A high-quality backpack is an essential item any aspiring backpacker should have when planning an adventure. A quality bag is necessary as it’ll carry all your possessions during your trip. Therefore, it should be compact, comfortable, durable, and strong.
Selecting a good backpack can be challenging as many packs are available in the market, claiming to be the best in the game. To find the best backpack for traveling, you’ll have to do a lot of research.
This article highlights and reviews several backpacks to help you find one that suits your needs.
Quick Overview of the Top Backpack Brands
- Best overall: Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
- Best organized: Tropicfeel Shell
- Top men’s long-term travel bag: Osprey Aether 70L
- Best carry-on: Osprey Farpoint 40L
- Leading women’s long-term travel pack: Osprey Aura 50L
- Best hiking bag: Osprey Airscape UNLTD
- Leading fill-size unisex bag: Tortuga Outbreaker
- Top travel pack with wheels: Osprey Ozone 42L
- Best camera bag for traveling: WANDRD PRVKE 31
- Top laptop traveling pack: Tortuga Setout Laptop bag
Reasons to Travel with a Bag
Most people usually think traveling with a suitcase is easier than traveling with a backpack; this couldn’t be further from the truth. In most parts of the world, airports, streets, and train stations aren’t suitcase-friendly.
Suitcases are usually cumbersome, get in the way, and are likely to get damaged—carrying a suitcase with damaged wheels as you search for accommodation is a bad way to start a trip.
Good quality backpacks make traveling easier by just strapping them to your back. You won’t feel your bag’s weight on your back if they have an excellent hip strap.
During your trip, you’ll often pick up or hoist your luggage over bunk beds, treehouses, or compartments; this is easier to do with a bag than a suitcase.
When you travel with a bag, your hands will be free to use Google Maps to navigate new cities, and climbing stairs won’t be a hassle.
A high-quality travel backpack is more durable than a suitcase as it won’t get damaged easily. Moreover, most of them usually come with a lifetime warranty.
The best travel backpacks are usually flexible in shape and size; you can board planes with them if they aren’t complete. Some bags come with detachable daypacks!
Leading Travel Bags
There’s nothing worse than a bag that causes discomfort, pain, and dread each time you pack up to travel. Here are some of the top packs that’ll make your traveling experience better:
1. Aer Travel bag 2
Specs
- Capacity: 33 L
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Fabric: 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Exterior
Features
- It has a laptop compartment
- Carry-On size
- Has multiple compartments
- Durable
- Customizable
The Aer Travel backpack 2 is an excellent bag for digital nomads who are always on the go. The pack can fit a laptop and other equipment you usually travel with.
The bag has various zippers, pockets, and compartments, making organizing easier. It also has a sleeve where you can put your shoes. The bag’s minimalist exterior design helps ward off thieves.
2. Nomatic Travel Backpack
Specs
- Straps: Waist straps, Adjustable
- Size: 40L
- Material: Ballistic/Tarpaulin weave
- Pockets: Adequate
Feature Highlights
- Lots of room
- Efficient and modern
- Carry-on size
- Many awesome features
The Nomatic travel backpacks are designed to be sleek and modern and offer the best packing efficiency. The bags are well-designed with adequate sleeves, pockets, and many other features to achieve this.
This bag will help you keep all your possessions safe while looking trendy, whether you’re backpacking across the globe or going on a business trip. The Nomatic bag is perfect for modern travelers who spend most of their time in urban spaces, as it is feature-rich and stylish.
Nevertheless, since it has a 40L capacity, the bag may need more storage for individuals on long trips.
3. Osprey Aura 50
Specs
- Capacity: 50L
- Pockets: Multiple – including water bottle, front, and top pockets
- Straps: Chest Side, Shoulder, and Hip
- Fabric: 100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
- Frame: Internal full peripheral
Features
- Anti-Gravity Suspension
- It has various organizational options
- Floating top-lid that can be replaced with FlapJacket
This top-quality backpack is perfect for women traveling on short and long trips. The bag comes with a lifetime guarantee, making it one of the best value-for-money bags.
The bag has an in-built anti-gravity suspension system, which is built to carry 40 lbs of weight. The Osprey Aura is strong and stable, allowing you to carry weights of up to 40 lbs without feeling anything.
The Osprey Aura backpack is perfect for individuals traveling in various weather conditions.
