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22 Best Travel Backpacks for Women (Tested & Reviewed)

Written by Becca

Updated on May 1st, 2024

Learn about the best travel backpacks for women in all styles, sizes and prices. Here are the top choices and what you should consider when buying one.

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Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Troubadour Ki Backpack

• Away Everywhere Zip Backpack & Front Pocket Backpack

United by Blue (R)evolution 15L Commuter Backpack

Troubadour Momentum Backpack

Quince All-Day Neoprene Backpack

Moment MTW Backpack 17L

• UP Seoul Lifestyle Daypack by Deuter

Small Expandable Knack Pack

Aer Fit Pack 3

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

• Stubble & Co. Roll-Top Mini Backpack

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Tom Bihn Techonaut 45

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Deuter Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL Pack

REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack

Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack

Gregory Maven 55 Pack

• Bonus backpack: Decathlon Quechua 50L Forclaz for Women
• Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack

Everyone has their passions, and I’m pretty passionate about travel backpacks. A good backpack makes or breaks a trip, and I have so many great memories with all my travel bags from around the world!

I take different types of trips (backpacking, work trip, day trip). My travel backpacks might be a daypack for toting my laptop to a cafe while in a new city, or a “backpacking backpack” that takes me on a two-week trip to Southeast Asia. I’ve searched “travel backpacks” time and again, but what I always need is the best travel backpacks for women . As a female traveler, I have my own style requirements, as well as size requirements!

My list here has photos of me wearing these highly-recommended travel backpacks, so you can see how they look on a real person (I’m not a model!). Here are the best backpacks for woman travelers, from daypacks, to weekend travel bags to backpacking rucksacks.

Browse our top 10 picks

• Best Small Travel Daypack Troubadour Ki Backpack
• Best Classic Slim Laptop Daypack Everlane Renew Rucksack
• Best Athletic-Style Travel Daypack Aer Fit Pack 3
• Best Travel Bag to Have for Life Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack
• Best All-Weather Daypack Stubble & Co. Roll-Top Mini
• Best for One-Bag Travel Topo Designs Global Travel Bag
• Best International Carry-On Bag Tortuga Travel Backpack
• Best Durable Weekender Backpack Tom Bihn Techonaut
• Best Expandable Travel Backpack Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Best for Backpack Weight Management Deuter Aircontact

Quickly jump to these sections of my women’s backpack reviews:

• Daypacks & Small Backpacks
• Standard Travel Bags & Weekender Backpacks
• Larger-Volume Travel Backpacks

Daypacks are simple, like a backpack that carries my work laptop when I am working remotely and traveling . Other daypacks are comfortable small backpacks that I want to be my personal item for a flight. The daypacks for women below would be my backpacks for a day of sightseeing on vacation.

Troubadour Ki Backpack

Troubadour is a company I really like for its sustainability practices. When I tried the Ki Backpack , I was floored with the ultimate lightweight factor of this bag, along with the pockets, materials and trustworthy quality. I use it when I commute to work, because it fits my 13” MacBook Air, plus a few snacks and even a light sweater.

I have so many positive things to say about this bag that they won’t all fit here! Head on over to my detailed review of the Ki Backpack to see more photos of me using this travel backpack for women.

• I like that it’s made of sustainable materials and that Troubadour is B-Certified.
• It neatly fits everything I need, with no lumpy space leftover. It also holds its shape when I’m out for a day.
• Priced at $200+ (but worth it because I think this little backpack is PERFECT!)
• Not big enough to fit my jacket or outfit changes I may need.

Experience sophisticated storage with the Troubadour Ki Backpack, built for both professional settings and adventurous trips.

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack & Front Pocket Backpack

The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack has been my personal item on a flight during travel. I’ve also used it as my go-to daytime backpack while on vacation.

Away also makes a smaller backpack with a front pocket ! In this review about the Away Daypack , I review the original style as one of the best daypacks for female travel, because it’s slim, not bulky, not “doofy” and has plenty of inner pockets that I value.

Away updated the backpack since I’ve reviewed it! The updates are great improvements to this daypack that comes in a convenient size and looks more stylish and elegant than ever.

• The size gives me plenty of room for all my essentials, like a water bottle and a light layer during a trip.
• It has worked well for me as a personal item on a flight that I also use as a daypack while traveling.
• At $195, it’s expensive, but take my advice: make use of Away’s 100-day trial, to try it commitment-free.

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack

Journey in style with the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack, your compact companion for everyday use.

