Are you a weekend traveler looking for the best travel backpacks to suit your minimalist travel needs? Or perhaps a digital nomad in search of a lightweight travel backpack with plenty of room for your laptop and travel gear. Finding the perfect backpack for traveling can be a daunting task with so many options on the market. This guide will help you navigate the world of travel backpacks and explore the best ones for 2024. From anti-theft backpacks with unique security features to carry-on backpacks designed for effortless travel, we’ll cover backpacks made with sustainable materials, intelligently designed back panels, and convenient clamshell openings ideal for packing cubes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your adventures, you’ll find the ideal travel backpack here.
The Best Overall Travel Backpack
The Peak Design Travel Pack 45L is widely considered at top in the list of best travel backpacks for 2024. With a spacious 45L capacity, it offers ample room for your travel essentials while remaining compact and carry-on friendly. 2 The backpack boasts a weatherproof and durable construction, ensuring your belongings stay protected from the elements during your adventures. 2 One of the standout features of the Peak Design Travel Pack is its innovative security and organizational design. It includes:
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves to safeguard your electronic devices 2
- Lockable zippers and hidden pockets to deter theft 2
- Thoughtfully designed compartments and pockets for efficient packing and organization
Additionally, the backpack’s ergonomic back panel and shoulder straps provide exceptional comfort, even when fully loaded, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads and frequent travelers. Alternatively, the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is another highly recommended travel pack that offers a similar 45-liter capacity and robust construction. 2 Its sleek design and ample storage options make it a versatile choice for both urban exploration and outdoor adventures.
The Best Travel Backpack with a Laptop Compartment
For travelers seeking a travel backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment, the Thule Aion 40L stands out as the top choice. Boasting a 40L capacity, this backpack offers ample space for your belongings while still meeting carry-on requirements. 2 Its standout feature is the side-access laptop compartment, designed to securely hold your laptop or tablet in cushioned sleeves, ensuring your devices remain protected during transit. 2 Another excellent option is the Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack, which, despite its compact 20L size, incorporates a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve. 2 This lightweight backpack is perfect for minimalist travel or daily commutes, allowing you to carry your essentials, including a laptop, with ease. If you’re a digital nomad or a frequent traveler in need of a versatile carry-on backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a top contender. With a 35L capacity and a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, this backpack offers ample space for your tech gear while still meeting airline requirements. 2 Additionally, it features anti-theft zippers and other security measures to keep your belongings safe. 2 For those seeking a more comprehensive selection, several other backpacks have been praised for their laptop-carrying capabilities:
- Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
- Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
- July Carry All Backpack Series 2
- Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
- Aer Duffel Pack 3 6
These backpacks were rigorously tested and evaluated based on factors like organization, comfort, durability, and style, ensuring they meet the demands of modern travelers. 6
The Best Small Travel Backpack
When it comes to small and best travel backpacks, the Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack stands out as the best option, offering a compact 20L capacity and a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve. 2 Its minimalist design makes it ideal for minimalist travel or daily commutes, allowing you to carry your essentials, including a laptop, with ease. For those seeking a slightly larger carry-on backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is highly recommended. With a 35-liter capacity, it strikes a perfect balance between size and portability, making it the best small carry-on travel backpack for most situations. 8 Here are some of its standout features:
- Clamshell design for easy packing and organization 8
- Handles on all four sides for convenient grabbing 8
- Comfortable carry with a removable hip belt 8
- Durable 1680-denier ballistic nylon construction 8
- Includes a rainfly for weather protection 8
Other top-rated small travel backpacks praised for their carry comfort, business travel features, and built-in packing cubes include the TOM BIHN Techonaut 30, ULA Equipment Dragonfly, Able Carry Max Backpack, Osprey Farpoint 40, and Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag. 7 When choosing a travel backpack, key factors to consider are size and weight for carry-on compliance, true volume, and exterior profile, top-loading vs panel-loading design, and weather resistance. 7 Favor smaller backpacks (under 50L) that are carry-on compliant, with a slim, rectangular profile for easy maneuverability. 7
The Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
For travelers seeking maximum security for their belongings, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 Anti Theft Travel Backpack stands out as the best anti-theft travel backpack. This backpack is designed with a range of theft-deterrent features, including:
- Slash-resistant eXomesh® material that protects against knife attacks 2 9
- Lockable zippers with puncture-resistant zipper pull to prevent pickpocketing 2 9
- RFID-blocking pocket to safeguard your credit cards and IDs from digital skimming 2 9
- Cut-resistant strap and attachment points to prevent bag slashing 9
Another top contender in the anti-theft category is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. While not specifically marketed as an anti-theft backpack, it incorporates several security features that make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures and travel. These include:
- Weatherproof and durable construction to protect your belongings from the elements 1
- Lockable zippers and hidden pockets to deter theft 1
When evaluating anti-theft travel backpacks, it’s crucial to look for backpacks that incorporate multiple layers of security, such as:
| Security Feature | Description |
| Lockable Zippers | Prevents unauthorized access to the main compartments |
| RFID-Blocking Pockets | Protects against digital skimming of credit cards and IDs |
| Slash-Resistant Materials | Deters bag slashing and knife attacks |
| Cut-Resistant Straps | Prevents strap cutting and bag snatching |
By prioritizing these features, you can ensure your valuables remain safe and secure during your travels. 2