4. Osprey Airscape UNLTD
Specs
- Capacity: 68L
- Pockets: Multiple – including water bottle, front, and top
- Straps: Chest, Shoulder, and Hip
- Fabric: Space Age
- Frame: Internal with 3-dimensionally printed lumbar support
Features
- It has an Anti-Gravity Suspension
- The lid can detach into a day backpack
- Offers superior back support
This is among the two hiking backpacks the Osprey brand launched as part of the UNLTD series. The manufacturers used three-dimensional printing technology to create a supportive, comfortable, and breathable bag.
The bag’s 8L upper lid can convert into an 18L day bag; nevertheless, it has a $750 price tag that makes it pretty expensive. Whether the bag is worth this price tag is debatable, but it’s the best hiking backpack on the market.
5. Osprey Men’s Aether 70
Specs
- Capacity: 70L
- Straps: Chest Compression, Shoulder, and Hip
- Pockets: Multiple
- Fabric: 210D Nylon Dobby
- Frame: IsoForm5 harness and CM™ hip belt for a custom fit
Features
- Custom-fit
- It’s equipped with anti-Gravity technology
- It has a Convertible top-lid
This bag has the advantages of every bag in the Osprey brand—comfort, durability, and a lifetime guarantee. However, this model is slightly smaller than the brand’s regular 80L bags, making it the perfect pack for long trips that small bags can’t do.
The bag has various compartments and pockets that make organizing easier. It also features an AirScape pane that regulates temperature during hot conditions.
The pack comes with a lifetime guarantee; this bag’s only disadvantage is that one can’t avoid paying the checked luggage charges when traveling with it.
Top Travel Bags for Hiking
You require a special backpack that is durable, carries more, and can go further when you’re hiking. Here are a few excellent options if you’re looking for a high-quality bag that you can travel and hike with:
1. Osprey Skarab 30
Specs
- Capacity: 30L
- Pockets: Front bungee system and zipped internal lid pocket
- Straps: Side compression and chest strap
- Fabric: Nylon
- Frame: Ultra-light 6001 aluminum frame
Features
- Adjustable BIO FIT back system
- Has pole attachments
This practical and comfortable backpack is ideal for venturing into the wild. The bag is cheap considering its quality, and it also features an in-built rain cover, a safety whistle, a hip belt, and storage.
Its 30L capacity makes it ideal for ultralight hiking on weekends instead of longer expeditions where you must carry food and tents.
2. Deuter Aircontact
Specs
- Capacity: 65L
- Pockets: Multiple
- Straps: VariFlex Chest straps and hip fins and ActiveFit shoulder straps
- Fabric: Polyester: 20% / Nylon: 80%
- Frame: X-frame Construction
Features
- 15% perspiration control
- Three-dimension AirMesh cover with porous hollow chamber foam
- Amazing ventilation
This backpack is ideal for movement freedom, breathability, support, and comfort. The Deuter Aircontact bag is great for long or multi-day trips when carrying more supplies and equipment. For a backpack that can carry up to 50 lbs, it’s surprisingly lightweight.
3. Osprey Aether 85
Specs
- Size: 85L
- Pockets: Multiple
- Straps: Removable hip belt and shoulder straps
- Fabric: High-tenacity nylon
- Frame: HDPE/aluminum rod
Features
- You can adjust it to a lumbar backpack with AirScape lumbar pad
- Removable waterproof zipper and top lid with compartment
This is the best traveling bag in the market for those looking for an epic adventure or hiking. The bag has a lifetime warranty meaning that the manufacturers repair all damages on your pack for free, no questions asked.
Nevertheless, they recently updated the terms of this guarantee, and it excludes airline, water, and wear and tear damage. Even though it’s expensive, the Osprey Aether 85 is durable.
The bag is comfortable due to its custom-molded hip belt. The pack has multiple compartments for easy organization and is compatible with hydration systems.
Top Carry-On Travel Bags
While having several travel bags can be good, having a small bag is also essential. Traveling with a compact pack can help you save on luggage charges. Here are some backpacks that you can use as carry-ons:
1. Osprey Fairview
Specs
- Capacity: 40L
- Fabric: 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
Features
- You can adjust it into a duffel bag
This high-quality bag is designed for women and features a hip belt and shoulder strap. Due to its capacity, you won’t have to worry about the bag being checked. Besides being a carry-on, the Osprey Fairview bag is also an excellent pack for hiking.
2. Tortuga Outbreaker
Specs
- Size: 45 and 35 liters
- Pockets: Multiple
- Fabric: X-Pac waterproof sailcloth
Features
- It has an impressive design
- Great for organization
- It has many compartments/pockets
- It packs huge
The first thing you’ll notice with the Tortuga Outbreaker backpack is its massive main compartment. The bag can carry a lot of clothes, which is great news for world travelers as they don’t have to do laundry frequently.
