Choosing the right travel backpack is crucial for any journey, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a long-term backpacking adventure. A good travel backpack should be comfortable to carry, spacious enough for your essentials, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel. We’ve tested a range of backpacks to bring you our top recommendations for the Best Travel Backpacks available in 2024, catering to various needs and budgets.
Best Overall Travel Backpack
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L travel backpack, best overall travel backpack for comfortable and organized travel
$195 at REI (before member cash back!)
OVERALL SCORE: 83
- Storage & Protection: 8.3
- Ease of Use: 8.4
- Comfort & Fit: 8.7
- Versatility: 6.5
REASONS TO BUY:
- Effective internal and external compression straps for secure packing.
- Robust construction maintains shape, even when empty.
- Ample pockets and organizational features for efficient packing.
- Comfortable to carry, even when heavily loaded, making it a top pick among comfortable travel backpacks.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Can feel bulky when fully packed, potentially hindering maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Does not lay completely flat, slightly complicating access to items at the bottom.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L stands out as a meticulously designed bag, brimming with features and user-friendliness, making it an exceptional travel companion. Its generous capacity easily accommodates clothing and gear for weekend trips and beyond, while internal and external compression straps ensure everything stays secure. The external straps also allow for attaching compatible Osprey daypacks, offering versatility for day excursions at your destination. Built to endure the bumps and scrapes of travel, this durable pack is carry-on compliant for most airlines. Padded straps, a supportive waist belt, and load-lifter straps provide excellent support, even with heavy loads, ensuring comfort while navigating airports or city streets. Our testers lauded it as “one of the more comfortable bags we tested.” A well-padded laptop sleeve and numerous internal and external pockets enhance protection and organization during transit.
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 61cm x 35.6cm x 27.9cm | 24″ x 14″ x 11″ |
| Sizes Available | 30L, 46L, 65L |
| Measured Weight | 1.54 kg | 3.4 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 1.18 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 5 |
Earning above-average scores across all metrics, the Sojourn Porter secures its place as a top contender. Its spacious storage, protective design, and reasonable versatility are complemented by exceptional carrying comfort. Even when loaded with over 20 pounds of gear, its well-engineered load-lifting system and supportive padding ensure relative comfort. While not matching the support of dedicated backpacking packs, it strikes a balance between weight distribution and travel-friendly features like stowable straps and grab handles. For those who prefer single-backpack travel without packing light, the Osprey Farpoint 40 remains a top choice for heavy loads. The Peak Design Travel 45 and Nomatic Travel Bag 40L are also noteworthy for their ample storage capacity.
Travel backpack carry-on – using the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L frees up hands for extra luggage
Using the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L as a carry-on travel backpack allows for hands-free convenience, ideal for managing additional luggage.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Sojourn Porter’s robust design makes it suitable for international adventure travel, capable of withstanding diverse outdoor conditions while maintaining a sleek airport-appropriate aesthetic. Its generous main compartment is perfect for bulky gear. The Porter effectively balances comfort and ruggedness, whereas the Osprey Farpoint prioritizes carrying comfort for heavier loads, similar to traditional backpacking packs. Our reviewer highlighted, “we love that the entire harness system zips into a pocket on the back, protecting buckles and straps for duffel-style carry or checked baggage.“
Despite its many advantages, the Sojourn Porter has minor drawbacks. Its rugged build and compression straps can lead to overpacking and bulkiness. External compression straps, while useful for attaching daypacks or securing layers, can make the pack protrude further. These features also prevent the bag from fully opening flat, though it holds its shape well when empty, aiding packing and access. Overall, the Sojourn Porter is a premium travel backpack with excellent features, highly recommended for most travel scenarios. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is another excellent, highly organized option, though less rugged than the Porter.
Read more: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L review
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L impressed testers with storage, protection, and comfort, making it a top-rated travel backpack
The Sojourn Porter excelled in testing, earning high marks for storage, protection, and comfort, solidifying its position as a top travel backpack.
Credit: The GearLab Team
Best Budget Travel Backpack
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 budget travel backpack, lightweight and durable for budget-conscious travelers
OVERALL SCORE: 68
- Storage & Protection: 6.5
- Ease of Use: 7.0
- Comfort & Fit: 7.0
- Versatility: 6.5
REASONS TO BUY:
- Lightweight yet durable material construction, ideal for minimizing carry weight.
- Folds completely open like a suitcase for easy packing and access.
