7 Best Backpacks for Travel That Are Actually Worth Buying

A great travel backpack is one of those essentials you don’t fully appreciate until you’ve found the right one. It keeps everything organized, makes getting around easier, and saves you from digging through your belongings every time you need something.

While I love a good old tote bag or shoulder bag, there’s something incredibly convenient about traveling with a backpack. Your hands are free, your essentials are within reach in their designated pockets, and navigating cobblestone streets becomes a whole lot easier.

But not all travel backpacks are created equal. And after over 10 years of traveling, I have learned first hand just how important it is to find a travel backpack that keeps things organized, is comfortable on the back, and is cute enough for all your international adventures.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a European adventure, or your next international flight, I’ve rounded up seven of the best travel backpacks that balance comfort, functionality, and style.

This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely recommend for travel.

The Best Backpacks for Travel: A Quick Comparison

Prices are full retail at the time of writing and often drop during sales, so check the current price before you buy. “Under the seat” is based on the common 18 × 14 × 8″ personal item limit; budget airlines can be stricter.

7 Best Travel Backpacks for Every Type of Traveler

The best backpack for travel should make packing easier without feeling bulky, heavy, or uncomfortable.

For this guide, I’ve rounded up bags that offer a little bit of everything. Personally, I love a backpack that can double as my personal item on a flight and my everyday bag while exploring a new city. Something that’s stylish but still practical, with enough room for all my travel essentials.

I’ve also included a few more adventure-ready options for trips that involve hopping on motorbikes, ferries, or speedboats. After all, you never know where your travels might take you!

1. CALPAK Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack: Best Overall

Best for: travelers who want an organized, versatile backpack for weekend trips and air travel

If you’re looking for one bag that can handle a little bit of everything, the CALPAK Terra 26L is a strong contender.

What makes this travel backpack particularly appealing is its duffel-style design. Rather than digging through a traditional backpack from the top, you can open the main compartment more like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking considerably easier.

With 26 liters of space, it’s a practical choice for short trips, weekend getaways, or traveling with a separate carry-on suitcase.

The multiple compartments help keep your belongings organized, while the padded shoulder straps make it more comfortable to carry through airports and train stations. There’s also dedicated space for a laptop, which, if you’re always working on the go like me, is incredibly important.

I especially like that it offers more packing flexibility than many smaller everyday backpacks without feeling like an oversized hiking bag. Plus, it comes in so many different colors, which is always a bonus in my book.

Why I love it: It strikes a nice balance between a functional travel bag and something stylish enough for everyday adventures.

2. Away Large Featherlight Backpack: Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Best for: travelers who prioritize comfort, minimal weight, and a polished aesthetic

If you tend to overpack, starting with a lightweight backpack is always a good idea.

The Away Large Featherlight Backpack has a streamlined design that feels more polished than your typical travel gear. It’s the kind of bag that looks just as appropriate at an airport as it does walking into a café.

Its lightweight construction is the main attraction, especially if you’re carrying your backpack for hours at a time.

The organized pockets also make it easier to separate everyday essentials from larger items, so you’re not constantly searching for your headphones or passport.

Another advantage is its understated appearance. Unlike bulky backpacks, it pairs easily with everyday outfits, which is something I personally appreciate when traveling around Europe.

Why I love it: The simple, lightweight design makes it a versatile option for both travel days and exploring a destination.

3. BÉIS The Travel Backpack: Best for Weekend Trips

Best for: weekend travelers who want a fashionable backpack with plenty of organization

BÉIS has become one of those luggage brands that manages to make practical travel accessories look genuinely chic.

The Travel Backpack is no exception. In fact, this is the bag I personally reach for the most because my backpack beautifully matches my BÉIS carry-on suitcase as well as my weekender bag. It’s one of my favorite brands if you’re looking for a matching luggage set.

Designed with organization in mind, it offers dedicated compartments for your belongings, including space for a laptop and smaller essentials you want to keep accessible.

I love this bag because it feels like you have a designated place for everything. Rather than tossing your chargers, headphones, toiletries, and documents into one enormous compartment, you can keep your long-haul flight essentials separated.

Why I love it: It combines practical organization with the stylish, coordinated look BÉIS is known for.

4. Quince Voyage Nylon Slim Travel Backpack: Best Minimalist Backpack

Best for: minimalist travelers, city breaks, and anyone who prefers smaller bags

Sometimes, smaller really is better.

The Quince Voyage Nylon Slim Travel Backpack is ideal if you’re looking for something compact, understated, and easy to carry. I think this is a great travel backpack for men who want something simple and sleek, while still being practical.

Its slim profile makes it particularly useful for city breaks when you don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe along. Think passport, laptop, wallet, sunglasses, and a few other essentials.

The nylon construction also makes it a practical everyday option, while the minimalist design works well with almost any outfit.

I especially like this style of backpack for European city trips. Whether you’re spending a few days in Paris or planning a weekend in Barcelona, having a smaller bag makes navigating crowded streets and public transportation much easier.

Why I love it: It’s simple, versatile, and doesn’t scream tourist.

