19 best travel backpacks to take on holiday
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Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we've rounded up 19 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion. Our editors and contributors have road-tested all of these backpacks to determine the best of the best for our readers. We considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and how well it held up. Below, our top picks.
The best travel backpacks at a glance:
- Best backpack for weekend trips: Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel
- Most versatile: Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag
- Best backpack for volume: Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
- Best backpack for everyday use: July Volume Plus Backpack
- Best backpack for business travel: Monos Metro Backpack
- Best splurge option: Tumi Navigation Backpack
- Best hiking backpack: Cotopaxi Tarak Backpack
Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel
Horizn Studios has created a carry-on alternative with strong eco credentials and a minimal, hardwearing design. It’s expandable to allow for trips of up to five days, with a clamshell opening to allow packing like a suitcase. There’s a padded compartment for a 16” laptop, and the exterior is made from water-sealed cotton canvas with a tight, high-density weave treated with synthetic wax, so it’s completely heat and waterproof. For camping trips and longer hikes, it’s a great option.
Editor review: First of all, this is an incredibly roomy bag – it’d easily cover a three-night trip for me, and I always overpack. I think the design is really smart. There are loads of pockets and compartments, so you can easily keep things separate for easy access. One of my favourite features is that the main compartment is accessible from the top or via a zip at the back, which is so handy if you need to grab something from the bottom of the bag – no more rummaging required. I’ll absolutely be bringing this with me on my next trip abroad, and it’ll be useful for festival season too. Abigail Malbon
Pros: Made from recycled materials, carbon-neutral shipping, 16” laptop pocket, expandable design, waterproof base and lining, heat-resistant
Cons: On the pricier sideSize: 32 × 50 × 17cm
Capacity: 29L to 34L when expandedStubble & Co The Adventure Bag
With an impressive 42L capacity, this Stubble & Co carry-on travel backpack is ideal for replacing your cabin case for trips that last three-to-five days. It's packed with clever features, including a 16" laptop sleeve, a clamshell opening for easy packing, a hidden valuables compartment, and a reflective rain cover to ensure you stay visible and your gear stays dry in wet weather. Compression straps keep everything as compact as possible, and there's a passthrough band to attach it to your case as well.
Editor review: “I’ve loved a few backpacks over the years, but none has ever quite become ‘the one’: the Gandys bag that’s a touch narrow for laptops; the Patagonia duffel/backpack hybrid that’s great for the beach but too big to keep things neat on a weekender; the admittedly fake Belstaff rucksack with fraying straps etc. The Adventure Bag from British B Corp-certified bag specialists Stubble & Co has none of these drawbacks. It’s big enough (42 litres) to cover a long weekend, but not too big for daily use, and packed with features: the secret pocket, the padded laptop compartment, the clamshell design that means it can effectively open out like a suitcase, with a special pocket for my frequently dirty trainers (big tick). Using it on a recent trip to Comporta, as well as on my regular overnighters in London, it never felt over-engineered or fussy, and I loved the top compartments for books and gadgets. The real joy is its versatility. It nicely straddles city and outdoor style, and if you strap on the waistband and take the extra waterproof cover (it’s already waterproof) it feels like it could handle a proper expedition. Made from recycled plastic, with strong YKK zips, it feels robust and well-made. I think I’ve found the one,” Toby Skinner, features director.
Pros: Separate waterproof shoe pocket, additional raincover to protect belongings on rainy hikes
Cons: A little heavier than averageSize: 55x38x24 cm
Weight: 1.7kgBriggs & Riley Convertible Backpack Duffle
Unusually, this roomy Briggs & Riley backpack has a proper clamshell opening in the main component for suitcase-style packing and a large front pocket roomy enough for toiletries or shoes. There’s a lockable zipper, suitable for use with most padlocks, and a tough water-resistant nylon outer. It earned a thumbs up on a recent weekend away, with our tester praising the extensive number of pockets and pouches, some of which have RFID protection for additional peace of mind. It’s a great option for longer trips. “You could easily fit a week’s worth of clothes in this bag,” he says, “and it was really comfortable, with thick padding on the reverse side that meant I couldn’t feel my laptop against my back at all.”
Pros: Many pockets, some with RFID blocking protection to help prevent identity theft, comfortable backpack straps
Cons: ExpensiveSize: 47x31x18cm
Weight: 1.6kgF.A.R Convertible Backpack
Away’s F.A.R convertible backpack has a generous 45L capacity, making it one of the largest travel backpacks we’ve seen – this is not a day bag. However, for outdoorsy types, this should be your new go-to for adventure holidays, hikes and backpacking adventures, easily fitting a week’s worth of clothes and supplies while still fitting within most airlines’ carry-on limits. Compression straps help you squeeze in as many items as possible and it’s made from recycled polyester for some additional eco-credentials. It has removable straps, a pass-through band to attach it to your suitcase and a chest strap to support you better on longer treks.
