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Finding the Perfect Small Travel Backpack for Your Next Adventure

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Bigger than a crossbody bag but more compact than a standard backpack, a Small Travel Backpack strikes the ideal balance between practicality and style. Don’t let the “mini” label fool you; many of these bags boast surprising storage capacity.

At travels.edu.vn, we take gear testing seriously. Similar to our rigorous evaluations of walking shoes for travel, we dedicated ourselves to finding the best small travel backpacks. We began by meticulously researching and selecting 21 mini backpacks for initial testing in our New York City lab. Our evaluation process extended beyond the lab, as we sent these bags out for real-world trials during commutes, flights, and everyday errands. Comfort, durability, design, and capacity were our primary criteria in compiling this list of top-rated small travel backpacks, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your upcoming journeys.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack at Amazon $55 $39

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Best Budget:

Madison & Dakota Canvas Mini Backpack at Amazon $12

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Best Anti-theft:

Cheruty Backpack Purse at Amazon $39

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Best Sustainable:

Topo Designs Rover Pack Mini Backpack at Amazon $69

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Best Classic:

Dakine Mini Backpack at Amazon $21

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Best for Hiking:

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack at Amazon $59

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Best for Commuters:

Bellroy Classic Backpack Compact at Amazon $139

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Best Splurge:

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack at Dagnedover.com

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Best Organization:

SALE

Aotian Mini Nylon Backpack at Amazon $27 $20

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Best Anti-theft:

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody at Amazon $242

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Best Overall

Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack

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PHOTO: Paravel

$55 $39 at Amazon View on Tourparavel.com View on Maisonette.com

Why We Love It: This small travel backpack folds into a tiny pouch, making it incredibly easy to pack in a larger bag.

What to Consider: It only has two pockets for organization.

The Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack earned its title as the best overall small travel backpack due to its exceptional performance in design, comfort, and durability during both lab and real-world testing. Despite its compact size, this mini backpack offers impressive capacity, comfortably accommodating items like a tablet, wallet, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and even a pair of small shoes. The best feature? When not in use, it folds down into a zippered pouch about the size of a small wallet, easily fitting into your personal item as a perfect “just in case” bag without taking up valuable space.

A discreet zippered pocket on the back is ideal for securing a passport or cash, and a small front pocket is perfect for keys or lip balm. While additional pockets would enhance organization, most fold-up bags offer none, making two a welcome bonus.

Constructed from a featherweight nylon material, this backpack is practically weightless, lightening your packing load. Yet, it remains surprisingly durable against everyday wear and tear. The woven nylon straps are designed for comfort, preventing digging into your shoulders and easily adjusting to fit your body, ensuring comfort throughout your day’s adventures.

The Details: 12 x 10 x 6 inches (unfolded); 4.5 x 5 x 2 inches (folded) | Recycled nylon | 7.04 ounces

Watch Us Test the Best Mini Backpacks

Best Budget

Madison & Dakota Canvas Mini Backpack

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PHOTO: Amazon

$12 at Amazon $12 at Walmart

Why We Love It: The main compartment of this small travel backpack offers ample space for a water bottle, snacks, books, and a wallet.

What to Consider: The fabric lacks padding, so it might not provide optimal protection for fragile items if bumped around.

If you’re unsure about committing to a mini backpack, the Madison & Dakota mini backpack is an incredibly affordable entry point to explore the style without a significant investment. This basic yet functional bag provides essential features for daily use, including comfortable padded straps, a generously sized main compartment, and a convenient front zippered pocket for smaller items. It offers plenty of room for bulkier items such as a water bottle or a light jacket, or it can easily accommodate smaller essentials like pens and snacks with space to spare. The polyester material is lightweight, though somewhat thin, requiring caution when carrying tablets or other delicate items. However, the fabric’s lightness is a definite plus. We appreciated the padded, adjustable straps that make this small travel backpack comfortable and easy to wear. Additionally, the tote bag handles on top with a snap closure offer a handy alternative for carrying it by hand, useful for quickly navigating TSA security lines or stowing it in overhead bins.

The Details: 13.5 x 10 x 4 inches | Polyester

Best Anti-theft

Cheruty Backpack Purse

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PHOTO: Amazon

$39 at Amazon

Why We Love It: This anti-theft small travel backpack features discreet pockets for securing valuables while traveling.

What to Consider: Opening the backpack and locating all the pockets requires a slight adjustment period.