United by Blue (R)evolution 15L Commuter Backpack

The (R)evolution 15L backpack is a backpack both Dan and I have used while hiking, or out for a day trip. It has a slimming shape for a travel bag, and looks good on a short woman like me.

This backpack is impressively lightweight, so the starting weight is almost nothing before you put your first item in.It fits my MacBook Air perfectly. It also fits Dan’s 14” MacBook Pro snugly. The interior laptop sleeve is padded for a little bit of protection.

• Because there’s not a lot of padding in the (R)evolution 15L, it’s packable into a larger piece of luggage, which is a plus!
• It’s an ideal “personal item” on a flight, at the 15L size. I used it on my flight when I went to Canada.
• With spot clean care, it’s not exactly recommended to be machine-washable, and I like my bags to be washable.
• It does NOT have water bottle side pockets. This bothers me a little because I’m constantly using a water bottle.

Step into sustainability with the United by Blue (R)evolution 15L Commuter Backpack, designed for the eco-conscious traveler.

Troubadour Momentum Backpack

I like the symmetrical and calming design of the Momentum Backpack . I’ve been enjoying that my Momentum Backpack has both function and style, for a woman traveler like me.

The Momentum Backpack is a sleek backpack that makes an excellent “personal item” for a flight, as well as a daypack when I’m on a trip. For features, I appreciate the high-quality zippers that don’t snag (signature for Troubadour products, which I also mention in my Generation Leather Backpack review ), the dedicated laptop compartment with its own exterior zipper and inner sleeve, and the loads of organizer pockets in the main compartment where I stash my essentials.

It’s a 13L-volume bag that’ll do well either for work or play. I really like the thick top handle, which is handy for if I need to hold my backpack by a top handle when I’m crunched on a subway or metro car. The zipper pulls are also nice and long, and the whole bag is lightweight, which I appreciate as a petite woman. I have a LOT of things to say about this backpack, which you can see at my Troubadour Momentum Backpack review here.

• For me, it’s the perfect daypack size. I make use of all the neatly zippered pockets in its beautiful design.
• The laptop compartment fits two laptops : it’s perfect if I have a work laptop and a personal laptop (or a laptop and a tablet).
• Laptop compartment and front zip compartment have single zippers, but double zips would’ve been nice.

Satisfy your adventure needs with the Troubadour Momentum Backpack, perfect for exploring urban jungles and beyond.

Quince All-Day Neoprene Backpack

What went through my head when I took this backpack out of its packaging was, “Woohoo! I’m finally one of those people with a trendy neoprene backpack!” Quince’s Neoprene Backpack is cute, and sits well on my back. This backpack is pretty squishy and light, so I can squish it into my Quince suitcase if I want to pack it and take it out when my flight lands.

One unique travel feature on this bag is the detachable “valuables” pouch. This inner neoprene pouch is attached by a cord, and helps protect against pickpockets and theft. I’m going to keep my typical on-the-go stuff in there, whether valuable or not.

The backpack is 16L in volume, with travel features like a luggage pass-through sleeve, a 13” laptop pocket sleeve for my Macbook Air and the detachable 7” zipper pouch. At just under $100, it’s affordable. See more photos at my full Quince neoprene backpack review .

Bonus idea: Pair it with Quince’s Neoprene belt bag from the same collection. I featured it in my list of the best travel fanny packs .

Made from recycled materials, this lightweight and flexible backpack has essential travel features and some surpise bonus aspects.

Moment MTW Backpack 17L

The Moment MTW Backpack 17L quickly became a favorite day-sized backpack for me! It’s not too big, and not too small for a petite woman like myself. At 17L, it’s a nice daypack size for essentials and it has a clean modern look.

Warehouse returns are now on sale at 15% off (never used, just open box!); plus, get free shipping on US orders over $98.

Shop the sale

The MTW backpack is cool for “going anywhere” or bringing your work with you. I like this backpack so far for day trips. If I’m going to be taking my camera out on a trip, I use the nifty interior of this backpack, which is made for safely storing tech like lenses, chargers, headphones and more essentials.

For travel, there’s also a trolley pass-through, for being airport-ready. You can see how it looks on me in these photos that Dan took (I’m 5’2”).

My other experience with the Moment brand is the cool and minimal Moment Fanny Sling in my roundup of the best fanny packs for travel . It’s made of the same materials as the MTW backpack, so if you like that, check out this belt bag.

