Best Travel Backpack For Your Next Big Trip
What is the best travel backpack out there if you are out to explore the world? There are plenty to choose from for all styles.
This article is more than 2 years old
As the weather begins to become more favorable, people are looking to get out and travel. Some are seeking that long weekend getaway while others need at least a week of battery recharging. Still, some have saved up enough time to make their vacation last a couple of weeks. Whichever travel category you fall into, one thing you might be looking into taking with you on your adventure is a travel backpack. The best travel backpacks are lightweight, offer plenty of room, security, protection from the elements, and a design that suits your style.
WHY A TRAVEL BACKPACK?
It probably all comes down to what kind of a traveler you are. It may also come down to where you are going and just how much you need when you get there. One bag travel can be a freeing experience but at the same time a scary proposition. Many times we have the tendency to overpack, to bring along things we would never use on any occasion. But it’s the comfort in knowing those things are with you, “just in case.”
It takes a heady packer to bring along only the essentials. Especially if your travel plans are going to keep you away from home for an extended amount of time. If that’s the case, you may be asking yourself why a travel backpack? Again, it probably all comes down to where you’re headed. If you are going to a place where formal dressing is a must, then even the best travel backpacks won’t do you any good. But maybe you are heading off on that wonderful beach getaway. You can probably get away on your getaway with a travel backpack. Destination and time both play a big part in what you pack, how you pack, and what you pack. You may be surprised just how much the best travel backpacks can hold.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT STYLES OF TRAVEL BACKPACKS?
So, now that we have determined that yes, a travel backpack will be used on your next adventure, we now need to decide just the style and size we require. First off, a travel backpack is not a hiking backpack. Those are built with frames and are meant to carry heavy gear out into the wilderness. Now your next adventure may take you into the wilderness and if so, then a hiking backpack will be your purchase. This will not be the case for you.
The best travel backpacks come in all shapes and sizes. You can find them equipped with many layers, pockets, zippers, straps, and clips, or you can find them armed simply with one zipper and a big storage compartment. Again, it all comes down to taste and need.
For those of you who prefer a neat and tidy “area,” you may want to consider a travel backpack with various pockets and compartments. Here, you can layer your essentials by need. Do you need to bring along a laptop or tablet? Then make sure your travel backpack has a protective area for this.
What about clothing? Are you one who likes to keep the outer clothing separate from the under clothing? Pockets just might be necessary. How much space are you going to need for shoes as we *know* some of you like to overpack your shoe selection?
Some of you who opt for a one-size (pocket) fits all will be happy to know that even with a one-pocket choice, you can still have your cake and eat it too. This comes by way of packing cubes. The smallish cubes allow you to keep your items separate in your travel backpack but still know where things are properly stored so digging around for essentials is kept to a minimum.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BACKPACK YOU CAN CARRY ON AN AIRPLANE?
It stands to reason you need to find your way from here to there. It also stands to reason that your travel may include some form of air transportation. Finding the best travel backpack is key in your one-bag adventure. You want to find something big enough to handle all your mentionables, as well as your unmentionables, but you also want a travel backpack that you can take on an airplane and easily store in that pesky overhead compartment.
The beauty of finding the best travel backpack for your one bag trip is that you keep it with you, and you never have to go to the dreaded baggage claim. Once the plane lands, you just collect your travel backpack and head for the exit. Your adventure can now begin in earnest.
So, with that in mind and to prevent any unnecessary troubles at the airport, choosing the right size travel backpack is essential. For the most part, airlines allow for carry-on bags up to 45 linear inches [length + width + depth]. In layman’s terms, this would measure out to 22” long by 14” wide, and 9” deep.
Your best bet would be to reach out to the airlines in which you’re traveling by either phone or by checking their website to see what they allow. This way there will be no unpleasant surprises when you reach the gate. The last thing you want is to have to check in your travel backpack.
IS A 40L BACKPACK BIG ENOUGH FOR TRAVELING?
