overland travel gear backpack

• Mods 1 – Getting Started
• Mods 2 – Tire Size Guide
• Mods 3 – Tire Buying Guide
• Mods 4 – Performance
• Mods 5 – Lift & Level Kits
• Mods 6 – Grille Kits
• Mods 7 – Headlights
• Mods 8 – Fog Lights
• Mods 9 – Rock Sliders
• Mods 10 – Roof Racks
• Mods 11 – Front Bumpers
• Mods 12 – Rear Bumpers
• Mods 13 – Skid Plates
• Mods 14 – Wheels
• Switch Systems
• Rooftop Tents
• Acc Lighting
• Tail Lights
• Rock Sliders
• Skid Plates
• Front Bumpers
• Rear Bumpers
• Accessories
• Recovery Gear
• Refrigerators
• Trail Tested
• Maintenance

Accessories , Camping , Gear , Overland

Top 7 overland gear bag companies for camp storage & vehicle organization.

Top Companies that make Overland Gear Bags, Vehicle Organization Systems & Camp Kitchen Gear Bags

When you start the journey into the overlanding, off-roading, or even just camping, storage is key.

Organizing your accessories and gear into the back of your 4Runner is important when heading out, whether that’s for the day, a long weekend, or multiple weeks at a time. It’s important to keep that gear organized into multiple compartments or gear bags in order to find what you’re looking for efficiently.

Gear bags are great because they can be organized into tight areas, drawer systems, or even larger storage boxes. Small zippered-style pouches and pockets are some of the most convenient secondary accessories that might be often overlooked. They offer the ability to quickly identify a set of essentials you need at any given moment especially if the case or bag is see-through or labeled.

These gear bags can range from wax canvas to mesh fabric, poly vinyl to see-through, velcro backed with straps, and much more. Some companies offer MOLLE webbing, velcro, integrated straps, zippered sections, and even multiple pockets throughout the entire design (inside and out).

Some of the higher-end gear bags, pockets, and pouches are a more advanced strong, non-elastic woven material (Nylon, Polyester, DuPont, or even Kevlar). Some of this stuff is made in China and some of it is made right here in the great US of A.

I wanted to dive into the top companies to look at when buying overland gear bags and organizing gear into your rig.

What are overland gear bags?

Any type of bag that makes life on the road more organized and easily accessible. That includes camp kitchen accessories, everyday carry, safety equipment, recovery gear, tools, toiletries and personal hygiene. Anyone who travels in their vehicle can use a good gear bag.

Don’t skimp on gear bags; they hold the items you depend on to survive.

Types of bags

• Small pockets & pouches
• Medium-Large gear bags & boxes
• Tool rolls & tool bags
• Specialty Bags

Depending on the style of travel you do and the amount of gear you roll with will depend on which bag(s) your gear essentials go into.

For small- and medium-sized accessories, it’s nice to have compact see-through zippered pockets. For large-size gear items, you may want something strong and possibly labeled. For oversized tools or specialty gear, you definitely want a bag with quality zippers and beefy pull straps or handles.

1. Small Pockets & Pouches

Pictured: Step22 Gear see-through Zippered Pouches

These are your everyday carry MOLLE bags, pockets and zippered pouches that you might find all over Amazon, Etsy, eBay, along with boutique sellers on the web. There are hundreds of small gear bags out there but only a handful that I would classify as offroad, mil-spec or overland-specific bags.

These smaller accessory bags and pouches are great for EDC gear such as tools, knives, pens, lighters, flashlights, wallets, keychains and more. Zippered-style pouches and pockets are also great for smaller camp cooking accessories and random miscellaneous items you can’t seem to keep contained or organized.

2. Medium-Large Bags & Storage Boxes

Pictured: Readywares Wax Canvas Bag +   Zarges K470 Aluminum Box 

Medium-sized bags are great for the gear essentials you carry in your truck on a daily basis; jumper cables, tow straps, first aid kits, tire repair kits, small recovery gear items (D-rinds, and shackles), and anything else that ranges from 5″ to 10″ and even 20″ wide. These medium-sized gear bags are great for leaving in your truck at all times.

Everyone has their own specific needs for transporting gear in larger bags or boxes, whether it’s soft or firm. Some of the items I find useful in larger gear bags are larger tools like:

• Ratchet straps
• Recovery straps
• Inflation systems,
• Portable compressors
• and much more.

Depending on your hobby, this has a pretty wide range.

For the off-roader and vehicle camper, you will likely have a box or bag dedicated to each category; camp kitchen accessories, recovery gear and everyday carry gear. Almost anyone can use a large gear bag or box to carry those essential gear items for that next epic adventure.

Aluminum boxes and large wax canvas duffles are really great for some of those larger items. You can see a review of the Zarges boxes here .

3. Tool Rolls & Tool Bags

Pictured: Bucket Boss Tool Roll + Step22 Gear Pangolin Tool Roll

Tool rolls and bags are typically designed to carry just that, tools. Their design has been tried and tested over many years resulting in the manufacturing of many different shapes and styles although they all have a similar concept.

You typically have three types here; tool bags, tool rolls, and wrench rolls.

Bags are designed to fit some of the larger tools like hammers, breaker bars, 1/2″ drives, etc. Tool rolls are designed with large zippered pockets and will fit just about everything you need on a daily basis 3/8″ drives, 1/4″ drivers and down. Lastly, you have wrench rolls which are typically designed to fit your open-end wrenches from around 24mm and down.

You will find many different manufacturers in this category. Everything from your generic Amazon and eBay brands to the one-off waxed bespoke pieces, there are plenty of options out there. I would consider a tool roll a must-have gear essential for any off-roader, Overlander, or generally speaking; any guy who is even remotely handy.

4. Specialty Bags

Pictured: Last US Bag Company Spare Tire Bag

Specialty bags are, well, special. In this category, you will find everything from a customized camp cooking utility roll to a spare tire storage bag, toiletry rolls, Dopp kits, and much more. In this category, you will also find plug-n-play MOLLE systems that are designed for certain seating areas in your vehicle.

Some specialty bags are designed for specific items like camp grilles, water bottles, compressors, recovery gear, riffles among many others. If you want a gear bag for your specific item, it’s likely that a company somewhere has made it.

Specialty bags are great as they are specifically designed and over-engineered for one use. These products tend to be a bit more high-end, and usually cost more than the universal bags. There are a handful of companies out there that make really cool specialty bags for spare tires, recovery gear, first aid, camp cooking, personal hygiene, EDC and much more.

