage, organizational pockets, nicely padded shoulder straps, all armored in durable and water repellent nylon clocks in at only 3.65 pounds.

The full-front opening reveals a spacious main compartment where you can easily stash all the clothes you need for an extended stint abroad. But additional mesh pockets and a dedicated organization compartment are both ideals for storing everything from toiletries to socks.

Have more delicate or valuable items such as computers or laptops? The dedicated laptop pocket can fit up to a 15″ computer, and the security pockets are great for passports and other important documents. Even more on the security front are the heavy duty YKK zippers plus security loop that can easily be locked up for your travel days.

Again, however, the con is that over-compartmentalization can complicate packing.

• Excellent water repellent finish
• Lightweight for such a large bag
• Duffle strap for versatile carrying
• Load lifter straps
• Some color options are a little overt

Osprey Farpoint 40L / Osprey Fairview 40L : Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack

For hikers, the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview is absolutely the best carry-on bag. Osprey sets the gold-standard when it comes to hiking backpacks , and their Farpoint bag is a prime example of it.

First things first: The Farpoint is the men’s version of this bag and the Fairview is the women’s version. However, depending on your body type, you may find the gender delineation to be relatively meaningless.

Secondly, the Osprey Farpoint is outlandishly comfortable. Carrying this bag doesn’t feel like you’re hefting a bulky box on your back, as Osprey’s finely tuned mesh hip and shoulder straps work in tandem with a low-profile frame to distribute the weight as evenly as possible. This makes it perfect for every situation from boldly striding through the airport, to strolling through a new city, all the way to discovering unforgettable mountain or jungle views while out for a hike.

Osprey’s incredibly comfortable mesh shoulder and hip belt make toting this bag over pavement or dusty trails simple, and the hip belt even has its own stash pocket when needed. The bag material itself is also designed for durability and its ripstop nylon should hold up to everything from airport jostling to rocky adventures, and still look good for your occasional city visits.

The Osprey Farpoint’s proclivity for excellence continues with regards to space and organization. The full-front panel access makes stashing all your travel gear a breeze. You’ll even find a dedicated sleeve for your laptop and tablet amongst all the pockets, as well as a stash pocket on the stowable hip belt.

And if 40L isn’t enough, their 55L version comes with a 15L detachable daypack for additional space.

For more info, check out my full Osprey Farpoint review and Osprey Fairview review .

• Osprey's lifetime warranty
• Rugged and comfortable design for hiking
• Stylish enough for the trail or city travel
• Much fewer internal pockets than competitors—you may want to use packing cubes to stay organized

Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 : Best Anti-Theft Carry-On Backpack

Pacsafe got started in 1998 by a pair of globetrotters who had had a fair few brushes with danger along the road. There’s nothing that ruins a trip more than getting robbed.

Pacsafe knows that people enjoy their adventures more if they feel secure. Their whole brand is built around the idea that, with their travel backpacks, global travel becomes a little bit safer.

The  Pacsafe Venturesafe X40  is LOADED with features, particularly on the security front. To be honest, this travel pack is almost overkill! I’ve been to some hairy places around the world and the only time I ever experienced danger was one block from my friend’s house in a gentrified suburb in Australia.

But, if you like to play it safe, that’s fair enough. The Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 might be the  best anti-theft backpack  for you.

Its built-in steel wire mesh panels prevent thieves from slashing your bag. The interlocking zip sliders are also puncture-resistant, and the anti-theft anchor lock and cable allows you to lock down your zippers and straps to a secure fixture.  There are two additional zippered mesh pockets, a key/wallet clip, and extra pouches in the front compartment.

On top of that, it’s comfy! This travel pack comes with padded, adjustable straps, and a sturdy waist belt and sternum strap. The external side compression straps and stowable straps keep this bag sleek and tidy.

• Super secure
• Good organization, especially in the front pocket
• Flap cover to disguise locking system
• Protective laptop sleeve
• compression straps to keep everything snug
• The outer zip pocket needs to open wider — it’s hard to access everything

Tropicfeel SHELL Backpack : Best Expandable Carry-On Backpack

Every now and then a new travel backpack catches my eye simply for its unique and innovative design. The Tropicfeel SHELL Backpack is definitely that bag.

The innovative 3-in-1 adaptable design converts the bag into three different sizes: 22L (Daily), 30L (Weekend), and 40L (Adventure). If you’re looking for one simple bag that does it all, you’ll appreciate this one. The Tropicfeel team wanted to combine the ergonomics of a large hiking pack with the portability and lightness of an everyday backpack. I’d say they succeeded.

The bag also has a clamshell opening that folds open like a suitcase, and inside you’ll find its unique inbuilt wardrobe system. You can store your belongings in different compartments of the wardrobe system, and then simply hang the bag in your hotel closet or on your bed. Voila, everything is within easy reach.

And other than all those fun highlights, you’ll find that the Tropicfeel SHELL Backpack still has all the features that come standard with a great pack, including weatherproof material, an adjustable sternum strap, a hip belt, and a straps holder to help tuck away stray straps.

• Expandable to three different sizes
• Unique wardrobe system to keep items separated
• Adjustable sternum straps and hip belt
• Lots of additional padding
• Comes with a hefty price tag

Able Carry Max Backpack : Most Comfortable Carry-On Backpack

The Able Carry Max Backpack is easily the most comfortable carry-on backpack on this list. Everything about this bag is designed with optimal comfort in mind, and it works really, really well. If you want a backpack that works perfectly as both a carry-on backpack and a nice companion to your on-foot explorations, this is it. You’ll be able to wear this for hours on end and never feel burdened.

Why? In addition to the usual features (like sternum straps and a lightweight design), the Max Backpack’s unique A-Frame is where this bag really shines. It has anchor straps and tapered panels to keep your gear tucked away and to prevent sagging at the bottom of the bag. The ultra-wide cushioned straps spread out across your shoulders, and the multi-layer foam back panels help to keep you supported while also offering lots of ventilation.

There’s tons of pockets and compartments to keep you well organized too, including a well-padded laptop sleeve for your devices up to 17”. There are four inner pockets and two on the outside, as well as an extremely well-hidden secret pocket.

You can also try out this backpack for 14 days. If you don’t like it, they’ll take it back no problem.

My only beef with this bag is that I don’t find the A-Frame particularly attractive. It’s a great carry-on bag and an everyday bag, but I don’t know if I’d take it with me on a work trip or a more formal outing.

• The unique A-Frame optimizes comfort
• Lots of pockets 
• Laptop sleeve fits a device up to 17”
• Excellent 14-day return policy
• Limited colors
• The A-Frame isn’t particularly stylish

Mission Workshop Radian : Best Modular Carry-On Backpack

The Radian is a modular, adjustable and customizable powerhouse of a backpack that can be fine-tuned to fit just about any adventure you have in mind.

I am truly blown away by just how much you can adjust this bag to suit your own personal style. The roll top can be used with or without the velcro and with or without the Duraflex strap. Or just unzip the entire front panel and pack it like a suitcase—your style, your choice.

The harness system continues this trend by being incredibly plush, fully adjustable and allowing for a removable expedition waist-belt for serious adventuring. You additionally have the option to fold up and store the entire harness system behind a stretch back panel, which is absolutely perfect for a smaller, snag-free bag to throw in the overhead bins.

The inside of this backpack is a straightforward cavern, with minimal additional pockets, though you do have a few organizational pockets on the underside of the main zippered flap and a massive laptop sleeve that can fit larger, 17″ computers. You can also purchase Arkiv accessories: separate pockets, folios and sleeves that can be attached to any of the four exterior points.

All these features are wrapped up in an ultra-durable Cordura or HT500 Textile that can handle the traveling punches and are weatherproof to boot. Easily making this beast—literally, this thing is almost five pounds — a modular lover’s best travel backpack for carry-on.

• Rolltop backpack
• 4 exterior attachment points for Mission Workshop's Arkiv accessories
• Entire harness system can be zipped up and stored for easy loading in airplane bins
• Very adjustable and comfortable harness system Large laptop compartment
• Wider than most bags on the list

Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel : Best Carry-On Duffel Backpack

There comes a time in nearly every traveler’s life when shoulder straps seem to snag on everything in sight. Duffels tend to hold the upper hand in this case, and the Timbuk2 Impulse beautifully bridges this gap.

Easily unclip the backpack straps, and stow them in a dedicated pocket. Although you don’t have a strap for your shoulder in duffel mode, the two beefy handles on the sides of the bag are sufficient.

The zippered 17″ laptop compartment is external, so you’ll never have to dig again. You also have a quick access pocket, perfect for everything from plane tickets to snacks, that also has another mesh pocket inside for even more.

The main, clamshell-open compartment reveals the bulk of those 55 liters. One side is left completely open for you to pack at will, while the opposite side features two mesh pockets for some slight organization. The many compression straps keep everything tight and compact. The Impulse also has a wonderfully isolated compartment at the base of the bag to keep smelly shoes or dirty clothes separate.

I must, however, point out one small nick in this bag’s armor. When in backpack mode, the straps can occasionally become unfastened from the bag when trying to pick it up.

Nevertheless, this occurs very rarely and is just a minor annoyance compared to all the awesome features packed in here.

Overall, this is a versatile carry-on backpack-duffel combo that’s great for any trip.

• Wide, fold-open main compartment
• Exterior laptop compartment for easier access
• Shoe storage compartment
• Tuckable straps
• No dedicated shoulder strap for duffel mode
• Shoulder harness straps in backpack mode have finicky attach point that sometimes comes undone

eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack : Best Budget Carry-On Backpack

While I certainly believe that making the investment for a premium backpack is well worth the initial heartache in the beginning, this is not always practical. Enter the Mother Lode from eBags.

The main compartment of this bag lives up to the “motherlode” name with a massive clamshell opening for all your bulky gear. A nifty fold-down divider can aid in organization, while the opposite side of the bag also offers mesh pockets for storage. Compression straps are also present in this portion of the bag to keep the bulk of your gear nice and secure.

A separate organization compartment features a massive 19″ laptop pocket that is suspended to keep your computer from impacting the ground in the case you drop it. The additional pockets here are also a nice complement to the exterior zippered pockets.

The best part? You can convert this backpack to duffle or to a briefcase, too, for the ultimate one bag travel experience. Simply stow the shoulder straps into a dedicated pocket, or attach the removable shoulder harness for duffle mode.

While we’re on the exterior of this bag, it’s worth mentioning that the 900D polyester does feel a little thin and flimsy to the touch ,which may compromise its overall durability. (Notice that most of our bags are well over 1000D in material thickness.)

All and all, however, this is an excellent wallet friendly option with ample storage space, well-thought-out organization, and all the adjustability we need for reliable one bag travel. The TLS Motherlode Weekender therefore easily earns its title of best carry-on backpack for budget travels.

• Budget friendly
• Fold down shelf in main compartment for additional compartmentalization
• Very large, suspended, laptop compartment accommodating up to 19" computer
• Convertible between backpack, duffel bag, and briefcase
• Material is a little thin and frail feeling

What is a Carry-On Backpack?

A carry-on travel backpack is a bag that you choose to bring onto the plane with you to stuff into an overhead bin or below the seat in front of you.

Now I know exactly what image comes to your mind when we talk about carry-on backpacks. The small, out-for-a-day backpack that can hardly fit enough gear to get you through one night on the road. That’s not what we’re discussing here.

We’re talking about serious travel backpacks that can fit everything you need for your entire long-term trip in one place—and still meet airline carry-on restrictions that, airline depending, generally limit you to about 40 liters.

Typically, carry-on travel backpacks are 30 to 45 liters. Anything smaller is a regular backpack; anything larger you will likely have to check.

Alternatively, if you want to bring a daypack, too, you can wear the bag on your back and your personal item (your daypack) on your front. Most airlines will allow for one carry-on and one personal item for free, but this is not always the case, especially for budget airlines that charge per bag.

What is One Bag Travel?

I’ve been there. Wasting time at baggage claim as the lighter travelers zip away. Lugging my checked bag and my backpack around on a sweaty search for a taxi or bus in a new city or country. Heaving my bags up the stairs to my room, and then asking the big question: Why on Earth do I need all this stuff? But I used a different ‘S’ word.

One bag travel refers to traveling with just one bag. Not one carry-on bag and a backpack but, rather, one bag for everything . In essence, one bag travel is all about traveling light.

One bag travel is arguably always preferable if possible.

This is because it limits the amount of stuff you have to lug around, which can be a huge (and literal) pain if you’re on the road for quite some time. You’ll also save money on checked baggage fees by carrying your luggage onto the plane with you. Likewise, you’ll save time without having to wait at baggage claim. And you’ll feel a heck of a lot better when you’re not carrying around a bunch of unnecessary items that you have to sift through every time you need to find anything.

With the freedom and flexibility that a single bag offers, you’ll be able to navigate planes, trains, and automobiles better than Steve Martin and John Candy ever could. One bag travel is perfect for backpack travel in Europe or Southeast Asia, for example.

That said, within your one bag, you should always stuff another packable daypack like the Cotopaxi Batac 16L , Arc’teryx Index or the Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack . This way, when you do go on day adventures, you don’t have to bring everything you own with you.

Backpacks vs. Rolling Luggage

Now that you’ve seen the light of one bag travel, what kind of single bag do you need? A backpack for travel or a classic roller suitcase. There are situations in which either of these options is optimal.

A suitcase boasts a stiff construction that zips open all the way around. This means you can pack in a more organized manner, so your clothes will be easier to access and have, in theory, fewer wrinkles. Plus, rolling a suitcase through the airport is a lot less daunting than lugging a backpack on your back.

Until you hit stairs and curbs, and have to navigate through the city to find your accommodation. That’s when a backpack comes in handy. With a backpack, you’re free to go anywhere your legs take you. Just remember that what you gain in mobility, you also gain in effort as you are now carrying all that weight on your back.

All the more reason to get yourself the best carry-on bag for comfort and fit to mitigate that extra burden.

What to Consider When Buying

Finding the ultimate traveling pack for you means that you need to consider which features are the most important. These are the seven most pivotal design features so that all you need to do is check off what you uniquely need.

First things first, find a carry-on bag that meets most carry-on limits.

We’ll start with the maximum sizes that you could possibly pick, based on airlines. I’ve compiled a few of the most common airlines below, along with their carry-on bag limitations in inches.

You may scratch your head and wonder just how much gear you can fit into 22 x 14 x 9, so let me break it down into liters for you. The majority of airlines’ carry-on bags range from 30 to 45 liters and, trust me, that’s plenty of space for the coveted one bag travel.

But here’s the rub: Just what size backpack works for you? This will mostly depend on your body type/size, and what kind of packer you are.

Please don’t underestimate the importance of picking a bag that fits you properly. This can make a world of difference in comfort and mobility. Very generally speaking, women can usually get by with a 30-liter pack, while men are generally comfortable with a 40-liter one.

Always consider your packing style, too. How long are you gone for, how much are you taking and do you want extra space for a souvenir or two?

Opening Style

Once you have a size, one of the more important items here is the opening style. Do you like top loaders, front loads, side zips, drawstring tops or a combination?

Think about what will be most comfortable, natural, and practical for you, and simply look for a bag to match. For carry-on backpacks, I recommend looking for a travel pack with a clamshell or panel loader design.

We already know that the more you cram into a backpack, the more it’s going to weigh you down while you dash through the airport. But consider this: The backpacks themselves can vary drastically when it comes to weight, and some may feel like you’ve already packed a brick or two, even when empty.

The variation in weight is mostly thanks to the different materials that are used in the bag construction, along with different harness constructions. In general, I’ve found that reliable brands that incorporate a sturdy and supportive harness system typically produce slightly heavier bags. Whereas the lighter bags lack this helpful feature.

To a lesser extent, materials also play a role here where, once again, the more durable, water-resistant and long-lasting constructions are, typically, slightly heavier. But this is not always the case. Higher price tags on backpacks can often indicate high-quality materials and construction that have been fine-tuned to not break your back.