Moment debuted a new laptop and photography bag that’s going to be replacing this one, and it comes in the same sizes. Check out our Moment Everything Backpack review .

• Cushioned laptop compartment with space for two laptops, or a laptop and a tablet.
• Designed to stand up on its own and not topple over if you set it down.
• The laptop zipper can be a little stiff from time to time.
• Some people might get annoyed by the flap that goes over the zipper of the main compartment.

Carry your tech essentials with ease with the Moment MTW Backpack 17L, offering unparalleled durability and style.

UP Seoul Lifestyle Daypack by Deuter

I’ve been using the Deuter UP Seoul Daypack for a year. I liked how it’s streamlined and chilled-out, with a down-to-earth look. For features, I enjoy the zipper-around flap and the two side pockets for water bottles.

The UP Seoul Daypack is described as 16+10L, meaning it has an overall capacity of 26L. For me, it works well as a commuter bag or a daypack for a road trip or vacation. I can fit a light jacket, some food for during the day, a book and a slim pair of shoes. I shared more photos at my Deuter UP Seoul backpack review .

• Narrow (rather than wide) shape that looks slimming for me, with my 5’2” height and narrow build.
• Zipper-around closure top flap (GREAT for being theft-proof in cities).
• The side pockets do NOT fit wide water bottles like my 24-oz sport bottle.
• The only thing that bothers me is the bottom waist strap, which can’t be stowed away, so it hangs out and looks ‘strappy.’

Deuter UP Seoul Lifestyle Daypack

Take the city by storm with the UP Seoul Lifestyle Daypack by Deuter, a classic and functional companion for urban exploration.

Small Expandable Knack Pack

The smallest Knack Pack from Knack Bags is a 15L backpack designed to be a go-to on a daily commute. It fits a 13” laptop and has a dedicated bottom storage compartment dedicated to holding your laptop charger and plug.

I tried out the small Knack Pack both as a day bag to take to work, and as a daypack for a day trip out to Long Island. What’s important to know about this bag is that it expands quickly out to 27L, to fit some minimalist-style needs for an entire weekend trip. It’s meant to convert fast from one size to the next.

You can see lots more detail in our dedicated Small Expandable Knack product review .

• The small-size Knack Bag has a thoughtful size for commutes and day trips.
• Travel-friendly: Designed to fit both in overhead airplane compartments and under airplane seats.
• Design is a bit boxy and not overly feminine nor slimming.
• Would be a wide fit for petite women (like me) with narrow shoulders (for taller women, no problem).

Update: Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack

I tried out the Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack . Even with the medium size, it didn’t feel too big. The elongated shape of this bag makes it slightly slimming, even though it’s 24L when un-expanded, and 35L when expanded.

It fits two or three outfits when packing lightly for a short trip and it fits a 15” laptop. Like the Small Expandable Knack Pack, it has removable and packable straps, and a strong foam back panel for support during wear.

Check out the Series 1 on Amazon or Knack Bags directly . And see the updates for the Series 2 !

Expand your storage space without sacrificing style with the Small Expandable Knack Pack, a versatile solution for all your needs.

Aer Fit Pack 3

First, a disclaimer: my recommendation is that this backpack is good for women with standard or wider shoulders, or women who are tall. On me, it looks a bit big and goofy (remember: I am 5’2” and short/petite.)

The Aer Fit Pack 3 daypack definitely packs in a bit more volume than the Away Daypack mentioned above. At 18L, I found I can fit way more. It’s why Aer markets this bag as a daypack that’ll fit your gym clothes, and split them up from your laptop. Dan reviewed it in-depth as a work-meets-gym/travel bag in this detailed review .

In my use of it, I found the useful features to be the unique center zipper, water bottle pockets and mesh back panel. My favorite features are the extremely high-quality zippers and seal-proof zipper closures, along with the very sturdy lift handle. This price reflects the high quality that I can feel when I wear it.

• It has a pass-through strap to be used with the handle of your luggage (great for the airport).
• The laptop compartment is secure and padded and feels really durable.
• Smaller-framed women may find it a bit big for taking around because of the thick and slightly wide-set straps.
• The vertical-zip compartment is not for every taste because it’s unique and non-standard.

Travel lighter and smarter with the Aer Fit Pack 3, designed to secure your essentials without adding unnecessary bulk.

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

I got the Tortuga Laptop Backpack to use as a “personal item” on a flight. My favorite travel features of this backpack are the laptop compartment (two ways to access it), the tech pouch and the dual water bottle pockets.