Top Overland Gear Bag Brands

This is not “every overland gear bag company” however, a quick overview of some of the industry’s highest-quality overland gear storage and offroad focused gear bag manufacturers. We don’t have hands-on experience with each of these products or product offerings but for the company’s we do have experience with we go into a little more detail. We are running gear from five out of the seven companies mentioned below so the first five features have a little more detail than the last two.

Top Companies

1. step 22 gear.

What they make:

• Toiletry roll
• Wrench roll
• Storage box
• Tool/Gear pouch
• MOLLE gear bags
• Camp kitchen storage
• Recovery gear + more!

Company Highlights

• Materials: USA, Japan, Korea, Vietnam
• YKK® zippers
• Multi-Function and Over-Engineered
• Deep knowledge of the off-road industry
• Extensive background in textile manufacturing
• Wide product offering

Find them online

• Company Website

Step 22 Gear provides a wide variety of Overland gear bag essentials ; including MOLLE pouches, tool rolls, storage boxes, toiletry rolls, recovery gear, and much more. Previously known as JackCovers.com, Step 22 Gear now manufacturers much more than jack covers alone.

The company started when the founder (Adam Wood) wanted a higher quality Jack cover for his Hi-Lift Jack. Since then, the well-known JackCovers.com line of jack covers expanded into adventure travel bags, recovery gear, and many other high-quality overland gear essentials and the company now goes by Step 22 Gear.

Coming from an offroad background combined with a deep understanding of textile manufacturing, Adam has years of experience in working with and producing some of the highest quality recovery gear on the market. This guy is actually out in the field pushing these products to their limit in order to give them his stamp of approval. He also teaches recovery gear classes at events such as Overland Expo.

Prior to 2020, there were many options on the market, however, Adam wanted to produce something better. Something truly special. Adam wanted vehicle equipment gear bags that did more than just hold stuff. He wanted a set of bags that were so over-engineered, they literally made your life simpler, easier, and downright better!

After nearly a year of traveling the world in search of the highest quality materials, Adam has created a pretty impressive line of gear bags.

Trail Takeaway?

After getting to know their Pangolin tool roll , Stingray flat box , and Hedgehog toiletry roll – we have been thoroughly impressed. From the second the products arrived, it’s been a near-perfect product experience. They arrive in ziplock bags, tagged and branded all the way around, including thank you card/stickers, and much more. Their presentation was absolutely flawless.

Running their actual products has been an eye-opener, to say the least. I honestly didn’t know that a tool roll could be as robust and feature-packed as the Pangolin tool roll. With the detachable mesh see-through zipper pockets, it makes running a tool roll incredibly convenient. And with the integrated wrench roll – the Pangolin tool roll really might be one of the best all-in-one tool rolls on the market. It’s on the larger side once you have everything packed up so if you are running short on space this may not be the best option for you but if you want a centralized location for all your tools and a user-friendly work environment on the trail – it’s a game-changer.

We haven’t had a ton of hands-on experience with the Stingray flat box or the Hedgehog toiletry roll so I won’t go into too much detail here. We will save this for a follow-up review on each item individually.

2. Last US Bag Company

• Camp kitchen/tool storage bag
• Spare tire trash/wood/universal storage bag
• Tools/gear/first aid “Happy camper” bag
• Gear day packs and duffle bags
• Hand locker gear pouch
• Made in the USA
• Boutique gear bags
• Product-specific bags
• Made to order

The Last US Bag Company is a US domestic and overseas manufacturer of textile bags and accessories, including soft cases, rolling bags, totes, backpacks, and more. Most of their product line is focused on producing industrial lines of gear bags for medical & front line professionals, along with many industries like Oil, Gas, Utilities, and Work-at-Height. They also serve a wide range of products that specialize in the Military and tactical contracting industries.

Okay, so how does this apply to off-roading and overlanding? Well, a ton of these gear bags actually crossover to very user-friendly applications. They have an outdoor, tactical, and adventure line of gear bags that are made right here in the USA. Each bag is made from recycled materials and every product is typically made to order.

Our DNA is building product domestically, and we continue to invest in equipment, people, and education to continue manufacturing in the United States. While years of textile production were in decline in the US, we have steadily grown our footprint to offer a sophisticated domestic manufacturing option that makes product development and manufacturing seamless and on time. – Last US Bag Company

From poly-vinyl gear bags to wrench rolls and back seat caddy systems to gear pouches – these are some of the highest quality gear bags I’ve ever seen.

Wow, a very impressive experience with this company.

We are running their spare tire bag carrier ( Oscar’s mobile hideout ) which is great for trash, wood, gear, and any other accessories you can fit in there. This is going to be something like a Trasharoo on steroids. This spare tire bag is made of a fade-resistant poly reinforced vinyl, has massive buckles, an integrated bottle opener, built-in d-rings, cinch straps, webbed pockets, and even more detailed features that make this bag the dominant player against its industry competitor (if you can even call a Trasharoo that).

Once I save up a few more bucks, I’m going to run their backseat gear caddy along with a handful of their hand locker gear pouches . If you are running a drawer system or storage containers, definitely give their hand lockers a look. They appear to be super high-quality little gear pouches and judging by the quality of their spare tire bag, the quality won’t disappoint.

Because everything is made to order, you may see longer than expected lead times but once you get the product in your hand it’s worth every second of the wait. Our industry deserves more companies like the Last US Bag Company.

• Duffle bags
• Zipped pockets and pouches
• Quick pullouts
• Organizer pockets
• Mesh pullouts
• High-Quality hunting gear + more!
• Many pullout bag options: shapes, sizes, colors, etc.
• Unique-size pouch and pocket offerings

If you are looking for the ultimate multi-size gear pouches in a wide variety of build-quality and colors, take a look at Kifaru. Their smaller accessory bags come in a wide variety of types offering you insane flexibility when dialing in your overland gear organization. In a nutshell, Kifaru offers a wide variety of products for hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping industries.

Some of the product lines that specifically stand out in the Kifaru lineup are their Belt Pouches, Ultralight Pullouts, and more specifically, the 500D Cordura Pullouts. These 500D Pullouts (pictured above) are offered in a wide variety of sizes; 8″ x 5″, 10″ x 6″, 13.5″ x 8″, 15″ x 10″, and 19″ x 14″. These pullouts are basically zipped pouches that let you manage small, medium, and large gear essentials.