So my best advice? Be sure to note what type of harness system the backpack uses, along with the overall weight of the bag. And just remember that, while quality material may weigh more, I guarantee it will pay out in the end.

Materials and Fabrics

Now the list of potential backpack materials is about as long as my arm, so let’s take a minute to break them down and label what’s good, how it’s good and what to steer clear of.

In the durability department, you’ll often find high-density ballistic nylon or Cordura to both be solid options. These are proven to hold up to the rough life of a traveler’s backpack and keep you on the move without a tear-jerking bag tear mid-trip. They are often presented with a weatherproofing treatment for better protection.

For ultimate durability and water resistance rolled into one, pay particular attention to sailcloth. Yes, this is the same material ship’s sails are made from, so you can certainly appreciate the battering they must withstand. They must also hold off the rain from constant storms and mists, yet be light enough to be manipulated into place. You can bet the backpacks made from this material are, therefore, just on this side of indestructible and weatherproof.

Bah! Zippers are zippers, you don’t have to worry about those, right? Sorry to break it to you, folks, but you do need to pay attention to zippers. Just like any other component, zippers are a dime-a-dozen these days, and some are of higher quality than others.

My best advice is to try to find a backpack with the classic YKK brand zippers . This company has been in the game for a long while, and it knows how to make zippers last for the long haul. We’re talking about durable and water-resistant zippers that won’t break when you overstuff your backpack or let water seep in.

Backing Support

Not only can it be a little embarrassing but, more importantly, it’s also incredibly uncomfortable to travel with a sweaty back.

So what can you do? Keep an eye open for a mesh back panel that allows for some airflow back there. Or better yet, look for backpacks that utilize a harness and, ideally, boast mesh backing to lift the pack itself off your back.

Besides keeping you from sweating so much, backing support can also help to distribute the weight more evenly on your back. This keeps your backpack from inducing shoulder and back pains that you certainly don’t need when you’re already cramped up from sleeping on planes and buses all the time.

Harnesses and Shoulder Straps

Most backpacks may look very similar to one another but, trust me, they are almost all built for very specific and very different functions. The differences are usually in the shoulders and harness systems.

Let’s start with the most obvious, male vs. female packs. The two sexes traditionally have different body builds, and backpack manufacturers often accommodate this by producing packs that are specifically designed to fit male and female body types. So, first of all, make sure you’re looking at a pack that’s designed for you.

The next set of differences come with function. The whole kit-and-caboodle of shoulder strap suspension system, waist belt and bag framing comes with heavy hiking and outdoor use in mind. Meanwhile, more casual bags that lack the beef of a waist belt and overt frame are meant for casual wear. Think: city and business travel.

So once again, take a close look at the bag you’re considering, and see if your planned activities are in line with the manufacturer’s intent.

Go Forth and Prosper!

There you have it—the essentials of carry-on travel backpacks from start to finish. From price, quality, material and function, the aforementioned bags boast everything and anything you’ll need on your next adventure. Just remember: Your backpack should be as unique to you and your needs as the travel stories you’re going to come home with.

Carry-On Backpack FAQs

What is the best size backpack for carry-on travel.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack. The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is a more affordable alternative.

What is the best backpack for a personal item on a plane?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is the perfect personal item backpack for light packers who only want one bag.

What is the best backpack for a long haul flight?

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack, and it’s great for long-haul flights.

Will a 35L backpack fit under an airplane seat?

Probably not. A 35L backpack will be too big to fit in the personal item sizer or under the seat of most airlines.

How strict are airplanes about backpack size?

It varies, but many airlines are very strict about backpack sizes, and will make you check your bag in the sizer if it looks close to the limit.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Looking at the list, the one thing is weight. Here in Europe quite a few airlines have tightened up on weight. The previous 10 kilo limit has dropped to 8 kilos. Some majors allow more.

I only fly between main destinations, the rest is by train and bus. Here is where the depth of the pack causes problems, some trains and buses have very shallow overhead racks and the backpack will not fit. Especially buses, so the pack has to go in the cargo hold and you pray no one steals your pack at the various stops en-route (yes it happens).

A large pack of 35L is my main one, bought from a mountain shop in London–I travel very light. For short trips, an ultralight 20L Gonex (also inside my large one on longer trips) does the job, it weighs 6.5 ounces and compacts well. The straps are nice, stuff stayed dry in a down pour and I use it a lot.

Recently I was looking for a backpack. I didn’t have enough information about a lightweight backpack. After reading your article I was able to buy it.

So glad I was able to help!

Your rundown of the best travel backpacks is a lifesaver for adventurers like me. Your concise reviews and expert recommendations have simplified the daunting task of choosing the perfect backpack. Each option you’ve highlighted seems to offer a unique blend of durability, comfort, and functionality, making it hard to pick just one! Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us. Your article has left me feeling well-equipped and ready for my next journey. Keep up the fantastic work!

https://sewingmachinezig.com/

https://wrappingwithladyb.com/

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• Travel tips

How to Find the Perfect Minimalist Travel Backpack and experience One Bag Living

Searching for the perfect minimalist travel backpack has been quite the process. I first started travelling with a 75-litre backpack, slowly changed to a 55-litre, and used a 33-litre pack for many years until I finally switched to a 24-litre bag.

It took awhile for me to understand what I need to bring for every trip and to embrace the idea of travelling with less and practicing one bag living.

But I am extremely happy with my current backpack, which I think is one of the best minimalist travel backpacks.

If you are an aspiring minimalist and living out of a backpack doesn’t scare you, keep reading because I will show you how you can find the best minimalist backpack and sharing all the reasons why I love my favourite minimal pack.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the  disclosure for more info.

3 main features of a minimalist travel backpack

But first, let’s talk about the main characteristics of a minimalistic bag. Here are my thoughts on some of the key features.

1. A carry-on travel backpack size

The perfect minimalist backpack size must be small enough for an airplane overhead cabin but big enough for all your belongings . It should be a 20 litre backpack or slightly bigger .

However, every airline has different regulations about carry-on bags, and there isn’t a fixed rule on the allowable size of a carry-on suitcase .

Check the carry-on luggage size of your favourite airline . There is a handy online chart that already compiled the cabin size of the majority of the airlines.

And also, keep in mind that the size and weight of the current allowable carry-on luggage can be changed at any time, i.e. airlines will continue to limit the physical size and weight of hand-carry luggage. So it may be wise to lean towards a smaller backpack.

2. Only a few useful compartments

Having a few useful compartments in your backpack is necessary to keep all your belongings organized .

When you don’t have enough compartments, everything just gets thrown into the backpack, and you will never be able to find your item without emptying your bag.

But when you have too many compartments, you are splitting up all your belongings into too many spots. Sometimes it could get a little confusing (especially when you first start using a new backpack), and you may not remember where you put all your things.

With the right amount of compartments, you can neatly organize all your stuff so each item can have a proper home.

3. As light as possible

It is possible to have all your belongings fit into a carry-on bag even if you are travelling long-term. And because you are carrying everything you need, you want to make sure your backpack is made with lightweight material , so the overall weight of your travel bag doesn’t weigh too much.

Some airline has a limit for 10kg for your main carry-on bag plus a personal bag (like a purse or computer bag). And other low-cost carriers limit all your carry-on weight to be less than 7kg . That means both your backpack and the personal bag has to weigh a total of 7kg. Even for me, that is pretty difficult.

When you try to pack your whole life into a carry-on bag, the weight accumulates quickly, and you will want to use every available ounce of space.

Check out my post on how to pack a 7kg carry-on bag . I also have a minimalist packing list that you can use as a guideline.

Other features to look for in a minimal travel backpack

There are other things to consider when you are shopping for the perfect, minimal travel backpack. Minimalist travellers search for the following features:

1. Comfortable shoulder straps

For a daypack , having comfortable shoulder straps is extremely important. Your shoulder holds the majority of the weight of your backpack , so you want to make sure the strap is comfortable and not digging into your skin.

For a larger backpack , having the padded shoulder straps is equally important. However, the majority of the weight of your bag should rest on your hip instead of your shoulder . But sometimes, when you are rushing or just quickly putting on your backpack, you might forget to secure your pack on your hip as well. So having comfortable should strap is essential no matter what size your bag is .

2. A proper hip belt

For a daypack (anything up to 20-litre backpack ), a thin hip belt is sufficient . The hip belt stabilizes your backpack against your back while you are walking or running. Having a stabilizing point is especially important, especially when you attempt different physical activities. It keeps the backpack from bouncing off your back.

For a bigger backpack , having a padded hip belt can distribute at least 80% of the weight of your bag to your hips . When you carry a heavy backpack with a cushioned hip belt, your shoulder strap should just hover over your shoulders while the hip belt sits firmly above your hips .

3. Made with durable material

When you travel longterm, your backpack is your home. You want to make sure your backpack is made with the best material that can withstand any conditions . Having a durable backpack can give you peace of mind.

The fabric should be durable and water-resistant so that it can hold up to any conditions and weather. The hardware should be top-notched as well.

My favourite minimalistic backpack: Wanaka Adapt Backpack

I bought the Wanaka Adapt Backpack  through the Kickstarter program a few years ago. A friend of mine saw it on Kickstarter and sent the information to me immediately. I’m so glad he did!

If you watch the US Amazing Race show, there was a father and son team who won season 24. The son of the duo, Connor O’Leary, designed the pack and sold it in Kickstarter.

I watched the video and read all the information about the backpack and couldn’t wait to get one. So I ordered one and waited patiently.

My review of the Wanaka Adapt Backpack is opinions of my own, and I did not receive any compensation of any kind. And I do not receive any commission if you purchase it from Kickstarter. I only want to share what I love.

Note added on May 5, 2020: A reader reached out and told me he bought the bag online but never received it. I don’t know the full story but at the same time, I feel I have the responsibility to tell all my readers about this. I had no issues when I ordered the bag few years ago through Kickstarter. But I have no idea what the company is doing now or how they operate as I am not an affiliate of theirs and I have no connection with them. I wrote about the bag because I do love the function of the bag. But I just want you to know to beware of this. 

Features of the Wanaka Adapt Backpack

When I first learned about the Wanaka backpack, I knew I wanted the minimal backpack because of how it looks and all the different features it has.

More information about Wanaka backpack:

• Size: 24 litre
• Weight: 1lb 6 oz
• Measurement: 50cm high, 25cm wide, 16cm deep
• Made with 210D double ripstop nylon and lightweight hardware
• Durable, water-resistant coating (DWR)
• The ultra-breathable mesh shoulder straps and can be tucked into the back of the bag
• An adjustable sternum and waist belt
• Three main compartments with compartment divider
• The top compartment is a fanny pack , adventure sling and a shoulder bag all-in-one
• Built-in laptop sleeve
• Hypalon gear loops on the outside
• Can use the entire backpack as a compression sack
• Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
• Minimal aesthetics : sleek, clean and not too many straps
• Looks compact : the backpack is a rectangular shape where every square inch can be utilized

The minimalistic backpack also comes with:

• An inflatable backpack frame
• An insulated case that acts as a camera case and cooler

Why Wanaka Adapt Backpack is perfect minimalist backpack

After using the backpack for three years, I can honestly say that I love the Wanaka backpack!

Even though it is advertised as a daypack, I like using it as my main backpack because it is the perfect size for me.

The pack has everything I want in an ultra-minimalist travel backpack where I can fit all my belongings and still have extra space . And the bag is quite affordable compared to some of the ones I’ve seen.

Here are other reasons why I consider the Wanaka backpack to be the perfect minimalist carry-on bag:

1. Perfect size for any trip

I can fit all my belongings into the 24-litre Wanaka backpack and still have extra space. I’ve done city travel , and adventure travels with this backpack. The size of the backpack is small , which is perfect for women . And it is the ideal cabin size backpack .

And the pack fits my packing cubes perfectly ! It is almost as if the small packing cubes were made for this bag (they are not because they are not the same brand). I can stack two full packing cubes into the main compartment , and it sits firmly against the compartment divider without wasting any space.

2. 3 useful compartments

There are three main compartments in the Wanaka backpack: the main compartment , the bottom compartment and the top compartment that is also a fanny pack, adventure sling and shoulder bag.

I use the main top-down compartment for my travel wardrobe and wet and dry toiletries .

The bottom compartment houses my shoes and technology items

And the top compartment has my first aid kit, other miscellaneous items.

Everything I own has a proper place in the bag, and everything is easy to retrieve.

3. Minimal aesthetics

In terms of aesthetics, the backpack looks minimal and sleek . I like that it doesn’t have too many straps like a lot of other hiking backpacks. It is a sleek backpack without any fuss.

4. Lightweight travel backpack

When the backpack is packed with all my belongings, it weighs between 5kg to 6kg . It is not difficult at all to carry a few kilograms of stuff on my back. I’ve had to tweak my packing list over the years and am super happy with the final list.

Summary: what you should look for in a minimalist travel bag

If you are in the market to buy a new bag, consider buying the best of the best. An excellent pack will last for many years and is the one thing you should invest in for your travels because it holds everything you own.

In summary, here is what you should look for when it comes to finding the best minimalist pack:

• Perfect size (between 20 to 30 litres) for all your belongings but small enough for airplane overhead cabin
• Include a few useful compartments for organizing all your belongings
• A lightweight travel backpack made with durable material
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• Proper hip belt 

Related Post –  How to make homemade eco friendly toiletries for long term travel

What is your take on the best minimalist travel backpack?

When you have the perfect minimalist backpack, travel become easier and much more enjoyable.

Up until now, the Wanaka Adapt Backpack is my favourite minimal backpack. I tried many in the past and honestly love them all. But this one stood out because of the pack looks compact and sleek. I also like how it doesn’t look fussy, i.e. not too many straps hanging off the pack like other hiking packs.

What do you think the best minimalist backpack should have? Let me know in the comments on what you think of the Wanaka backpack or if you have other minimalist backpacks that you love!

Thank you for reading my post on minimalist backpack

You might also like these other posts on minimalist travel:

• How to pack 7kg carry-on luggage
• My minimalist packing list for every trip
• How to create a minimalist travel wardrobe for every trip
• How to pack the perfect minimalist travel toiletry kit
• My 10 must-have essential travel items for every trip
• Minimalist backpacking: 10 packing tips to help you travel light
• Minimalist hiking: my minimalist hiking gear list
• 10 best gifts for minimalist travellers
• How having a minimalist mindset helped me save money to travel

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Minimalist Backpacking: 10 Packing Tips to Help You Travel Light

Minimalist Travel: My Minimalist Packing List for Every Trip

Minimalist Toiletries: How To Pack The Perfect Minimalist Travel Toiletry Kit

Carly | FearlessFemaleTravels.com

I’m what you would probably consider a maximalist, but I can totally imagine how comfortable and freeing it would be to travel with a back that is so lightweight! (Though then I wouldn’t be able to meet cute guys by asking for their help in lifting my bag into the overhead storage compartment!).

Oh I wasn’t always a minimalist traveller. It took awhile to get there! There’s always advantages and disadvantages for both. Thank you for your comment, Carly!

Hello, I loved reading your blog. Totally inspiring.. could you point me in the right direction? I am searching for your Wanaka bag and I can’t seem to find it anywhere online. Do u have any links at all. Thanks in advance!

Hi Nicola, thank you so much for following my posts. I love writing about travel and minimalism. I don’t think the bag is on kickstarter any more. But I just checked – if you google “wanaka outdoors”, it is the first search result. Thank you again for your comment 🙂

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Hike Violet Hill and The Twin Peaks in Hong Kong

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Packing light with minimalist travel | How to travel carry-on only

He who would travel happily must travel light .

Table of contents

Less weight on your shoulders through minimalist travel

Minimalist travel – what does it mean?

Embrace the freedom of minimalist travel

Why pack light?

Sustainable benefits of minimalist travel, less stress through minimalist packing, save money by minimalist traveling.

Save money when traveling carry-on only

Tips for minimalist travel & packing

Use the right bag.

