24 best travel backpacks to take on holiday
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A trusty backpack is an essential bit of kit for any traveller, ideal for bringing on a plane as a cabin bag, hiking up bucket-list mountains, interrailing across Europe, or just carrying with you as you explore a new city. But not just any old rucksack will do if you want it to last, be comfortable and perform as you need it to. This is why we’ve put hundreds to the test and rounded up the very best 24 best travel backpacks to take on holiday. To do this, we’ve considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfort, style, and how well it holds up so you can buy with confidence knowing you’re choosing the perfect bag for your unique needs.
How we test the travel backpacks
As you might expect, our editors and contributors travel all around the world on a regular basis, so we’ve had loads of opportunities to put these backpacks through their paces. We’ve packed them to the brim for long and short haul trips, checked out how organised they can help us be, rated them on how they feel on our shoulders and back and of course, judged whether or not we love the style. Features like pockets (particularly specialty pockets), sternum straps and laptop sleeves all get bonus points, as do any unique, useful quirks and additions. Every travel backpack on this list has made it here for good reason – now it’s up to you to choose which of them you like the most!
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Best travel backpacks at a glance:
- Best backpack for weekend trips: Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel
- Most versatile: Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag
- Best backpack for volume: Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
- Best backpack for everyday use: July Volume Plus Backpack
- Best backpack for business travel: Monos Metro Backpack
- Best splurge option: Tumi Navigation Backpack
- Best hiking backpack: Cotopaxi Tarak Backpack
Dickies Lisbon Backpack
If you’re looking for a lightweight, roomy and keenly-priced commuter bag, Dickies’ new Lisbon backpack is a fabulous option. It’s made from a polyester/cotton twill outer, which is soft and durable, and comes in a good choice of five colours. Inside, there’s plenty of room for your gym kit, lunchbox and bits and pieces, plus a 15” laptop sleeve and additional large front pocket with a key hook to banish rummaging when you reach your front door. Padded shoulder straps take a load off, and there’s an external water bottle pocket so as not to lose valuable real estate internally. The polyester is recycled, too, which is a nice sustainable bonus.
Editor review: While smart-looking, my old work rucksack was heavy – so switching to this Dickies number has been a revelation. It’s equally as capacious, squeezing in my trainers, gym set, lunchbox and laptop comfortably, without feeling cumbersome. I’m going to use it on sightseeing days on holiday, too – when you’re spending long hours on foot, you don’t want a bulky bag weighing you down. Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Plenty of pockets, key leash, good colour range, very lightweight
Cons: Isn’t washableSize: 40 x 31 x 13cm
Capacity: 21L.jpg)
Louis DelbarreThe capacious Carl Friedrik 70-Hour Backpack in action
Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack
Carl Friedrik's designs are always so lovely, and the same goes for its ultra-sleek 72-hour backpack. This bag is sized to airline carry-on restrictions, so you can head of to the airport for a weekend away hands-free – but there is a luggage passthrough band if you're travelling with an additional case. Choose from plush nubuck leather or 100 per cent recycled nylon – both are rather lovely.
Editor review: As a self-confessed chronic overpacker, I’m naturally sceptical about a vessel promising to hold enough for a specific timeframe. But Carl Friedrik’s 72-hour backpack does just that, enticing me to rise to the challenge and embark on a three-day adventure to the Kent coast with everything I needed on my back. Design-wise, it’s as sleek as can be – smooth black nylon with a ribbed front that unzips to reveal a Tardis-esque compartment. With little need for spare footwear, I successfully rolled enough clothes into neat rows to return home with some stuff unworn. The inside pouch is ideal for slipping my laptop in and out while on the move without disrupting the contents too much, and I’m grateful there aren’t too many hidden pockets – there’s little risk of losing trinkets here. It’s a little too bulky and sturdy as an everyday office backpack, but that’s not the intention; pack up, head off! Connor Sturges, digital assistant
Pros: Good looks, quality construction, large inner compartment, seven pockets, three colours and two material choices, clamshell opening
Cons: ExpensiveSize: 30 x 46 x 18cm
Weight: 1.3kgMatador SEG45 Travel Pack
Matador has done something cool here, creating a roomy backpack-come-duffel bag with built-in packing cubes, accessible via a wide clamshell opening. It means you can sort clothes by type, day or activity – a great choice to accompany you on a backpacking or camping trip where unpacking is more difficult. Better yet, it's made mostly from recycled materials, with strong YKK zippers that won't bust open when you least need it.