These “grab-and-go” pouches have been quite popular because they let you easily organize permanent caches of gear that can be hung inside your pack, pocket or on a gear room wall. Rugged and incredibly lightweight with a full zipper for complete access. – Kifaru

Kifaru is one of the leaders in producing pouches, and zippered pockets for organizing gear. These products are great for recovery boxes, drawer systems, and storage systems that hold larger items. You can head over to their accessories page to see more of the product line on what they offer.

The Kifaru pull-outs that we have experience with have been extremely helpful in our drawer system and previously in boxes resting on the cargo tray of the 4Runner.

The different size pull-outs allow us to store smaller gear essentials all the way up to an extra set of boots in order to keep things organized. The thick YKK zippers plus their hand-tied pulls are very durable and after a couple of trips out, appear to hold up pretty well.

The shipping from Kifaru was pretty impressive. Each bag was inside of one another and the entire outside package was in a Ziploc bag, everything was tagged and branded, and they included thank you cards (notating their story).

4. 5.11 Tactical

• Zippered & boxed pouches
• MOLLE pouches
• Duffle bags with pockets
• Sling packs
• Gun storage
• Started in 1968
• Huge product offering: clothing, footwear, bags, EDC, etc.
• Amazon Store (bags, pouches, and packs)

5.11 Tactical offers superior tactical apparel and gear for law enforcement, first responders, tactical operators, and recreational enthusiasts. The company originally started making pants after the founder hiked one of the toughest lines in Yosemite. Which is what the company is named after; 5.11 is a specific trail climbing difficulty. They have a pretty cool wiki-bio .

The company now makes everything from women’s and men’s specific outdoor gear to everyday carry accessories and gear bags. If you have been around the outdoor industry for any amount of time, it is likely you have heard the name 5.11 Tactical. They are a massive retailer of outdoor gear supplies and for the most part, on the more expensive side.

5.11 Tactical is pretty well known for some of their large duffle bags with sectioned pockets, small gear bags, backpacks, and MOLLE systems. If you are looking for a specific size bag, pocket, or zippered pouch, 5.11 Tactical likely has you covered. They offer a huge variety of gear packs, organization systems, and bags with many color options to choose from.

We are running a few of their smaller MOLLE pouches and they have worked great. Most of the 5.11 Tactical gear is very branded and has extremely high-quality parts with YKK zippers all the way around. Even though most of its products are made overseas, they have a high caliber of production. 5.11 Tactical gear offers a wide variety of designs that can be optioned with MOLLE straps, MOLLE webbing, and velcro so whatever you need mil-spec wise, they have it.

Most of their lineup is very robust and highly engineered with many features throughout the design making them very user-friendly and highly functional.

We can’t speak to any of their backpacks or clothing but from reviews around the web, it all seems to be pretty nice stuff.

5. Blue Ridge Overland

• Recovery gear bags
• Seat organizer systems
• First-aid kits
• Camp cooking storage bags
• Vehicle specific applications
• In business since 2012
• Huge product offering: MOLLE systems, bags, pouches, first-aid, camp cooking, etc.

One of the originators in the overland gear bag industry is Blue Ridge Overland Gear. They have been in the business of making organization and storage systems for the offroad, overland and camping industry since 2012. As one of the leaders and pioneers in the overland gear bag segment, hundreds of enthusiasts such as campers, overlanders, van life enthusiasts, and many others have depended on Blue Ridge Overland Gear for their high-quality long-lasting products.

All of their gear is handmade and stitched together right here in the USA. The prices are not cheap but are among some of the highest quality bags you will find in the industry.

Like you, we are passionate about exploring new horizons and getting outdoors as a way of life. Whether you are preparing for a weekend of camping, a family road trip, or an expedition across the continent, we’re here to help you get equipped and organized. – BROG

They have a huge product offering that includes camp cooking, first aid, MOLLE systems, specialty bags, tool bags, recovery gear bags, and even vehicle specific applications for the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and more. Blue Ridge Overland Gear may have the largest lineup when it comes to “overland specific” bag applications.

BROG is well known for its zippered pouches (pictured above) and for good reason. These units are incredibly user-friendly and come in multiple shapes and sizes. Not only that, but they can be optioned velcro or no velcro and with see-through and non-see-through panels.

If you are looking to fully kit out your vehicle with Type-A focused organization, look no further than BROG. Take a look at their website as they offer a huge product line for the off-roader and vehicle camper in all of us.

We are running a few of their see-through zippered pouches and they are pretty nice. One of the zippered pouches has velcro backing and it has proved to be pretty universal throughout the cabin of our 4Runner and especially in our drawer system. If you are running a drawer system then I would consider looking at the BROG line of zippered pouches.

I wasn’t particularly impressed with their lead time, shipping, packaging, or customer service. We ordered three of their zippered pouches. Our order took a little over three weeks to arrive and when it did, it was less than impressive.  The three non-branded bags were loosely thrown into an oversize shipping bag with nothing else; not bagged, no card, no thank you note, no branding, no sticker, nothing. It was pretty sloppy, to say the least… the packaging was so bad it didn’t seem normal so I reached out. When I reached out to BROG and showed them how it arrived, they confirmed that was normal.

For a hand-stitched product in America, you would expect more but I guess they don’t so much care about presentation. Which at the end of the day, really made me question why I spent almost $80 on three zippered pouches. I had high expectations for BROG but I was pretty disappointed.

They make nice stuff but appear to be lacking in the customer experience department.

6. Overland Gear Guy

• Van gear bags
• Bags and pouches
• Vehicle specific organization
• MOLLE hooks + clips
• Cool patch titles
• Huge product offering: MOLLE systems, bags, pouches, pockets, boxes, etc.

Although we have no hands-on experience with Overland Gear Guy products, they look really nice. Overland gear guy is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and specializes in a wide variety of textile storage bags, MOLLE systems, and zippered pouches. They also offer an impressive line of visors, seat organizers, window covers, and much more. Most of their products are made by hand and made to order just like the Last US Bag Company.

The company prides itself on producing practical, reliable, functional American made products.

Some of their most notable products are vehicle-specific MOLLE organization systems. These systems are designed to work with front seats (headrests) and they even make cargo area (rear seat) storage systems. They are also well known for their labeled tool bag zippered pouches ( offered in many colors ) along with a large selection of item-specific bags and pouches.

Although we aren’t running any of their products yet, we wouldn’t be opposed to it. Most of their organization systems and tool pouches seem to be pretty impressive and well respected throughout the overland community.