On the road with my duffel bag

Make sure the bag fits these criteria:

• Backpack or duffel bag with max. 40 liters –  usually these can be easily stored on buses and they’re allowed as carry-on bags (but if you fly you should always check the airline’s requirements)
• A light bag – if your heavy suitcase already takes up several kilos, you’ll suffer a lot on our trip
• It can be opened completely with a U-shaped zip – so you can easily reach anything inside (stay away from backpacks that only open from the top – this makes it very hard to reach stuff that you packed into the bottom)
• The bag needs a few inside pockets – to organize your things

Here are the duffel bags that I recommend:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (40l) – Die perfekte Duffel von einer meiner Lieblingsmarken mit komplett nachhaltigem Fokus. Lässt sich komplett öffnen, ist robust und wasserabweisend und ist super angenehm, auf dem Rücken zu tragen.
• Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler (40l) – My duffel with which I’ve traveled through Morocco, Portugal, Greece and many other countries. For me it has the perfect size to travel carry-on only. The side pockets and the subdivision by a net inside are also great. Besides, also sustainably produced.
• The North Face Duffel XS (40l) – A dream for all who want to travel minimalist. Totally robust and with practical large mesh as a pocket on the inside of the “cover”.
• North Face Duffel S (50l) – You got a lot of space in here! But this also means that if you want to travel carry-on only with this duffel, you shouldn’t fill it up completely. This way you can squeeze it a little smaller so that it fits into the hand luggage dimensions of most airlines. But we’ve never had any problems with it – even to travel carry-on only.

Packing light with my duffel bag

Know the basics – what’s allowed in your hand luggage

• Liquids in bottles of 100ml max (such as shampoo, make-up, deodorant, hairspray etc) packed in a transparent bag of 1 liter
• Sharp objects with a blade of 6 cm max (such as razors, nail files & scissors)
• Medicine, contact lens solution, hand sanitizer, and baby food (if traveling with a baby) are allowed
• Any liquids with more than 100ml (except meds, contact lens solution, or baby food)
• Any liquids that aren’t packed in a transparent 1-liter bag
• Sharp objects with a blade longer than 6 cm (such as pocket knives or knitting needles) and loose razor blades that aren’t framed in plastic
• Anything that could also be used as a weapon, such as hiking poles or ice skates
• I think I don’t have to go deeper and tell you that weapons, explosive substances, etc. aren’t allowed either, nope not even pepper spray
• Pack everything in a zip bag made of silicone instead of the ones made of plastic – they last much longer and are more environmental-friendly
• Bring a nail clipper instead of scissors
• Solid products (such as shampoo bars, soap, conditioner bars, solid deodorant, body butter bars etc) don’t have to be in your zip bag and are much more environmental-friendly

Solid products like shampoo bars & deodorant sticks don’t need to go into your liquids bag

Only pack for one week

Make a checklist, choose your clothes wisely.

• your favorites
• easy to combine like a “capsule wardrobe” (in terms of colors, shape, and can be worn like an onion on top of each other)
• neutral colors
• crease-resistant
• can be washed together

Neutral colors are easy to combine

Reduce cosmetics

• Instead of different face creams for morning and night just bring one.
• Reduce your make-up, or why not leave it at home completely? (In countries with high humidity it’s better to go without any makeup anyway.)
• Stick to solid products – they’re not just easier to get through security control if you travel carry-on only, more eco-friendly, take up less space and last much longer (I like to bring e.g. a shampoo bar in a small sack or one that already has a string, so it’s easy to hang it and let it dry)
• In case you want to use liquids, fill them into reusable travel-size bottles instead of buying travel-sized samples.
• If you travel with someone else, share the essentials such as shower gel or toothpaste.

A shampoo bar can help you to save lots of space and weight

Pack things that you can use universally

• A tote bag that can help you on many occasions (for grocery shopping, as a beach bag, to pack your dirty clothes, or to keep your socks or underwear separately).
• Coconut oil , apricot seed oil, or another oil that you can use multifunctional (as body lotion with a light natural SPF, as lip balm, to remove make-up, and even to help you with light cuts or injuries due to their anti-inflammatory effect).
• Basic cotton shirts that can be used for sleeping, during the day, or for activities
• A silicon zip bag  for your liquids on the flights if you travel carry-on only, but also for takeaway food
• A thin shawl or scarf that you can wear around your neck when it’s cold on the bus, to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting a temple, and even to lay on the beach

A silicon ziplock bag can be a multi-purpose helper

Bring a reusable water bottle or even a water purifier

A water purifier bottle can be a lifesaver for minimalist travelers

Lifesavers for minimalist travelers

Avoid paper

Leave everything that you “might need” at home.

• Wear the thickest clothes on your flight

Never without warm clothes on a flight

The right way of packing your bag light

Here are a few tips that i find very useful:.

• Use tote bags or packing cubes to have your stuff organized
• Pack heavier things (electronics, cosmetics, books) into the middle – that’s better for your back
• Use a smell-proof laundry bag – You can cram all your dirty clothes in here and the rest of your bag stays fresh
• Pack your liquids, water bottle and laptop where you can easily take them out at the security control
• Also: Bring a second small bag (like a day pack and/or hip bag ) where you can store your documents and most valuable things (like electronics) on your body

Never without my hip bag

How to pack light for two weeks or a normal holiday?

• Get a 40-liter backpack or duffel bag
• Check with the airline to know exactly how much weight and which size is allowed when you travel carry-on only
• You can wash your laundry everywhere, so there’s no need to pack more than for one week
• Choose your clothes so you can easily combine them
• Reduce your cosmetics to the basics and prefer solid items to liquids
• Be creative and pack things that you can use universally
• Bring a water purifier
• Don’t print unnecessarily, but upload your copies into a cloud
• Leave everything that you “might need” at home and sort it out in the end
• Keep in mind the right way and helpful items to pack your back

How to pack light for a month or long-term travel?

With my old Nikon in Asia

Carry-on only packing list

• Duffel bag or 40l backpack
• Raincover for your backpack
• Smell-proof laundry bag – for your dirty clothes
• Hip bag – for your valuables & documents
• Daypack or wetpack (ideally one you can make really small & squeeze in)
• Silicone zip lock bag
• Small travel wallet (with only your credit card(s), health insurance card, ID or passport & some cash)
• Optional: packing cubes
• Optional: padlock (if you’re planning to stay in hostels)
• 2-3 t-shirts
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of light, long pants
• Thin rain jacket
• Sports clothes: 1 pair of leggings & 1 sport top
• 7 pairs of underpants (& 2 bras + 1 sports bra for us girls)
• 7 pairs of socks
• 2 Bikinis, swimsuits, or swimming trunks
• A thin shawl or scarf (to wear around your neck, to cover your shoulders or knees in a temple, or to lay on the beach)
• Optional: 1 beach dress or jumpsuit
• Optional (depending on how sunny your destination is): Cap
• Quick-drying travel towel
• Sneakers – a comfy pair in which you can also hike
• A pair of jeans or thicker pants
• Optional: Thin jacket
• Bamboo toothbrush (in a case) & toothpaste
• 2in1 Shampoo & shower bar (in a sisal bag – one that you can also use as soap)
• Conditioner bar  (in a sisal bag / or liquid, refilled in a reusable silicone bottle)
• Solid deodorant
• Scrunchies & bobby pins
• Nail clip or nail file
• For the girls: Tampons, menstrual cup, or menstrual panties
• Hand sanitizer
• Optional: Tweezers
• Optional: A bit of make-up
• Travel tablets (especially if you’re seasick)
• Optional: Mosquito spray (depending on your destination)
• Personal meds
• Smartphone + charger
• Camera + charger
• Headphones (+ charger)
• E-book reader (instead of several books)
• Mosquito bite relief
• Reusable water bottle or water purifier bottle
• Bamboo travel cutlery or mini pocket knife (not possible in hand luggage though)
• Inflatable travel pillow
• Optional (depending on destination): travel adapter
• Boots (wear them on your flight)
• 2 more sweaters
• Thick jacket (wear it on your flight)
• Thermal underwear
• 3 pairs of thick warm socks
• Beanie, scarf, gloves

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What’s unnecessary in my opinion

• Tablet – I learned on my many trips that I can find entertainment in ebooks or on my phone, but mostly I’m exhausted in the evenings and I’d rather process all the new impressions instead of watching anything at night
• Hair dryer – not needed in warm countries; if you can’t go without, look for accommodation with a hairdryer
• Make-up – enjoy being yourself when traveling
• Large shampoo bottles – bars last so much longer
• Lots of medicine – you can find pharmacies all over the world in case you might need something
• Guide books – there’s so much more info in blogs

E-books are the perfect entertainment for minimalist packers

Do you have questions concerning minimalist packing or traveling carry-on only?

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Any Adventure

Whether used solo or packed alongside other bags, the best travel backpacks we’ve tested hold plenty of stuff and make it all easy to access.

By Will Sabel Courtney and Ben Bowers

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

An excellent carry-on-sized travel and adventure backpack can be a packing game changer. Whether used solo for shorter trips or carried along with other luggage for extended journeys, the best options offer plenty of storage space for clothes and a slew of easy access and protective pockets for water bottles, laptops, and other personal items.

Having spent many days on airplanes crisscrossing continents and oceans for work and play alike, here are the best carry-on travel and adventure bags we’ve tested and recommend hovering in the 35–55 liter size range.

Carry-On Travel & Adventure Backpacks We Recommend

Best Overall

Best Rollaboard Replacement

Best Bargain

Best Multi-Use

Smartest Feature Set

Most Distinctive Option

• Made in America

Most Versatile

Best for Awkward-Sized Gear

How We Test Travel & Adventure Backpacks

Our tester journeyed far and wide on numerous trips by plane, train and automobile with these backpacks, loading them up with apparel, gadgets and gear to see how they handle the stress. They were loaded and unloaded into luggage racks, trunks and back seats alike, carried on long walks to and from terminals and destinations, and left to bash about in the closet between trips.

For many of the tests, he loaded it up with a typical array of clothing and equipment one would need for a business or personal trip of several days time: an extra pair of jeans or slacks, 2–3 T-shirts, 1–2 overshirts or button-downs, a pair of sneakers, gym shorts and shirts, a DSLR camera , iPhone charger and Apple Watch charger and of course, several changes of undergarments.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here .

Best Overall Travel Backpack

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

• Can expand from a 35L day bag into 45L multi-day gear hauler
• Offers many ways to load & access contents
• Backpack straps can hide conveniently out of site via magnets
• Weather proof shell
• Main pouch less accessible than some other bags on the list
• Cinch straps only work okay
• $299 at Peak Design
• $299 at Huckberry
• $299 at REI
• $299 at Backcountry
• $299 at Amazon

Peak Design’s travel backpack has been a top pick of ours for a while now , and suffice it to say, it’s still impressive. You can tell it’s a premium product from the first moment you lay hands and eyes on it; it looks and feels nice, from the action of the zippers to the smooth, almost waxy waterproof exterior to the soft, gentle gray fabric of the interior. But look closer, and you’ll find more features you might have missed the first time; hidden magnets seamlessly tuck away the backpack straps when not in use. (Just be sure you check the straps’ length every time you pull them back out, as they can slide out longer a little more easily than some bags.)

Of course, none of that would matter if it weren’t capable of carrying a bunch of gear. Luckily, this bag excels at that. Two main pockets easily enable the carriage of several days’ worth of apparel, while smaller slots for everything from toiletries to cables to headphones to laptops are found inside. There are grab handles for one-handed toting, multiple zippers for easy entry from several angles, and slots for water bottles on the sides, of course. We also love that unlike most other options on this list, this bag can contract down to a smaller-sized bag 35 L capacity for shorter trips or bulk up to a 45 L if you need to bring more along (or wound up acquiring a few items while out on the road.) All in all, it’s probably as close to the perfect travel backpack as you might find on sale today.

Best Rollaboard Replacement Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

• Designed to maximize allowable carry-on space
• Opens and packs like a carry-on suitcase
• Featured padded hip belt with side pocket for better weight distribution
• Accessing items in main compartment can be awkward on the go
• Lacks luggage pass-through sleeve
• Slightly heavier than other options
• $350 at Tortuga

Tortuga’s Travel Backpack Pro is regarded as one of the best travel backpacks for good reason. Its rectangular shape lets the bag maximize its available storage capacity while ensuring its dimensions fall within standard airline carry-on guidelines. The primary storage compartment also opens as a suitcase to reveal a large mesh zipper compartment side and a spacious main compartment. Depending on your use case, this design detail can be a pro or con. On the one hand, it’s great to lay the bag flat on a bed and unzip the clam shell zipper to reveal and grab whatever’s inside quickly. However, quickly grabbing something buried deep inside the main compartment can be difficult if you don’t have enough space to lay the bag fully flat. The bag’s space-maximizing design also means its physically and aesthetically a bit more boxy than other options we recommend. Tortuga sells a smaller 30L capacity version of the same bag if 40L feels too big for your needs.

Best Bargain Travel Backpack

Aer Travel Pack 3

• Features handles on all sides
• Tons of pockets, including a hidden one for Airtags / Tracker
• Includes luggage handle pass-through strap
• $249 at Aer

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 is a little more affordable than the Peak Design entry, but don’t hold that against it; this bag is a lot like the above model. There are an abundance of pockets; you won’t have any trouble finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place. And while it doesn’t look or feel quite as premium when standing next to the Peak Design bag, it still has the quality and appearance of a high-end product.

On the downside, the orientation of the main pouch can make opening it and filling the bag a bit trickier than some other entries on the list, and the magnetic clips for the chest strap and cinch straps feel like an unnecessary complication. It’s also a little smaller than other recommendations on this list. Still, overall, it’s a great choice for a few days on the road.

Best Multi-Use Travel Backpack

Yeti Crossroads Backpack 35L

• Made from thick, abrasion resistant nylon
• Stable luggage pass through sleeve
• Removable external straps for lashing on other gear
• Sold in multiple smaller sizes
• Laptop sleeve is a little smaller compared to other bags
• Less water resistance than other options
• Lack of DWR coating also means its more prone to staining
• $250 at Yeti

Yeti’s approach to backpacks is the same as its coolers . The brand’s Crossroads Backpack is a durably constructed and capable bag with a slightly less techy aesthetic than other recommendations on this list. It also includes a unique feature mix that makes it great for airports, city travel, and outdoor adventures.

For work-related trips or voyages within city limits, it’s got padded organization pockets for various items, including a laptop, and opens clamshell-style for easier packing. In cases of outdoor adventuring, it also features a pair of removal external straps for toting along other items like a rain shell, ground cover, or a lightweight camp chair. There’s also a pocket big enough to fit a 26 oz water bottle, although it’s located inside the bag, which might be a controversial decision for some. We lack the fact that Yeti sells smaller 22 L and 27 L versions of the bag for those interesting in something that’s closer in size to a more traditional backpack.

The Travel Backpack with the Smartest Feature Set

Matador GlobeRider 45L Travel Backpack

• Features a highly adjustable outdoor backpack style harness for optimizing carrying comfort and weight distribution
• Stowable main backpack straps can tuck away for checking
• Dedicated internal compartment that's great for keeping dirty / worn shoes from the rest of the bag's contents
• Looks more technical / camping oriented than other options
• Bigger compared to other tweener-sized options
• $350 at Matador
• $350 at Huckberry
• $350 at REI
• $350 at Backcountry

Smart design details distinguish all of Matador’s products, and their premium  GlobeRider 45 travel and adventure backpack  puts this part of the brand’s DNA on full display. While the sheer variety of features makes this bag stand out, its outdoor-grade harness, complete with adjustable load lifters, a contoured aluminum framestay, and a backpacking carry harness, make it one of the best travel backpack options for anyone who expects to walk long distances carrying it. The harness is also stowable behind the padded back panel, which can help prevent the bag from being caught up in machinery if you decide to check it. 