The bag’s design allows you to open the main compartment like a suitcase. The compartments’ organization makes it easier to reach your stuff. The main compartment is subdivided into six small compartments.
Even though you’ll have to incur checking charges when traveling with this bag, it’s among the best backpack brands in the market. Its size, fantastic organization, intuitive design, and quality build make it the ideal travel backpack for individuals who want to travel in style but light.
3. Tropicfeel Shell
Specs
- Capacity: 22-40 liters
- Weight (when full ): 3.3 lb
- Fabric: Water-resistant nylon
- Has Add-on compartments
Features
- It’s versatile
- Easy to pack up
- Reasonably priced
This is a three-in-one travel backpack that starts as a 22L bag, rolls into 30L, and has a detachable pouch that’s 40L. The bag has another amazing feature, like a small pull-out wardrobe.
The Tropicfeel Shell backpack also has multiple compartments that make it easy to unpack and pack all your belongings. The bag is also made using recycled fabric that’s water and weather-resistant.
4. Osprey Farpoint
Specs
- Capacity: 40L
- Pockets: Multiple
- Straps: Exterior/Interior synchs
- Fabric: 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
- Frame: Light, wireframe
Features
- Has zip access to the main compartment.
- It’s fitted with a hip belt, harness, and stowaway back panel for protection.
- It has a tablet and laptop sleeve.
This is the perfect backpack for those who like light traveling bags. The bag is almost indestructible and has various compartments that make organizing easy.
Since it has a 40L capacity, most airlines consider it a carry-on, thus saving you checking charges and time as you don’t have to wait in baggage claim.
Top Bag Brands for Digital Nomads
Nowadays, it’s difficult to travel without a laptop as it’s become as essential as having a phone. If you’re traveling with your laptop, you must protect it; here are the top travel bags for digital nomads:
1. High Spirit
Specs
- Size: 19.5 liters
- Laptop Fit: Up to 15 Inches
- Fabric: High-quality leather exterior
Features
- Anti-theft
- Study shock-absorbing base
- Excellent design
The High Spirit brand broke into the travel bags scene with a bag. The High Spirit laptop bag is ideal for travelers who prioritize functionality, security, and style.
The bag is thoughtfully designed to offer the best user experience. Its top-quality leather exterior is the perfect anti-theft and sleek blend, a useful feature for individuals carrying expensive devices.
The bag’s best feature is its access design; the zips are on the back panel, making it difficult for thieves to unzip it when it’s on your back. High Spirits’ organizational layout offers adequate storage options for a weekend trip or a regular work day.
The backpack is more affordable than other laptop travel backpacks; you won’t find a better quality laptop bag that’s as functional and stylish as High Spirits.
2. Arcido Akra
Specs
- Size: 35L
- Pockets: Multiple
- Straps: Hip, chest, and shoulder
- Fabric: Polyurethane, Kodra Nylon
- Frame: None
Features
- Stylish, sleek design
- Lightweight
- Customizable and organized
This is the ideal backpack pack for urban travelers as it features integrative packing cubes, organizational pockets, and a laptop harness. The Arcodo Akra is lightweight, only weighs 2.4 lbs, and becomes lighter when the waist belt and sternum straps are removed.
The bag is well-designed, tough, and has adequate organizational features and storage to satisfy its users. Considering its superior design quality, the bag is affordable.
3. Incase Icon Pack
Specs
- Straps: Chest and shoulder
- Size: 9 x 13 x 19 inches
- Frame: None
- Pockets: Multiple
- Fabric: 100% Nylon
Features
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- The back panel has air circulation channels
- Various organization options
This is the perfect backpack for individuals working on the road who require a durable bag. It has multiple interiors and exterior pockets, allowing access to belongings and maximum organization. It also features a dedicated laptop compartment for storing equipment safely.
4. Tortuga Setout
Specs
- Size: 25 liters
- Laptop Fit: Up to 15 Inches
- Fabric: 900D heathered polyester
Features
- High-quality manufacturing
- Very functional
The Tortuga setout is as good as it gets if you’re looking for a sturdy bag to carry your laptop. The backpack is durable and well-designed, and it has tons of features.
The bag has compartments that are specifically designed for laptops. Its hideaway shoulder straps, luggage handle, and sleek laptop sleeve make it ideal for air travel.