Editor review: “I took this bag for a weekend away recently and was impressed by how much I could fit inside – it was considerably more than I could squeeze into my carry-on. For one-bag travel, it’s a really good bet – it’s going to be my new go-to for festival season and on long weekends away, where I need to account for multiple outfit changes in a day. I will say, however, that at one point I was caught in a downpour, and some of the rain did seep inside the bag. As a result, it might be better suited for summer trips,” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Pros: Very large while still within most carrier’s carry-on size limits
Cons: Not completely watertight in heavy downpours after a certain period of timeSize: 28x18x43cm
Weight: 1kg
July Volume Plus Backpack
Travel aside, July’s new Volume Plus backpack is commerce writer Charley’s new go-to for in-office days, with its minimalist appearance housing a deceptive number of internal compartments, including a 16” laptop sleeve. It’s finished in water-resistant nylon, with well-padded shoulder straps and a leather-trimmed key hook in the front pocket. It has a 26L capacity, so don’t throw out your carry-on case just yet, but it’s a great under seat cabin bag or companion for day trips. With clever packing, it could work as an overnight bag, too.
Editor review: “The best part is the pass-through band that secures it to your suitcase handle, which I appreciate in airports with longer walks from lobby to gate. The band can also be zipped up at the bottom to create an impromptu sleeve for your book or magazine,” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Pros: Comfortable, plenty of pockets, roomy for a day bag
Cons: Limited colours available in comparison to the suitcase rangeBellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L
Australian brand Bellroy is a favourite for organised travellers – once you try their popular tech kit, you’ll never want to travel without it. For a carry-on bag that can double as a daypack that’s ideal for hiking, their Venture backpack offers the best of both worlds in terms of size, as well as plenty of smart storage solutions. Available in three colours, the bag is made from water-resistant fabric and has dedicated pockets and pouches to hold a range of items, from a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve to a bike light loop and an external pocket that can fit a water bottle or tripod.
Pros: Quick-access top pocket, laptop sleeve and letter-sized document slip, hidden side pocket for valuables, bike light loop, water-resistant fabric.
Cons: None that we can see.Size: 50x33x19cm
Weight: 0.9kgTroubadour Orbis-1 Backpack
Made from fully recycled – and recyclable – polyester, who knew waste could become this useful, or look this good? Troubadour has nailed the day bag with its Orbis offering, which has 11 pockets in total, including two front compartments allowing easy access to essentials such as your purse, work pass or passport, plus a secret hidden back pocket to keep your phone safe from pickpockets. There are two main compartments, which reduce the need for rummaging, and a trolley sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase.
Editor review: Most backpacks aren’t especially aesthetic, but I think this one, with its shiny faux leather panels and trims, does look chic. It’s on the smaller side, so it won’t replace a carry-on case, but for everyday use, it impresses. I love that there are two separate compartments, so I can keep my grotty gym kit separate from my laptop and lunch box – nobody wants their trainers jostling up against their salad. It’s also the most comfortable backpack I’ve ever used. I walk for 30 minutes as part of my commute, and the straps and back are so padded here I can’t feel my laptop on my back at all. Much appreciated! Charley Ward
Pros: Made from recycled and fully-recyclable polyester fabric, padding and trims, trolley sleeve, hidden back pocket for phone or passport
Cons: Relatively small with an 18L non-expandable capacitySize: 30 x 42 x 14cm
Weight: 1.5kgAer Pro Pack
Aer was launched after successfully crowdfunding for the launch of its combo gym-work bag, so the people behind the brand know a little about what makes a good backpack. Case in point: this roomy travel bag with pockets for every last thing you'll ever need to take on a weekend away. A wide access opening makes packing easy, the lining and exterior are both made from recycled materials and strong YKK zippers won’t let you down even when the bag is full to bursting. A hidden luggage tracker pocket provides additional peace of mind and the whole bag is very well-padded, keeping your valuables safe and you comfortable on the move.