With the wide variety of colors offered and title-specific patches that can be applied to each application, the options for customizing the interior organization of your vehicle are virtually endless.

7. Adventure Tool Company

What they make

• Wrench rolls
• Tool organization systems
• Pockets and pouches
• MIL-SPEC Standards
• Old world waxed canvas production
• Lifetime warranty

Another brand that we have no hands-on experience with but was a detailed mention is Adventure Tool Company or commonly referred to as ATC. Based in Colorado, all of their products are made right here in the USA. ATC supplies high-quality waxed canvas bags and tool systems for the expedition and overland communities that need organization on the go.

As their name suggests, they specialize in a wide variety of tool bags, wrench rolls, and tool organization systems. They also offer a pretty decent selection of camp kitchen storage organization systems as well.

ATC has recently started to produce all of the recovery kit bags for Factor 55. You know the quality has to be up there in order for Factor 55 to have ATC manufacture and brand all their bags. Factor 55 has since been bought out by Warn so we will see if they continue this trend in their recovery kits seeing how Warn has their own line of gear bags; Warn Epic Trail Gear.

We have seen this brand mentioned throughout the community quite a few times. From previous reviews here on Trail4Runner.com to branded Factor 55 recovery bags, it is clear that many people have come to know and trust this company. If you are looking for a high-quality waxed canvas tool bag or tool organization system for your vehicle, take a look at the Adventure Tool Company.

Final Thoughts?

Honorable Mentions

• Topo Designs
• Atlas46 Tool Rolls
• Klien Tools bags
• Warn Epic Trail Gear
• Readywares Supply Co.
• Matador Travel Equipment

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to choosing overland gear bags. It really comes down to the shape, size, and type of bag you are looking for. Every piece of gear calls for different storage functionality and it’s likely you will find one company on this page that makes something for your intended application.

What works for one vehicle may not work for another. With the list above, you should be able to find enough bags that fit your exact vehicle build setup quite well. We did our best to scour the web in order to find the best overland gear bags out there and we feel like we did just that. You really can’t go wrong with any of the brands mentioned on this page.

Personally, I really like the Step 22 Gear VisiMesh tool pouches , the Kifaru Pull-outs , and the Readywares Wax Canvas Pouches the most. I would consider these amongst the three highest quality and most universal Overland gear bags out there for the smaller items.

My favorite item on this list of many would be the Last US Bag Companies spare tire bag . It’s super feature-packed, crazy universal, and just makes me want to travel.

If you feel like we missed a crucial bag or if we missed a company, please drop the information below!

Brenan Greene

Brenan is the founder of Trail4R.com, Toyota guy through and through, verified nature lover, lightweight photographer, exploration enthusiast, front-end web designer, graphic designer, and certified serial blogger.

I have seen many bags throughout my time off-roading, and they are only getting better and better lately. I personally have an ATC tool bag and its it really nice with some large zippers and high quality leather. But I think my next purchace will be a Step22 tool roll. I was able to look at one the other day and they are perfect for my tool needs.

Hey hey! What’s up man, yeah they are great. We are wrapping up our Pangolin Tool Roll Review soon. That should be live today or tomorrow.

In photo 2. LAST US BAG COMPANYWhere did you get the rotopax water spout?

I bought this replacement spout that’s compatible for pretty much any standard gas can.

So many options man! what are you doing to me?!

Haha, yeah man this one took me awhile. This isn’t even all of them either. We need to do a follow up on large bags and boxes.

Did you ever do a follow up on the large bags and boxes? I’m looking for Molle bags that could hold cables, snatch blocks, etc.

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The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether weekend road-tripping or jet-setting around the world, you’re going to need a pack to toss over your shoulder. Here are the best travel backpacks for every adventure.

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on March 20, 2024 to add the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L — a supremely nice commuter-style travel pack, as well as the Thule Aion 40L and Osprey Archeon 30L .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Dakine Campus 33L Backpack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 to 35 liters.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

Dakine Campus 33L Backpack

• Capacity 33 L
• Weight 1 lb., 10.6 oz.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 8"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material Depending on print type, can be 600-denier recycled polyester, 420-denier recycled nylon, 630-denier recycled nylon, or 1,200-denier recycled polyester

• Cheap price
• Available in many different fabric prints
• Unique insulated cooler pocket
• Not many travel-specific features
• Straps don’t pack away

Even at the regular price, the Dakine Campus 33L Backpack ($75) is a great deal. And considering you can grab one on sale for $45, it’s a must-have budget travel backpack.

It has everything you need to keep your travels organized, without getting too big or complicated. This design has a padded laptop sleeve and a fleece-lined top pocket to keep your sunglasses safe. There’s an organizer pocket that’s perfect for pens, a phone, and easy-access essentials. We love pockets, and this backpack has plenty.

And if that weren’t enough, it also has an insulated cooler pocket to keep your snacks fresh on the go, plus double side pockets keep drinks handy. We found the straps comfortable during long travel days. Be sure to use the sternum strap when carrying a heavy load for the best fit.

While this bag does excellent at travel, it isn’t quite what the bag was designed for, thus it’s missing a few travel niceties like a compression system or the ability to pack away the straps. We didn’t find that we missed them desperately, but they would have been nice for a few instances. For similar-sized backpacks with more of a travel bend to them, look to the sleek Timbuk2 Never Check, or the uber-customizable Tom Bihn Synapse 25. But prepare to shell out some more for them.

If you’re looking for a sub-$100 backpack (under $60 during sales!) that does the basics, then the Dakine Campus Backpack is for you. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available in a 25L capacity .

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and compliments the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack. This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously. “It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½ inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions.  And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the pack. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”) the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 14.5 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 12" x 9"
• Compartment access Drawstring top-entry
• Material N400r-AC² nylon ripstop

• Tough and waterproof exterior fabric
• White interior for easy viewing
• Floating laptop sleeve
• Not very much interior organization
• Simple webbing waistbelt

Made for moving through the city over the concourse, the commute-ready Arc’teryx Granville 25 ($220) takes travel backpacks to the streets in a sleek and tough design that we couldn’t keep from grabbing every day.

Crafted from the same N400r-AC² nylon ripstop as Arc’teryx’s high-end climbing packs, the mountain DNA is strong in the Granville, with fully taped seams that make the pack highly weather-resistant. In our impromptu “rain” test, a garden hose fired directly at the pack wasn’t able to get a drop past the tough exterior.