- Includes internal and external compression straps to secure contents and reduce bulk.
- A top budget travel backpack option for value and essential features.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Material lacks structure and doesn’t hold its shape well when empty.
- Weather resistance is not optimal, offering limited protection in wet conditions.
The Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 is a budget-friendly travel backpack that provides many sought-after features: durable materials, organization pockets, and a laptop compartment. Offering excellent value for its price, the Daylite is a solid carry-on option, though not exceptional across all testing metrics. It’s a great choice for those prioritizing durability and longevity in a travel backpack without needing it as their sole luggage. Our reviewer noted it as “a high-quality bag with very usable features at an accessible price point.“
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50.8cm x 38.1cm x 27.9cm | 20″ x 15″ x 11″ |
| Sizes Available | 26L, 35L, 44L |
| Measured Weight | 0.95 kg | 2.1 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.06 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 5 |
The Daylite achieves just above-average scores in testing, placing it slightly below the overall average in our travel backpack lineup. This minimalist, budget-conscious workhorse costs significantly less than many competitors. It opens wide like a suitcase for easy packing and access, featuring internal compression straps and a large mesh pocket. While sufficient for light packing, it lacks the capacity and organization of bags like the Sojourn Porter or Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. It includes a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve and the comfortable Osprey Airscape back panel. External pockets provide easy access to essentials. The Daylite is among the lightest backpacks we tested, measured by ounces per liter. For a slight upgrade in storage, organization, and protection within a similar budget, consider The North Face Base Camp Voyager, praised for its “livability” and electronics pouches. Our reviewer commented, “We loved that the back panel fully unzips, allowing it to open like a suitcase.“
While a strong performer, the Daylite isn’t exceptional in any single area. A primary concern is the flimsy main compartment, which collapses when empty, making on-the-go access less convenient. Although compression straps are present, items can become disorganized during transit unless meticulously folded. Its slim profile is advantageous for fitting under airplane seats or in overhead bins, but it limits packing bulky items or multiple outfits. Weather resistance is also lacking, with water seeping in during testing. For enhanced weather protection and durability, the Peak Design Travel 45 and Nomatic Travel Bag 40L offer functional waterproof zippers and robust construction.
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 lightweight material sacrifices shape retention for reduced weight
The lightweight material of the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35, while reducing weight, compromises its ability to hold shape when empty.
The Daylite provided fair water resistance from above but showed seepage at the bottom during rain testing.
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 passthrough strap for pairing with rolling luggage
The Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 features a passthrough strap, allowing it to be easily paired with traditional rolling carry-on luggage.
The Daylite offers essential features in a value-oriented package, without excelling or significantly lacking in any area.
Travel can be expensive, and budget-conscious choices for gear can enable dream vacations. While feature obsession is common, sometimes “good enough” suffices. The Osprey Daylite is just that—a reliable travel backpack for getting gear from home to your destination, offering reasonable protection and organization. It’s ideal for those prioritizing value and seeking a durable, long-lasting carry-on. For frequent travelers, it represents a worthwhile upgrade from ultra-budget options like the Coowoz or Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On, without the higher price tag of top-scoring models.
Read more: Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 review
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 value travel backpack, high-performing and affordable
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 remains a high-performing and high-quality value travel backpack.
Credit: The GearLab Team
Best Travel Backpack on a Tight Budget
Coowoz Essentials
Coowoz Essentials budget travel backpack, affordable and feature-rich for budget travelers
OVERALL SCORE: 62
- Storage & Protection: 6.0
- Ease of Use: 6.0
- Comfort & Fit: 6.5
- Versatility: 6.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Easy to pack due to its structured design that holds its shape well.
- Highly budget-friendly, making it accessible for travelers on a tight budget.
- Includes a dedicated shoe and wet item pocket, separating dirty or damp items.
- A leading budget travel backpack for essential features at a low cost.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Limited clothing capacity compared to larger travel backpacks.
- Material can be noisy, which may be a minor annoyance for some users.
- Exterior pockets are somewhat awkwardly placed and difficult to access.