5. Quince Waterproof Roll-Top Backpack: Best for Rainy Destinations

Best for: outdoor adventures, rainy destinations, and travelers who want extra protection for their belongings

There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a downpour while carrying your laptop, camera, and other valuables.

That’s where the Quince Waterproof Roll-Top Backpack comes in.

Its roll-top design offers a different approach to packing than traditional zippered backpacks. Instead of relying on a standard top zipper, the closure rolls down to help protect your belongings from wet weather.

It’s particularly useful for destinations where the forecast is unpredictable. Think exploring Indonesia by motorbike, hiking through the Dolomites in Italy, or even touring the European Christmas markets in December.

The minimalist design is another selling point. Unlike technical hiking gear, this backpack has a streamlined appearance that works just as well for sightseeing as it does for outdoor adventures.

Why I love it: It’s a practical option for unpredictable weather without sacrificing style.

6. Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack: Best for Adventure Travel

Best for: outdoor adventures, hiking excursions, and travelers who want a compact, versatile backpack

If your idea of a great trip involves a little hiking, a little sightseeing, and plenty of exploring, the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack deserves a spot on your radar.

Cotopaxi is known for its colorful, adventure-inspired backpacks, and the Allpa collection has become particularly popular among frequent travelers.

The 20L version offers a compact alternative to larger travel backpacks, making it useful for shorter adventures or as a companion to your main luggage.

Its organized compartments help separate your travel essentials, while the comfortable shoulder straps make it suitable for days spent exploring on foot.

And although it’s designed with adventure in mind, you don’t need to be heading into the wilderness to appreciate it. This backpack works equally well for sightseeing, day trips, and navigating airports.

Why I love it: It combines practical organization with an adventure-ready design that’s ideal for active travelers.

7. July Carry All Backpack 20L: Best for Business Travel

Best for: business travel, digital nomads, and travelers who prefer a sleek, organized backpack

For travelers who frequently move between airports, hotels, and meetings, the July Carry All Backpack 20L is a particularly appealing option.

Its clean, structured design makes it feel more sophisticated than a typical travel backpack, while still offering the functionality you’d expect from a quality piece of luggage.

With a 20L capacity, it’s large enough to carry everyday essentials, including your laptop, chargers, travel documents, and personal belongings.

The organized pockets make it easier to keep smaller items accessible, which is especially helpful when you’re moving through airport security or working remotely.

I also appreciate that it doesn’t look overly technical. It’s a backpack you could comfortably bring to a business meeting, café, or airport lounge without feeling like you’re carrying hiking equipment.

Why I love it: It’s polished, practical, and versatile enough for work and leisure travel.

Best Carry-On Backpack for International Travel: What to Look For

Choosing the best carry-on backpack for international travel depends on how you pack, how long you’re traveling, and whether you’re bringing additional luggage.

Personally, I love a versatile backpack that keeps everything organized during a flight but still looks cute enough for café hopping in a new city. However, if I’m heading off on a more adventurous trip through Asia or South America, I’d opt for something a little more rugged, with weather-resistant materials, secure compartments, and comfortable straps for those longer travel days.

Whatever your travel style, here are a few features worth considering before investing in your next backpack.

Size and Carry-On Restrictions

First things first, check your airline’s baggage restrictions.

Not every backpack qualifies as a personal item, particularly on budget airlines in Europe. A larger travel backpack might need to go in the overhead compartment instead of underneath the seat.

If you’re traveling with just one bag, a backpack around 30–40 liters can be a practical starting point, provided its dimensions meet your airline’s limits. Smaller 20–26L backpacks generally work better for light packers or travelers bringing additional luggage, like one of my favorite carry-on suitcases.

Comfort and Support

Even the most beautiful backpack becomes a nightmare if it’s uncomfortable to carry.

Look for padded shoulder straps, breathable back panels, and adjustable features that distribute weight evenly.

For heavier loads, a sternum strap or hip belt can make a noticeable difference, particularly when walking long distances.

Organization and Easy Access

Personally, I prefer travel backpacks with multiple compartments rather than one enormous opening.

A separate laptop compartment, interior pockets for small items, and an accessible water bottle pocket can make airport days significantly easier.

Durable zippers and a main compartment that opens wide are also worth prioritizing, especially if you’re using packing cubes.

Best Carry-On Backpacks for International Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Which Travel Backpack Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best backpack for travel is the one that fits your packing style and makes getting from one destination to another a little easier.

If I had to choose just one, the BÉIS Travel Backpack would be my top pick for its combination of packing space, organization, and versatility. For something more lightweight and minimalist, the Away Large Featherlight Backpack is another excellent option.

Whichever you choose, investing in a practical, comfortable backpack is one of those small travel upgrades that can make a surprisingly big difference.

And trust me, your shoulders will thank you.

Looking for more travel tips and luggage guides? Read more articles below:

10 Best Personal Item Bags for Flying in 2026

5 Best Carry-On Suitcases in 2026: The Buyer’s Guide to Luggage Worth Taking On Every Trip

Best Weekender Bags for Travel: 8 Stylish Picks for 2026

Long-Haul Flight Essentials: Everything You Need to Survive a Travel Day

Amazon Travel Essentials Under $25 That Actually Make Your Flight Better