Editor review: “As someone who is obsessive about organisation – especially while travelling – this backpack ticks all my boxes. The compartments act as packing cubes, making my preferred style of packing (popping pre-planned outfits together and packing them in the order I'll wear them) a breeze. I keep one compartment for dirty laundry, so that clean clothes are kept fresh, and one for things I want to keep to hand, such as toiletries and chargers. This is the only choice for Type A travellers.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor
Pros: Innovative design with built-in packing cubes for easy organisation, stowable packing straps, clamshell opening
Cons:Size: 26 x 56 x 23 cm
Weight: 1.1kg
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Louis DelbarreCommerce writer Charley Ward testing the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag
Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag
Anyone who thought backpacks are solely for those who pack light, think again. This multi-featured rucksack by Stubble & Co has an impressive 42L capacity and can easily step in as your in-flight luggage, with enough space for up to a week’s worth of packing. In fact, it’s deliberately been sized for airline carry-on with compression straps to keep everything as compact as possible and a helpful band that allows you to attach it to your suitcase.
There are many compartments, pockets and add-ons that make this an excellent buy for optimised organisation and security when traveling around the world. It’s waterproof, so right off the bat it’s ready for all-terrain adventure (as the name rightly suggests). The rain cover is reflective, too, which is a really thoughtful touch to help keep you safe on your travels. We rate the clamshell opening which makes packing and rooting out your bits and pieces a doddle, and the hidden valuables compartment. The 16" laptop sleeve is a useful extra as well.
Editor review: “I’ve loved a few backpacks over the years, but none has ever quite become ‘the one’: the Gandys bag that’s a touch narrow for laptops; the Patagonia duffel/backpack hybrid that’s great for the beach but too big to keep things neat on a weekender; the admittedly fake Belstaff rucksack with fraying straps etc. The Adventure Bag from British B Corp-certified bag specialists Stubble & Co has none of these drawbacks. It’s big enough (42 litres) to cover a long weekend, but not too big for daily use, and packed with features: the secret pocket, the padded laptop compartment, the clamshell design that means it can effectively open out like a suitcase, with a special pocket for my frequently dirty trainers (big tick). Using it on a recent trip to Comporta, as well as on my regular overnighters in London, it never felt over-engineered or fussy, and I loved the top compartments for books and gadgets. The real joy is its versatility. It nicely straddles city and outdoor style, and if you use the waist straps and take the extra waterproof cover (it’s already waterproof) it feels like it could handle a proper expedition. Made from recycled plastic, with strong YKK zips, it feels robust and well-made. I think I’ve found the one,” Toby Skinner, features director.
Pros: Separate waterproof shoe pocket, additional raincover to protect belongings on rainy hikes
Cons: A little heavier than averageSize: 55x38x24 cm
Weight: 1.7kg.jpg)
Louis DelbarreCommerce writer Charley Ward assessing the clamshell opening on Peak Design's Travel Backpack
Peak Design Travel Backpack
This weatherproof bag is available in 30L or 45L sizes, but whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that the available space has been optimised. The Peak Design backpack is perhaps the most cleverly designed rucksack we’ve had the pleasure of testing. We love the minimal exterior design, the chic neutral colourways, and the fact that it’s made from 100 per cent Fair Trade certified carbon neutral materials, but don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity!