On the front of the pack, a single water-resistant zippered pocket was practically made for your keys, and could accommodate a few other essentials for when you’re on the go. Tossing back the shaped lid, a single drawstring entry leads to the interior space, which is mainly one large pocket, with a few zippered and drop pockets to separate smaller items. If you’re looking for the same style pack, but with a bit more organization built-in, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 divides up its space well.

The padded interior laptop sleeve will accommodate up to a 16” laptop, and is suspended within the main compartment in a way that leaves us feeling confident in slinging our computer across a shoulder. Compared to other more airline-focused travel packs, the Granville 25 has its feet more firmly planted on the ground, and excels at bus, bike, or foot travel.

Whether your commute is just across town or across the country, the Arc’teryx Granville 25 makes for a good-looking carry-all that’s bound to be around for a while.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check and Arc’teryx Granville packs (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like it’s all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions. In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones. Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend-Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30 liter range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the Dakine Campus 33L will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 liters, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snuggly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Commuters will find drawstring entry bags the most appealing, and the Arc’teryx Granville 25 has become one of our dedicated laptop toters for everything from remote work stints at the coffee shop to jumping on a ferry for work.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150. These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the Dakine Campus ($75) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which at 24 liters compressed easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The Essential Overlanding Packing List

This overlanding packing list is 100% useful and includes everything we usually take with us when traveling. Traveling overland presents its own unique challenges and making sure you have everything you need for your trip is important.  In this article, we will look at some of the essential items you should consider when doing your overland preparation.  Overlanding to us means traveling with public transport without flying, it also means self-driving and includes taking planned overland trips on specially adapted vehicles.   That said, we’ve taken this gear in this overland packing list on repositioning cruise ships, and sailing yachts, and if we fly we also take all of this gear with us too. 

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

What Gear Do I Need for Overlanding?

I’ll cover in this guide the gear that we take with us, in this list that we’ve been traveling with for the best part of 10 years now.  Here’s our overlanding gear list, with the products that we use.

A GREAT Backpack for Overlanding

A backpack – the most obvious, but light and well-fitting backpack is essential.  I love the Osprey brand of backpacks.  I traveled for 3 years with a 40-liter Osprey and now have a 55-liter one.  Osprey is great.  The Farpoint series are fabulous – (although I don’t use the “zip off day packs” from the Farpoint 70 that I’m currently using).  The great thing about Osprey packs is that they not only open all the way up, which makes it easier to pack, but they have a zip cover that covers the shoulder and waist straps, meaning when you throw them in the luggage compartment of a bus or a ferry you’re more likely to get them back in one piece!

TOP BACKPACK

Best Backpack for Overlanding

We have four different Osprey backpacks. They are that good. Our Ospreys are different sizes for different trips. And the originals? Yes, they are still going strong 10 years later!

A good backpack is key to any overlanding adventure. The size will depend on how long you will be traveling and how minimalistic you are, but I’d recommend at least 50 liters (more liters if you will be traveling during winter/in colder regions).

And while rollaboards are useful sometimes –I find them just a pain for the type of travel that we do.  Most of the cities and towns we go to don’t have sidewalks or pavements, so you can’t roll them.  And you can carry a backpack so much more easily, as well as sit it on your lap if you’re on a bus where you don’t want it out of your sight.

A Document Wallet

Aka somewhere safe to keep your important paperwork such as passports, and visas.  I use this also to keep my “other currency” (i.e. US dollars or Euros that I tend to carry a small emergency stash of). The best way of not losing things when you travel is to always put them back in the same place, so your “moving on” checks are quick and simple.  Everything in its place and “the really important stuff” goes in the document wallet.  Always.

When traveling overland you’ll also find yourself having to take your passport out frequently, and as such it’s easy for it to get damaged. A good wallet is a useful addition to any packing list and can also double as handy storage for other currencies and documentation (don’t keep all valuables in the same place, spread them about).

Local Currency

It always pays to have some local currency in case you can’t get to an ATM.  In the absence of this – for closed countries, like Tunisia and Morocco for instance, where you can’t (legally) take the currency in or out of the country, then take some Euros and US dollars.  Small denominations and clean notes are best.  I always keep this in my document wallet.

If you can get hold of the currencies needed for all countries on your trip before departing, then that is going to be a great help. In the UK the Post Office and High Street banks can order in most of the world’s currencies. 

You can obviously also exchange money at ports and airports, but you’ll likely get an awful rate.  However, it’s not always possible to obtain the desired currency and the near-universal US Dollar ($) is a useful backup (the Euro (€) is also a good option to carry). It’s best to have a mixture of notes (bills) including low denominations.  We always tend to carry at least US$10 in one-dollar bills and replenish our supplies whenever we can.

The best way of getting local currency? Get yourself a fee-free travel card. Wise is the best we’ve found.

#1 TIP FOR CASH & CARDS

Get a Fee Free Card to Use

Get a WISE Card to take to on your travels. Two free ATM withdrawals per month, plus free to use to pay by card with zero foreign transaction fees.

Note: Be wary of changing money at border posts as you will not always get a fair rate! If you have no choice, change the smallest amount possible until you can reach your next destination.

A Money Belt

This is perfect for keeping your money safe on overnight train and bus journeys.  If you don’t have one of these, and you’re in any way likely to go to sleep on a bus or train (especially if you’re traveling solo), then ALWAYS use your daypack or bag as a pillow, that way if someone tries to steal anything you’ll (hopefully) wake up before they get it!

Packing smart is one way to reduce stress when traveling, here are several other ways to keep the stress down.

A Filter Bottle/Water Filter

It’s not always easy to find a fresh source of water on the road, a filter will ensure you have a clean supply of drinking water.  And if you really want to be helpful to the countries that you travel in, DON’T BUY BOTTLED WATER. (Many countries don’t have potable (drinkable) water from the tap, and others well it tastes kind of funky, as different countries put different types of minerals in the water (or none at all). 

TOP PRODUCT PICK

Best Filter Water Bottle

The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle has a 22-ounce capacity, it has a two-stage carbon filter that lasts for 100 liters of water and a membrane microfilter that lasts up to 4,000 liters of water.  The bottle itself is reusable, extremely durable, and BPA-free.  

Save yourself a whole world of trouble and keep responsibility for your water to yourself.  Buy a filter water bottle.  I’ve written at length about filter water bottles – here’s my comparison guide , as well as how we saved US$550 a year by using filter water bottles instead of buying bottled water.