We also love the larger, built-in internal organization pocket that’s sizeable enough to keep a pair of dirty hiking boots separated from other packed items and the internal shockcord securement system on the other side for keeping contents in place when the bag is open. There’s even a “smugglers pocket” tucked away behind the back panel for keeping critical items like a Passport out of harm’s way.

Most Distinctive Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

• Available in more colorful outdoorsy-styled versions, including a randomized Del Dia option
• Includes removable raincover
• Includes strap for carrying crossbody
• Designed to work perfectly with Cotopaxi packing cubes and accessories
• Includes a lifetime warranty + repairs
• Less open space for cramming gear inside
• $220 at Cotopaxi
• $220 at Amazon
• $220 at REI

We gravitate to more unremarkable colors in bags. Still, if you prefer your equipment to stand out or like owning something unique,  Cotopaxi’s Allpa 42 L is an excellent option . It’s available in various standard colors, most of which mix and match various bright shades to give off a classic outdoorsy vibe. But there’s also the option of buying a one-of-a-kind  “Del Dia” version  made from leftover parts and pieces from other companies’ production runs. While you can pick the primary color you are interested in, the different colored elements of the bag are determined on the production line based on available materials. The result is an aesthetically unique bag that’s also more sustainably produced. 

But don’t assume the appeal of this bag is all aesthetic. It also offers plenty of practical travel-centric details, including various internal zippered organization pockets, a removal rainfly for foul weather protection, and a removable waist belt. Its primary harness straps can also be tucked away for easier checking. 

If you want to enter the Cotopaxi travel ecosystem fully, the bag is also specifically designed to fit the company’s packing cubes and fanny pack.

Best Made in the USA Travel Backpack

GoRuck GR3 45L USA

• Ridiculously sturdy and tough
• Simple design
• Harder to access laptop and other pockets on the go
• Expensive compared to bags with bells & whistles
• $455 at goruck.com

GoRuck is known for building bags that are sturdy as hell, and meant to go through it, too. The canvas skin feels thick enough to resist tiger claws. That’s not to say it’s harsh on the wearer; 201D Cordura straps and back panels feel plenty soft even over the long haul. We tested the smaller GR1, but even that 26-liter bag punched above its weight, proving large enough to carry our usual kit without much trouble; the 45-liter GR3 will no doubt prove capable of taking whatever you throw at it, inside or out.

With only one main compartment and a couple rather small pockets, it’s a bit harder to stash smaller items in their own areas — you may have to rummage through your underwear to grab your laptop — but if your priority is making sure everything in your bag stays safe and sound no matter what, GoRuck has you covered. Be aware that this bag is often sold out.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack

• A built-in secondary pack is great for day trips
• Massive capacity
• More affordable than other options
• Re-assembly of constituent bags can be tricky when full
• Forces you to split your gear up between two bags when packing
• $220.00 at osprey.com
• $176 at Backcountry Gear $220 (20% off)
• $215 at Amazon
• $220 at L.L. Bean

Nerd alert: What does the Osprey Farpoint 55 have in common with the USS Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation? (Which, coincidentally, first aired with a pilot called “Encounter at Farpoint.”) Well, both starship and backpack can separate into two separate vessels if the need arises. In the case of the Osprey, that means the smaller, secondary pocket detaches to become its own daypack, perfectly sized for short hikes and office visits. Combined, the complete bag is a mammoth beast, capable of taking on a stunning amount of gear; if you tend to pick up souvenirs on your trips, this bag is for you.

On the less-appealing side, it’s a bit difficult to get into the main bag when “assembled,” and that assembly process can be tricky when both bags are stuffed. Combined, the overall package is bulky; it’s not an issue when wearing it (or at least it wasn’t for our six-foot-four-inch tester), but it does generally necessitate splitting the bag into its constituent parts on the airplane, stowing the big part in the overhead and the small one under the seat ahead.

Best Travel Backpack for Awkward-Sized Gear

Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L

• Giant pocket and wide opening make for easy packing
• Light compared to other bags
• Not as optimal for business travel as some other bags
• No true dedicated sleeve for laptops or tablets
• $152.99 at Patagonia $219.00 (30% off)

Of course, any list of high-quality backpacks wouldn’t be complete without a Patagonia entry. The Cragsmith may be made for rock climbing, but it’s also a good fit for travel, with ample capacity in a giant central compartment as well as secondary slots for other gear. That said, the lack of a second main compartment may be a turn-off for some, and the relaxed sleeve on the inside of the main cargo bay is better suited for rope than a laptop. But if you want a sleek travel backpack from one of the best names in outdoor equipment, the Cragsmith should treat you right.

Key details to consider before deciding on the right travel or adventure backpack for your needs.

• Do you plan on using your travel or adventure backpack frequently in conjunction with a rollaboard? If yes, we recommend keying in on options that feature a luggage pass-through sleeve. This will allow you to take the bag off your back and more easily roll it with your suitcase during extended treks in the airport.
• Do you plan on using your travel backpack off the beaten path or expect to be exposed to the elements for longer stretches? If yes, look for options made with DWR coatings or sold with an included rainfly as well as sealed zippers for added water protection.
• Do you plan on walking/hiking long distances while wearing the travel backpack? If yes, we recommend focusing on backpacks that offer integrated waist straps or, even better, more adjustable/tunable harnesses. Both features will allow you to distribute the weight of the bag better and for more comfort. 
• Do you plan on ever checking your travel backpack on an airplane? While less critical than the other considerations, bags with stowable straps and harnesses are better suited for checking. It’s an unlikely risk, but extraneous straps can get caught in conveyor belt machinery while being scanned.
• Do you prefer packing with packing cubes and smaller bags? If so, then we recommend looking at backpacks with less built-in organization pockets to maximize what you can carry. If you’re in the opposite camp, then many of the options that include a variety of pockets and zippered compartments can help you quickly find whatever you’ve packed.

An easy rubric for gauging the right sized carry-on adventure backpack for your needs.

If you are hoping to use a single backpack for a trip lasting more than three days, we recommend focusing on bags with a capacity of 40 L unless you are an extremely light packer.

A handy list of approved carry-on sizes for major U.S. domestic airlines

Approved Carry-on sizing reference table last updated 4/9/2024

To learn more about how big (or heavy) your carry-on can be, refer to our broader guide to the best carry-on suitcases for every trip .

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The 23 Best Tactical Backpacks Minimalist Travel and Hard Use

As travelers and daily users hunt for the perfect travel backpack, combining function, durability, and value, the search has expanded beyond traditional book bags and hiking rucksacks. The realm of tactical backpacks intended for military grade abuse is now filled with great tactical travel backpack options, from military travel backpacks specifically designed for combat, hunting, and the backcountry, to minimalist tactical backpacks with small footprints and tons of function making for the perfect everyday carry backpack.

Whatever your aim and however long you intend to wander, if a durable, long lasting, minimalist, yet still highly functional backpack is what you’re after, then a tactical backpack for everyday use or travel may be exactly what you need.. 

I’ve spent 3+ years traveling the world through 55 countries and counting, and one of the biggest factors of how much (or how little) I enjoy the experience of moving from place to place has been my backpack. I’ve had backpacks literally break on day three of seven in the back country. I’ve had packs that proved much less functional than expected with extended use, lead me to ditch them mid trip. And I’ve had backpacks that were built exactly how I needed – comfortably padded back panel and shoulder straps, the durability to stand being thrown off motorbikes, sat on, and overstuffed over years of abuse, and built with the simple, minimalist function that makes living out of them a breeze.

The last backpack I described, the perfect backpacks for travel, have all been tactical travel backpacks, built with military grade hardware (1000D Cordura, duraflex buckles, insanely redundant heavy duty nylon stitching), great worksmanship, the simple function of pockets and webbing that makes adapting that pack and living out of them a breeze. All of this comes while still being a minimalist tactical backpack – not bulky, no unnecessary garbage added, and maintaining a sleek, low profile. This is why after years of travel, I adamantly recommend military travel backpacks for adventure travelers.

Read on to discover the tactical travel backpacks I recommend for travel, adventure, and hard use.

Jump to our list of the best tactical backpacks for travelers

The Best Tactical Backpack and GORUCK Alternatives for Travelers and Daily Carry

• Why get a tactical backpack (instead of a regular backpack)
• What makes a good tactical backpack
• Tradeoffs of tactical backpacks: the cons of tough bags

The List: The Best Tactical Backpack and GORUCK Alternative Options for Travelers

• Day Packs (~10L to ~25L): Small Tactical Backpack Options For Everyday Carry
• 3 Day Packs (~26L to ~39L): 1 Day to 3 Weeks of Travel
• Long Range Packs (~40L+): 3 Weeks+ of Travel

When it comes to travel and everyday carry in the civilian world, which is the best tactical backpack for the job? Which backpack provides amazing function, durability to outlast your adventures, but at a price tag that won’t break the bank…or be well worth it, if it does?

The GORUCK line may have done a great job of breaching the non-military market, as all of their bags are touted for simplicity, function, and durability, but the high price tag has travelers looking for good GORUCK alternatives. 

Based on my years of experience traveling and breaking gear in warzones, combined with thousands of user reviews available on the internet, here is a list of the best tactical backpack and GORUCK alternative options on the market – perfect for travelers and wearers that value durability, function, and value over all else when shopping for a backpack

Over traditional outdoor and travel backpacks, the best tactical backpacks provide more durability, useful modular design (making it easy to add storage), and the comfort of being tested in some of the harshest environments and conditions imaginable.  This “natural selection” weeds out the performers from the non-performers, and has created a market of well-priced “buy it for life” backpacks – as long as you can tolerate a slightly “ tacticool ” look and a bit heavier weight.

I’ve traveled for 9 months with a tactical backpack (the GORUCK GR3 , which I purchased before the price hike) and, for me at least, the tradeoffs have been well worth it. As a hard user and occasional adventurer , I’ve broken a couple backpacks mid-adventure and never want the experience of backpack failure again. Now, I’m willing to pay a little extra and carry a little extra weight for that “buy it for life” quality in a backpack.

BUT, with so many high dollar items and wannabes on the tactical backpack market, this list aims to provide a few reliable, pre-vetted options to start your tactical backpack search.

Why Get a Tactical Pack

With all of the other backpack options that are lighter, cheaper, and prettier than your classic tan, Hummer of a Cordura nylon rucksack, why would anyone opt for a military styled ruck? Because what you get for the price, and how long you can expect it to last through heavy abuse, is pretty awesome.

Price to value & Bang for buck

$200 will get you an excellent tactical backpack that checks all of the boxes of a good pack and will last you at least a decade of hard use, likely longer.

Proven Durability

The best tactical backpacks have been being abused since around 2003, and are still beloved by their owners.  I still have my Spec Ops Brand T.H.E

“Buy It For Life” Quality

See above.  The ALICE pack, the granddaddy of all tactical backpacks, is still for sale as a surplus item, even though it hasn’t been in service for years.  Kind of impressive. That is the standard that tactical backpacks.

Heavy Load Capacity

Though the GORUCK line is the only line that touts testing to hold 450lbs, I’ve run and exercised with plenty of iron plates in my other tactical backpacks without so much as a busted stitch.

Modular, Easily Expandable Storage:

Need more space?  The ubiquitous MOLLE webbing makes it easy to add anything from a water bottle holder, to electronics pockets and even just good ol ‘ extra space.  My GR3 is 45L, but the collapsible 18L stuff sack that clips to the bottom makes it a 63L ruck in a heartbeat, but collapsible to airline carry on size just as quickly

We know the benefits of the best tactical backpack candidates, but how can we tell the best from the mediocre posers when we’re sifting through options?

Look for these traits in a good tactical backpack

• High denier nylon materials , ideally 1000D Cordura Nylon
• Repurposed, heavy duty strap used throughout  in webbing, compression straps, and shoulder straps – such as straps used for cargo operations, climbing, and rescue operations.
• Over-padded shoulder straps reinforced with heavy-duty straps,
• Large, durable zippers from a proven manufacturer (such as YKK #10) that’ll work in sandy, grimy conditions
• High tensile nylon thread in all stitching
• Military-grade, heavy-duty plastic hardware for buckles and clasps
• History of use by hard users (military, hunters, rescue, tactical law enforcement, etc.) with good reviews

Look for these Signs of a Low Quality Tactical Backpack

• Polyester cloth in anything external
• Low denier cloth materials (less than 500D)
• Overly “ tacticool ” looking bags with buzzword filled landing pages
• No tactical track record or tactical use focused design

The Tradeoffs of Using a Tactical Backpack

The combat ready durability of tactical backpacks absolutely comes with a few sacrifices that you need to understand before aiming for a tactical backpack

• Generally higher weight compared to other backpacks. (If you need to level up on strength, check out our articles “ the only bodyweight fitness routine you need ” and “ An acrobat’s guide to a bulletproof upper body “).  A good tactical pack is a great addition to these workouts.
• Generally higher price tag compared to other packs as reasonable tactical backpacks can be twice the price of their “civilian” counterparts – but you get more than twice the backpack lifetime in return
• “ Tacticool” look created by MOLLE webbing and abrasion resistant nylon that looks a little less than fashionable. More in some packs than others, but it is undeniably there
• You can have any color you want…as long as its black (or tan…or green)

If any of these traits are a non-starter for you in backpacks, then I’ll save you some time…do n’t even bother looking at the list of tactical backpacks below.  Though the best tactical backpacks achieve a reasonable balance between these 4 downsides you’ll rarely find a truly badass tactical bag that doesn’t have each of these to some degree.  If you’re looking for a “not-so-tactical” backpack I recommend checking out these carry on backpack options .

On the other hand, if those tradeoffs are worth it for a bag that will last a lifetime (literally…you can still buy surplus bags from the Vietnam War era.  Think on that.) and can hold your bodyweight, read on for some great options

The Best Tactical Backpacks for Travel and Everyday Carry

The Best Small Tactical Backpacks: Everday Carry Tactical (10L to 25L)

• Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. – E.D.C. Pack (22L)
• Greenroom136 Rainmaker (22L, 27L)
• Maxpedition Condor II (23L)
• Camelbak HAWG (22L)
• 5.11 Rush 12 (24L)
• Tactical Tailor M5 Medic Bag (17L)
• TAD FAST Litespeed (22L)
• GORUCK GR1 (21L, 26L)

Best Minimalist Tactical Backpacks: 3 Day+ & Weekender Packs (26L to 40L)

• Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack (37L)
• 5.11 Rush 24 (37L)
• Erbelstock Little Brother (29L)
• Maxpedition Vulture II 3 Day Pack (37L)
• Triple Aught Design Spectre (34L)
• Blackhawk Special Operations Medic Pack (36L)
• Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault (30L)
• Hazard 4 Patrol (36L)
• GORUCK GR2 (40L)

Best Tactical Backpacks for Long Term Travel (40L+)

• Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (41L)
• 5.11 Rush 72 (55L)
• Spec Ops Brand Recon Ruck Ultra (37L)
• Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. UAP (41L)
• Condor Outdoor 3 Day Assault Pack (50L)
• GORUCK GR3 (45L)

Daypacks (10L to 25L)

Great for everyday use and weekend trips (for minimalist packers)

Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. EDC Pack Pack (Tactical Hold Everything Pack) – (22L, $127)

1000D Cordura Nylon outer material, heavily padded straps, and heavy duty plastic hardware make this bag an excellent tactical backpack for the price.  I used this bag’s big brother (the T.H.E. Pack) and predecessor through years of abuse with heavy weight everywhere from combat zones to backcountry gorges rock climbing,  and it took it all in stride

100% made in the US and guaranteed for life.  If you’re looking for a lower priced GORUCK GR1 alternative, the Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Everyday carry backpack is it.