Inside, there are pockets galore, with compartments made specifically for your keys, passports and travel accessories. The clamshell opening makes this one easy to pack (and unpack), while the seriously expansive side pockets are ideal for a water bottleor even a tripod. Despite its sleek appearance, there are a number of handles to help you carry this travel backpack or lift it up into the overhead locker with ease, and the detachable hip belt offers handy support for longer hikes.
Editor review: This compact and solidly workaday number (which I predict will be very long-lasting, as it’s sturdy, weatherproof and has an abrasion-resistant thread) is good for a mini business trip, a day outing or a low-maintenance overnighter with a single outfit change. The main compartment is zip-around, with a sturdy frame, so you can open and use it almost like a small carry-on suitcase, making it a no-rummage bag. There’s an in-built laptop sleeve, small side pockets inside for cables and pencils, and a smaller compartment at the bottom for underwear and accessories. A small exterior pocket at the top will house a phone and wallet and there are discreet side pockets for water bottles. Handy and unobtrusive. Lydia Bell, senior features editor
Pros: Very hardwearing, meets carry-on size requirements, expandable side pockets, water-resistant, 100 per cent carbon neutral construction
Cons: None that we can seeSize: 53 x 33 x 18cm
Weight: 1.4kg
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Louis DelbarreTaking a look at this Osprey backpack
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
Osprey has been on the luxury bag scene since 1974, so it’s no wonder they know how to make a good travel backpack. Sized for carry-on and exceeding expectations on pockets and packing capabilities, we found this one to be perfect for trips away – even long haul. You’ll find pockets all through this thoughtfully designed rucksack, ideal for easy access to your travel essentials and providing a safe place to store anything valuable. The addition of a laptop sleeve and internal compression straps helped to keep everything secure and allowed us to make the most of the space available. We found it easy to keep our packing organised, which is no mean feat when using a backpack. The zipped front access was a much-appreciated touch when it came to packing and unpacking.
Editor review: When shopping for a bag to take on a big trip to India, I knew whatever I chose had to meet a few criteria. It needed to fit British Airways carry-on limits (because I’m a cheapskate who won’t pay for checked luggage), be lightweight enough to fling on and off of trains while travelling through India, be wearable for ease – and be roomy enough to pack clothes to tide me over for a two-week trip. The Osprey Farpoint 40 checks all those boxes. I love the fact that the main compartment is accessed with a large zip on the front rather than at the top of the bag, so it can be packed lying down. It also means that, when looking for items while travelling, I don’t need to unpack everything. The padded straps are super comfortable, and the many pockets are great for keeping things like my passport, chargers and phone organised and safe. It’s not enormous, so I still needed to pack light – but this stopped me from overpacking with heavy items I wouldn’t have ended up wearing anyway. Sarah James, digital deputy editor
Pros: Adjustable fit, additional side handle, waist strap, clamshell opening, available in men’s and women’s sizes
Cons: Those travelling for long periods of time might need something biggerSize: 55 x 35 x 23cm
Weight: 1.5kgNEMO Equipment Double Haul Convertible Duffle
This is one of our top picks for value for money, thanks to this travel backpack’s unusual versatility. Depending on where you’re taking this, you can switch it up from rucksack to duffel or even a tote, so this will no doubt become your favourite bag for the gym, the office, outdoor adventures and mini breaks. It comes in four sizes, with the largest holding an impressive amount, and is built with stiffened trusses for a wide opening and easy packing.
It's definitely more on the ‘go-bag’ style of aesthetics (although it does come in some lovely colours), with its wipe-clean, water-repellent recycled nylon outer made out of Bluesign-approved material. But if you like that sort of thing, you’ll love this sturdy choice.