Top Travel Bags for Photographers
Photographers have to be mindful of their equipment when they’re traveling. Constant movement and rough rides can damage sensitive camera gear; therefore, having a reliable bag is essential to keep your equipment safe. Here are some great travel bags for aspiring and established photographers:
1. Nomatic Peter Mckinnon Camera Backpack
Specs
- Size: 35 liters
- Fabric: Nylon and Tarpaulin
Features
- It can hold a small drone, multiple lenses, and a full-frame camera
- Can expand to 42 liters
This bag is designed and inspired by Peter McKinnon, a renowned photographer, and legendary Youtuber. The 35L backpack is designed with traveling photographers in mind, and it’s sleek, durable, super functional, and big. The bag is small enough to serve as a carry-on, but it’s also big enough to support long weekend trips.
The bag’s only downside is that you must go for the bundle package with all accessories to get the most out of it. Purchasing this backpack is an excellent investment if you have the cash, and it’s a better backpack than most when all its features and accessories are added up.
2. WANDRD PRVKE 31
Specs
- Size: 31 Liters
- Pockets: Multiple pockets
- Fabric: Blend of robic nylon and tarpaulin
Features
- Its roll top is expandable
- It has extra straps for accessories
- Can fit a travel camera + 3-4 lenses
This is the perfect bag for individuals who want a little bit of everything. The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is an excellent investment as it is stylish, durable, and has adequate storage.
Your belongings will be well-protected thanks to the bag’s robust weather-resistant make. The bag has extra straps and padding for weight distribution. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have key features that make it adept for carrying heavy loads.
Other Top Quality Travel Bags Worth Considering
1. REI Co-Op Flash 55
Specs
- Size: 55L
- Straps: Side Compression
- Pockets: Multiple
- Frame: Internal, Steel
- Fabric: 100-denier ripstop nylon main body
Features
- Easy access
- Budget-friendly
Even though it’s smaller than most backpacks, it’s still a quality bag for weekend backpacking and long minimalistic adventures.
The REI Co-Op bag is perfect for use in the mountains and cities, and it has easily accessible compartments and multi-functional pockets. It’s among the top hiking bags that are below $200.
The bag has eight exterior pockets and the main compartment for packing for adventures. With its comfy hip belt and breathable back frame, this bag is an excellent go-to for weekend backpacking trips.
Nevertheless, it has some not-so-great features, like its backside zipper is made using ripstop nylon fabric that makes it inconvenient. It also doesn’t have a mesh pocket to fit small items like a water bottle. The bags also don’t have a rain cover, meaning it gets soaked when there’s a heavy downpour.
2. Osprey Ozone
Specs
- Size: 42L
- Frame: Ultra-light 6001 aluminum frame
- Pockets: Stretch Mesh Pockets
- Straps: Hip, shoulder, and compression straps
- Fabric: Nylon
Features
- Attaches to Osprey’s wheeled luggage
- You can combine it with another Osprey bag to make it an agile beast.
Wheeled luggage such as suitcases have a bad reputation as moving around with them is hectic. However, wheeled bags are different from other conventional wheeled luggage.
For the intrepid explorer, the Osprey Ozone bag is different. It is undoubtedly one of the finest travel backpacks on the market today! With its adjustable shoulder harness and cushioned hip belt that easily tucks away for transportation, you can be sure to have all your bases covered wherever your adventures take you.
The bag can attach to other wheeled osprey bags for easy transport. It features a zipped compartment, and it’s breathable. The bag can fit a lot of stuff, but it gets uncomfortable when heavy and thus isn’t ideal for hiking.
This is the perfect bag for traveling if you have many valuables you wish to keep in your hand luggage.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Travel Backpack
When deciding on a backpack for your next journey, ensure you consider these key factors:
1. Straps
Carrying everything you’ll require while traveling isn’t easy, even if you pack light. Finding a hostel or wandering around with a travel bag isn’t fun, even for the lightest packers.
To ensure heavy items don’t cause strain, high-quality backpacks feature load-bearing straps, so they feel lighter.
Straps help distribute the weight between your shoulders and hips, making jumping, climbing, and walking easier while carrying your backpack. Nowadays, many big backpacks come with a hip belt.
Great hip belts make an excellent bag; carrying a backpack can be a nightmare without them. While some traveling bags have molded customized hip belts that may seem gimmicky, they’re very comfy.
Shoulder straps are also essential and should be comfy to wear the hip belt notwithstanding.
2. Pockets
The best travel bags have pockets to facilitate easy organizing. It’s annoying to have a bag that only opens from the top, meaning every time you require something, you must pull everything out.
Pockets help to combat this issue as they help you assign specific parts of your bag to particular items for easy access.