The Coowoz Essentials is an affordable travel backpack that caters to budget-conscious travelers, providing essential features for your next trip. This compact carry-on fits comfortably under airplane seats or in overhead bins. Its structured, well-padded back panel ensures comfort, and it’s easy to pack due to its shape-holding design, even when empty. Plush straps and padding enhance comfort during airport transits and security lines. Available in various colors, it suits diverse styles. Our reviewer summarized, “For budget-conscious travelers, those unsure about investing in pricier options, or parents seeking a vacation backpack for their kids, the Coowoz is our economical recommendation.“
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 33cm x 48.3cm x 20.3cm | 13″ x 19″ x 8″ |
| Sizes Available | 22L, 27L, 31L, 46L |
| Measured Weight | 1.27 kg | 2.8 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 1.14 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 7 |
The Coowoz Essentials’ storage features are average, but impressive for its low price. It clearly prioritizes essential travel bag features, though material and construction quality are less premium than higher-priced options. The polyester fabric offers initial water resistance, but lacks the durability and waterproofing of bags like the Cotopaxi Allpa or Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L. Internal and external organization pockets, along with an integrated USB charging cord, are valuable features, especially at this price point. A standout feature is the separate shoe and wet item pocket with exterior access, keeping dirty items away from clean clothes.
Coowoz Essentials compact travel backpack, ideal for weekend trips or supplementary travel bag
The Coowoz Essentials compact travel backpack is an excellent choice for short weekend trips or as a supplementary bag for longer vacations.
Credit: Hale Milano
Travel expenses can quickly accumulate, making budget-friendly gear essential. The Coowoz Essentials addresses this, offering features typically absent in bags at its price point. Our tester stated, “This bag suits occasional weekend trips, providing functional travel features without frequent use commitment.” It’s compact, understated, yet feature-rich and comfortable for airport travel. Overall, the Coowoz is a great compact, budget-friendly choice for individual or family travel.
We tested the 31-liter Coowoz, appreciating its lightweight and ease of use, though it limits packing capacity. For upgraded materials without significant weight increase, consider the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35, which is lighter and has a better weight-to-volume ratio. The Coowoz’s internal layout felt less spacious than similarly sized competitors, fitting just a weekend’s worth of clothes for light packers. The interior fabric is slick and slightly noisy, resembling plastic bag material when loading or accessing items. Exterior pockets are somewhat awkward to access due to protective zipper flaps, hindering quick access, especially when full. However, no bag in our lineup offers better value at a lower price. For more space on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics Carry On Travel offers decent compression straps and external pockets at a similar price point to the Coowoz.
Read more: Coowoz Essentials review
Coowoz Essentials budget-friendly and comfortable travel backpack, suitable for lighter loads
The Coowoz Essentials is a perfect budget travel backpack, offering great features and comfort, although best suited for lighter loads.
Credit: The GearLab Team
Best Travel Backpack for Internal Organization and Livability
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L organized travel backpack, ideal for efficient packing and on-the-go living
OVERALL SCORE: 79
- Storage & Protection: 8.0
- Ease of Use: 8.6
- Comfort & Fit: 8.0
- Versatility: 5.5
REASONS TO BUY:
- Integrated internal mesh organization system for suitcase-style packing and easy access.
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully packed, enhancing user experience.
- Completely detachable waist belt for customized carry and streamlined profile.
- A top organized travel backpack for travelers who value efficient packing.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Laptop sleeve design could be improved for easier access and better protection.
- Mesh pockets limit “shove-style” packing, requiring a more structured approach.
Updated October 2024 Cotopaxi has updated their Allpa packs. The latest Allpa 35 model features an external water bottle pocket, luggage handle pass-through, redesigned internal organization, and updated air mesh straps. It’s also made from recycled materials. Both versions are widely available.
Our team unanimously recommends the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L for frequent travelers who live out of their luggage. For those constantly on the move, easy access and organization are vital. The Allpa’s integrated mesh pockets act as built-in packing cubes, neatly organizing shirts, socks, and travel necessities. It’s comfortable to carry through airports, thanks to a padded back panel and supportive straps. The waist strap is fully removable for streamlined carry. This feature is preferred over hide-away straps, offering a smoother profile.
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55.9cm x 30.5cm x 27.9cm | 22″ x 12″ x 11″ |
| Sizes Available | 20L, 28L, 35L, 42L |
| Measured Weight | 1.41 kg | 3.1 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.09 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 4 |
While ideal for organization, the Cotopaxi’s laptop sleeve could be improved. When fully packed, zipper access can be challenging, and internal padding is lacking. Bags like the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible address this with a removable laptop attaché for convenient transitions between travel and work.