Pros: Strong eco-friendly credentials, only true multi-way use bag in our list, comfortable padded straps
Cons: Not the largest bag we’ve tested, but there are multiple sizes availableSize: 26 x 51 x 22 cm
Weight: 1kg.jpg)
Louis DelbarreTaking a closer look at the Cotopaxi Allpa
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
The eye-catching colour options in the Cotopaxi Allpa range were the first thing we fell in love with. There’s no denying these 100 per cent recycled material bags are seriously cute, and regardless of function, everyone in the office wanted one. But backpacks don’t make this list on good looks alone! This is an updated version of the brand’s signature travel backpack and it boasts a whole host of new fancy features, including large zipped mesh compartments inside, two outer pockets (also with separate zipped compartments), a handy key chain, side pockets for a water bottle, exterior loops for D rings, a fleece-lined laptop sleeve and a full clamshell opening. It’s pretty much everything you could want in a travel backpack.
Comfort has clearly been at the forefront of this new design too, as some nifty improvements have been made to ensure excellent weight distribution. The air mesh shoulder straps, multiple handles and waist strap makes this a dream to carry.
Pros: Made with 100 per cent recycled materials, luggage passthrough band, clamshell opening, external water bottle sleeve
Cons: Not many neutral colours on offer, which may be off-putting to someSize: 56 x 30 x 25cm
Weight: 1.3kg.jpg)
Louis DelbarreHorizn Studio's SoFo Backpack is a great choice for festivals and weekends away
Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel
We love Horizn Studios for bags in general, so we had high hopes for their travel backpack and have been suitably impressed. This smart backpack, complete with a padded 16” laptop section, is expandable and one of the more spacious rucksacks we tried. We feel you could easily use this to pack for a week-long trip away, and packing is made easy thanks to the clamshell opening. We particularly rate this for camping or hiking holidays, as it’s a hard-wearing bag made out of water-sealed cotton canvas with a tight, high-density weave, treated with synthetic wax, so it’s completely heat and waterproof.
Editor review: First of all, this is an incredibly roomy bag – it’d easily cover a three-night trip for me, and I always overpack. I think the design is really smart. There are loads of zippered pockets and compartments, so you can easily keep things separate for easy access. One of my favourite features is that the main compartment is accessible from the top or via a zip at the back, which is so handy if you need to grab something from the bottom of the bag – no more rummaging required. I’ll absolutely be bringing this with me on my next trip abroad, and it’ll be useful for festival season too. Abigail Malbon
Pros: Made from recycled materials, carbon-neutral shipping, 16” laptop pocket, expandable design, waterproof base and lining, heat-resistant
Cons: On the pricier sideSize: 32 × 50 × 17cm
Capacity: 29L to 34L when expandedBriggs & Riley Convertible Backpack Duffle
If security is top of your list when choosing a travel backpack, this Briggs & Riley offering is sure to tick all your boxes. First of all, this one is so padded it looks more like an SLR camera bag than anything else, particularly with its multiple compartments and pockets with locking zips and a clamshell opening. It’s water-resistant, too. Unusually, some of the many pockets are even lined with RFID protection, not something that many bags offer but that some people might feel is essential for keeping their identity, cards and phone super secure. Our tester thinks it’s a great option for longer trips. “You could easily fit a week’s worth of clothes in this bag,” he says, “and it was really comfortable, with thick padding on the reverse side that meant I couldn’t feel my laptop against my back at all.”
Pros: Many pockets, some with RFID blocking protection to help prevent identity theft, comfortable backpack straps
Cons: ExpensiveSize: 47x31x18cm
Weight: 1.6kg
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Louis DelbarreA peek inside Away's F.A.R bag
F.A.R Convertible Backpack
If you’re in need of a travel backpack with generous capacity, this 45L offering from Away is one well worth considering. The F.A.R convertible backpack is one of the largest travel backpacks we’ve seen, perfect for longer trips away where you’re hoping to fit all your luggage into a very portable rucksack. While this bag fits well within most airlines’ carry-on limits, the compression straps and inner pockets will help you squeeze in as many items as possible. The chest strap will help you take the weight! Of course we’re always here for the eco-credentials, so plus points have been awarded for the use of recycled materials in its construction, which are both durable and water resistant.