This laptop backpack only comes in black, in its no-nonsense style, with ample pockets and a light starting weight. Note: It’s a unisex backpack designed for both men and women and anyone else who’s bringing around a laptop and trip essentials.

When I use this backpack, I can fit both a MacBook Pro and my Macbook Air . To see all the photos of the features and all about the inside of this bag, check out the Tortuga Laptop Backpack review that I wrote!

Overall, this laptop backpack is a very good choice for travel, with features like the luggage passthrough and mesh pockets that I’ve used for my passport.

Travel like an expert with the laptop backpack meant for travel.

Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

The Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack is a two-in-one daypack and tote bag that looks great on women. My first impression was: “I can’t believe how lightweight it is.”

Let me explain: this smart travel backpack is two bags in one: it’s both a backpack and a zip tote. Because it’s a Troubadour product, the zippers slide beautifully, and the design is stylish and minimalist. The pockets are thoughtful.

The Bivy Tote Backpack can also fit up to 21L in volume. The first time I tried it out for a day in NYC, I packed it with my laptop, my bike helmet (can you believe it!), a change of clothes in case I got sweaty, snacks AND accessories. All of this fit inside.

I love the stellar design that’s easy on the eyes, and the versatile tote straps for when my back needs a break. You can see more photos of me with it at my full review of the Bivy Tote Backpack .

Get free shipping on orders $100+, Troubadour's 5-year guarantee and 100-day returns now!

Shop the deal

• I used it for a day with all that stuff packed inside, and the straps proved to be comfy and strong.
• I think the design is timeless, which means it’s a good investment for future travel.
• When being worn as a backpack, the tote strap can feel or look funny in some opinions.
• When carrying the Bivy as a tote, the straps are a little on the short side for supporting the weight.

Make sure to check this out and see if it's for you!

Stubble & Co. Roll-Top Mini Backpack

The 14-liter Roll-Top Mini from Stubble & Co. is my first “roll-top” backpack. I’ve always seen people biking with roll-top backpacks, and never quite went as far as to buy one. I like the lightweight feel of it — it’s only 1.76 lbs when empty (great for a petite person like me).

I get into all the details and features at my Stubble & Co. Roll-Top Backpack review .

When I received my Mini Roll-Top, I noticed that the packaging was fully recyclable and compostable (Stubble & Co. is a certified B Corporation for sustainability practices).

I chose the Roll-Top Mini to fit my small 5’2” narrow frame. I used it immediately to tote around my laptop and work essentials for an afternoon. I slid my MacBook Air into the padded laptop compartment, zipped it up via the backside and put my phone and AirPods into the front zipper pocket.

What I like about the Roll-Top Mini as a women’s travel daypack is that it’ll keep my stuff dry if I get caught in some rain or snow (consider a trip in Ireland !). All the seams and zippers are waterproof. The roll top closes with a “G clip” to fasten it, for a cool travel bag look. (My tip: this backpack comes in a lot of colors, but don’t delay: the popular ones often sell out.)

• It’s versatile and secure, whether I’m biking, hiking or out with my laptop in the city.
• Focus on weatherproofed materials, zips and seams, and the roll top keeps everything inside dry.
• The water bottle pockets only fit a regular slim bottle (as pictured), not my 24oz travel water bottle.
• Laptop is not accessible from main compartment — only from dedicated back panel laptop compartment.

Thank you to Stubble & Co. for generously sending me the Roll-Top Mini. All thoughts here are my own based on my use of the product.

Stubble & Co. Roll-Top Mini

Waterproof zippers and the roll-top closure with a clip make this an excellent all-weather travel backpack.

Standard travel bags

I consider a standard travel bag or travel backpack to be between 30L and 45L in volume. These are the travel backpacks I take on a flight with no problem. Travel bags of this size are big enough to carry my things for a one or two-week trip.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

I’ve tried out the Topo Global Travel Bag in 30L for weekend trips and road trips. Dan and I have lightly packed for a weekend away when we stayed at my parents’ house, and with some packing cubes, fit most of our clothes in there for a 48-hour stay.

The Global Travel Bag in 30L has “three-way” backpack straps-duffel handle-shoulder strap functionality. I haven’t used it as a duffel, and I’ve only used it as a backpack. My favorite part about it is that the materials feel lightweight and strong, to reflect the price tag.

• Carry-on compliant, external laptop sleeve for airport use, works well with other products in the “Topo ecosystem.”
• I can attest to the fact that it works well for “one-bag travel” (long weekends or day trips out hiking).
• It doesn’t have any “female-specific” features, but this is why I share this backpack with Dan.