We’ve discussed the 45L backpack and determined, for the most part, that its size would still allow you to get it on the airplane as a carry-on. The question now becomes is this size of a travel backpack too big although it will fit neatly in the overhead. Would a 40L best travel backpack suffice?
A 40L travel backpack would absolutely work for those on an adventure, regardless of how long you plan on being out. Smart packing is key but more than that, making sure the weight of your travel backpack isn’t something that would hinder you. It is nice getting all your necessities in one bag, but if that bag is too heavy to lug around, it’ll only make your travel that much more uncomfortable. You want to make sure your travel backpack doesn’t weigh you down. You want to be able to hit the ground running once you get to your destination and an oversized bag can definitely defeat that purpose. Shop wisely when looking for the best travel backpack.
WHAT IS THE BEST BACKPACK FOR TRAVELING?
Speaking of wise shopping, let’s talk about some of the best travel backpacks. The following list is by no means everything that is offered. There are hundreds of choices in many different styles and sizes. Your taste will lead you to your final decision, but good research is imperative.
So, take a look at the below options and see which one tickles your fancy. Remember, this is an important decision if you are planning an adventure. Your travel backpack is your future home away from home, so make sure you are comfortable with your choice.
OSPREY FARPOINT 40L
PRICE – $159.95
WHY WE LIKE IT – The Osprey Farpoint is one of the best travel backpacks for numerous reasons. As far as a carry-on, the size is perfect. If you prefer a travel backpack that allows you to organize your clothing while securely holding all your belongings, then the Osprey is the one for you.
The size of the Osprey makes this a great travel backpack to own. No longer will you have to wait in baggage claim lines or pay those exorbitant check-in fees. The design of the Osprey is convenient in that it has three separate compartments. This allows you to decide where you want your belongings so you can safely store them.
The Osprey is made with durable material that is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It will keep your belongings dry for the most part, torrential downpours may give you some concern, though we hope you never find yourself outside walking in one. The travel backpack’s straps and zippers are built strong and will last years. If they become a nuisance, the straps can be tucked away to give the Osprey a cleaner look.
The only drawback to this travel backpack is that while it does have a sleeve to fit a laptop up to 15 inches, this sleeve is located at the front of the backpack making it vulnerable to any type of damage if it were to get hit. You would have to decide if you choose to travel with a laptop or even a tablet if this represents too much of a risk. Apparently not many consider it a problem because the Osprey is considered one of the best travel backpacks on the market getting great reviews all around.
TOPO DESIGNS TRAVEL BAG 40 L
PRICE – $199.00
WHY WE LIKE IT – This is one ideal travel bag and is considered to be one of the best travel backpacks on the market. The first thing you will notice with the Topo Design is its durability. Made with recycled nylons, it is as tough as they come.
The Topo Design is also constructed as a 3-way carry. This means it has backpack straps (with hip belt), shoulders straps, and grab handles) that makes it easy to maneuver this travel backpack through any situation. As far as design goes, the Topo has three separate compartments. The back panel offers easy access and there is where you can store a laptop up to 15 inches.
The exterior zippered pocket allows for vertical access and includes dual security pockets. Depending on the situation, you may need to get rid of the shoulder straps and hip belts, so the Topo has made them stowable. All in all, this is one of the best travel backpacks for weeklong adventures.
AMAZONBASICS CARRY-ON 50L
PRICE – $55.32
WHY WE LIKE IT – We all know that a good-quality travel backpack can unfortunately be a pricey proposition. This is why you might consider the AmazonBasics Carry-On to be one of the best travel backpacks – its price and the quality you get for it.
Plain looking? Yes. But it offers tons of space for solo travelers. Besides, who wants a travel backpack that grabs unwanted attention? While the AmazonBasics may not be the most streamlined of travel backpacks, it is made with durable polyester and is lightweight. Although it is lightweight, the materials used make it non-water resistant. So, you may want to be better prepared if you are traveling in wet conditions.
But for the price, you can’t go wrong. The shoulder straps are padded to make the carrying more comfortable, and the straps can be tucked away if needed. The travel backpack is built with a few compartments, and the front pocket is designed for smaller items such as passports, phones, or any other small item you wish to have quick access to.