Editor review: “I took this bag for a weekend away recently and was impressed by how much I could fit inside – it was considerably more than I could squeeze into my carry-on. For one-bag travel, it’s a really good bet – it’s going to be my new go-to for festival season and on long weekends away, where I need to account for multiple outfit changes in a day. I will say, however, that at one point I was caught in a downpour, and some of the rain did seep inside the bag. As a result, it might be better suited for summer trips,” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Pros: Very large while still within most carriers’ carry-on size limits
Cons: Not completely watertight in heavy downpours after a certain period of timeSize: 28x18x43cm
Weight: 1kgJuly Volume Plus Backpack
Conde Nast Traveller’s commerce writer, Charley, loves this backpack not only for travel, but for office days too. You don’t need to choose between style and function here, the July Volume Plus Backpack has it all, with loads of internal pockets and compartments (including the all-important laptop sleeve), completely disguised within its very streamlined, minimalist shell. The material is water-resistant nylon, so this bag will see you through light showers but probably not full-on downpours, and it’s only 26L, so it's probably not one for packing all your luggage in. However, it makes the perfect under-seat cabin bag to keep your flight essentials in, and with full utilisation of those compartments, it could stretch to being used as an overnight bag, too.
Editor review: “The best part is the pass-through band that secures it to your suitcase handle, which I appreciate in airports with longer walks from lobby to gate. The band can also be zipped up at the bottom to create an impromptu sleeve for your book or magazine. It’s my new go-to personal item whenever I fly,” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Pros: Comfortable, plenty of pockets, roomy for a day bag
Cons: Limited colours available in comparison to the suitcase rangeBellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L
This travel backpack is the organised traveller’s dream! Australian brand Bellroy is renowned for its innovative travel kits (once you try their popular tech kit, you’ll never want to travel without it), and this bag showcases its designer prowess. With dual storage sections, loads of pockets and a laptop sleeve, there’s a place for everything in this bag, making it convenient to use in a multitude of scenarios. As well as being a great (albeit small) cabin bag, the water-resistant material that comes in three neutral colours makes this a perfect day sack for hiking and camping. It’s only 26L (available in one size), but the smart storage solutions allow you to fit in more than you expect.
Pros: Quick-access top pocket, laptop sleeve and letter-sized document slip, hidden side pocket for valuables, bike light loop, water-resistant fabric.
Cons: None that we can see.Size: 50x33x19cm
Weight: 0.9kg
Troubadour Orbis-1 Backpack
This is one of the more futuristic designs we’ve seen in terms of style, and ‘the future’ is what the Troubadour Orbis-1 Backpack is all about. It’s not only made from fully recycled polyester, but it is 100% recyclable, too, once you’re done with it – the brand is keen to bring great products into the world without adding to the landfill crisis. Comfort has been taken to the next level as well, with ergonomic shoulder straps and a padded but breathable back panel. On the outside, this bag is incredibly modish, no frills but very cool, and with two outer pockets for everything you need to grab. But there’s a whole world inside with a further 9 pockets, including a secret hidden back pocket to keep your phone safe from pickpockets.
Editor review: Most backpacks aren’t especially aesthetic, but I think this one, with its shiny faux leather panels and trims, does look chic. It’s on the smaller side, so it won’t replace a carry-on case, but for everyday use, it impresses. I love that there are two separate compartments, so I can keep my grotty gym kit separate from my laptop and lunch box – nobody wants their trainers jostling up against their salad. It’s also the most comfortable to wear backpack I’ve ever used. I walk for 30 minutes as part of my commute, and the straps and back are so padded here I can’t feel my laptop on my back at all. Much appreciated! Charley Ward
Pros: Made from recycled and fully-recyclable polyester fabric, padding and trims, trolley sleeve, hidden back pocket for phone or passport
Cons: Relatively small with an 18L non-expandable capacitySize: 30 x 42 x 14cm
Weight: 1.5kg.jpg)
Louis DelbarreCharley Ward testing one of Aer's backpack range
Aer Pro Pack
This bag may be small (20L), but it makes the most of what it’s got. The main section on the bag is roomy, ideal for clothes and toiletries when heading off on a weekend break. In addition to that, there are also various pockets to fill, including a hidden luggage tracker pocket, and thankfully, YKK zippers, which are known for strength, so when you overpack, these won’t let you down. Aer is already a well-loved brand, brought into being by a successful crowdfunding campaign, so they know what we want and how to deliver!