Travel the world with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L, a modern and functional companion.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

My first impression of the Bellroy backpack was that the quality is very sturdy. I can tell just by feeling the exterior that it’s made of a water-resistant fabric, which is a crucial feature for my preferences, in a travel bag. I took this bag on a train trip for its maiden voyage, and it supported weight well as I was walking through NYC.

I really like the 38L size of this transit backpack , which is cool as a large commuter bag, nice-sized weekender backpack or larger-end daypack. It’s also quite structured, rather than thin and slouchy, which I like in a bag because it holds its shape.

It’s more lightweight than other bags of its size, which I like a lot. The weight makes a big difference when I’m carrying the Transit Backpack for a long time. I find it to be spacious inside (I’ve actually packed an entire set of queen-sized sheets in it.) See more on the details at my Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus review , along with what I don’t like.

• The exterior feels strong, like I could throw this backpack around and it would hold up. In fact, the materials feel pretty unique because I haven’t seen these textures in other backpacks.
• In my use, the zippers are a bit stiff, and feel like they’re tough to break in, even after quite a few uses. The zippers move kind of slowly and require some effort. I’d say this is my least favorite aspect of the bag.

Travel in comfort and style with the spacious Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, designed to keep your essentials neatly organized.

Tom Bihn Techonaut 45

I have used this Tom Bihn backpack for a weekend trip several times. With the size, it fits my packing cubes full of a few sets of clothes, and my laptop. Tom Bihn is a brand that uses superior materials that should last for decades. I see this in the quality of the Tom Bihn Synapse , which Dan and I have used for a few years, too.

The Tom Bihn Techonaut opens clamshell-style, and it’s one of the few backpacks this size that have this style. Because of the wider square shape, it’s not great for petite women, but fine for women who are taller. We critique the Tom Bihn Techonaut in this review .

• Incredible materials and strong zippers. Useful side-grab handle for carrying as a duffel as well.
• Awesome choice for using as a weekender backpack, with dedicated laptop compartment.
• The relatively high price (it reflects the high-quality nylon ripstop build, and water-repellant zippers!)
• Likely too wide for petite women.
• Not comfortable to wear for an extended period of time like in walking around a city on a layover because it doubles as a duffel.

Embark on your adventures with the Tom Bihn Techonaut 45, a durable, spacious, and travel-friendly backpack.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Through my experience with the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L , my favorite aspect is the high-quality zippers that won’t break, snap or split. While other backpacks may report torn pockets or bad zippers in the reviews, I find the PD backpack to perform flawlessly. You’ll find this backpack in our list of the best backpacks for travel photography .

As a woman traveler using this backpack, I adjust the straps a lot. This backpack has great “expandability,” because it’s — well, expandable. The entire front of the bag unzips, which reveals another few liters of space that you can utilize. The exterior is 100% waterproof.

It’s international carry-on size approved, so no airline can turn it away from an overhead compartment when I fly.

I also have the 30L version , and it shares a lot of the same quality and features. If you don’t quite need 45L, the 30L is a perfect alternative. Dan also uses this bag extensively and write a review of it. Check out the review !

Get free shipping on US orders $99+, with 30-day returns!

• The nylon shell and waterproof liner that instill confidence during unexpected downpours.
• Padded shoulder straps and waist straps, along with an attractive and modern minimalist design in Black or Sage.
• High price for a 45L, but worth it, if you’re into quality materials and a bag for life.
• No woman-specific features for sizing.
• Limited number of pockets, but still a good amount.

And by the way, we wrote an extensive Peak Design buying guide , if you’re interested in checking it out!

Unleash your wanderlust with the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack, designed for maximum packing flexibility and uncompromised comfort.

“Backpacker” Large-Volume Travel Backpacks

With a big backpacker backpack, you are likely a serious traveler. Higher-volume backpacks help me carry a heavy load when I’m on a longer trip. The backpacks I’ve recommended below are fit custom for women’s bodies and often have adjustable straps, to support more weight ergonomically.

Here’s my tip: Keep in mind that bags of this size will likely need to be checked as checked luggage. If you’re seeking a savvy way to track the location of your checked luggage, like if you have a layover and there’s a risk of your bag being sent the wrong way, consider Apple AirTags like I’m using these days, to track my bags’ locations.