Editor review: This is a super spacious backpack with pockets for literally everything. I’m a photographer and it’s perfect for travelling days as it fits in my large camera and all additional tech too, and the padding makes me feel reassured that my gear is properly protected on the move. It’s a little big for work days – I use my Antler Chelsea backpack when commuting – but for weekends away it’s great. Also, who needs packing cubes when you’ve got about 10 pockets? There are plenty of compartments for all your toiletries, make-up and other essentials. Sophie Knight
Pros: Many pockets, very spacious, well padded to protect tech and valuables
Cons: Large size better suited to male torsos than femaleSize: 45 x 30 x 14cm
Capacity: 20L
Bellroy Transit Backpack
Another favourite from Bellroy is their slightly larger 28L Transit Backpack, which offers up the same clever organisation tricks – compression straps to keep items in place, an external pocket that can hold a water bottle and even a lined pocket to safely store sunglasses. Many of the features are well suited to business travellers, from the laptop sleeve to the thin top compartment ideal for storing a business shirt that’s folded flat.
Editor review: “I recently travelled with this backpack for a four-day stay in Venice, where I wanted to avoid struggling with wheeled luggage and the multitude of bridges in the city. By using the roll method, I was able to fit two pairs of trousers (including jeans), two tops, a shirt, a dress, and pyjamas in the main compartment, and then my delicates in the zip-up pouch. For easy access, I popped my carry-on washbag into the external pocket. Overall, it was really easy to pack everything I needed while still feeling streamlined and comfortable to carry,” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Pros: Comfortable, multiple storage pockets, laptop sleeve, great as carry-on luggage or a day bag, water-resistant ripstop fabric.
Cons: Difficult to fit a water bottle in the side pocket if the back is packed full, no trolley sleeve.Size: 53x36x19cm
Weight: 1.1kgSTM dux versatile tech backpack
This bag combines the carrying comfort of a backpack with the organisation of a suitcase. The unique design features a top-loading zip-up compartment with plenty of room for storing liquids, sunglasses, portable chargers and any other essential items you might need quick access to. The bulk of the bag’s volume is accessed by zip-up compartments on each side, where the space is divided by removable shelves – essentially avoiding the need for packing cubes. The bag also has two padded laptop sleeves, ideal if you’re travelling with one laptop as well as a tablet or documents. It’ll fit nicely in the aeroplane’s overhead bin, so you can leave your suitcase at home.
Editor review: "While they are removable, I think the best feature of this bag is the storage shelves. I loved using them when packing for a weekend away – storing my shoes at the bottom, clothes on the middle shelf and delicates on the top," Lauren Burvill, commerce editor.
Pros: Side opening zips to reveal organised shelves, top opening compartment, removable zip-up pouch, comfortable to wear
Cons: Slightly bulky shape
Size: 50.8X33X24cm
Weight: 1.7kg
Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack
With five colours and patterns to choose from, the customisation is great for this Tumi backpack. The small, compact design hides the sheer capacity of the Navigator backpack — and it can be expanded for more space. Global director of audience development Lara Kramer says she can easily fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries inside (and an extra pair of flats or sandals in the summer). Plus, it's made from recycled ballistic nylon, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Editor review: “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” Lara Kramer, global director of audience development.
Pros: Many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material
Cons: Hefty price tagSize: 55 x 35 x 24cm
Weight: 1.5kgMonos Metro Backpack
This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travellers looking for a more elevated backpack. Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitiser nearby.
Editor review: “It’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot — I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished," Madison Flager, US senior commerce editor.
Pros: Multiple pockets, high-quality material, trolley sleeve, and comes with a detachable day pack
Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulkySize: 42 x 42 x 29cm
Weight: 1.1kg
Herschel Kaslo Daypack Tech
Although labelled as a tech bag, the simple and sleek design makes it versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. There’s two main compartments that give you plenty of room to pack clothes, toiletries, a laptop, iPad, and large over-the-ear headphones. There’s also multiple interior pockets that keep small essentials secure. Editor Meaghan Kenny was able to fit two days worth of clothing inside and says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights.
Editor review: “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” Meaghan Kenny, US Associate Commerce Editor.
Pros: Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket
Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shapedSize: 43x 32x29cm
Troubadour Apex backpack 2.0
If you're looking for a sleek yet functional bag that's polished enough for the office, look no further than Troubadour's Apex backpack. Made of waterproof fabric, the lightweight backpack is perfect for busy commuters. It fits up to a 17" laptop and has multiple pockets for small essentials like AirPods, glasses, or a wallet. This stylish backpack also features a breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for added comfort.
Editor review: “This would be a great bag for business trip and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," Meaghan Kenny, US Associate Commerce Editor.