Editor review: This is a super spacious backpack with pockets for literally everything. I’m a photographer and it’s perfect for travelling days as it fits in my large camera and all additional tech too, and the padding makes me feel reassured that my gear is properly protected on the move. It’s a little big for work days – I use my Antler Chelsea backpack when commuting – but for weekends away it’s great. Also, who needs packing cubes when you’ve got about 10 pockets? There are plenty of compartments for all your toiletries, make-up and other essentials. Sophie Knight
Pros: Many pockets, very spacious, well-padded to protect tech and valuables
Cons: Large size better suited to male torsos than female torsosSize: 45 x 30 x 14cm
Capacity: 20LBellroy Transit Backpack
It says a lot when a brand makes it onto a single list, twice, but we had to add another superb travel backpack from Bellroy. This time it's a larger offering - their 28L Transit Backpack. In line with their Venture pack, the Transit showcases unrivalled organised design with pockets specifically crafted for certain needs (like the lined sunglasses pocket) and compression straps to keep your packing firmly in place and squashed down! The laptop sleeve, thin top compartment and water bottle holder at the side make this an ideal bag for commuters as well as travellers, so it’s likely this will become your everyday go-to rucksack.
Editor review: “I recently travelled with this backpack for a four-day stay in Venice, where I wanted to avoid struggling with wheeled luggage and the multitude of bridges in the city. By using the roll method, I was able to fit two pairs of trousers (including jeans), two tops, a shirt, a dress, and pyjamas in the main compartment, and then my delicates in the zip-up pouch. For easy access, I popped my carry-on washbag into the external pocket. Overall, it was really easy to pack everything I needed while still feeling streamlined and comfortable to carry,” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Pros: Comfortable, multiple storage pockets, laptop sleeve, great as carry-on luggage or a day bag, water-resistant ripstop fabric.
Cons: Difficult to fit a water bottle in the side pocket if the back is packed full, no trolley sleeve.Size: 53x36x19cm
Weight: 1.1kg
STM dux versatile tech backpack
It’s always helpful to find a great product on Amazon, for urgent delivery, and this 30L travel backpack is one to bookmark. The STM Dux is all about providing protection for your precious cargo (which you can pack a lot of), with heavy padding all round and a hard bottom designed to withstand impact. The internal laptop sleeves are suspended too, to avoid any unnecessary knocks should your bag ever get dropped. This bag has both top and side openings for easy access and packing, as well as multiple zip-up compartments, two laptop sleeves and removable shelves, negating the need for packing cubes.
Editor review: "While they are removable, I think the best feature of this bag is the storage shelves. I loved using them when packing for a weekend away – storing my shoes at the bottom, clothes on the middle shelf and delicates on the top," Lauren Burvill, commerce editor.
Pros: Side opening zips to reveal organised shelves, top opening compartment, removable zip-up pouch, comfortable to wear
Cons: Slightly bulky shape
Size: 50.8X33X24cm
Weight: 1.7kg
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Louis DelbarrePutting Tumi's Navigator Backpack to the test
Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack
The Navigator backpack, made from recycled ballistic nylon, can be expanded to meet your needs, with a reasonably sized main compartment, 2 card pockets and 3 media pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve for up to 15” screens. We love the quick access back pocket, with magnetic snap fastening, and the ability to customise your bag with free embossed monogramming. Despite its deceptively small appearance, global director of audience development Lara Kramer managed to use this backpack for a weekend away, packing all her clothes, toiletries and an extra pair of sandals.