Deuter Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL Pack

I’ve had a lot of luck with my smaller backpack from Deuter, and it’s a trusty brand that travelers hold in high regard. This high-volume backpacking backpack is for the woman who wants to take everything and have it all fit in a 45+10L backpack. My sibling Emma recently took it on a trip and was impressed with everything she could fit in it. I list it as one of the best products for backpackers this year.

The backpack was modeled by Deuter to have a female-specific fit, setting it apart from a men’s bag of the same size and build. The “SL” in the name means “Slim Line.” For features, I like the ergonomic lock hip fit, with compression straps, an air mesh back panel and a narrow shoulder harness.

The +10L is an optional compartment at the top that you can stash gear in, without having to open the rest of the backpack. This is a perfect opportunity for me to put in a travel blanket, or a sleeping bag. I can detach this compartment and leverage additional space using Deuter’s design.

You can see how I look with the Aircontact Core backpack in these photos. Keep in mind that I am 5’2” and petite. This backpack works great for its narrowness and weight distribution. I wish I’d had it for all my trips in past years!

For buying options, you can check out this backpack on REI.com and Amazon .

• Well-priced for its size, volume, features and quality.
• Attractive feature for keeping shape: the more you pack it, the taller (not wider), it gets.
• Weighs 4 lbs 4.4 oz when empty because of the metal frame.
• It only comes in one women’s size, OS (one size).

Carry your gear in comfort with the Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack, designed for extended trips.

REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack

I’m impressed that this flash 55L pack by REI doesn’t truly look like it’s a 55L backpack. It looks more modest and compact, but it packs a punch (well, literally it packs 55L of your stuff).

True to REI being awesome, it comes in dedicated women’s sizes of XS, S and M. It focuses on stability and suspension, for female hikers and anyone who plans to be really walking around with this 55L backpack strapped to your back (long walks through airports maybe?).

For loads of 15-30 pounds, the support and suspension keeps even this kind of weight comfortable through compression straps and a contoured hip belt.

• Great support through weight management features, and roll-top closure for compression.
• The design is hydration-compatible, good for hiking or hot weather trips.
• Comes in three dedicated female-specific sizes.
• The mesh and materials can be kind of delicate, and are prone to ripping if you get rugged during a hike.
• Can’t think of anything else!

Make hiking a breeze with the REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack, offering ample storage without the weight.

Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack

If you’ve ever been in a hostel where you eye everyone’s backpacks and have backpack envy, you’ve probably seen a guy or gal with an Osprey. What’s the hype all about?

With the Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack , which is a maximum-size backpacking backpack, you better be getting everything under the sun for its cost of $410. I like this backpack though, because it has a detachable bag that you can use for a daypack for hikes or walking around the city.

This is a fantastic value-add because the detachable tiny daypack. It’s very small; however, you can bet that the removable daypack will be handy to take on a hike or out for a day of sightseeing. It’s like a built-in convenience that I have found highly useful during travel.

• It’s one of the highest-volume backpacks for women on the market.
• The removable top lid and detachable daypack is super handy.
• Osprey seems to be skipping over woman-specific build features.
• The price is one of the highest out there for a 70L, but the value is good.

Explore the wilderness with the Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack, offering extensive storage and comfort.

Gregory Maven 55 Pack

This durable and comfortable form-fitting 55L larger backpack for women has a heap of features like a woman-specific shoulder harness and comes in two sets of sizes, XS-S and S-M. This is really useful if you’re a petite woman looking for a backpack that’ll agree with narrow shoulders or a unique build.

The Gregory Maven 55 Pack allows for easy gear loading and focuses on adjustability and performance technics for whatever the weather brings, from rain (a rain cover in a zipper pocket) to hot sun (with a sunglasses stow system feature).

Overall, the price is steeper, but this is certainly a backpack for life, and with the REI warranty, you can return or replace your item for a refund within 365 of buying it.

• Woman-specific build for female bodies
• Incredible set of features for travel conveniences and security
• At around $260, this backpack may be steep for some.
• The REI warranty is “only” one year, and not a lifetime warranty.

Embark on epic adventures with the Gregory Maven 55 Pack, built to carry your world.

Bonus backpack: Decathlon Quechua 50L Forclaz for Women

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this trusty and budget (okay, cheap) hiking and backpacking travel pack for women. I had the 2010 version, and then the 2011 version, and then Dan got the 2018 version for men.

I’ve had a ton of experience using the Quechua Forclaz 50L as my main backpacking travel bag, and it has stood the test of time. It also comes in this 60L version around the same price point.