The Best Rolling Travel Backpack
If you’re looking for a travel backpack that combines the convenience of wheels with the versatility of a backpack, consider a hybrid backpack with wheels for easier transport. 10 The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Pack is widely regarded as the best rolling travel backpack, offering a 36L capacity and the ability to convert between a backpack and rolling luggage. 2 Our top recommendations for the best rolling travel backpacks in 2024 are the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled (for men) and Osprey Fairview Wheeled (for women). 11 The 36L versions of the Farpoint and Fairview are sized for carry-on, while the 65L versions are larger checked luggage. 11 Key advantages of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview Wheeled series include:
- Extremely durable with a lifetime warranty 11
- Minimalist design without unnecessary extras 11
- Large, inset wheels for easy rolling 11
- Comfortable backpack and hip straps for carrying 11
- Lightweight materials 11
- Ability to attach a daypack 11
- Internal and external compression straps 11
Drawbacks of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview Wheeled series:
- Relatively expensive 11
- Backpack straps and hip belt may be overly elaborate for occasional use 11
- Could use more interior organization pockets 11
Other notable options in the rolling travel backpack category include the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 65L Pack, featuring a stowable harness and heavy-duty wheels 3, and the Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel, with a 110-liter capacity and a hardshell back panel. 3
The Best Carry-On Travel Backpack
For air travel, backpacks should be carry-on compliant, typically 45 liters or less. 2 The ideal backpack size should be proportional to your body, around 40-45L for carry-on. 10 A front-loading design is preferable for easy access to contents while on the go. 10 The best carry-on travel backpacks for 2024 are:
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack: 35L capacity, weighs 3 lbs 5 oz, features a clamshell design for easy packing, handles on all 4 sides, durable 1680-denier ballistic nylon construction, and comfortable contoured shoulder straps. It offers minimal administrative organization, so you may need a personal item for more organization. 8
- Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: 45L capacity, weighs 4.5 lbs, expandable from 30L to 45L, with clever fold-away straps. Great for carrying expensive camera gear with optional camera cubes, but expensive, especially with all the accessories. More complexity means more potential points of failure. 8
- Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L: 45L capacity, split interior with one compartment for packing and one for document/tech organization. Designed more like luggage with a simple interior, making it a good option for business travelers who need more organization. 8
According to expert testing and reviews, the best carry-on travel backpacks for 2024 are:
| Backpack | Highlights |
| Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L | Best Overall 12 |
| Coowoz Essentials | Best on a Tight Budget 12 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Best for Internal Organization and Livability 12 |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | Best for Comfort Under Heavy Load 12 |
| The North Face Base Camp Voyager | Honorable Mention for Packing and Livability 12 |
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack stands out as the best carry-on travel backpack, with a 35L capacity and features like anti-theft zippers and a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. 2
Conclusion
In today’s ever-evolving travel landscape, finding the perfect backpack can be a game-changer for your adventures. This comprehensive guide has explored the best travel backpacks for 2024, catering to a diverse range of needs, from anti-theft features to laptop compartments, and carry-on compliance. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or an occasional minimalist traveler, the backpacks highlighted here offer unique solutions tailored to your specific travel requirements. As you embark on your next journey, remember that investing in a well-designed, functional, and secure travel backpack can elevate your overall experience. The backpacks discussed in this article have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and convenience. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that come with having the right travel companion on your back, and let your wanderlust guide you to new horizons.
FAQs
1- What is the recommended backpack for air travel?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is highly recommended for air travel due to its durable polyester and nylon construction, efficient internal organization, and included rainfly. Another excellent and more budget-friendly option is the Vancropak Travel Backpack.
2- Which brands offer the best travel backpacks in 2024?
For 2024, the best travel backpack brands include Osprey, with their Sojourn Porter and Farpoint/Fairview models, and Peak Design’s Travel Backpack 45L for its durability and protection. For budget-conscious travelers, the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is a great choice, and the Matador GlobeRider45 stands out for its organizational features.
3- Can a 70L backpack be used as a carry-on?
Yes, a 70L backpack can be used as carry-on luggage on major airlines in the US and Canada if it is not fully packed. It is recommended to fill the backpack about halfway, possibly using a RUX Bag for better organization of your belongings.
4- How does the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L rate as a travel backpack?
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is considered one of the top specialized travel backpacks available. It is highly praised for its ample storage and numerous features that simplify travel and make living out of a backpack convenient.
References
[1] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-anti-theft-backpacks-5432552 [2] – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-travel-backpacks [3] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-rolling-backpacks-duffels [4] – https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/travel/best-laptop-backpack [5] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-laptop-backpacks [6] – https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks/ [7] – https://packhacker.com/guide/best-travel-backpack/ [8] – https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-travel-bags/ [9] – https://wattsbags.com/2024/02/20/10-essential-features-to-look-for-in-a-travel-backpack/ [10] – https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/choosing-the-right-backpack/ [11] – https://minimalist.travel/packing/luggage/rolling-carry-on-backpack/ [12] – https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/travel/best-travel-backpack [13] – https://theloverspassport.com/anti-theft-travel-backpacks/