Having your phone, wallet, or passport stolen while traveling can severely impact your trip. For enhanced security, we recommend the Cheruty Anti-theft Mini Backpack, praised for its thoughtful anti-theft design. Unlike typical backpacks, the main compartment of this small travel backpack opens with a zipper located at the back panel, ensuring peace of mind and deterring unauthorized access. Inside, you’ll find a variety of hidden zippered pockets for organizing essentials like a tablet, passport, wallet, or keys. While lacking substantial padding in the back and straps, the PU vegan leather material keeps the bag lightweight and comfortable to carry. A unique feature is the included removable tote strap, offering versatile carrying options – as a backpack, tote, or using the top handles.

The Details: 12.6 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches | PU vegan leather | Fits 10-inch tablets

Best Sustainable

Topo Designs Rover Pack Mini Backpack

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PHOTO: Amazon

$69 $65 at Amazon $56 at Backcountry $69 at Zappos

Why We Love It: In our tests, the lightweight recycled nylon material and generous padding made this small travel backpack feel virtually weightless to wear.

What to Consider: The front buckle and drawstring closure make quickly accessing items slightly less convenient.

The Topo Designs Rover Pack Mini Backpack stands out for its comfort, durability, and commitment to sustainability. Constructed from 100 percent recycled nylon, dyed in certified mills without harmful chemicals, and holding a Fair Wear certification ensuring ethical garment factory employment, this rugged mini backpack is an eco-conscious choice. Despite its seemingly small appearance, the 10-liter capacity of this small travel backpack can accommodate a surprising range of items, including a tablet in the back slip pocket and small essentials in the front pocket. The buckle and drawstring top closure provides extra security for your belongings while traveling, although it does slightly reduce ease of access. With adjustable straps for a personalized fit and a fully padded back panel, this backpack offers exceptional comfort, whether you’re hiking in nature or navigating city streets.

The Details: 13.5 x 8.5 x 3.75 inches | Recycled nylon | 10 liters |Tablet sleeve | 12 ounces

Best Classic

Dakine Mini Backpack

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PHOTO: Amazon

$21 at Amazon $16 at Backcountry

Why We Love It: The larger 12-liter capacity of this small travel backpack is great for carrying items like laptops while still maintaining a mini backpack aesthetic.

What to Consider: The laptop sleeve is neither padded nor zippered.

The 12-liter Dakine Mini Backpack provides a surprisingly spacious interior for a mini backpack, accommodating laptops up to 14 inches. Its timeless design, reminiscent of a traditional school backpack, makes this small travel backpack versatile for errands or office commutes. The 600-denier recycled polyester material achieves an impressive balance of lightweight feel and robust durability, designed for long-term use and water resistance. For added protection, the bottom panel is padded, especially beneficial if you’re carrying electronics.

While the slip pocket for a laptop or tablet lacks padding and a zipper, our lab tests showed that contents remained secure even when the backpack was dropped from a counter. Although overall padding is minimal, the soft material ensures that the adjustable straps and back panel remain comfortable even during extended wear.

The Details: 15 x 11 x 7 inches | Polyester | 12 liters|14-inch laptop sleeve | 9 ounces

Best for Hiking

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

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PHOTO: Amazon

$59 at Amazon $59 at Backcountry View on The North Face

Why We Love It: The back panel and straps of this small travel backpack feature impressive padding for exceptional comfort during hikes.

What to Consider: The side pocket is slightly undersized for a standard water bottle.

For outdoor enthusiasts, The North Face Borealis mini backpack is an excellent choice, offering comfort and lightweight design for hiking essentials. Whether you’re packing a beanie, neck gaiter, or a light jacket, the front compression straps keep items secure and prevent shifting on the trail. While the side pocket of this small travel backpack is a bit narrow for a water bottle, the main compartment provides ample space for hydration, and the side pocket can still be useful for a phone or easily accessible small items.

The standout feature of this athletic-style backpack is the thick, breathable padding on the back panel and adjustable straps, providing exceptional comfort for extended wear. For versatility beyond hiking, this small travel backpack includes interior pockets for tech, such as a tablet sleeve and a slot for phone chargers.

The Details: 13.5 x 8.6 x 4.15 inches | Recycled polyester | 10 liters | 12 ounces

Best for Commuters

Bellroy Classic Backpack Compact

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PHOTO: Amazon

$139 at Amazon View on Bellroy.com View on Publiclands.com

Why We Love It: This small travel backpack offers a variety of useful pockets for organizing a laptop, tablet, phone, notebook, and more.

What to Consider: The main compartment zipper can be slightly tricky to open due to a hooded cover.