Another minor drawback is the limitation on “shove-style” packing due to the integrated mesh dividers. Depending on packing preference, this can be positive or negative. Despite this, the Cotopaxi Allpa is highly recommended for ease of travel and on-the-go living. For ultimate organization, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag offers even more pockets. A sleek, feature-rich alternative is the Peak Design Travel 45, with a large main compartment and dual-access mesh pocket.
Read more: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L internal organization travel backpack, secure and efficient packing system
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is excellent for organized travelers, featuring deep internal pockets that keep everything secure and readily accessible.
Credit: The GearLab Team
A Livable Yet Sleek Upgraded Pick
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible
$250 at REI (before member cash back!)
OVERALL SCORE: 79
- Storage & Protection: 7.5
- Ease of Use: 8.5
- Comfort & Fit: 8.0
- Versatility: 7.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Removable laptop attaché case for easy transition from travel to work environments.
- Easy access to contents while on the go, streamlining travel routines.
- Generous internal space and organization features for efficient packing.
- Sleek and modern style, suitable for both business and leisure travel, a top sleek travel backpack.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Higher price point compared to other travel backpacks in its category.
- Large packed size may be less ideal for travelers preferring a more compact carry-on.
The Thule Subterra 2 Convertible is a high-end travel backpack combining top features from other leading packs into a sleek, albeit sizable, design. Its versatility is highlighted by a removable laptop attaché for seamless transitions between travel and work. The sling-style strap can be repurposed for a makeshift shoulder bag. The Thule offers ample internal space with a snap-in divider and large mesh pocket for organization, plus a convenient pocket for quick-access items like passports or chargers. Similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa in its outer shell, the Thule presents a cleaner profile due to semi-rigid fabric that holds its shape even when partially full. Comfortable, well-padded straps and back panel support heavier loads, ideal for electronics and camera gear. Its semi-stiff frame and ample padding protect gear and simplify packing and unpacking.
The suitcase-style zipper provides full access to contents. This design is preferred over bags with limited access due to straps (Sojourn Porter) or collapsing designs (Coowoz). The Thule is easy to live out of, accommodating both neat folding and quick, rushed packing. Durable material and strong zippers ensure secure closure. Despite its capacity and pockets, the Thule maintains a sleek aesthetic with minimal external clutter, suitable for both adventure and business trips. Overall, the Subterra is a livable, high-feature travel backpack.
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55.9cm x 35.6cm x 22.9cm | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Sizes Available | 40L |
| Measured Weight | 1.81 kg | 4.0 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.10 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 4 |
While we appreciate the Subterra’s simplicity and comprehensive features, some details are missed. Internal compression straps are absent, making it easy to overload. It doesn’t cinch down smaller when lightly packed due to its rigid material. More flexible bags like the Osprey Daylite or Sojourn Porter offer better adaptability in this regard.
The Thule’s weather resistance is also not as robust as some competitors. While sleek, it’s not fully waterproof, and water may seep through zippers in heavy rain. The zippered water bottle pocket is also limited in size, unsuitable for larger insulated bottles. A waist belt is absent, though not missed for carry-on sizes. For waist belt preference, the Cotopaxi Allpa offers a removable belt, and the Osprey Farpoint features a high-end belt system.
Read more: Thule Subterra 2 Convertible review
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible easy packing travel backpack, rigid design and ample space
The Thule Subterra 2 Convertible is convenient to pack thanks to its rigid fabric that holds its shape, coupled with plenty of dedicated space for clothes and electronics.
Credit: Hale Milano
Best Travel Backpack for Comfort Under Heavy Load
Osprey Farpoint 40
Osprey Farpoint 40 comfortable travel backpack, excellent support for heavy loads
$185 at REI (before member cash back!)
OVERALL SCORE: 81
- Storage & Protection: 8.0
- Ease of Use: 6.9
- Comfort & Fit: 10.0
- Versatility: 6.5
REASONS TO BUY:
- Exceptional stowable carrying system, rivaling hiking backpacks for comfort.
- Double compression straps ensure secure packing and reduced bulk.
- Internal mesh organization pocket for separating smaller items.
- Comfortable grab handle for easy lifting and carrying.
- The top comfortable travel backpack for carrying heavy loads with ease.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Lacks an external water bottle pocket, a common feature in modern backpacks.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 excels in carrying comfort and also offers livability and user-friendly organization. The Farpoint is designed to carry heavy loads effortlessly, featuring a fully equipped, stowable suspension system. Its adjustable torso length, LightWire frame, and foam back panel provide hiking backpack-level comfort. Plush grab handles enhance ease of handling. The Farpoint is also easy to live out of, with internal compression straps and a large main compartment. External compression straps prevent bulkiness and allow attachment of a compatible daypack, similar to the Osprey Sojourn Porter. Overall, it prioritizes comfortable gear hauling while remaining travel-friendly.