• Price: $169 on Spec Ops Brand Site , $127 on Amazon.com with free shipping
• Materials : 1050D Nylon, #10 YKK Zippers
• Size: 22 Liters (1376 Cu. In.)
• Design: 3 Pocket setup: Main, front bottom, and front top; MOLLE webbing all around for you to add storage as you wish

Details of the Spec Ops “Tactical Hold Everything” Pack

• Tough as nails for the price
• Proven brand that delivers solid gear without the hype
• Extra Padded shoulder straps support heavy well, making it a great, low cost replacement to the GORUCK
• Reinforced drag handle (so you can drag someone wearing the pack)
• 100% Made in the USA
• Guaranteed for Life
• All around MOLLE webbing gives a bit of a “tacticool” look

  5.11 Rush 12 (24L, $99)

A trusted and reliable Everyday Carry bag for the price. Durable. Comfortable. Functional.

5.11 Tactical.  A proven tactical brand that started in the law enforcement market and crept into combat zones thanks to word of mouth and a good reputation.  Their most popular daypack, the 24 liter 5.11 Rush 12, delivers ample storage, tons of organization, and a quality build great materials for a close to unbeatable price

• Price: $99 on the 5.11.com site , $99 with free shipping on Amazon.com
• Material : 1050D Nylon, YKK® zippers
• Size: 24 Liters | ~1500 Cu. In.
• 2 compartment design with plenty of pockets
• Contoured, heavily padded yoke style shoulder straps
• 16 individual compartments to keep quick access gear organized

Greenroom 136 Rainmaker ($125-$138)

Insanely well-constructed bags with tough materials and obsessive organization. Perfect for daily carry and weekend trips. 27L and 22L

Greenroom136 is a small manufacturer out of Malaysia with an almost intimate approach to producing durable bags.  The Greenroom136 Rainmaker isn’t actually intended for tactical use, but the materials, build quality, durability, and reviews make it a bag worth considering.

Abrasaion resistant Cordura on the outer portions, straps reinforced with car seat belt webbing, and simple, practical organization make this bag a steal at its price

If this manufacturer interests you, also consider the Greenroom 136 Genesis

• Price:  Medium- $125.00; Large: $137.50, Worldwide shipping: $150
• Material : 1000D Cordura Nylon shell, 420D Ripstop Interior. YKK zippers. Straps and handles reinforced with 2″ and 1.5″ nylon safety belts (yup, car seatbelts)
• Size:  Large: 27L | Medium: 22L
• Open flat design with 2 compartments: main, and TSA friendly laptop compartment (closest to back)
• Large (27L) carries most 15″ laptops
• Medium (22L) carries most 13″ laptops
• Load lifters

Or click here read our full review on the GreenRoom136 Rainmaker

Tactical Tailor – M5 Medic Bag (17L, $207)

A compact, durable AF bag from a trusted tactical gear manufacturer

A classic and simple pack design from WWII, updated by the Tactical Tailor – a company started by an Army Scout that got his start sewing use specific military gear in his barracks room.

The M5 Medic Pack is the basis for modern military medic packs, which were the basis for the GORUCK line.  With the same DNA, durable materials, and dedication to construction, the M5 Medic pack is another great alternative to the GORUCK GR1 as an everyday carry tactical backpack.

• Price: $207 at TacticalTailor.com
• Size: 1008 Cu. In., 16.4 Liters
• Heavily padded shoulder straps
• Open flat design
• Made in the USA
• Great GORUCK Alternative

Maxpedition Condor II (23L, $115)

A tested, comfortable, and extremely compact daypack

A time tested and thoroughly abused small tactical backpack that excels in comfort, keeping the load stabilized, and durability.  1000D Cordura, mil-spec webbing, and reinforced abrasion points make this an everyday carry backpack that will last for years.

• Price: $166 on Maxpedition.com , $115 on Amazon.com
• Material s: Teflon coated 1000D ballistic nylon fabric (water and abrasion resistant), YKK zippers, duraflex plastic hardware, high tensile nylon thread stitching,
• Size: 1400 Cu. In., 23L
• Weight: 3.4lbs

ALSO CHECK OUT

The 23L Maxpedition Falcon II, $180 on Maxpedition.com , $121 on Amazon.com

The 23L Maxpedition Riftcore, $219 on Maxpedition.com , $145 on Amazon.com

TAD FAST Litespeed (22L, $225)

A tough workhorse of a tactical backpack with minimalist, low profile design

An impressively designed and ruggedly built bag that has a streamlined form but is big on MOLLE enabled modularity.  Talk to anyone who has owned one and you’ll hear nothing but praise.

• Price: $255 on Triple Aught Design website
• Material : 1000D Cordura Nylon
• Size: 22L, 1350 Cu. In
• Weight: 3.7lbs,1.7 Kg

Comfortable, tough, affordable

Camelbak MilTac HAWG (22L, $130)

A lightweight tactical backpack from a reliable manufacturer for “medium use” tactical bags.  Don’t expect the HAWG to last forever in tactical environments, but expect a long life under normal conditions.

• Price: $180 on Camelbak site, $130 on Amazon.com
• Material : 500D Cordura Nylon
• Weight: 1.15 Kg, 2lbs 8 oz.
• Cons:  500D Outer instead of 1000D Cordura outer translates to a shorter lifetime

Condor Outdoor Convoy Pack (22L, $60)

Great valuable, gets the job done

A budget, tactical pack for users that aren’t as rough on their gear but still want most of the benefits of a tactical backpack. Condor Outdoor produces mostly unbranded packs that duplicate the most popular tactical pack designs and incorporate materials that are “close enough”. The result is a pack free of marketing that is arguably worth the money.

Condor Convoy pack is a simple, scaled down version of the company’s poplar 3 day pack and designed for “everyday carry”.

• Price: $52 on Amazon.com
• Material : Nylon

Also Consider the Condor Outdoor Backpacks:

• Commuter Pack (26L, $81)
• Venture Pack (27L, $71)
• Frontier Outdoor Pack (20L, $98)

GORUCK GR1 (21L | 26L, $395)

Insanely well built, ready for anything, perfect for everyday carry

A made in the US, damn bulletproof pack built to carry 400lbs minimum and built, tested, and refined in GORUCK’s adventure events that mirror the hellacious Army Special Forces Selection process.  The requisite 1000D Cordura throughout, amply padded straps for heavy loads, and a generally slick, not too tactical look, make this an excellent option… if you can stomach the pricetag…

GORUCK recently hiked up prices on all of their backpacks to , what some believe, are unreasonable prices – but- for a bag built to last for decades and backed by a lifetime warranty through their  Scars Program , how much is a bag like that actually worth?  Let the argument begin…

• Price: $395 on GORUCK.com , $300 with GORUCK’s earned service discount
• Size: 21L, 26L
• Use: Daypack
• Materials : 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers
• Weight: 3.2lbs | 1.5kg
• Open flat “clamshell” design
• Zippered “bombproof laptop compartment” in back panel with false bottom, to prevent laptop contact with ground
• Tested to 400lbs at all stress points
• GORUCK Echo (16L): $295 at GORUCK.com
• GORUCK Rucker (20L):   $265 at GORUCK.com
• GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and an Overview of the GORUCK Line

3 Day & Weekender Packs (26L to 40L)

Suitable for travel lengths of a few days to a few weeks

Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack (37L, $89)

A tough, minimalist, sleek classic at a great price

A simple, less tactical looking backpack with ample durability and a great reputation.  Simple, straightforward, and a low key legend with combat veterans.  Google pictures from Iraq and Afghanistan, and you’ll no doubt see this pack on countless dirty, grimy Marines and soldiers…and many of them still have this pack today.

The Blackhawk 3 Day assault checks all of the boxes of a good multi day use tactical pack: 1000D outer, simple design, heavy duty plastic hardware, heavy duty construction with reinforced drag handle and stress points, and a solid reputation.  The pack’s slick look and lack of MOLLE webbing has a much less tactical look than the clickbait backpacks on Amazon.

For $89, this is another solid, reliable, great value tactical backpack option.

• Price: $144 on Blackhawk website, $89 on Amazon.com
• Material s: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers
• Size: 37 Liters | 2000 Cu. In.
• Straight forward design has a main compartment and front compartment, and quick access slant pocket
• Lack of MOLLE webbing gives a much less tactical look
• Padded waistbelt and sternum strap included

Blackhawk Special Operations Medical Backpack (36L, $150)

Spacious and organized yet minimalist. Great for EDC or travel

For the crowd interested in the GORUCK GR2 (but not the pricetag), the Blackhawk – Special Operations Medical Backpack is another great option – as the GORUCK line is inspired by military medic packs, which is exactly what this pack is, and comes at an extremely reasonable price.

This pack maintains the simple, space maximizing boxy style with an open flat (“clamshell”) design that makes all of the cargo accessible.  Three internal panel pockets help you keep things organized without needing packing cubes.  A separation panel adds one more layer of organization.  Finally, heavily padded shoulder straps, 1000D nylon, and heavy duty stitching backup the functionality with durability make this pack hard to beat at a price of $150

Details of the Blackhawk Special Operations Medical Pack

• Price: $205 on Blackhawk website , $150 on Amazon.com
• Materials : 1000D Cordura Nylon, YKK Zippers
• Size: 36L | 2225 Cu. In.
• Open flat style, compartmentalized medic bag
• 3 Internal Panel Pockets
• Divider panel
• MOLLE on all panels

5.11 Rush 24 (37L, $121)

Tough, comfortable, functional, proven. A great “extended use” pack for the price.

A straight forward, heavy duty 3 day bag with extensive organization: pockets, slots, and compartments galore from a trusted brand that provides reliable tactical gear aimed at the law enforcement community.  Though this bag is dipped in MOLLE webbing, it is understated for daily wear without too much issue. As long as the design suits you, a great bag for the price.

Details of the 5.11 Rush 24

• Price: $129 on the 5.11 site , $121 on Amazon.com
• Material : 1050D Nylon with Durable Water Repellent Coating, Self-repairing YKK® zippers
• Size: 37L | 2275 Cu. In.
• Zippered side water bottle pockets
• “5.11 Tiered system” allows you to attach a daypack, like the Rush 12, easily to this ruck.

Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault (30L, $375)

One of the best packs on the market. Tough, insanely comfortable, ready for anything

Another tough as nails and well-reviewed backpack from a brand rooted in hunting – another hard use, no BS activity (and customer group) – that naturally selects great gear for functionality and value.  Though the packs are pricier than many you’ve seen, the quality is nearly unmatched. 

The Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault has a very functional design that’s subdued enough to pass for a “normal” pack in civilian life.  The unique 3 zip setup makes accessing anywhere in the pack easy. While MOLLE webbing for adding extra storage and daisy chain webbing are added in the areas that are practical without being overdone.

Details of the Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

• Price: $375 on the Mystery Ranch Website
• Materials : 500D Cordura Fabric, YKK Zippers
• Size: 30L | 1800 Cu. In.
• Weight: 4.6lbs
• 3 Zip design makes accessing anywhere in the pack easy
• Conservative yet practical use of daisy chain (for lashing) and MOLLE webbing for storage expansion
• Collapsible Waist Belt – stores under water bottle pocket
• Warrantied for material and workmanship for the practical life of the product

Eberlstock Little Brother Pack (29L, $189)

A very functional and capable small tactical backpack for the price.  Front and top loading design.  Boxy style maximizes use of space.  Internal organization is minimalist yet functional.  If 29L is too small for you, MOLLE webbing covers (nearly) the entire pack, making the addition of tailored storage easy.

Details of the Eberlstock Little Brother Pack

• Price: $189 on Amazon.com with free shipping
• Materials : 500D Cordura Nylon
• Size: 29L, 1800 Cu. In.
• Weight: ~4lbs
• Front loading and top loading design
• MOLLE lining top, bottom, and side panels
• 6 internal pockets and 2 external (water bottle) pockets to keep things organized
• Breathable back panel
• The lifetime warranty of materials and workmanship defects (but not wear & tear or abuse).
• The Eberlstock Switchblade (28L, $200)
• Eerlstock Little Big Top (37L, $289)

Hazard 4 -Patrol (36L, $115)

A tough, urban and travel ready daily carry and weekender backpack

A 3 day sized pack with ample pockets and storage compartments in a design.  Avoid the Scorpion and Grayman models, or at least go in knowing that they’re built with lighter materials.

My thoughts on the Hazard 4 Brand :  Hazard 4 is a younger company whose roots lie outside of the areas I would normally consider for tactical backpacks (e.g., military, law enforcement, hunting, fire, rescue, etc.) but their designs show promise as do the materials used.  Before purchasing a backpack from this company, I heavily suggest checking the reviews for the specific pack and weighing those against your intended use.

Details of the Hazard 4 Patrol

• Price: $115
• Material : 1000D Cordura
• Size: 36L, 2200 Cu. In.
• Weight: 4lbs
• Large main compartment with open flat design and two front pockets
• Easy access (side zip) laptop compartment in back panel
• Hit the checkmarks but brand lacks validation from law enforcement, rescue, and tactical use
• Lack of tactical track record, so this is listed as a potential option but the recommendation is “TBD” 

Maxpedition Vulture II – 3 Day Pack (37L, $119)

A tough, weekend and adventure ready bag

A classically simple 3 day pack design made with durable tested materials and updated over the years.  The Vulture II is differentiated by its compression system design, which keeps loads from shifting when you’re on the move, and well reinforced stress points

• Price: $119
• Material : Teflon coated 1000D ballistic nylon fabric (water and abrasion resistant). high tensile nylon thread (stitching), YKK zippers & Duraflex plastic hardware
• Size: 37L | 2100 Cu. In.
• Weight: 3.7lbs
• Simple 3 Day Assault pack design with main compartment, front compartment, and slant front pocket
• Inner zippered mesh pocket for quick access items and document storage
• Non-slip, abrasion resistant bottom (not nylon) ensures a much longer pack life

Triple Aught Design Spectre (34L, $275)

High tech design and styling make this backpack as urban ready as it is tactical

A low-key pack with a great design and a slew of satisfied users.  The external look is somewhere between tactical and backcountry (likely because this isn’t intended to be a tactical pack) which makes it more palatable.  Owners praise its comfort, functional design, and simplicity while still allowing modular expansion via conservative placement of MOLLE/PALS webbing. The single (potential) downside is the use of “sailcloth”, a cloth touted for durability but has only recently started to be used in packs (like the Tortuga Outbreaker).  Sailcloth’s durability in hard use packs is unproven so there is still question as to its suitability for hard use, tactical use, and buy it for life gear.

• Price: $275 Triple Aught Design website
• Material : Sailcloth
• Size: 37L | 2550 Cu. In.
• Weight: 3.5lbs | 1.6 kg

ALSO CONSIDER

• Spectre 22L
• Spectre 46L

GORUCK GR2 (26L | 34L | 40L, $495)

GORUCK GR2: A well-known member of the tactical backpack market.  Beloved (before the recent price hike) by anyone who didn’t mind the weight and the price tag.  As long as you don’t mind the $495 price, an extra pound or two for a pack that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime, you’ll love the GR2.

The GORUCK GR2’s selling point is durability and hard use, as it is tested to carry a minimum of 450lbs and is covered by GORUCK’s SCARS Guarantee just in case you decide to exceed a quarter-ton of cargo.

Compared to the predecessors in the GORUCK line, the GR1 (21L, 27L) and others, the GR2 is more geared for travel.  The military medic bag inspired open flat design along with the split compartment and mesh panel pockets make it easy to store your gear and keep it organized.  For travels of a few days to a few weeks, the GORUCK GR2 has you covered and will likely last a lifetime.

• Price: $495 on GORUCK.com
• Materials : 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers, Mil-spec plastic hardware
• Size: 26L, 34L, and 40L
• Weight: 4.75lbs
• “Bombproof laptop compartment” easy, zippered access and stored behind back panel
• Panel of main compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets
• Panel of outer compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets and 1 Cordura nylon “field pouch”
• GORUCK’s SCARS guarantee
• Great yet simple organization is perfect for travel
• Price: $495 is a steep price for any bag

Notes: For more info read GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and A Brother Abroad’s GORUCK GR2 Review for Travel

Extended Use & Long Range Packs – Carry on Sized (40L+)

Suitable for long term travels of a few weeks or longer

Some of my favorite adventures didn’t happen until months into my travels. If you’re going to last that long (comfortably) you’ll need a little more space. These carry on sized tactical backpacks are small enough to fit on a plane, big enough to fit your adventures, and durable enough last it all.

Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (Tactical Hold Everything Pack) (41L, $140)

A tough, proven, and roomy pack worthy of daily carry or minimalist, long term travel

An unsung hero of the tactical backpack market.  At $140 (on Amazon) , this pack – that is guaranteed for life, made in the US, and durably constructed from 1000D Cordura, fat #10 YKK zippers, and heavy duty plastic hardware –  is arguably the best tactical backpack you can get for u nder $150.

I’ve owned this pack for roughly 15 years…I think? Its been to war a couple times, tons of climbing trips, lots of flights, and several runs with iron plates in it.  Through it all not a single stitch has popped, and not a single hole has abraded through.  The Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. has a lifetime guarantee, but I bet you won’t need it. 

• Price: $140 on Amazon.com
• Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon, #10 YKK Zippers
• Size: 41L | 2500 Cu. In.
• Front and side MOLLE webbing
• Removable rigid back panel
• Top opening
• Single Inner Mesh Pokcet
• Double Layer Pack Top eliminates stress failure associated with excessive use of carry /drag handle.
• Extra Padded shoulder straps support heavy weight well, making it a great, low cost GORUCK alternative
• Over 250,000 packs and not a single pack returned with harness failure

Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (Tactical Hold Everything Pack) UAP (45L, $210)

An upgrade on my personal favorite, the T.H.E pack by Spec OPs. Equally tough and more functional

A 2013 updated version of the near bulletproof original Spec Ops Brand T.H.E pack.  This update adds a zippered laptop pocket integrated into the back panel and moves the main compartment zipper forward, to create a more clamshell like design.

• Price: $210 on Spec Ops Brand website
• Open Flat Design
• Zippered back Panel for Laptop storage

5.11 Rush 72 (55L, $170)

An amazingly comfortable, tough, and reliable tactical backpack perfect for long term adventure travel

A sturdy tactical backpack with tons of storage at a great price.  Though the “Rush 72” is marketed as a 3 day bag, the 55L of storage and plethora of pockets.  If you want a tough with ample storage and organization at a great price, the Rush 72 is it

• Price: $170
• Material : Water repellent 1050D Nylon
• Size: 55L | 3342 Cu. In.
• Front compartment with several storage pockets for electronics, documents, etc.
• Main compartment
• Two side storage compartments and front top compartment hold quick-access items
• MOLLE webbing  for modular expansion and customization
• Padded waistbelt

Condor Outdoor- 3 Day Assault Pack (50L, $83)

A cheaper alternative to the 5.11 Rush 72, with less durability but still a great value

An oddly simple yet functional alternative to all the high priced tactical backpacks on the market.  For years, Condor Outdoor has been making nearly unbranded duplicates of the most popular backpacks and pieces of tactical gear.  What’s the win for you?  You get a tactical backpack that’s just as good as the big name alternative (or close enough) for about 1/3 of the price.

The Condor Outdoor 3 Day may (or may not) make it to hell and back, but from I’ve seen it will definitely make it all of the way into the depths of hell until the mission is completed.  You can dump the tattered bag there and just leave with a good story…then buy the same pack on Amazon for peanuts when you return.

• Price: $83 on Amazon.com

Also Consider from Condor Outdoor:

• Titan Assault Pack (40L)

Spec Ops Brand Recon Ruck Ultra (37L, $185)

Okay…the name’s a little much, but we’ll give this pack a pass as its based on (possibly) the most intensely tested pack of all time.  In the Recon Ruck Ultra, Spec Ops brand took the loved and hated (but mostly loved) ALICE pack and updated it with 1000D Nylon and durable plastic hardware.  If you require a little more rigidity with the heavy loads, this pack is easily compatible with the old ALICE pack external frames.

One of the best features is that this pack’s classic roots give it a much more civilian friendly design these days, considering most modern tactical packs are painted in MOLLE and this one isn’t.  This pack merely appears to be a remake of something from Vietnam (which it is) updated to be more durable and comfortable.  If you’ve considered buying a surplus ALICE pack, consider picking up the Recon Ruck Ultra instead.

• Price: $170 to $185 on Amazon.com
• Size: 37L, 2285 Cu. In.
• Based completely on the legendary ALICE pack

GORUCK GR3 (45L, $545)

An insanely tough rucksack designed to be a full sized carry on and perfect for long term travel

The GORUCK GR3 . A 45L travel pack built to carry a minimum of 450lbs and backed by a lifetime warranty through the SCARS program.  If you’re traveling around the world and need a pack that won’t break…this is the pack for you. 

As a full sized carry on backpack, the GR3 maximizes use of space by taking up every allowable inch based on airline carryon bag restrictions.  The packs wraparound zipper and clamshell, open flat design let you access anything, anywhere in the pack easily, without unpacking everything.  The minimalist design of the GR3 is its strong suit – just add packing cubes and you have a great travel pack (I know, I’ve used in 20 countries over the last 9 months).

• Price: $545 on GORUCK.com . $415 with earned service discount
• Materials : 1000D Nylon with reinforced stitching, YKK Zippers
• Weight: ~5.15lbs
• Single main compartment maximizes use of space
• 3 zippered pockets on inside of front panel – 2 mesh and 1 Cordura nylon
• External front slant pocket
• Zippered “bombproof laptop pocket” in back panel of backpack
• Covered by GORUCK’s SCARS guarantee for life

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Other Great Content on Tough, Travel Ready Backpacks

• GORUCK Backpacks: The tough backpacks that made rucking mainstream
• The 9 Best Backpacks for Rucking
• The 15 Best Carry-on Backpacks for Travel
• The Essential Travel Workout Gear

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

This $66 Travel Backpack Saved My Back in the Airport (and I Didn't Look Like a Hitchhiker)

For starters, it only weighs two pounds.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

• Value:  20/20
• Functionality:  18/20
• Quality:  18/20
• Aesthetics:  19/20
• Organization:  19/20

TOTAL: 94/100

Bagsmart is a brand that makes affordable yet cute travel items that PureWow editors collect and readers love (don’t sleep on the best-selling electronics organizer that’s one of our carry-on packing essentials ). So when I saw the new Blast Quick Access Carry On Travel Backpack ($66), a hybrid suitcase/backpack design that includes a top-handle carry option, I had to try it. Could this be a travel backpack that a sophisticated adult could tote around an airport without looking like a student abroad on a gap year? Could a two-pound piece of nylon really hold up as well as a hard case on real travel, and hold enough for a trip? Here’s my review.

I Tried the Away Bigger Carry-On vs. The Béis Carry-On Roller and Here's Which Internet-Famous Luggage Is Better

• Exterior:  12.2" x 16.5" x 8.1"
• Weight:  2 pounds
• Capacity:  35 L
• Laptop Sleeve: Fits 15.6-inch laptop
• Water Bottle Pocket: Fits 40-ounce bottle

During a recent trip from Los Angeles to Charleston South Carolina, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to check a bag or not, up until the last moment I was in the car to the airport. You see, the Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry On Backpack gave me the option of boarding with both it and my wheeled carry-on, in which case I could slip the backpack over the handle of my wheeled case, thanks to the bag’s trolly. Alternatively—and here’s the real plus of using a travel backpack—I could check the wheeled case and then slip the backpack over my shoulders to enjoy a hand-free experience in mall shops before my flight. Bagsmart’s straps are slightly padded, enough to keep from digging into my shoulders but not so much that I look like I am about to hit the Pacific Crest Trail. In the end, I opted to keep both bags with me on board, but I appreciated that I could be so flexible with my plans, depending on if I saw that an overbooked flight and a low boarding group meant that I was in danger of getting my wheeled bag gate checked.

As for the bag itself, I not only found it pleasing to look at—I chose a bone-colored nylon that coordinates with any other luggage I’m using—but also, since it’s a backpack style, matches my usual neutral travel ‘fits. The laptop case has its own zipper, so makes quick work of getting my computer out in the security line, and there are mesh pockets for the charging power port in the same area, so I’m not unzipping every pocket to find a computer or phone charger for a quick charging top-off at the gate before boarding. I fit a pair of sneakers as well as a pair of heeled sandals in the separate shoe compartment on the way there, and on the way back, I rolled a few worn outfits in there, too.

How It Functions

Of the additional compartments, I was impressed by how just-roomy-enough they seemed. There’s a top-handle zip area that was just large enough to fit a small toiletry case; an elastic-top side pocket that fit a 40-ounce water bottle and an outer zipped area that somehow managed to carry a 2.5-inch thick hardcover book. I stuffed this baby up and was amazed by how protected all my items were. To wit: At one point, I accidentally forgot to close the laptop compartment all the way, so when I hurriedly wrenched it upward off the trolley handle on a 1 a.m. mad dash to the cab line, the case hinged open, spilling contents on the sidewalk. But still, my laptop was protected by its Velcro securing in its pouch. And my small possessions didn’t scater, since most everything was in an entirely separate compartments.

• lightweight
• separate shoes/dirty clothes compartment
• machine-wahable
• carry-on size
• limited color selection

The Bagsmart proved ideal for a weekend trip but I could see myself traveling with just this backpack for a weeklong summer getaway, since the primary compartment is not only deep, but can be compressed once you’ve zipped it closed, thanks to two outside compression straps. That main compartment is plenty roomy, btw—with a 35 L capacity, it’s larger than my beloved Calpak mini-carryon . Additionally, the whole bag can be thrown in the washer, which I appreciate since the lightened nylon tends to scuff. All this functionality and performance for $66 makes me plan to gift this clever backpack to friends, both young (it’s great for college weekends away) and grown-up (I’m not alone in swapping out designer tote bags for next gen minimalist backpacks). Because being sandwiched in a full flight is enough discomfort for me.

Away’s Classic Luggage Just Got Upgraded for Fall and We’re Obsessed With Its *Shiny* New Colors and Features

Senior Editor

The 12 Best Backpacks for Traveling in 2024

More and more travelers are trading in their oversized “wheely” suitcases for the comfort and convenience of backpacks.

However, not all backpacks are created equal. They come in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, and styles, from minimalistic bags for city day-trippers to heavy-duty versions for backcountry hiking.

So, which backpack is best for you, your budget, and your  unique travel  needs? Keep reading to discover 12 of the best backpacks for traveling this year.

1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L is another option with outstanding durability and versatility, making it a top choice for adventurers.

Notable features include rugged weather-resistant construction, reinforced with TPU-film laminate, and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. This ensures it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

Its large 55-liter capacity offers ample space for gear without allowing you to overpack, while multiple carrying options – backpack straps and haul handles – enhance convenience. Additionally, it’s made from recycled materials, which is perfect for the  eco-friendly traveler .

The bag’s hefty price tag might deter budget-conscious buyers; some find the lack of interior organization pockets a drawback. Overall, it’s a high-quality, eco-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts from another trustworthy brand in the space.

2. Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer Travel Pack 3 backpack is a popular choice for travel enthusiasts and those with  traveling jobs , offering a blend of exceptional features.

Its best attributes include a sleek minimalist design crafted from durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. The 33-liter capacity offers plenty of space for essentials, with thoughtful pockets and compartments for all your gadgets.

Comfortable and adjustable straps enhance its wearability, while a dedicated shoe compartment helps keep things clean and tidy.

Downsides include its bulkiness when fully packed, which might be inconvenient for some, and premium build quality with a similarly premium price point. Nevertheless, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a stylish, functional companion for short-term urban travel or anyone seeking a sleek carry-on.

3. Osprey Aether

The Osprey Aether backpack offers exceptional comfort for hikers and travelers alike.

Its adjustable harness and hip belt make it ideal for long treks – or long security lines at the airport – and its internal frame provides excellent load distribution, reducing strain on the back.

Multiple compartments and pockets aid in organization, and the Aether also includes a hydration sleeve for those carrying a water bladder. This backpack is known for its durability with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers it.

At almost five pounds, its weight may be a drawback for some, as it’s not the lightest option on the list. It’s also relatively expensive compared to other brands. Still, the Aether remains a top choice for avid hikers and travelers seeking a reliable backpack that’s both comfortable and durable.

4. REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack

The REI Co-op Flash 55 backpack is a versatile and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Standout features include its lightweight design – just three pounds – making it comfortable for extended hikes, the 55-liter capacity that provides ample storage, and numerous pockets for keeping everything organized.

Adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel offer comfort during long treks. It’s also reasonably priced compared to many competitor options.

Unsurprisingly, for a budget-friendlier backpack, its durability may not match premium brands. Some users also find the frame is less supportive with heavy loads. Despite these drawbacks, the REI Co-op Flash 55 shines as an affordable, lightweight pack that deserves its place on this list of the best  backpacks for travel .

5. Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack

The Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a multipurpose, compact daypack for outdoor enthusiasts.

Noteworthy features include its water-resistant G-1000 Eco fabric construction, which ensures longevity and durability. The 15-liter capacity is ideal for day hikes and short urban adventures, with a roll-top closure for easy access and expandability. It’s also super lightweight, making it easier to carry, and the removable foam frame adds support.

However, the smaller size of the foldsack may limit its use for longer trips. Some users may find the minimalist design lacks extra pockets for organization.

Overall, the Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack is a stylish, highly functional daypack for a wide range of  adventures with your friends .

6. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack is a high-performance ultralight backpack designed for serious adventurers.

Its premier features include a waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. As the name suggests, this makes it highly durable and weather-resistant while remaining lightweight.

With a 40-liter capacity, this backpack is spacious enough for multi-day trips and includes a roll-top closure for easy access. The minimalistic design and robust materials ensure longevity, while adjustable straps enhance comfort on the road.

The premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers, and some may miss additional organizational pockets. Nevertheless, this is another of the best backpacks for travelers seeking something lightweight, durable, and suitable for challenging outdoor expeditions.

7. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L

The highly-rated Cotopaxi Allpa 42L backpack stands out with its versatility and stylish, sustainable design.

Noteworthy features include its recycled polyester fabric with a TPU coating for weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The 42-liter capacity offers a useful amount of space for longer trips. And it boasts a clever selection of compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve.

Its harness system and padded waist belt ensure a pleasant carrying experience. The unique, vibrant color schemes make it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.

Downsides? Some travelers may find it somewhat heavy for a carry-on bag with a relatively high price point. All things considered, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L impresses with its eco-conscious construction and functional design.

8. Gregory Baltoro 75

The Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack is a rugged, top-tier choice for serious backpacking enthusiasts.

Its best features include an adjustable Response A3 suspension system, which offers unparalleled comfort and load support. Its cavernous 75-liter capacity accommodates extended trips and heavy gear, complemented by numerous pockets and access points for efficient organization.

The backpack’s durability and robust materials ensure longevity, while its integrated rain cover adds weather protection.

Its weight and size may be overkill for some hikers/travelers, and it comes with a heavy price tag. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Gregory Baltoro 75 is a comfortable, feature-rich  backpack for anyone tackling extended trips  or tough outdoor expeditions.

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a versatile carry-on backpack for urban explorers.

Noteworthy features include a sleek, minimalist design that adheres to airline size restrictions. The 30-liter capacity offers ample space for essentials, with thoughtful organization pockets for tech gadgets and accessories.

It’s comfortable to wear with padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel. The backpack’s durable materials ensure longevity, while the hideaway shoulder straps add versatility.

However, the smaller size might not suit longer trips, and the lack of a hip belt could limit comfort for some users with heavier loads. The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is a compact, stylish choice for city adventures. Tip: travelers seeking slightly more space could consider the 40-liter version.

10. Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack is another versatile travel companion with many impressive features.

Its most noteworthy attributes include a durable TPU-coated nylon construction, which offers good weather resistance and longevity. Similarly, the 36-liter capacity adheres to global carry-on size regulations, making it perfect for hassle-free air travel.