A Pen (and writing paper)

They’re essential for filling out registration cards at land borders and making notes.  You’d be amazed at how many immigration forms, hotel registration forms and such you have to complete while traveling.  If there’s a line for the form to be handed in you can guarantee there’s a line to use the pen.  Take your own.  And if you loan it out always get it back.

A Headlamp/Torch (flashlight)

In the same way that many places we visit don’t have great sidewalks, a lot of them don’t have street lights at night.  And when you’re hiking to Everest Base Camp or sleeping in the Laos Jungle there’s no light there either (although the stars in the night sky are pretty damned amazing without light pollution!).  If you’re staying in a hostel or unfamiliar room having your headlamp by your pillow makes it easier in the middle of the night. 

Make sure it’s a rechargeable headlamp and be better to the environment.

BEST RECHARGEABLE HEADLAMP

Rechargeable Headlamp

Nitecore is a fabulous brand, and this is a great rechargeable headlamp for all your travels. Charges really quickly and it’s super bright too.

Sleeping on a train?  Yep, take a headlamp for that too.  We’ve used our headlamps all over the world – from cooking for 40 on an overland trip across the Silk Road to exploring caves in the Galapagos Islands and finding our way back to our room on Easter Island too.  I’m also writing this from Tozeur in Tunisia, where the light in our room is so gloomy I need a head torch!

If you’re camping you’ll likely want to have a lantern as well – for the best options and a full camping checklist, here’s a must-have camping packing list.

A Power Bank

My number one rule of traveling is ABC.  Always be charging.  Because you never know when you’ll not have power.  And for the times you don’t have power, take a power bank.  Whether it’s to charge your phone, your camera, or your steripen, it will also see you through power cuts, long bus journeys, and trips to the desert too.

Multi-Country Travel Adapter

If you’re taking electronic with you (and these days who doesn’t?), then you need to keep them charged.  Different countries have different sockets and different voltages and the easiest way to manage this is to sort yourself out before you leave home.  I’ve written about the plug types in some of the countries we’ve visited.

Read our guides to what plug adapters you’ll need when traveling

• Bulgarian Plug Adapters
• Power Adapters needed in Italy
• Plug Adapters in the Maldives
• Costa Rica Plug Adapter
• Plug Adapter for Japan
• Tunisia Power Adapter
• Saudi Arabia Power Adapter
• Colombia Plug Adapter
• Sweden Travel Adapter and Plug Guide
• Sri Lanka Plug Adapter

We’ve been caught out in our early days of traveling, but not now.

Best Travel Adapter

This fabulous adapter will cover you  no matter where you’re from. And it’ll cover you wherever you’re going to.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I’ve had a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones since I worked in corporate, great for noisy hostels and sleeping on public transport.  You’ll love them, especially in North African countries, South America, and South East Asia where the concept of people using headphones on buses seems absent.

Best Noise-Canceling Earphones

Bose is an amazing brand and well worth the money. I’ve had Bose noise-canceling earphones for years, and these are perfect for traveling.

Travel Towel

A travel towel compacts to a small size for easy packing.  A compact travel towel is an excellent piece of kit as they are fast-drying and they pack very small. Great for hostelling and hiking where you might want to cool off in a river or lake!  I hated travel towels when we started traveling and it’s fair to say I’ve gone through my fair share of them to try and find one that I like.  They’ve moved on leaps and bounds.  I now have a travel towel that I love and that fits in the palm of my hand.  Here’s my guide to travel towels.

Best Small Travel Towel

The Mountain Warehouse microfibre towels are the best-damned towel that you can fit in the palm of your hand. 

First Aid Kit

From small cuts and bruises to blisters, a first aid kit will ensure comfort for when you take small knocks and bumps – it’s one of the most important items for your overlanding gear list, especially if you plan to travel off the beaten path or if you have specific medical requirements.  I have an allergy to a couple things – I can’t put any aloe vera on, I also can’t use Elastoplast so I have to carry some micropore tape instead. 

Make sure your kit contains the following at the very least:

• Plasters of all sizes
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes
• Sticky tape/Elastoplast/Micropore/ < whatever works for you
• Safety pins
• I also add paracetamol, ibuprofen, hydrocortisone cream (for anti-itch after mozzie bites) and antihistamines to my own kit. You can also add any medication you need to take, but be sure to check that they are legal in the countries you will be visiting (Uzbekistan is one country where common over-the-counter medicines may be illegal)!  If you carry prescription medicine ALWAYS take a doctor’s letter and your prescription with you.

Swiss Army Knife

I’m on my second Swiss Army Knife , I broke the main knife using it to lever something that I shouldn’t.  It’s now my screwdriver, my scissors, and my go-to tool for more things.  It’s cut bread and ham on more trains than I can count and the scissors have cut my fringe on several occasions too.

This is an excellent tool when traveling overland, the Swiss Army Knife can be used to prepare food (be sure to wipe/disinfect after use), open bottles, remove splinters, and do lots of other things besides. The Swiss Army knife’s versatility makes it a favorite on my overland gear list!

Check the rules before you travel about whether you can take a knife in, but usually, if you’re overlanding you’ll be fine.  (China not so!)

Travel Wash Kit

Need I say more?  It’s important to keep clean on the road!  I carry my wash kit in a fabulous Eagle Creek washbag.   It has a clip on the end and I have a carabiner attached to it, so in the inevitable situation where there’s nowhere to put your wash stuff other than on the floor, you can at least hang it on something.

At the minimum, your travel wash kit should include:

• A toothbrush
• Mini shampoo (or go for a bar shampoo)
• Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant
• Comb or Brush

I wrote about the best eco-friendly toiletries to travel with – you can read that here.

Hand Sanitizer

Even before Covid, we carried Hand Sanitizer – we love street food, but there’s not always somewhere to wash your hands before eating.  There’s also rarely soap in public toilets in a lot of places, so take care of it yourself.

Mosquito Repellent

Depending on where you travel, mosquitos can ruin a good night’s sleep so ensure you have protection.  I’ve also got a small mosquito net that goes with us too when we’re traveling to places like the Colombian Amazon, or the Lao rainforest.  Nige feels pretty safe traveling with me, as I am the original mosquito magnet.

Depending on the destination and time of year, it’s highly likely that on any road trip, you will encounter mosquitos. If you will be traveling to places where malaria and other such diseases are present, then you will want a repellent containing DEET.

Best Mosquito Repellent

Effective bug spray deters mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. This pump spray is good for protecting you against bugs and contains 40% DEET.