SPECIFICATIONS:
| Measured Dimensions (When Full) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55.9cm x 35.6cm x 22.9cm | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Sizes Available | 15L, 40L, 55L, 70L, 80L |
| Measured Weight | 1.59 kg | 3.5 lb |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 1.40 oz/L |
| Exterior Access Pockets | 3 |
The main drawback of the Farpoint is the absence of small external pockets for quick-access items. However, for habitual over-packers concerned with carrying comfort, the Osprey Farpoint is ideal. The Thule Subterra balances capacity and organization with internal mesh pockets and a large main compartment. The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Travel Bag prioritize organization over maximum capacity. Osprey also offers the women-specific Fairview 40 with a tailored fit and the same features as the Farpoint. The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L also provides comfortable carry and hip belt pockets for on-the-go access.
Read more: Osprey Farpoint 40 review
Osprey Farpoint 40 versatile travel backpack, suitable for travel and outdoor activities
The Farpoint is a dedicated travel backpack, but its supportive carrying system and payload capacity make it versatile enough for other roles, like a crag bag.
Credit: Hale Milano
Compare Products
Travel backpack comparison, side-by-side testing of top travel backpacks
We rigorously researched and selected the most promising travel backpacks to conduct thorough side-by-side testing.
Credit: Hale Milano
How We Test Travel Backpacks
Our testing process involves real-world adventures, identifying key features for life on the road. We use these backpacks extensively, from international travels to daily commutes, packing and unpacking numerous times to assess storage and organization in various configurations. We also evaluate padding and weather protection.
Travel backpack waterproof testing, assessing water resistance of bags and zippers
We conduct waterproof testing to evaluate the water resistance of both the travel backpack material and its zippers.
Credit: Hale Milano
For weeks, we live out of these bags to accurately gauge on-the-go access and organizational integrity. Comfort, fit, and versatility are tested by carrying loaded bags in various scenarios. Strap adjustability, size options, and multi-functionality contribute to overall scores. For more details, see our complete How We Test article.
We evaluate backpacks using four key performance metrics:
- Storage & Protection (30% of overall score)
- Ease of Use (30% weighting)
- Comfort & Fit (30% weighting)
- Versatility (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is presented by Hale Milano, Liz Chamberlain, and Hayley Thomas. Hale, a seasoned travel expert across 35+ countries, understands efficient travel bags from his work-travel experiences. Liz brings retail gear industry expertise, emphasizing form and function. Hayley, a van-life veteran, frequently travels to outdoor destinations with a backpack in tow.
Travel backpack comfort, Osprey Farpoint 40 grab handles and hands-free convenience
Travel backpacks, like the Osprey Farpoint 40, offer hands-free convenience for managing cameras or additional bags. Oversized grab handles ensure comfort even when heavily loaded.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L impressed testers with storage, protection, and comfort, making it a top-rated travel backpack
We compared compartment layouts and organization features of travel backpacks by using them on various weekend trips.
Travel backpack real-world testing, assessing performance in everyday activities and travel scenarios
Beyond airplanes and major trips, we assessed travel backpack performance in everyday activities to ensure real-world applicability.
Travel backpack destination testing, evaluating performance on diverse trips and destinations
Our test team traveled to numerous destinations with these travel backpacks, assessing their real-world performance across various travel scenarios.
Analysis and Test Results
Our process begins with researching top-rated options, narrowing down to the 16 most promising carry-on backpacks. We then subject each pack to rigorous testing, packing, unpacking, and transporting them to various locations. We use a curated packing list for objective comparisons and to help you find your perfect fit. Over years, these bags have accompanied us on trips near and far, from overnights to multi-week global adventures.
What’s the Best Value?
While prioritizing objectivity, we acknowledge the importance of price-to-value ratio. We consider the value a product offers relative to its cost, providing options across budget levels. In travel backpacks, material and craftsmanship are key cost drivers. Durable, lightweight, recycled materials with reinforced seams are pricier than less advanced, heavier materials. However, some budget bags offer similar features to high-end ones. Focus on desired functionality over price alone.