Commuting to the office? The Bellroy Classic Backpack Compact is designed for organized professionals, offering ample storage without the bulk of a larger bag. Specifically designed for technology, the laptop sleeve of this small travel backpack accommodates devices up to 13 inches, and a conveniently placed top pocket is perfect for a phone. For tablets or e-readers, a small slip pocket is located on the front of the laptop sleeve, making it easy to carry all your work or study essentials.

For tech accessories like chargers, a spacious mesh pocket provides easy visibility and storage. While the main zipper can be initially slightly hidden under a fabric edge, it becomes easier to use with regular use. Made from durable, water-resistant recycled fabric and featuring comfortable padding, this small travel backpack is built to withstand daily commutes, whether by bike, train, car, or on foot, rain or shine.

The Details: 15.7 x 10.2 x 7 inches | 16 liters | 13-inch laptop sleeve | 1.1 pounds

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Best Splurge

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

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PHOTO: Dagne Dover

View on Dagnedover.com $155 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love It: The neoprene material of this premium small travel backpack is lightweight, water-resistant, and has a luxurious feel.

What to Consider: The neoprene material can attract dust and dirt easily.

The Dagne Dover Small Dakota Backpack exudes sporty sophistication with its sleek, plush neoprene material, characteristic of Dagne Dover’s renowned bag collection. From gym sessions to dining out, this versatile mini backpack offers impressive capacity, accommodating a small grocery haul, a light jacket, or a large 32-ounce water bottle. Comfort was a standout feature in our tests, thanks to the thick neoprene providing extra cushioning in the back panel and straps. Even with heavier loads, this small travel backpack remained comfortable without digging into shoulders. The wide-tooth zipper operates smoothly even when the bag is fully packed.

The pockets are thoughtfully designed for organization, including a discreet front panel pocket and a slip pocket for a tablet. A key leash in the main compartment simplifies key retrieval. For storage when not in use, this small travel backpack includes a dust bag to maintain its pristine condition.

The Details: 13 x 9.5 x 5 inches | Neoprene | 8 liters | 1.63 pounds

Best Organization

Aotian Mini Nylon Backpack

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PHOTO: Amazon

$27 $20 at Amazon

Why We Love It: This small travel backpack features just the right number of pockets for natural organization without feeling overly complicated.

What to Consider: This is among the smallest mini backpacks we tested.

Staying organized on the go becomes effortless with the Aotian Mini Nylon Backpack, thanks to its abundant pocket design. Three compartments of varying sizes provide dedicated space for everyday essentials. The largest compartment of this organizational small travel backpack accommodates bigger items, including tablets up to 10 inches, with a convenient slip pocket. The middle compartment is ideal for medium-sized items like wallets, toiletries, or chargers. The front pocket, while smallest, is perfectly sized for miniature items like lip balm or perfume. The sturdy nylon straps are easily adjustable for on-the-go customization. Despite being one of the smallest backpacks in our test, this organizational small travel backpack offers generous capacity, a durable nylon exterior, and a polyester lining that showed no wear after lab and real-world testing.

The Details: 12 x 9.4 x 4 inches | Polyester, nylon | 10-inch tablet sleeve | 10.9 ounces

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Best Anti-theft

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

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PHOTO: Arden Cove

$242 at Amazon View on Ardencove.com

Why We Love It: This small travel backpack boasts several anti-theft features, including a slash-resistant lining and locking zipper clasps.

What to Consider: Locking zipper clasps, enhancing security, are an additional purchase.

Travel often exposes individuals to unfamiliar environments, increasing the appeal of anti-theft bags for enhanced protection against theft compared to standard bags. The Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack offers robust security with a slash-resistant lining, effectively resisting box cutter damage in our lab tests – while exterior marks were visible, the interior and contents remained intact. This anti-theft small travel backpack also incorporates RFID-blocking pockets and a water-resistant zipper lining, adding layers of security. The zipper, intentionally requiring more effort to open, further deters thieves. Zipper clasps can secure the backpack to furniture, although upgrading to locking hardware (instead of the tested classic hardware) is recommended for easier and more reliable security. Well-constructed and comfortable, this small travel backpack can also convert into a crossbody bag for added convenience.

The Details: 10.5 x 8 x 4.5 inches | Nylon, faux leather | 4.8 liters | Slash-resistant lining

Other Mini Backpacks We Liked

From the 21 mini backpacks we tested, the following options were close contenders but didn’t quite make our top list due to minor drawbacks in comfort, durability, or capacity.

Itzy Ritzy Mini Diaper Bag: This spacious bag features elegant gold hardware and is practical for parents on the go, thanks to an included removable changing pad. However, the straps are less comfortable due to minimal padding and metal buckles that can feel awkward on the chest when adjusted.