The main compartment is huge, allowing for plenty of space to hold your belongings. This compartment opens up like a clamshell, so you won’t find yourself digging around and messing up your clothing. Of course, there is also a laptop sleeve that is big enough to carry a 17-inch laptop. It has thick padding all around so your laptop will be safe from any jolts.
HYNES EAGLE 40L
PRICE – $49.99
WHY WE LIKE IT – If you are a one-bag traveler on a budget, then you might consider the Hynes Eagle as the best travel backpack for you. The Hynes Eagle is perfect for weekend getaways or short business trips. If your trip turns into something longer, the Hynes could work as well if you are smart about your clothing choices.
The Hynes Eagle offers a number of compression buckle straps that make adjusting the travel backpack a breeze. It also has adjustable sternum and hip straps that make your carrying experience more comfortable. In the backpack’s main compartment, you can fit a 15-inch laptop. In the front zipper pocket, there is room for smaller items such as toiletries. If you really want to keep things separate, the Hynes also can be purchased with packing cubes.
GORUCK GR2 40L
PRICE – $415.00
WHY WE LIKE IT – If you are looking for the best travel backpack, one that is virtually indestructible, then the GoRuck GR2 is the one you are looking for. This design is based on military Special Forces medical packs, so you know your belongings are in good hands. The GoRuck GR2 is made with 1000D CORDURA and YKK zippers, so breaking should be the least of your worries.
The GR2 is built with two compartments and opens flat, so there is no digging around aimlessly. The inner compartment comes equipped with three pockets as does the outer compartment. The outer compartment also has a built-in field pocket as well. The laptop compartment is large enough to carry a 17-inch laptop and it is built with a removable, hard plastic frame that will keep your device safe and secure from any jolting.
Yes, its price may be jaw-dropping for some, but what you get for this price is one beast of a travel backpack. You won’t be disappointed. What may make the price a little easier to swallow is that GORUCK donates 1% of its yearly top-line revenue toward non-profits that support the men and women who proudly serve.
THE STUBBLE & CO ADVENTURE
PRICE – $265.00
WHY WE LIKE IT – If you like organization, the Stubble & Co Adventure is your choice as one of the best travel backpacks you can find. Trust us. As an organizer’s delight, this travel backpack comes with 9 compartments.
Not only is this travel backpack an organizer’s dream bag, but it is also built for comfort. It comes equipped with removable waist, sternum, and shoulder straps but these are also easily adjustable to make movement easy. The Adventure has a clamshell design, opening up for easy packing and easy retrieval. One of the 9 compartments is a shoe compartment located at the base of the bag. It has grab handles in case you aren’t able to get the backpack on your back for whatever reason.
For those traveling with a laptop, it has a laptop sleeve that will accommodate a 16-inch device. There are plenty of reasons to love this travel backpack, 9 of them being the compartments offered. This travel backpack will definitely catch your eye and make travel much easier.
SWISSGEAR SCANSMART
PRICE – $59.99
WHY WE LIKE IT – The SwissGear ScanSmart is another travel backpack that is priced to sell. SwissGear is a brand you can trust with a history of producing high-quality products. ScanSmart is no exception.
Durably built, the ScanSmart is one of the best travel backpacks going. You can fit your 15-inch laptop in its padded sleeve while the rest of your gear lays snugly in its separate compartment. The ScanSmart is designed with two zippered pockets on each side of the travel backpack allowing you to keep smaller items separate and easier to find.
It comes with padded shoulder straps to make carrying more comfortable, making those longer walks easier on your back. The ScanSmart may work best for those weekend trips though longer getaways are doable. Besides, the price is right for those traveling on a budget.
FINALLY
We are just skimming the surface with the above recommendations. If you are looking for the best travel backpack, the options are endless, though our suggestions are a great place to start. They offer some great pricing to go along with a great backpack. They also offer great organization for those who need it. Happy travels!