Travel backpack price comparison, Osprey Sojourn Porter and Cotopaxi Allpa in similar price range
Many travel backpacks fall within a similar price range, offering above-average price-to-performance ratios. The Osprey Sojourn Porter and Cotopaxi Allpa are closely priced, showcasing comparable value.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Daylite stands out for combining high-quality materials and design with a budget-friendly price. It offers quality materials and essential features in a simple, no-frills design.
Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 value travel backpack, high-performing and affordable
The Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 balances quality materials and essential features, making it a top value travel backpack at a budget-friendly price.
Credit: Hale Milano
Our lineup features value standouts: top-scoring models like the Osprey Sojourn Porter, Osprey Farpoint, and Cotopaxi Allpa offer excellent performance for the money. The Coowoz Essentials is a lower-budget standout, outperforming pricier bags. The Osprey Daylite 35 balances quality and budget.
Travel backpack real-world testing, assessing performance in everyday activities and travel scenarios
The Coowoz Essentials offers exceptional value, performing well despite being a fraction of the price of many other travel backpacks in our lineup.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Sojourn Porter excels across metrics—durable, comfortable, easy to use—without a premium price. The Osprey Farpoint and Cotopaxi Allpa offer similar value within the same price range.
Travel backpack comfort, Osprey Farpoint 40 grab handles and hands-free convenience
When price and performance are comparable, choosing the right travel backpack often comes down to personal preference, including color options and specific features.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Coowoz carry-on offers exceptional value for its price, suitable for occasional travelers seeking budget-friendly options.
Coowoz Essentials budget-friendly and comfortable travel backpack, suitable for lighter loads
The Coowoz Essentials features a comfortable interior with multiple inner pockets, enhancing organization for a budget travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
Storage and Protection
Luggage’s primary function is storage and protection. We assess storage volume, stability, weather protection, and electronic protection. We use a standard three-day packing list and evaluate maximum capacity with packing cubes. We test stability in various positions and drench bags to check for leakage, especially near electronic pockets.
Packing style influences bag choice. Some bags offer multiple pockets for organized packing, while others are duffel-like with a single compartment. Both are valid, consider your preference.
Related: How to Pack Luggage Like a Pro
The Peak Design Travel 45 excels in storage and protection. It fits ample gear, expands and compresses, is stable, and features a padded laptop sleeve and waterproof construction.
Travel backpack destination testing, evaluating performance on diverse trips and destinations
The Peak Design Travel 45 offers exceptional storage capacity, accommodating large amounts of gear and bulky equipment, making it a top storage travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Sojourn, Nomatic Travel Bag 40L, Cotopaxi Allpa, and Osprey Farpoint also excel in storage and protection. The Sojourn has dual compression straps and a padded shell, plus a TSID Luggage Registration tag.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L external straps, compression and quick access storage
External cinch straps on the Sojourn Porter provide compression and convenient storage for items like sweatshirts needing quick access on flights.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L TSID tag, luggage registration for peace of mind
A TSID tag on the Sojourn Porter adds peace of mind during travel, aiding in bag recovery if lost.
Travel backpack price comparison, Osprey Sojourn Porter and Cotopaxi Allpa in similar price range
Most travel backpacks in the 35-45 liter range offer sufficient capacity for travel gear, with high-end models providing water-repellent or waterproof fabrics for enhanced protection.
The Nomatic offers water resistance and an RFID protective pocket.
Nomatic Travel Bag 40L RFID pocket, protection for payment cards and IDs
The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L’s RFID Safe pocket offers protection for sensitive payment cards and ID cards during travel, a key feature for a secure travel backpack.
Credit: Matthew Blake
The Cotopaxi Allpa and Osprey Farpoint offer different organization styles—mesh pockets versus a single compartment. The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, Patagonia Black Hole, and Thule Subterra also provide excellent storage and protection. The Black Hole is durable and water-resistant.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L packed, organized packing with internal mesh pockets
We packed 4 days of clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials into the Allpa and found a designated and secure place for everything within its organized compartments.
Osprey Farpoint 40 main compartment, large capacity for gear packing
The main compartment of the Farpoint offers a large capacity for gear; items can be easily tossed in, secured with compression straps, and zipped up without issue, highlighting its ease of use as a large travel backpack.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs Osprey Farpoint 40, organizational styles and storage comparison
The Cotopaxi Allpa and the Farpoint represent distinct organizational styles and storage solutions, catering to different packing preferences in travel backpacks.