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Travel + Leisure

Adidas Linear Mini Backpack: This sporty bag is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for gym use. However, compared to other athletic and outdoor-oriented bags we tested, it offers fewer organizational pockets.

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Travel + Leisure

Herschel Supply Co. Mini Backpack: This compact backpack is stylish and comes in numerous colors. However, the front pocket zipper is concealed by a security flap, making access to this already small pocket inconvenient.

Carhartt Mini Backpack: Spacious and exceptionally durable, this canvas Carhartt mini pack lives up to the brand’s reputation for ruggedness and longevity. However, the nylon straps lack padding, reducing comfort, and additional pockets would improve storage versatility.

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Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

T+L conducted thorough research to identify 21 mini backpacks of varying designs and sizes (all miniature) and began testing each in our New York City lab. Subsequently, we extended evaluations to real-world scenarios, using the backpacks for daily errands, commutes, and travel via airplane, train, and car.

In the lab, we assessed the design of each small travel backpack, examining every pocket, zipper, and buckle to evaluate material quality. We then loaded them with essential items such as wallets, lip balms, keys, small water bottles, extra shirts, and hand sanitizer to determine capacity. Finally, we conducted a durability test by dropping the loaded backpacks off a counter to assess their resilience and content protection.

While lab testing provided detailed insights, we continued using the mini backpacks in everyday life to gather comprehensive testing notes. We used the bags for gym visits, grocery shopping, flights, and more to further evaluate comfort, durability, design, and capacity. Ultimately, backpacks with generous padding for comfort, intuitive and spacious interiors, and durable materials that withstand long-term use achieved the highest overall scores.

Tips for Buying a Small Travel Backpack

Look for pockets for organization

A key advantage of a small travel backpack is its enhanced space and organizational features compared to a purse. For efficient organization on the go, choose a bag with multiple compartments, including interior and exterior pockets. If you often carry a tablet or laptop, opt for a small backpack with a dedicated sleeve that fits your device dimensions. As with any travel backpack, prioritize its primary function when selecting the best travel backpack for your specific needs.

Remember that padding equals more comfort

Mini backpacks are typically lighter due to their smaller size, which contributes to comfortable extended wear. However, maximizing comfort requires choosing a bag with ample padding. Cushioned or thick fabric on the back panel and straps prevents digging and discomfort. Additionally, increased padding can protect the contents from damage due to drops or rough handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How big is a mini backpack?

    A standard backpack typically has a capacity of 20 to 25 liters, so anything under 20 liters is considered smaller. Mini backpacks generally range from 8 to 16 liters, with an average around 12 liters. Typical dimensions for a mini backpack are approximately 12 x 10 x 5 inches, with slight variations.

  • What should I pack in a mini backpack?

    Mini backpacks can surprisingly hold a lot. While capacity varies by design, you should easily fit essentials like a wallet, lip balm, earbuds, a phone charger, and keys. Larger items that may fit include a tablet, small laptop, light jacket, and a water bottle.

  • Are mini backpacks in style?

    Yes, small travel backpacks are currently fashionable. They’ve become a popular trend in recent years due to their aesthetic appeal and practicality, offering a hands-free carrying solution and a convenient alternative to traditional purses or bags. Mini backpacks are available in diverse styles to complement various outfits.

  • Can I bring a mini backpack to a concert?

    This depends on the specific concert venue’s bag policy. Some venues may permit backpacks within certain size limits, while others prohibit bags altogether. Many concert venues enforce a clear bag policy, requiring all bags to be transparent, regardless of size. Always consult the venue’s website prior to attending a concert to ensure your mini backpack complies with their rules or needs to be left at home.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp, Associate Editor at T+L, authors nearly all of the team’s tested product articles, whether evaluations are in the lab or real-world settings. Anna participates in every travel product test. For this mini backpack test, she evaluated the Dagne Dover Small Dakota Backpack while using it for grocery shopping, discovering its capacity to hold an entire loaf of bread without significant squishing.

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Updated by Taylor Fox

Taylor Fox

Taylor Fox is the Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure, responsible for testing, researching, and writing about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor.

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and Anne Taylor :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-05-03T054054.989-4e594b20ba2244d8b3918cc70c66074a.jpg)

Anne Taylor

Anne Taylor is an Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure, ensuring articles are current and accurate. As an avid traveler to 23 countries, she continuously tests new products to enhance her travel experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in news media and has worked as a writer and editor for over seven years.

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