The backpack’s comfortable harness system includes a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for a customized fit. It also offers excellent organization with multiple pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.

The lack of wheels might be a drawback for some travelers, and, like most Osprey packs, it isn’t cheap. This would be a robust, attractive, well-organized, and spacious carry-on for frequent flyers.

11. ULA Circuit Backpack

The ULA Circuit backpack is a favorite among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers.

Its standout features include a spacious 68-liter capacity, ideal for extended wilderness trips. It also has a comfortable, adjustable suspension system to handle heavy loads.

The rugged Cordura fabric ensures durability, while the numerous external and internal pockets facilitate organization. It has a custom-fit option, allowing buyers to tailor the pack to their needs.

On the downside, its three-pound weight may be considered “heavy” in the ultralight community. Some users also find the lack of frame uncomfortable with heavy loads. Nevertheless, the ULA Circuit is a hardwearing, customizable backpack for anyone serious about long-distance treks.

12. Kelty Redwing Tactical Backpack

The Kelty Redwing Tactile backpack is affordable and versatile for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable features include a rugged 500D Kodra fabric construction, offering both durability and water resistance. Its 45-liter capacity provides ample space for gear, complete with multiple pockets and organization options.

The U-shaped zipper provides easy access to the main compartment, while the padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel enhance comfort during extended use.

However, some users may find the tactical aesthetics less appealing for urban settings. And the absence of a dedicated laptop compartment could be another drawback for city travelers. Yet its popularity as a well-built, robust pack is undeniable.

The Best Backpacks for Traveling: Which Will You Choose?

Ultimately, picking the best backpacks for you will depend on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’ll be there.

As we’ve seen, there are high-quality packs for day-trippers, weekend wanders, long-term travelers, and everybody in between. One of the options on this list is sure to be the perfect traveling backpack for you.

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This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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But don’t just take it from me. “Being hands-free while traveling is essential, which is why a backpack is the perfect type of bag to use for all trips,” says Matilda Sandstroem, co-founder and designer at Adventurist Bags . “It will also distribute weight better than a one-shoulder bag, which will be crucial for longer travel days.” Plus, Sandstroem points out that a stylish backpack can double as your day bag once you arrive at your destination and is perfect for housing a light layer, camera, or snacks. (Good luck trying to bring that duffle bag to the Trevi fountain...)

Matching Luggage

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Bottega Veneta Medium Intrecciato Backpack

Luxury Brand

Rimowa flap backpack large.

Monos Metro Backpack

Fjallraven Kånken Classic Backpack

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Amazon’s Choice

Lubardy travel carry on backpack, 40l.

The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack

Best for International Travel

Tortuga outbreaker backpack 40l.

Best Expandable Backpack

Beis the expandable backpack.

To give you even more insight, I combined my own research with Sandstroem’s and that of the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to bring you the definitive guide to the best travel backpacks. Whether you’re packing a weekender bag or looking for the best bags on Amazon , here are 15 backpacks that make stellar travel companions.

Away Travel is known and loved for its suitcases—I, for one, swear by the bigger carry-on —so you can bet the brand makes a damn good carry-on backpack, too.

Colors: Garnet, Navy, Black, Coast

Dimensions: Width: 12 inches; height: 17.7 inches; depth: 5.9 inches

Customer review: “I needed a backpack that I could use for business travel that would allow me to really pack it in for international work. This bag has a ton of space and several pockets to keep items organized. I recently returned to the office and find that its great as a daily bag for all of my needs. I even get lunch into the main compartment.”

If traveling in style is a priority for you, more power to you. This leather backpack from Bottega Veneta is the best way to take to show your fellow travelers that you have taste.

Colors: Surf, Space, Mud, Black, Ardoise

Dimensions: Width: 11.8 inches; height: 18.1 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Rimowa is like the Rolls Royce of luggage brands. And in case no one has told you lately, you deserve the best of the best.

Colors: Black, Slate Gray

Dimensions: Width: 14.5 inches; height: 17.3 inches; depth: 6.3

See that pouch on the front? It provides the perfect amount of extra storage for easy access to necessities and detaches in a snap—literally.

Colors: 10 options

Dimensions: Width: 11.5 inches; height: 16.5 inches; depth: 6 inches

Customer review: “It looks sharp, I’ve already gotten compliments. It is super spacious inside which is perfect for both travel and in a professional setting since it fits everything from spare shoes to my lunch. The compartments actually make sense for organizing.”

Fjallraven: the bag that everyone has, but no one knows how to pronounce. While these bags don’t offer much in the way of organization or storage, they are extremely durable and available in a ton of colors and sizes.

Colors: 27 options

Dimensions : Width: 10.75 inches x height: 14.5 inches x depth: 4 inches

Customer review: “This Fjallraven has been to and all around Japan with me, and recently I started back to University…It’s not too bulky but surprisingly holds a lot.”

Calpak’s Luka bag is an organizer’s dream because it’s chock-full of pockets. This versatile pack is great for everyday use or as a day bag while traveling.

Colors: 13 options

Dimensions: Width: 12 inches x height: 16 inches x depth: 7 inches

Customer review: “This backpack has been great so far! I use it for daily commutes, and it fits my 16” laptop in that compartment with ease. It is also great for being outdoors, got stuck in the rain and my laptop remained dry.”

A waterproof, high-capacity pack + a clamshell opening – an expensive price tag = the ultimate travel backpack.

Colors: Black, Blue, Grey, or Pink

Dimensions: Width: 13.38 inches x height: 20.74 inches x depth: 7.87 inches

Customer review: “Backpacked for 10 days in Greece with this! My friends bought $100+ backpacks, and mine worked just as well for a fraction of the price. I was able to fit a large packing cube with PLENTY of clothes, two pairs of shoes (sandals), a curling iron, a sweater, and my toiletries in this bag!”

The genius product testers over at the Good Housekeeping Institute rated this the overall best travel backpack . As someone who has regularly used this as a carry-on for nearly six years, I’d have to agree. It stands up to the test of time and is great for short trips or as a day bag.

Colors: Lime, Taupe, or Orange

Dimensions: Width: 12 inches x height: 19.5 inches x depth: 6.5 inches

Customer review: “Awesome backpack. Large, spacious, and full of compartments. Suitable for any type of trip, I love it.”

Calling all fellow backpackers and hostel hoppers! If you’re trekking through Europe, or anywhere else for that matter, it’s best to keep your luggage light. This durable, waterproof Tortuga pack is the largest allowed carry-on for international flights, making it perfect for your next adventure.

Colors: Black

Dimensions: Width: 13. 8 inches x height: 21.7 inches x depth: 7.9 inches

Customer review: “Just returned from a two-week tour of Norway and Iceland, five different hotels, four flights. Outbreaker…made it so easy to effortlessly stay on the move…This was our first carry-on-only trip of this length, and I loved the ease of check-in and airport departure it gave us. With the hip belts to carry most of the weight, we did not suffer any back or shoulder strain.”

If there’s one thing for certain, I don’t need another backpack. But after reading the reviews for this Beis bag...I just might have to get one for myself. It has specialized features like an expanding section and a water bottle holder that can be used in or outside the bag.

Colors: Black or Beige

Dimensions: Width: 13 inches; height: 15 inches; depth: 5-7 inches

Customer review: “Love how much room this backpack has! I took it on a trip to Italy and it was light/compact enough to put in luggage but can fit so many things. The design of this backpack is a 10/10 for me.”

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover bags are super popular right now, and with good reason. Fashionable and versatile, they’re perfect for everyday use or as your designated school bag. Plus, Dagne Dover products are made with Repreve technology, meaning they’re sustainable.

Dimensions: Width: 13.25 inches x height: 17.5 inches x depth: 5.25 inches (for large size)

Customer review: “I love this bag and its many pockets and pouches. I can easily organize everything with its numerous zippers, and it stores my laptop perfectly in the back. It’s super light, which is great for a backpack, but thick and good quality with its neoprene.”

Adventurist Backpacks Adventurist Classic

Not only does Sandstroem design these bags with style in mind, but for every backpack purchased, 25 meals are provided for American families in need.

Colors: 7 options

Dimensions: Width: 13.5 inches; height: 15.5 inches; depth: 6 inches

Customer review: “I’ve had this backpack for almost a year now and I have only good things to say! I got the sand color and even through hiking and using it a lot it still looks great! It’s water resistant so I don’t have to worry about bringing my camera, and it’s also super cute and makes my hiking outfits look great! Can’t recommend it enough, if you’re thinking about getting one, do it!”

L.L. Bean Stowaway Pack

The Good Housekeeping Institute voted this pack as the best lightweight bag . If you’re camping, hiking, or just trying to lighten your load, it’s a fantastic option that’s both durable and spacious.

Colors: Gold, Teal, Loden, Navy, or Black

Dimensions: Width: 10 inches x height: 19 inches x depth: 7 inches

Customer review: “Great bag. Love all the pockets, and it’s lightweight. Like how it can roll into a pouch.”

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

At first glance, you might underestimate how much this backpack can hold. But don’t be deceived; it secretly holds a ton of stuff. That’s just one of the many reasons the Good Housekeeping Institute rated this Osprey as the best travel daypack .

Dimensions: Width: 11 inches x height: 18.9 inches x depth: 9.45 inches

Customer review: “As a backpack hoarder, I’m always on the search for the perfect functional backpack. I bought the Osprey Daylite Plus to use on vacations where I’d also need to lug my work laptop along. I wanted something that is light enough to use on hikes and will work as a personal item when flying.”

Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack

Business trips shouldn’t be a chore...well, not more so than the actual business part. But packing for business trips definitely shouldn’t be a pain. Allow Timbuk2 to take the hassle out of packing.

Dimensions: Width: 13.4 inches x height: 20.5 inches x depth: 5.5 inches

Customer review: “After using this pack for a couple weeks commuting, I can confidently say that it’s more functional, well designed, and comfortable than any other pack I’ve owned. The materials and build are incredibly high quality, and it sits perfectly on my back without adding strain, even when fully loaded with a laptop.”

.css-1wfsl5s{font-family:SaolDisplay,SaolDisplay-fallback,SaolDisplay-roboto,SaolDisplay-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;text-align:center;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1wfsl5s{font-size:2.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1wfsl5s{font-size:2.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1wfsl5s{font-size:3rem;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:-0.0225rem;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-1wfsl5s{font-size:3rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1wfsl5s b,.css-1wfsl5s strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1wfsl5s em,.css-1wfsl5s i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} What to consider when buying a travel backpack

• Size: Don’t just eyeball it based on what size you think you want; the precise measurements matter. Each airline has its own size restrictions for carry-on bags, and these are particularly varied between domestic and international flights. “ Since you may be flying on a lot of different airlines in the future, it may be best to choose the smallest common denominator that way your backpack is sure to fit no matter which airline you travel with,” Sandstroem says.
• Security and durability: “ With most of us carrying around expensive electronics such as laptops, tablets, and camera gear, it’s important to find a backpack that will adequately protect your belongings,” Sandstroem says. “ Whether you’ll be throwing your bag on the ground, storing it under the seat of the plane, or tossing it in the overhead compartment, make sure to look for something that has both front and back padding.” You’ll also want to look for a bag that offers a padded laptop compartment that will fit your device. Some precautious customers might also opt for a bag that includes locks or some other anti-theft mechanisms.
• Weight and material: The more lightweight, the better. “ It may seem like a couple of pounds won’t make much of a difference, but after hours of traveling, you’ll be happy to be rid of any extra weight,” Sandstroem says, noting that materials like polyester or nylon are both lightweight and durable.
• Organization and features: You might find that a bag with an abundance of pockets or separated sections provides more ease of mind. It’s certainly simpler to keep organized. Or, if you’re someone who keeps their belongings grouped in different pouches, you can probably do with a more open-concept bag. Bear in mind any additional features that might make a difference for you, like a key leash, water bottle pocket, shoe bag, or chest straps.

Meet the Experts

Matilda Sandstroem is the co-founder and primary designer for Adventurist Bags. The emerging brand is based in Denver and focuses on minimalist travel bags. For every bag purchased, Adventurist Bags donates 25 meals to Americans in need via non-profit Feeding America.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be—the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. But if you think you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

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A Professional Packer Shares the 11 Best Carry-on Bags That Actually Fit a Week's Worth of Clothes — From $30

Never check a bag again.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

There are some travelers who are completely at ease with bringing just two or three outfits on a trip to skip checking a bag . I am not one of them. I like to pack as many options as my carry-on luggage will allow. While this may initially seem to contradict my title as a professional packer — I’m the founder of the Just Packed travel site and corresponding newsletter — the two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. Instead, I define an expertly packed carry-on bag as one that contains everything that you may need on your trip (and still has the ability to close).

Before the actual packing process can begin, though, it’s critical to have luggage pieces that offer ample room to ensure its spot in the overhead bin or under the airplane seat in front of you. But, not every travel bag is up for the task. Over my years of research, both on the ground and in the air, these are the 11 roomiest carry-on bags that I've found. They include classic suitcases as well as travel totes, backpacks, and duffels that help you pack a week's worth (and even more) of clothes so you'll have everything that you need for your next trip.

Away Bigger Carry-on

In my line of work, I’m constantly testing different suitcase brands and styles. My 22-inch Away Bigger Carry-on has yet to be topped when it comes to how much it can hold. From the outside, it looks like a basic, albeit sleek , suitcase; there are no bells and whistles. That simplicity, however, is the key to its success. Every inch of the suitcase serves to get the job done (a.k.a. hold as much as possible). By using the interior compression system, I can fit about one week’s worth of clothes without trying too hard — but if I use a few of my tried-and-true packing hacks , I can make it work for a two-week trip.

It's also made with a polycarbonate hardshell, a sturdy material that I always look for when suitcase shopping because of its durability. Trust me, you'll appreciate it when your carry-on gets tossed around during takeoff and landing.

July Carry-on Pro

I might be loyal to my Away suitcase, but the 21-inch July Carry-on Pro recently caught my eye. It has a similar design, but it comes with a few more functional features. The front pocket can fit a 15-inch laptop and an iPad (although I tend to use compartments like this to hold a few items of clothing), and the Y-strap compression system helps keep the contents of the suitcase neatly packed down. I haven’t gotten a test to take mine out for a spin yet, but the luggage brand notes that it can hold six to eight outfits, or between five to seven days’ worth of clothing. 

Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner

If you’re looking for a more affordable carry-on suitcase, the highly-rated Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner might do the trick. Coming in at under $65 thanks to a limited-time deal, this best-selling carry-on is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a capacious bag but doesn’t travel enough to warrant one with a higher price tag. Several reviewers noted that it’s great for week-long trips with its expansion feature that adds 15 percent more packing space, the interior organizer, and the three smaller zippered pockets. 

MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote

Overpackers who are actively trying to avoid bringing checked bags on their travels need the MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote in their luggage repertoire. Not only is it, hands down, the most spacious tote that I’ve ever used, but it’s also pliable and filled with different pockets and compartments to keep everything organized in a designated spot. I think of it like a Mary Poppins-style bag. On a recent weekend trip, it served as my only piece of luggage, and I had no issue zipping it up while it held my pajamas, two outfits, a pair of sneakers, my laptop, a small toiletry bag, and a collection of other miscellaneous items (chargers, snacks, a hairbrush, etc). But when you're flying, use this as your personal bag along with your carry-on suitcase so you can get away with bringing more clothes on board. 

When buying a new travel tote to use as a carry-on, I always recommend paying close attention to how the bag is designed (and how it will keep your belongings secure). Does it zip, tie, or latch everything inside? The exact closure method, and how it’s implemented, can significantly affect how much can be carried inside. This one has a zip-top design, so I know that it will keep everything safe from spilling out if I put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of me.