The Black Hole is durable and water-resistant.
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L durability, ripstop and waterproof outer shell
The Patagonia duffel features a durable ripstop and waterproof outer shell, providing robust protection for your bag’s contents and designed to be laid with this side down.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Tortuga is waterproof with lockable zippers.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L waterproof zippers, keeping contents dry in heavy rain
The Tortuga’s waterproof zippers ensure contents remain dry even under heavy rain, a critical feature for a weatherproof travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Subterra offers adjustable sections and a removable laptop bag for enhanced organization and electronics protection.
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible organization, adjustable sections for gear organization
Adjustable sections within the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible help to simplify gear organization, making it an efficient organized travel backpack.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is crucial for on-the-go living. We assess pocket accessibility, livability, strap system usability, and convenient features.
The North Face Voyager is praised for its thoughtful simplicity, easy packing, removable divider, and well-organized external pockets.
The North Face Voyager external pockets, easy access for frequently used items
We kept frequently used items like headphones and magazines in the easily accessible external pockets of The North Face Voyager, enhancing its practicality as an easy-to-use travel backpack.
The North Face Voyager internal divider, easy and neat packing of clothes
The internal divider on The North Face Voyager makes packing clothes neatly incredibly easy, contributing to its user-friendly design as a travel backpack.
The Cotopaxi Allpa features integrated mesh pockets and a removable waist belt, enhancing usability.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L internal organization travel backpack, secure and efficient packing system
The Cotopaxi Allpa opens up like a suitcase, providing complete access to integrated mesh packing cubes that keep gear organized and secure even when the bag is opened, enhancing its usability as an organized travel backpack.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
The Thule Subterra 2 Convertible balances simplicity and organization with rigid material, easy access, and a removable laptop attaché.
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible easy packing travel backpack, rigid design and ample space
We lived out of the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible in the back of a car while staging for backpacking trips; it remained propped open, held all our clothes and gear easily, and provided necessary access to pouches, including the removable laptop pouch, showcasing its excellent ease of use as a livable travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Sojourn Porter has a large, accessible main compartment and stowable straps.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L rigid shell, shape retention for easy packing and access
The rigid outer shell of the Sojourn Porter helps it hold its shape even when empty, facilitating easy packing and access, enhancing its practicality as a user-friendly travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Tortuga Travel Backpack offers full access and a large external pocket.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L external pocket, full-height organization and tablet storage
The external organization pocket of the Tortuga Travel Backpack runs the full height and width of the bag, and includes a fleece-lined tablet pocket and small organization pouches, adding to its ease of use as an accessible travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag offers extensive organization, though potentially overwhelming with 15 pockets.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs Osprey Farpoint 40, organizational styles and storage comparison
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag boasts an endless assortment of pockets for the ultra-organized traveler; as much as we liked the organization, 15 pockets felt like too much when all we wanted was to stuff a jacket inside and grab some snacks, highlighting that excessive organization can sometimes hinder ease of use in a travel backpack.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount for travel days. We assess comfort under heavy loads, padding, and strap effectiveness. Key features include padding, weight distribution, and adjustability.
The Osprey Farpoint excels in comfort with a hiking backpack-level harness system, adjustable torso, and breathable back panel.
Osprey Farpoint 40 comfort, supportive and ergonomic design for heavy loads
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a comfortable option for hauling heavy packing lists, no matter what type of trip you’re taking, due to its exceptional ergonomic design.
Osprey Farpoint 40 straps comfort, comfortable and well-distributed straps for reduced strain
All of the straps on the Osprey Farpoint 40 sat comfortably, allowing for great weight distribution and reduced strain, making it a top comfortable travel backpack.
Osprey Farpoint 40 comfort, supportive and ergonomic design for heavy loads
The mesh back panel on the Farpoint is one of the most comfortable that we tested, contributing to its overall high score for comfort as a travel backpack.