Camera/Go Pro/Drone

Many people simply use their phones to record their trips, however, if you want to take amazing pictures/videos then consider taking a good camera or drone with you.  As far as cameras are concerned, DSLRs are bulky and do take up space and weight.  There are many fantastic compact cameras on the market such as Nikon’s Coolpix range.

If you want to take some fantastic aerial footage of your trip then the Mavic Mini 2 is a fantastic small drone that weighs just 249 grams and can fold down to fit in the palm of your hand. And for under US$300, it’s an absolute steal.  The Go Pro is another great travel camera and has the added bonus of being able to film underwater!

Consider Travel Insurance

I’ve been sick in India for 6 weeks after trusting someone else with my water filtering (never again!!) and ended up in the hospital, and while my bills didn’t even add up to enough for the minimum claim on our insurance, it can do.  We’ve had two emergency return trips home that would have cost us nearly US$10,000 if we’d had to shell out ourselves, but our insurance covered us both times.

Depending on where you plan to travel, sunscreen is another good item to have on your packing list

Packing Cubes

These are now essential for me, it’s so easy, especially if you’re traveling quickly, to make sure that everything goes into a packing cube and then the cubes go into your backpack.  They honestly revolutionized my packing.  Get yourself some packing cubes here.

Small Carabiners

These are another really simple thing to take with you.  I have one always attached to my day pack and if I’m walking through a crowded area with my backpack and daypack on I attach them together.  Especially if they’re also attached to me it’s a lot harder to steal!  These are a great option.

You can also use carabiners to attach your day pack to a chair or table when you’re eating lunch.  Or to your washbag to let you hang it when there’s no shelving other than a wet floor in a shower room.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

We carry our entire life with us when we travel – most of what we do is saved in the cloud and we access our bank accounts from public Wi-Fi.  We’ve booked travel in Turkmenistan, and we’ve booked buses in Cuba.  We’ve paid people while sitting on a bus in Tunisia.  A VPN lets us do this safe in the knowledge that no one is spying on or stealing our personal data.  And we’ve used ExpressVPN to protect us for more than 12 years now.

Best VPN for Travel

Our Best Buy VPN is ExpressVPN – it has unparalleled privacy, performance, a large number of servers, and a GREAT price too. 

You can read more about VPNs in my guide here.   It works in China, Turkmenistan, Cuba, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, some of the world’s more untrusted places when it comes to digital presence.  Get your VPN here, before you travel, and get three months for free with ASocialNomad.

A Portable Travel Safe

We travel with laptops, cameras, passports, and spare currency.  And you know what?  You can’t be on your guard 100% of the time.  We leave our valuables in hotel rooms, in hostel dorms.  We’ve left it in overland vehicles, in the trunks of cars, and in left luggage offices in Indian train stations. But, it’s always been locked away in our portable travel safe.  We use it when we camp (and lock it to a tree), we use it when we go diving and snorkeling, and we lock it around bed frames, toilets, and metal loops in car trunks.  You can read more about how we use our portable travel safe and why you should use a portable travel safe .

Best Portable Travel Safe

This fabulous portable travel safe is big enough for laptops, phones, cameras, and a whole lot more. It packs flat and secures to just about anything!

Final Words on our Overland Travel Packing List

Our overland packing list has come together after 10 years of travel.  It’s tried and tested and pared down, so we rarely carry anything we don’t need.  This isn’t hardcore camping, we stay in hotels and hostels, we camp sometimes, and we overnight on buses and trains occasionally.  We stay in apartments often.  These are the items that make it easy to travel and stay sane!

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Sarah Carter

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Gamut Overland Backpack

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Was $269.99, now only $119.99 !

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Rugged and Roomy Enough for Multiple Roles

When you can’t leave anything behind, including your PDW rifle, you can rely on the roomy and robust construction and features built into the Gamut Overland pack to keep your gear at the ready. The main compartment opens 180 degrees for easy loading and gear retrieval and the convertible front flap stows quickly behind the loop-faced internal MOLLE panel to change its visual signature and for quick access to critical items organized there. Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps and waist belt help you manage the load in comfort while maintaining control and stability.

• Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with loop lining and a Rapid Access Pull tab
• Concealed carry platform accepts ballistic panels
• Convertible front flap stows behind loop-faced MOLLE webbing panel to provide ready access to items mounted there and to rapidly change the bag’s appearance
• Snaps on front flap prevent accidental opening and G-hook straps enable front flap to convert to a sling for larger items
• Main compartment has adjustable padded laptop sleeve, five gear slots, one abrasion-resistant zippered mesh pockets and strategically located loop panels for Tactigami™ and other hook and loop-compatible accessories
• Modular padded laptop sleeve in main compartment adjusts in size and position and adapts to become a print-proof protective scabbard for weapon or sensitive gear
• Admin compartment on top of the bag with abrasion-resistant and zippered mesh pocket and key lanyard
• Main compartment opens 180° to easily load and access gear
• Hot-Pull Tab can be set up for quick access to the main compartment
• Zippered side compartments open toward the body for improved security and enable organization for your admin gear with total of two zippered mesh pockets and two drop-in pockets
• Stretch side pockets securely cinch water bottles or similarly-sized necessities
• 3-D molded foam back panel enhances airflow and comfort and has a pass-through for rolling luggage handles
• Multiple strategically-located and Tactigami™-compatible loop panels
• Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps
• Adjustable waist belt tucks away when not in use
• Hydration bladder compatible with dual hose pass-through ports
• Light-colored interior improves interior visibility
• Accommodates up to 15” Laptop

Construction:

• Zipper lock snaps on main and front flaps
• Bonded nylon thread throughout with critical seams and attachment points bartacked for extra durability
• VELCRO ® Brand loop for top-of-the-line retention of Tactigami™ and other hook and loop-compatible accessories (accessories sold separately)
• YKK ® self-repairing nylon coil zippers throughout
• Quiet positive-grip zipper pull-tabs
• 3-D molded foam back panel and laptop insert
• Abrasion-resistant mesh used on internal pockets
• Outside Dimension: 26.5”H x 16”W x 7.5”D
• CCW Compartment Dimensions: 20”H x 12.5”W x1.5”D (21.75”L diagonal)
• Main Compartment Dimensions: 26.5”H x 16”W x 6”D (27.5”L diagonal)

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• Travel Gear & Luggage Reviews

Overland Equipment Cambridge Bag Review

by Shannon · Published April 27, 2011 , 10:14 am · Updated January 12, 2024 , 5:08 am

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Cambridge features a neoprene sleeve that Overland Equipment states can fit your 15″ laptop. The neoprene sleeve is padded, super soft, and adds a little protection from the remaining items in your bag. I would like to see some sort of loop or velcro attachment that keeps the laptop sleeve from bulging out into the main compartment; after a few months of use I felt that the sleeve tended to loosen up a bit and perhaps a little securing device at the top could avoid this problem.