Editor review: “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” Lara Kramer, global director of audience development.
Pros: Many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material
Cons: Hefty price tagSize: 55 x 35 x 24cm
Weight: 1.5kg.jpg)
Louis DelbarreMonos's backpack is one of the chicest around
Monos Metro Backpack
Take your pick from vegan leather or nylon, in a variety of colours, to make the Monoa Metro Backpack your own. This design-forward bag looks great for all occasions, so it’s not one you’ll put away until you’re heading off on your holidays – it’s definitely for daily use. The built-in trolley sleeve means this has been created for carry-on, although it’s probably not big enough to replace your main luggage unless you’re just heading off for a day or two. There is plenty of room for a change of clothes and all your cosmetics, though, as well as a 15” laptop. The top carry handle and adjustable straps makes this comfortable to use as well, while the included detachable ‘Metro Kit’ on the front is a very cute and functional addition we’ve not seen before, which allows you to keep your essentials with you – whether you’re heading to the airplane bathroom or for a wander around duty free.
Editor review: “It’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot — I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished," Madison Flager, US senior commerce editor.
Pros: Multiple pockets, high-quality material, trolley sleeve, and comes with a detachable day pack
Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulkySize: 42 x 42 x 29cm
Weight: 1.1kgHerschel Kaslo Daypack Tech
There’s something quite military about this backpack – a bit Swiss Army knife. And when it comes to packing in a small bag, that’s very welcome. The Kaslo Daypack looks very basic from the outside, but open up the main areas (there are two of them) and you’ll find a crazy number of zipped pockets, mesh compartments and card holders to securely store everything from pens and earbuds to your iPad and book. This bag is deceptively roomy, and editor Meaghan Kenny says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights, allowing her to pack two days' worth of clothing inside.
Editor review: “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps, which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” Meaghan Kenny, US Associate Commerce Editor.
Pros: Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket
Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shapedSize: 43x 32x29cm
Troubadour Apex backpack 2.0
Who says you can’t have a backpack that is ready for adventure and cuts a suave shape? This bag is as at home in a city meeting as it is strapped to your back, mountain biking through the rainy wilderness. The clean look is only elevated by the smooth, waterproof fabric and breathable back panel; the ergonomic shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry your 17” laptop to the office, or your luggage for a long weekend away. It’s perfect for all of life’s adventures.
Editor review: “This would be a great bag for a business trip, and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," Meaghan Kenny, US Associate Commerce Editor.
Pros: Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve
Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated lookSize: 32x48x15cm
Weight: 1kgCotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack
A backpack created with core climbers and skiiers in mind, this bag is lightweight, rip-resistant and kitted out to hold an ice tool and climbing rope! Talk about specific. There’s a zippered front pocket and top lid secured with a simple strap, but that’s it – no frills, just function. Contributor, Rekaya Gibson, didn’t use it to climb a mountain but still raves about the amount of space that this backpack offers. It’s hard not to be impressed “It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organised,” she says.
Each bag varies slightly, as they’re all made using repurposed materials to lower the brand’s environmental footprint.
Pros: Has a lot of security elements (which is great for hikes)
Cons: Shows wear quickly depending on your trekSize: 51x 31x 18cm
Weight: 562g
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Louis DelbarreLululemon's backpack is a great day-to-day bag for work and gym
Lululemon City Adventurer backpack 20L
Lulumon is best known for being a gym brand, but this neat rucksack is destined for more than spin classes and weight sessions! There’s so much about this bag that makes it the dream companion for exploring, whether on a city break or a beach holiday. The reinforced straps make it strong enough to carry all you can squeeze into the 20L capacity, while the expandable pockets and laptop sleeve give you more packing room to play with. Made with water-repellent fabric, this makes it a great choice come rain or shine. Flager likes using this backpack for days when she heads to the gym after work.