• Affordable price
• Lightweight materials
• Great back support, plenty of compartments
• Zippers aren’t top quality
• Elastic bungee bands tend to wear out over time
• None others. I’ve taken my Quechua Forclaz to more than 30 countries.

Decathlon Quechua 50L Forclaz

Travel light without leaving anything behind with the Decathlon Quechua 50L Forclaz, the ultimate backpack for every traveller.

Honorable Mentions

These backpacks are a mix of bags that may not fit the categories we listed above, or, they’re discontinued but there’s a close second in stock. Check ‘em out in case you haven’t found what you were looking for yet.

Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack

The Filson Rucksack, which is now only available in a “large” size, is a bag to have for life. It’s made of basically indestructible materials, and while I don’t recommend it for petite or narrow-shouldered women, it will look great on taller women. It’s a completely timeless style, that I can wear from my 30s into my 80s (I’m serious!). There’s more on this travel backpack at my dedicated review of it.

The Filson Twill Rucksack (Large)

Why trust me?

I’ve traveled around the world with only a backpack (or two). For me, I like backpacks because they make traveling more flexible. When I take a rolling suitcase, it’s easier to transport on flat surfaces at the airport, but when I’m walking through cobblestone streets in European cities, I prefer having a backpack!

I’m also petite (and short!), so having a backpack meant for a wider, taller and broader man just won’t cut it. I’ve had trouble with this over the years, and I’ve been delighted recently that there are so many backpacks on the market for women just like me.

I’ve lived abroad (three times!), traveled to more than 40ish (or 50ish? I stopped counting) countries – many of them twice or three times. On all my travels and trips, my awesome backpacks played a huge part.

I hope you have found what you’re looking for in my list of backpacks and I’m sure you can tell that I prioritize quality, comfort, sturdiness and style. If you have a backpack that you love that I could add to this list, let me know at our contact form .

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18 Best Travel Backpacks For Women Of 2024, Per A Travel Expert, Editors, And Reviews

Leave your bulky suitcase at home.

If you haven't yet mastered the art of minimalist packing, you know what might help? A travel backpack. The best travel backpacks for women are designed with several pockets to organize all your clothing, toiletries, tech, and more in one place without requiring you to rummage through it to find that one thing you need.

See some of the best travel backpacks for women below:

Most Budget-Friendly Travel Backpack For Women

Kroser laptop backpack.

Most Comfy To Hold Travel Backpack For Women

The north face borealis backpack.

Most Lightweight Travel Backpack For Women

Baboon to the moon go-bag.

Most Fashionable Travel Backpack For Women

Everlane the renew transit backpack.

Best Tear-Resistant Travel Bag For Women

Ugrace vintage laptop backpack.

Cult-Favorite Travel Backpack

Cuyana leather backpack.

Best Travel Backpack For Women With Storage Compartments

Lululemon wunderlust backpack.

Best Travel Backpack For People With Limited Mobility

Jansport central adaptive backpack.

Best Travel Backpack For Women With Wheels

J world new york sundance rolling backpack.

Best Waterproof Travel Backpack For Women

Rains trail cargo backpack.

That being said, there are times when a suitcase is necessary , especially if you're going on a longer trip. On those occasions, travel backpacks for women come in handy for things you need to access quickly, like your passport during international travel, a laptop, or a light jacket if you're prone to feeling cold while flying.

To find the best backpacks for every kind of traveler, Women's Health curated this list using feedback from a travel expert and our own lifestyle editors. See below for the best travel backpacks for women you can buy in 2023, according to editors, experts, and reviews.

This laptop-friendly backpack has more than 19,700 reviews and five stars on Amazon, but it's under $40—talk about a steal. It's designed with padded straps to help you avoid shoulder fatigue, and a wide-mouth frame that allows you to open up the bag to see all your belongings easily at a glance.

Dubakova likes this backpack because it has an aqua blue inner lining that's more unique than the usual basic black or brown. "That pop of color makes it so much easier to spot my stuff inside the bag," she says. "I'm always digging around to find things, so having that brighter interior sounds super handy." On the downside, she doesn't love that the zippers are bulky and visible, since they make the pockets an easy target for thieves.

Rave Review: "I waited nine months to post this review because I wanted to see how this backpack held up. It has surpassed my every expectation. I can cram tons of stuff into it, it’s durable, and has held up to a ton of abuse on my part. It also has all the right compartments to keep my stuff organized and the price just can’t be beat."