L.L. Bean Medium Boat and Tote Zip-Top

The classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and there’s even the option to choose one with or without a zip-top closure. The extra-large tote is technically the largest, but I personally use the medium-sized zip-top version. Inside, I’ll fit my toiletry bag (which tends to take up too much space in my suitcase), laptop, chargers, a water bottle, and a smaller crossbody bag. I’ve also never had any issues fitting it under the seat in front of me on a plane, and it’s sturdy enough to stay upright during take-off or turbulence. 

Oeihuivt Weekender Bag

The Oeihuivt Weekender Bag is the more affordable twin of the steeper-priced duffel bag that I usually use. According to the brand, the bag can hold between two and four days' worth of essentials inside its six pockets, main compartment, and roomy shoe pouch. If I’m traveling with just a pair of shoes on my feet, I’ll often use the shoe pouch as a hack to store more clothes; it makes the perfect spot for my socks, Dopp kit, a sweatshirt, and a pair of jeans. 

Paravel Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

I always think of my Foldable Travel Duffel Bag from Oprah-loved brand Paravel as my “in case of packing emergencies” bag. On a trip to Jackson Hole last year, I knew that there was a possibility that I’d be leaving with a few more items than I’d arrived with — so I tucked this duffel into my suitcase to use on the journey home. It’s one of those bags that’s deceptively roomy, and it held the hiking boots, sneakers, puffer vest, and several sweaters that had been displaced from my suitcase by my new Wyoming purchases. In addition to being an M.V.P. for bringing back souvenirs, it can also be used as a tote when you're at your destination, and even a beach bag if needed. 

Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on

Some trips require a do-it-all kind of bag, one that can handle whatever you need it to hold. Enter the Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on. Its exact dimensions have it measuring in at around 10.7 inches by 22 inches by 7 inches, which means that it has more than enough room for a three-day weekend trip's wardrobe — and you’ll have no trouble fitting it in most overhead bins or under the seat in front of you should you use it as a personal bag. Interested in seeing how it would perform on a longer trip? According to one reviewer , they paired it with a small carry-on suitcase for an 11-day trip, and it was perfect.

Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote

My vast collection of travel bags waxes and wanes on a regular basis, but there are a few extra-roomy styles that maintain their starting positions on my roster. One of those is my Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote. The leather bag is a staple for work travel, and it holds more than you’d think upon initial glance. If you pair it with a carry-on for your next flight, you'll definitely be able to fit everything that you need for your trip. 

A foolproof way to wisely choose a spacious carry-on bag is to identify its purpose. As one of my allowed carry-on bags, this roomy tote is always reserved for my laptop, which means that it has to be strong and wide enough to hold my heavy, 16-inch MacBook Pro and my other essentials. I’ve gone on several trips where it’s managed to perfectly carry my laptop, a couple of books, an extra layer, a water bottle, and even a Dopp kit or crossbody bag.

Roam Continental Backpack

When I say that the Roam Continental Backpack holds just as much as a duffel bag, I mean it. It first accompanied me on a trip to Venice, and I was immediately blown away by the capacity of each compartment. There’s an exterior laptop compartment, which holds all of my chargers, a front pocket (and is great for snacks and smaller toiletries), and a large main compartment. The latter fit a pair of shoes, the rest of my toiletries, a light jacket, and a small purse. There are also two water bottle holders on the backpack’s sides; I used one for my Yeti and the other for a couple pairs of socks. 

Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack

Lo & Sons

I’ve found that the Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack is slightly less bulky than the above Roam style, but somehow, it’s almost just as spacious. If I’m using it as a secondary carry-on bag, the backpack always has extra room; if I’m bringing it on a short weekend trip, I typically don’t need to bring another bag. By using the rolling folding method, I can fit three to four outfits in the larger compartment, and the front compartment is perfect for a travel-sized toiletry bag and other essential accessories. 

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

This isn't a piece of luggage, but it's an essential item for making everything fit in a carry-on. There are a few things that I’ll sacrifice when packing — like extra pairs of shoes or an additional coat — but my beauty routine is not one of them. I’m a stickler for using my specific skin and hair care products, even while traveling, so I require a toiletry bag that can hold everything. The large Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag can carry all of my skincare, shampoo and conditioner, makeup, and other hygiene products. If it’s packed in my carry-on, I just have to make sure to use my TSA-sized products or transfer my liquids to my trusty Cadence capsules .

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Bagsure Travel Backpack, 42L Carry on Luggage, Flight Approved Expandable Backpack, Laptop Backpack, Hidden Shoulder Straps Weekender Bags for Women Men, Suitcase with Packing Cubes and Shoe Pocket

• ✈【LARGE CAPACITY AND EXPANDABLE】This suitcase backpack for travel features zipper expansion, which can expand up to 42L for 3~7 days of travel essentials. The spacious main compartment with straps to secure travel supplies, one separate laptop compartment for a 17-inch laptop, and a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items. It's perfect for travel, business, camping, or cruises with a 20*14*7" size. Please check the size before purchasing.
• ✈【FLIGHT APPROVED CARRY ON BACKPACK】This laptop backpack for men is designed for travel, you can travel anywhere you want, and two padded handles for easy switching between backpack and suitcase. There is a luggage strap on the back, which can be placed on the luggage. It fits overhead and under the seat, while in a state of standard carry-on size, and is ideal for men, women, weekend travelers, or occasional vacationers.
• ✈【MORE DURABLE MATERIAL AND ANTI-THEFT LOCK】The suitcase backpack for travel is made of durable, water-resistant polyester and anti-scratch material. The sturdy metal double zipper and upgraded reinforced stitching make it last longer. Also, this luggage backpack has an anti-theft lock, so there will be no more worries about losing items during travel, camping, or cruises.
• ✈【HIDDEN SHOULDER STRAPS & BREATHABLE SPONGE】 The Breathable sponge mesh design on the laptop backpack for men and padded shoulder straps help with air convection, ventilation, and heat elimination, also it help relieve the stress from your shoulder. This luggage backpack is crafted with hideaway padded shoulder straps which can be hidden away in the zippered back panel when not using.
• ✈【3 PACKING CUBES + 1 SHOE POCKET】Large cube for sweaters, jackets, and pants. Medium cube for shirts, and shorts. Small cube with a transparent side for providing a clear overview of toiletries. There's also a shoe pocket. Keeping your belongings neater and more organized. The laptop backpack has a built-in USB port to charge your phone conveniently via connecting your own power bank (not including a USB charger).

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Customers like the organization, versatility, and storage space of the backpack. For example, they mention it's easy to organize everything, has clever compartments, and has a large capacity. That said, they say it serves its purpose nicely and is comfortable to wear.

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Customers like the storage space in the backpack. They mention that it has many compartments and separate bags, with a dedicated laptop compartment. They also appreciate the multiple pockets for airline tickets and other documents. The 42L capacity is perfect for short to medium-length trips. Customers also love the little pocket on the back of the backpack

"...additions, such as a built-in USB charging port and a dedicated laptop compartment , make it incredibly convenient for tech-savvy travelers like..." Read more

"...Security Features: The hidden back pocket safeguards our valuables , and the anti-theft lock adds peace of mind in crowded places...." Read more

"...Holds a lot, with dedicated space for a laptop and multiple pockets for airline tickets and other documents...." Read more

"...Capacity and Expandability:The 42L capacity is perfect for short to medium-length trips...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention that it is well-made, durable, and practical. Some say that it looks as good as new and has no signs of wear and tear.

"...After several trips, the bag still looks as good as new, with no signs of wear and tear . This speaks volumes about its long-lasting durability...." Read more

"...the Bagsure Travel Backpack quietly delivers functionality and durability . If you’re a family on the move, consider it a reliable companion." Read more

"This Bagsure Travel Backpack is a rugged , quality product that works great...." Read more

"...First off, the build quality is exceptional. The backpack feels durable yet lightweight, which is crucial for carry-on luggage...." Read more

Customers find the backpack versatile. They say it's easy to carry as a backpack and the straps stow out of the way to make it into a carry-on. They also say the size is perfect for travel, and the laptop compartment is convenient for tech-savvy travelers. Additionally, customers say the bag is a great bag for a weekend get away and isn't bulky.

"...port and a dedicated laptop compartment, make it incredibly convenient for tech-savvy travelers like myself...." Read more

"...it a breeze and the carrying handle on top makes it easy to carry on and off an airliner . The outside water bottle pocket is a nice feature...." Read more

"...– it looks professional enough for business trips but is versatile for casual outings too.Capacity and Expandability:..." Read more

".../toiletries in here plus electronics and other essentials but it didn’t feel too heavy ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the backpack. They mention that it has a nice design, looks professional enough for business trips, and is versatile for casual wear. The zippers are nice and the bag looks high end. The interior is thoughtful and contains many pockets. Overall, most are happy with the quality and design of the product.

"...First and foremost, the design of this bag is exceptional. The sleek and modern look instantly caught my eye, and I love how it stands out among..." Read more

"...Its sleek design also caught my eye – it looks professional enough for business trips but is versatile for casual outings too...." Read more

" This backpack is great . It have many compartments and holds everything. I was amazed how much stuff can fit in it...." Read more

"I’ve already used this bag for a cross country trip!!! This bag was absolutely perfect ...." Read more

Customers find the backpack well organized, with clever compartments and zippered pockets that help keep their items organized. They also appreciate the additional packing bags included for easy organization.

"...The intelligently designed compartments and pockets make organizing my belongings a breeze, ensuring that I can access everything I need without any..." Read more

"...Practical Organization: The three packing cubes keep our clothes and toiletries sorted , while the separate shoe pocket prevents footwear from..." Read more

"...It's just the right size. Loved the packing cubes and shoe bag . I'd highly recommend it for short travel." Read more

"...this backpack and there are several zippered pockets that help keep your items organized . Light weight and sturdy. Highly recommended this backpack...." Read more

Customers like the fit of the backpack. They say it fits perfectly in the overhead bin, it fits all carry on standards by size, and it can fit under the seat. Some customers are happy with the size, look, and features of this travel backpack.

"...Air Travel Compatibility: The backpack fits neatly in overhead compartments or under seats during flights...." Read more

"...The included packing cubes fit nicely into the backpack . All this in a backpack that meets the size requirement for carry-on luggage...." Read more

"...I can fit just just about everything in here. It fits under the seat in front and help up the a kid in front of me kicking it...." Read more

"...The back of the bag is padded, soft and can fit over your carry on luggage . It comes with a lock to...." Read more

Customers find the backpack comfortable to carry, with adjustable straps and an ergonomic design. They also mention that the back of the bag is padded, soft, and can fit over their carry on. Overall, customers say the backpack is easy to use and fits for purpose.

"...The adjustable straps and ergonomic design make carrying it a comfortable experience , even during long walks or when navigating crowded airports...." Read more

"...The straps are also quite comfortable , distributing weight evenly, which is a relief for my back...." Read more

"...The back of the bag is padded, soft and can fit over your carry on luggage. It comes with a lock to...." Read more

"...It was so comfortable on my back . So many compartments to put things. Had no trouble bumping into anyone walking down the aisle of the plane...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the backpack. For example, they mention it serves its purpose nicely, is entirely satisfactory, and is a great product. Some say it can carry a laptop on the front and serves the daily work needs well. Overall, most are happy with the purchase and recommend it to others.

"...In summary, the Bagsure Travel Backpack quietly delivers functionality and durability...." Read more

"This Bagsure Travel Backpack is a rugged, quality product that works great ...." Read more

"...I wish it had more room for shoes. Works great if you wear toddler size shoes. Otherwise, It is great!!" Read more

"So far this bag is holding up great and working out well . I did a lot of searching and finally decided to get this one base off the reviews...." Read more

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How to Pack Light When You're Only Traveling With a Carry-On

By Karthika Gupta

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science—and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month—sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to bring only a carry-on whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it's a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximize space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for packing light with only a carry-on.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Our best tips for packing light:

Choose the right luggage, don't skip the packing cubes.

• Opt for multi-functional fabrics

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

• Adjust your body care routine

Travel hacks are a game-changer

A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you're traveling with just a carry-on-sized bag, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy—expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 7.8-pound hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book in there easily. The suitcase comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organization.

Another smart carry-on option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colors also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.

Next up: choosing a functional personal item . I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler. As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station that helped cut down on extra cords, and my insulated Camelbak water bottle . It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the ultimate solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos and Béis save space in your bag. I routinely use about three to five cubes and organize my essentials by category. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear-view window on the Monos packing cubes allows me to see what's inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready. I also carry an extra one to separate dirty laundry on my return trip home.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

I will admit that choosing the right clothes for a multi-week trip is the most challenging part of packing, especially when dealing with different climates. My Duer jeans are my favorite denim. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, I wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking. My top picks are these fleece-lined relaxed Girlfriend fit for flights, and the mid-rise performance slim straight for backup. Another new favorite is the Freeflex Roll-Up pants from Kühl. The roll-up feature quickly converts it into a capri, increasing the usability. Plus, they are quick-drying, moisture-managing, and water-resistant.

For daily wear, I pack a few classic, mix-and-match pieces from Prana in neutral colors. Foundation rib tanks and simple short-sleeve tees are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for layering. I recently discovered hemp fabric, a natural fiber that is breathable, antibacterial, and seems to get softer with every wash. Adding Jungmaven tees to my travel wardrobe was a no-brainer because it wicks moisture away from the skin keeping clothes odor free longer so you can get more wear from your tees. A few moisture-wicking UPF 50+ bras that double as sports bras, merino wool breathable natural briefs from Ibex , and Comrad compression socks complete my essentials.

As a runner from the Midwest, I can never pass up the opportunity to tackle trails wherever I go. My Hoka short-sleeved performance tee and multi-pocket jogger tights from Oiselle are ideal because of their quick-drying fabric, which means I don’t need sweatshirts to keep me warm while running outside.

Keeping up with the theme of packing multi-purpose clothing, I chose between two outerwear pieces depending on the season—the Stretchdown light vest from Mountain Hardwear or a Silent Down Jacket from Patagonia. The vest is a lightweight layering piece that packs down to a pouch for convenience. The jacket, which I wear on the plane (another tip: don't pack your bulkiest pieces; wear them in transit), is incredibly soft, warm enough for 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit weather, thanks to the down insulation, and not too technical—the perfect outerwear for a nice dinner.

Deciding on what shoes to bring on any trip is always a bit tricky, but generally, you want to go classic and neutral. Because of space restrictions, I opted for a white walking shoe that would go with any outfit (worn on the plane) and packed my lightweight gym shoes as a backup. Clae’s white vegan leather sneakers have traveled with me across continents and continues to hold form even after hours of walking everywhere. For my running and training routines, I lean on my Agility Peak 5 running shoe from Merrell. It performs flawlessly on gravel and concrete and after getting caught unprepared in a sudden downpour one too many times, I always choose the Gore-Tex waterproof style. A cute pair of lightweight Tevas sandals that are also waterproof and breathable round out my footwear choices.

Don’t sacrifice your body care routine—just adjust it

After a lot of trial and error over years of extensive travel, I finally curated just the right selection of products for my Dopp kit . The key is to trim down your routine (and packing list) with multi-purpose products that still get the job done and leave you feeling refreshed. Everist plant-based waterless shower travel essentials are a game changer and the travel-size tins save a lot of space. I also recently switched to waterless moisturizers and lotion bars for travel after having to ditch many creams and bottles at security because of liquid restrictions. My go-tos are Glow Face Stone solid face moisturizer and Forest Sone lotion bar from Kate McLeod. And all this packs away in my carry-on-friendly Monos Metro toiletry case.

After traveling thousands of miles with just a carry-on, there are a few hacks I always rely on that make a huge difference to my overall outlook on traveling as lightly as possible. I always clip a few carabiners to my backpack or suitcase (if possible). In a pinch, these hold nicknacks like an extra jacket, a water bottle, or my sandals if I am running out of space. A buff is a must and an easy way to protect your face, neck, and head from the elements. It also acts as a neck warmer and mask on planes. And my Sea to Summit inflatable two-ounce camping pillow has been a lifesaver during many unscheduled airport overnights thanks to cancellations and delays—I never leave home without it.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

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