Pros: Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve
Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated lookSize: 32x48x15cm
Weight: 1kgCotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack
Contributor Rekaya Gibson raves about the amount of space that this backpack offers. “It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organised,” she says. The top of the bag has a convenient drawstring that secures your items on the top before covering it with the flap. Each bag comes from repurposed materials which vary slightly — this helps reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly pick, too.
Pros: Has a lot of security elements (which is great for hikes)
Cons: Shows wear quickly depending on your trekSize: 51x 31x 18cm
Weight: 562gLululemon City Adventurer backpack 20L
Although deemed a gym bag, the City Adventurer backpack from Lululemon takes characteristics from its name and can be the perfect companion for days spent exploring. The water-repellent fabric makes it an easy choice when commuting on rainy days or when you are packing it into a suitcase with toiletries. Flager likes using this backpack for days when she heads to the gym after work. The backpack has thick padded straps, a trolley sleeve, and an expandable laptop sleeve.
Pros: Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded laptop pocket
Cons: When filled with shoes, your main compartment room is limited; no exterior water bottle pocketSize: 29x18x41cm
Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote
Elegant and versatile, the Peugeot Voyages is an elevated option for travellers. The bag's exterior is made from leather and weather-resistant canvas, and the interior comes from recycled plastic bottles. Travellers can carry the bag as a backpack or a tote. Plus, the shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for extra comfort.
Editor review: “I found exactly what I was looking for. A backpack that could hold my laptop as well as be an easy travel bag with several pockets for storage to get me through a week or two on the road without the back pain. With its price point, it's definitely worth the investment,” Kayla Brock, US associate social media manager.
Pros: Made from recycled materials, padded straps and back panel
Cons: Can easily become bulkySize: 41 x 36 x 16cm
Weight: 1.2kgRadley London Dukes Place zip around backpack
This stylish women’s leather bag is ideal for travellers looking for a chic backpack that's equally functional and comfortable. There are two large compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zip closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds an extra layer of security.
Editor review: "It's large enough to fit a light jacket, a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure including lip balm, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, and more," DeAnna Taylor, US contributor.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile, and durable
Cons: Limited colours availableSize: 25x30x11cm
Weight: 0.4kgHarber London Roll Top Backpack
Harber London is a luxury British leather goods brand that hand makes all its pieces in a full grain leather by expert craftspeople in Spain. This backpack, while not cheap, offers a luxurious finish most of the bags in this list can’t beat, made more interesting with a chunky military grade buckle – and a zip – along with clever interchangeable front pockets (sold separately); for either daily essentials or your travel needs such as your passport, chargers and the like. There’s a suitcase passthrough band, padded 16” laptop sleeve, tablet pocket, and a magnetic chest strap that can be undone one-handed for minimum fuss on-the-go. Expensive, yes, but for an expandable daily rucksack that won’t detract from your outfit? We think it’s worth it.
Editor review: This is by far the chicest backpack I’ve owned, and it’s garnered plenty of compliments while in use, too. Thankfully, it’s equally as functional as it is stylish, with a roomy inner compartment that’s just the right size for my daily needs, and lots of all-important inner sleeves for keeping things organised. This bag saw me through several long days sightseeing on a recent trip to Japan and, after a week of being carted from longhaul flight to train to bus to metro, it returned home in perfect condition. It is a little heavy, which is to be expected given the thick leather material, but the included sternum strap helped lessen the load on longer days. I also appreciated the front travel pack, which comfortably kept my passport and all my tech essentials to hand, and I like that there’s the option to swap it out from the more traditional front pocket (perfect for the daily commute) to the travel one (when heading off for a flight) when needed. Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Chic, feels luxurious, plenty of pockets, interchangeable front pocket for additional versatility, YKK zippers
Cons: A little heavy for use on long day tripsSize: 39 x 29 x 13.5cm
Weight: 1.5kgGandys International Bali Backpack
Each of Gandys’ signature Bali backpacks are handmade using organic cotton and come finished with a bohemian-esque water-resistant wax coating to keep your belongings dry on rainy hikes, finished with smart leather trims. Padded straps ensure comfort on long treks, there are enough pockets for everything you could need – including a secret valuables pocket to stow precious cargo at the back – along with a separate water bottle holder for easy access. Note that it’s sized more for day trips than to serve as a replacement for your cabin case, but for a faithful sightseeing companion that will see you through hot and rainy weather alike, it’s a great option.
Pros: Organic materials, good choice of colours, strong charity initiatives when you purchase, hidden zipped valuables pocket
Cons: No suitcase passthrough bandSize: 45 x 32 x 15cm
Weight: 1kg