The Cambridge also features outer pockets for additional storage. There is a small pocket at the front that I stow by work badge in for easy retrieval, while the two larger compartments can hold a Stanley coffee mug or a bottle of water. The two larger pockets are covered with a flap with a magnet closure for easy access.

The Cambridge is made from ripstop and ballistic nylon and has withstood my daily use to and from work and travel trips as my carry on/purse. What I like most about this bag is its’ versatility; I call it my grown up work bag because it is the first bag in years that is not a backpack. The large opening, or tote style, is very useful when trying to find something buried at the bottom of the bag and makes me realize how inconvenient my old backpacks really were. Overall, a great backpack, tote, laptop bag all rolled into one. For more information on the Overland Equipment Cambridge, please visit www.amazon.com .

Tags: commuter bag laptop bag

Shannon, our fabulous female tester, takes gear testing to a new level for women. When not at work or school, she is most likely training for a marathon, climbing one of Colorado’s tallest peaks, riding her road bike, or skiing down a mountain slope. Like many women, Shannon gets cold easily, therefore, we try to test the best all weather gear to help her stay warm and dry during all day outdoor pursuits. In the warmer months, Shannon enjoys exploring the Colorado backcountry with her friends and dogs and attempts to escape for as many trail runs as her schedule allows. Shannon is a great women’s tester because she gives readers true insight into how a product may perform for an active woman.

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Where can i get this overland versatile equipment bag?

Thanks for the question. Overland Equipment went out of business about 4-5 years ago, so finding one of these bags will likely be a challenge. Ebay or poshmark, might be worth a look.

Hi Lori, I have one for sale if you’re interested! You can find it on Facebook marketplace.

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Vertx Gamut Overland Tactical Backpack 33L Large Molle Laptop Rucksack for Travel, Work, Outdoor, Concealed Carry, Utility Tactical Gear Bag, It's Black, One Size

About this item.

• PREPARED FOR MULTIPLE ROLES: The Gamut Overland tactical bags are designed for multiple roles. Blending professional into everyday settings, to keep you under the radar.
• STAY EQUIPPED AND ORGANIZED: This tactical backpack features a Rapid Access Pull tab to access the weapon discreetly. The concealed carry platform accepts ballistic panels.
• PERFECT FOR TACTICAL GEAR: The tactical rucksack features a main compartment, 5 gear slots, 1 zippered mesh pocket, and strategically located loop panels for Tactigami and accessories.
• FEATURES A LAPTOP SLEEVE: The main compartment of this large tactical backpack features a laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 15” laptop. Capacity: tactical backpack 33L.
• PREPARED PROFESSIONAL: Stay prepared both on and off the job with these tactical utility backpacks. Outside Dimension: 26.5”H x 16”W x 7.5”D. CCW Compartment Dimensions: 20”H x 12.5”W x1.5”D.

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From the manufacturer.

Gamut Overland Pack Features

• The front panel can be converted to a sling for larger items or stowed behind loop-faced MOLLE webbing to provide ready access to items mounted there and to rapidly change the bag’s appearance.
• Main compartment has adjustable padded laptop sleeve, five gear slots, one abrasion-resistant zippered mesh pockets and strategically located loop panels for Tactigami and other hook and loop-compatible accessories.
• Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with loop lining & Rapid Access Pull tab.
• Hydration bladder compatible with dual hose pass-through ports.
• Admin compartment on top of the bag with abrasion-resistant and zippered mesh pocket and key lanyard.

Product Description

Vertx Gamut Overland

Stay prepared both on and off the job with the Vertx Gamut Overland tactical bags. Blending professional into everyday settings, tactical gear bags that are both practical and stylish for everyday carry. Prepared for multiple roles and to keep you under the radar. Ideal to take from a day on the job to the street.

The Gamut Overland EDC tactical backpack is the ideal mens backpack for work tactical, tactical travel backpack, outdoor tactical bag, hunting bag. It’s durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use and the perfect size to accommodate your tactical accessories and gear.

• Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with a Rapid Access Pull tab
• Concealed carry platform accepts ballistic panels
• Convertible front flap stows behind loop-faced MOLLE panel to rapidly change the bag’s appearance
• Main compartment opens 180° to easily load and access gear and has an adjustable padded laptop sleeve, five gear slots, one zippered mesh pocket, and strategically located loop panels for Tactigami™ and other accessories
• Zippered side compartments
• Stretch side pockets securely cinch water bottles
• Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps
• Hydration bladder
• Accommodates up to 15” Laptop
• Outside Dimension: 26.5”H x 16”W x 7.5”D
• CCW Compartment Dimensions: 20”H x 12.5”W x1.5”D (21.75”L diagonal)
• Main Compartment Dimensions: 26.5”H x 16”W x 6”D (27.5”L diagonal)

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 12.5 x 24.5 inches; 4.06 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ F1 VTX5022-IBK
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Vertx
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Q3BB24Q
• #78,555 in Camping & Hiking Equipment

Important information

Legal disclaimer.

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, reliability, and size of the backpack. For example, they mention it's of the highest quality, has lots of room, and is durable. Some appreciate the pockets and compartments.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention that it is of the highest quality, excellent brand, extremely reliable, and durable.

"...Weather trekking or traveling this backpack is comfortable and durable . In short this pack is badass!!!" Read more

"Vertex bags are the best, only bags I use now. Extremely reliable , and the customization on how you wanna organize it is amazing.Love it...." Read more

" Great backpack ! Big but not too big. Little bigger than the gamut 2. Perfect for weekend trips. Love all the pockets." Read more

"...It’s an awesome bag ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the size of the backpack. They mention that it has a good amount of room, is big but not too big, and has lots of pockets and compartments.

"...From everyday use without looking out of place. Lots of room , ease of access of concealment if you choose to pack...." Read more

"...the height is perfect for what I was looking for, lots of pockets and compartments . I wish it was a little wider and deep...." Read more

"Great backpack! Big but not too big . Little bigger than the gamut 2. Perfect for weekend trips. Love all the pockets." Read more

"... Lots of room though ." Read more

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