Pros: Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded laptop pocket
Cons: When filled with shoes, your main compartment is limited; no exterior water bottle pocketSize: 29x18x41cm
Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote
Everyone knows that having a charger on the go is an absolute game-changer when travelling, so the USB port (and pocket designed specifically for the external battery) built into the Peugeot Voyages Laptop Backpack meant this one had to make the list. On top of that, this bag is padded and comfortable to wear, and has nothing short of an ingenious interior, with loads of pockets (a must), anti-microbial lining and anti-RFID compartments. Style-wise, you’ve never seen a more elegant rucksack (or tote, depending on how you choose to carry it), making it an elevated option for travellers. We love the weather-resistant leather and canvas exterior and appreciate that the interior lining is all made using recycled plastic bottles.
Editor review: “I found exactly what I was looking for. A backpack that could hold my laptop as well as be an easy travel bag with several pockets for storage to get me through a week or two on the road without the back pain. With its price point, it's definitely worth the investment,” Kayla Brock, US associate social media manager.
Pros: Made from recycled materials, padded straps and back panel
Cons: Can easily become bulkySize: 41 x 36 x 16cm
Weight: 1.2kgRadley London Dukes Place zip around backpack
This stylish women’s leather bag is ideal for travellers looking for a chic backpack that's equally functional and comfortable. There are two large compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zip closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds an extra layer of security.
Editor review: "It's large enough to fit a light jacket, a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure, including lip balm, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, and more," DeAnna Taylor, US contributor.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile, and durable
Cons: Limited colours availableSize: 25x30x11cm
Weight: 0.4kg
Harber London Roll Top Backpack
If you had to pick one luxury backpack to travel with, the Harber London Roll Top has to be it. This brand offers the ultimate in high-end British leather goods, with all products being created out of grain leather by expert craftspeople in Spain. It’s certainly not a bargain buy, but you’ll know what you’re paying for as soon as you get your hands on it. The vintage style and a chunky military grade buckle fastening are giving old-world explorer vibes, but the clever design is anything but old-fashioned. There’s a padded laptop sleeve (fits a 16” device) and tablet pocket, a detachable front pouch, a suitcase passthrough band and a magnetic chest strap that’s extremely easy to undo. It's undeniably pricey, but we think it’s worth it.
Editor review: This is by far the chicest backpack I’ve owned, and it’s garnered plenty of compliments while in use, too. Thankfully, it’s equally as functional as it is stylish, with a roomy inner compartment that’s just the right size for my daily needs, and lots of all-important inner sleeves for keeping things organised. This bag saw me through several long days sightseeing on a recent trip to Japan and, after a week of being carted from long haul flight to train to bus to metro, it returned home in perfect condition. It is a little heavy, which is to be expected given the thick leather material, but the included sternum strap helped lessen the load on longer days. I also appreciated the front travel pack, which comfortably kept my passport and all my tech essentials to hand, and I like that there’s the option to swap it out from the more traditional front pocket (perfect for the daily commute) to the travel one (when heading off for a flight) when needed. Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Chic, feels luxurious, plenty of pockets, interchangeable front pocket for additional versatility, YKK zippers
Cons: A little heavy for use on long day tripsSize: 39 x 29 x 13.5cm
Weight: 1.5kgGandys International Bali Backpack
Organic cotton with a water-resistant wax coating, this boho aesthetic backpack has the perfect look and feel for laidback globe trotters. The Gandy Bali backpacks are all handmade with meticulous attention to detail, finished with smart leather trims and padded straps for extra comfort on long treks. There are many zipped pockets on the front, back, side and inside to keep your valuables secure wherever you go, and the separate water bottle holder on the side is a handy addition to help you stay hydrated on your travels. Although this bag is more suitable for daytrips than, rather than for use as a cabin bag, it’s a wonderful sightseeing companion that will last for years.
Pros: Organic materials, good choice of colours, strong charity initiatives when you purchase, hidden zipped valuables pocket
Cons: No suitcase passthrough bandSize: 45 x 32 x 15cm
Weight: 1kg
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