4. Weight
Bags aren’t weightless; the heavier a bag’s frame, the more weight it has. Go for the lightest but sturdiest backpack you can find. Gregory bags are among the lightest backpacks on the market, but they aren’t as tough as Osprey bags.
5. Comfort
When you’re backpacking, a travel bag becomes your home as it stores all your stuff; therefore, you must select a comfortable bag. The best way to find the right backpack is by trying it at the store before purchasing it.
As you try it on, load it with some weight to give it a proper test drive. A comfortable backpack distributes weight evenly across your chest, shoulders, and hips, ensuring no pressure points may make the pack pinch or rub as you walk.
Bags with padded hips and shoulder pads are the most comfortable.
6. Men vs. Women Backpacks
Most of the backpacks available in the market are usually designed with either gender; for instance, men’s backpacks typically take into account broad shoulders.
You’ll need to do more research to find the best travel bags for women. Good quality women’s travel backpacks consider the feminine frame. Weight distribution, comfortable straps, and size are essential considerations for women’s backpacks.
7. Construction and Material
Water-resistant fabrics are important when traveling as you’ll be exposed to drizzles or heavy downpours at some point. Nothing’s worse than finding your electronics damaged or clothes soaked.
Durable backpacks are made from stretchy, durable, and water-resistant solid material.
8. Size
Size is a matter of personal preference, as there’s no ideal travel backpack size. If you need space for camping equipment, you should opt for a larger-sized bag; ideally, a 60L will suit your needs perfectly.
Nevertheless, having a large backpack means checked luggage charges, and it’s unlikely you’ll be allowed to board with it on buses; it’ll have to be strapped to the roof.
On the other hand, if you have a small bag, you can’t carry many items, but you won’t have to pay checked luggage charges.
Traveling With Large Backpacks Vs. Carry-On Backpacks
Deciding which is best between carry-on and large backpacks is an issue most backpackers have differing views on.
Backpackers have different opinions on this issue, making it challenging for aspiring backpackers to know which backpack to purchase. Let’s look at each option in detail:
The Big Backpack (60L – 80L)
The main reason to have a big backpack is to carry more stuff. A bag that’s between 65-70L bags that can hold many extra items from equipment to food.
Only some people want extra gear, as more equipment means tedious unpacking and packing sessions, more check-in charges, and more weight.
Ideally, you should pack what you require; therefore, ditching a small travel bag for a large one will depend on the activities you’ll be doing during your trip.
You’ll require a big bag if you’re participating in various activities for long durations.
Pros
- Ideal for traveling to cold destinations
- Can store extra equipment for camping, hiking, etc.
- More room gives you more options
- Perfect when traveling off the beaten path
Cons
- More strain on your back
- You must check it on buses and airplanes
- Most travelers don’t require it
- Not great for urban travel
Carry On Bags (35L – 50L)
Although traveling with over 60L backpacks makes sense for some, it’s unnecessary for others. You don’t require a large bag if you don’t go camping or hiking during your trip. If you’re going for a short weekend trip, a 65L backpack is unnecessary.
40L backpacks are still large and have more than enough room to store your stuff. Traveling light means you’ll have less stress generally, as travelers with large bags often fill them with unnecessary items.
That said, traveling light requires dedication; therefore if a minimalistic backpack isn’t your style, go for large backpacks instead.
Pros
- You don’t have to check bags below 40L
- Less strain on your back
- Perfect for urban travel
Cons
- You can’t go camping or trekking
- The bags have limited space, meaning you’ll carry less stuff
Which one Should you get?
Ultimately, whether to go for a large or small backpack will depend on your traveling style and plans. A large backpack is the best solution if you intend to go camping. If you’ll be flying a lot or will mostly be visiting cities, it’s better to carry a small bag.
Bottom Line
With the tips above, selecting a good quality backpack for your travels will be easy. The comfort a pack offers is what makes it good quality.
The last thing anyone wants is a bag that rubs their hips or shoulder as they work. Follow the tips above, try backpacks before purchasing them, and you’ll choose a bag that’ll last you for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are 40L bags large enough for traveling?
A 40L backpack is suitable for short-term or minimalistic travel but not long trips.
2. What’s the best-value travel bag?
Aer Travel bag 2 and Nomatic Travel backpack offer the best value for your money as they’re durable and made from high-quality materials.
3. Is there a good-quality budget backpack option?
The REI Co-Op is a great budget option as it is sturdy, versatile, and made from high-quality materials.
4. How can I find the perfect travel backpack?
Cost, size, durability, and comfort determine a good-quality bag. Ensure you measure your torso to determine the capacity you’ll require for your equipment during your trip, then select from the remaining actions accordingly.