Osprey Farpoint 40 straps comfort, comfortable and well-distributed straps for reduced strain
The feature-rich harness system on the Farpoint includes load lifter straps, a reverse pull waist belt, and a molded foam back panel, all designed for maximum comfort and support in a travel backpack.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is also highly comfortable with a supportive waist belt and stowable harness.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L external straps, compression and quick access storage
Stowing the harness on the Sojourn Porter is easy; simply unbuckle the load lifters and bottom of each strap, and tuck it away into the slim zippered pocket, enhancing its convenience as a travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Tortuga offers thick padding and a highly adjustable harness system.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L waterproof zippers, keeping contents dry in heavy rain
Ultra cushy straps and a thick waste belt on the Tortuga Outbreaker allow this travel backpack to remain supportive even when fully loaded, ensuring comfort during long journeys.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
The Cotopaxi Allpa is comfortable but less supportive for extremely heavy loads.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L packed, organized packing with internal mesh pockets
The Cotopaxi Allpa is reasonably comfortable, but we liked that the entire hip belt can be removed if you don’t plan to use it, providing a customizable comfort option for this travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Thule Subterra 2 is comfortable, though lacking a waist belt.
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible strap options, backpack and shoulder strap comfort
We preferred the backpack straps for comfort, but the Thule shoulder strap will work in a pinch, offering versatile carrying options for this travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Peak Design and Patagonia Black Hole offer good comfort, while The North Face Voyager and Topo Designs provide above-average comfort features.
Travel backpack destination testing, evaluating performance on diverse trips and destinations
The straps and belt on the Peak Design Travel 45 bag slide away behind magnetic flaps, providing a sleek and comfortable design for this versatile travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The North Face Voyager internal divider, easy and neat packing of clothes
The firm padding is comfortable, though the straps on The North Face Voyager are unable to be stored away when not in use, offering a balance of comfort and practicality in a travel backpack.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs Osprey Farpoint 40, organizational styles and storage comparison
The straps on this bag are very comfortable, though it lacks support, indicating that while the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag offers comfortable straps, back panel support could be improved for heavier loads in this travel backpack.
Versatility
Versatile travel backpacks adapt to various trips and uses. We assess usefulness for different travel types, daypack capability, color/size options, and style.
The Thule Subterra 2 is highly versatile, suitable for both travel and business due to its removable attaché and sleek design.
Thule Subterra 2 Convertible laptop bag, removable attaché for business travel
Sliding out the Subterra laptop bag helps make a quick transition between transit and the office, enhancing its versatility as a business travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Osprey Farpoint is versatile for travel and hiking due to its suspension system and compression straps.
Osprey Farpoint 40 versatile travel backpack, suitable for travel and outdoor activities
The Farpoint can double as a crag bag if you don’t want to take multiple bags on your international climbing trips, showcasing its versatility beyond just a travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
The North Face Voyager is suitable for daily commutes. The Osprey Sojourn and Coowoz offer versatile style and color options.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs Osprey Farpoint 40, organizational styles and storage comparison
The Cotopaxi Allpa comes in a variety of vibrant colors, adding to its versatility and aesthetic appeal as a stylish travel backpack.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The North Face Voyager office commute, versatile for daily use and work
We packed binders and some publications in The North Face Voyager for a trade show; it was a little roomy, but did the job, demonstrating its versatility for both travel and professional use as a multi-purpose travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
How to Pick the Best Travel Backpack for You
Consider these factors when choosing a travel backpack:
What Size Works Best?
Size depends on trip duration and activities. Under 30L is for day trips, 30-50L for weekends and multi-day trips (carry-on compliant), and 60L+ for extended travel (not carry-on).
How Important is Comfort?
Comfort features include shoulder straps, back panels, and waist belts. Prioritize padding, adjustability, and ventilation.
Travel backpack comfort features, padding and adjustability for optimal carry
A well-padded travel backpack with adjustability features can make all the difference in comfort during long journeys.
Credit: Matthew Blake
What Features Do You Need?
Features include organization systems, hydration pockets, and waterproof zippers. Consider your packing style and travel needs.
What Material Should You Choose?
Materials vary in breathability and durability. Mesh and nylon are breathable, canvas and leather are less so. Ripstop nylon offers durability. Consider climate and activities.
Travel backpack material features, zipper flaps and reinforcement for weather protection
Different features like protective zipper flaps, reinforcement layers, and DWR fabric all help protect your contents from the elements, highlighting the importance of material in a durable travel backpack.
Credit: Hale Milano
Conclusion
Finding the right travel backpack is essential for comfortable and efficient travel. Our review highlights top backpacks for various needs and preferences, from storage and organization to comfort and budget. We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.
Travel backpack lineup, diverse range of bags for various travel needs
We packed all of these travel backpacks dozens of times to help you find which bag is best suited for your next trip, ensuring a comprehensive review for every traveler’s need.
Credit: Hale Milano