With over 2,900 positive reviews and five stars on Amazon, this backpack gets tons of customer love. It has a top handle and highly-padded straps for optimal comfort when it's on your back. With pockets galore and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, you'll be able to easily and comfortably store all your essentials in it. It also has a bungee strap front system for slipping in a sweatshirt or a water bottle.

Isabel McMahon, a Women's Health social media editor who's always on-the-go, says that this bag is so comfortable and durable, she's been using it for years. "The laptop sleeve is next-level, and the padded back is essential for a long travel day." She also says it’s perfect for an office-to-gym bag, or as a weekend trip carry-on. On the other hand, her only complaint is that there are a lot of straps and clips hanging off of the bag, which can sometimes get in the way, she says.

Rave Review: "This bag fits very comfortably on the back and the chest strap doesn't crowd the boobs like other packs do. It is compact, but can also manage to comfortably hold a couple binders, notebooks, and a laptop. The padding for the laptop is very nice, especially with the rigid back. So, if you have a thin laptop you don't have to worry about unnecessary torque."

This go-bag, which comes in a bunch of vibrant colors, fits about three to five days worth of clothing and other essentials. It's TSA-approved as a carry-on item, and also comes with adjustable straps so that you can carry it like a backpack or a duffel—whatever suits your needs.

Reviewers say they love how spacious this bag is and that the zipper is located in the back, so it's not exposed while you're wearing it, making it hard for others to open it. Customers also say that they like that the travel backpack is waterproof and durable, though they wish it had more interior and exterior pockets. When the bag isn't filled to the brim, it loses structure, so it can look a little lumpy.

Rave Review: "This is the perfect bag. I've struggled to carry my bags through the airport and on to the plane in the past. This bag is a dream come true. It’s lightweight (even when crammed full, it holds so much) and so ergonomically-friendly!"

This bag is so popular that it has sold out multiple times. It's made with an exterior laptop pocket for easy access when you're heading through security, as well as multiple catch-all compartments for tickets, passports, and the like. The flap remains closed with an invisible magnet to keep the design super sleek, and there's even a pass-through strap at the back for slipping it over your rolling luggage handle.

Reviewers say that they like that this bag is clean and chic, and pretty roomy inside, though it could have more organizational pockets. Some customers also report that the color of the actual bag may be slightly different in person than what's pictured on site, so that's something to keep in mind. Overall, reviewers love that the bag is easy to access, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Note: Certain colors are out of stock, but can be preordered.

Rave Review: "I am obsessed with my new backpack. I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can fit without looking bulky on my back. The fabric and make looks and feels high-quality. The bag has granted me many compliments while out and about already. LOVE!"

This backpack made from durable material that supposedly doesn't tear has more than 4,500 positive ratings on Amazon for plenty of reasons. It's made with a USB port attached to the bag that allows you to charge your tech pretty much anywhere. The main pocket is also extra large, meaning you can pack clothes, slippers, and toiletries with ease.

Customers who have used this backpack say it is sturdy with plenty of pockets and that it's easy to hold. They also say that the fabric is pretty durable, and that the straps are thick which make it comfy on the shoulders. However, some users said that they wished the bag was a little roomier, as it appears bigger than what it actually is.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack as a carry-on for a long international flight. I was able to fit so much inside and was extremely impressed at how well it held up. I kept the electronics and valuables in the biggest pouch, and I used the smaller pouch for things like my passport and chargers that I would need to access quickly."

This leather bag—believe it or not—actually fits a 13-inch laptop. It features a zippered compartment for your valuables, slots for your phone and keys, and straps that allow you to carry it on your shoulder as a purse or backpack. Grab it in your choice of three colors.

Though this one doesn't have online reviews, this editor-approved pick is a cult-favorite thanks to its sleek Italian leather design, adjustable notches, and wide back straps.

Built with plenty of storage compartments, this Lululemon backpack was designed for someone who's always on the move. It features side pockets for items you want to frequently reach with ease, adjustable exterior straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat with, and buckle closures that keep your items secure.

Rave Review: "The bag is so spacious and sturdy. This is exactly what I was looking for to use on my upcoming international trip with my baby...It looks classy, too—though, a little bit boxy."

Designed for use by disabled people or people with limited mobility, this Jansport backpack can fit on to a variety of mobility devices. It's also designed with tangle-proof shoulder straps, fumble-free release buckles, and a shorter height than other bags to make accessing the bottom of it a little easier.

Rave Review: "This bag has such a great design. I love how it comes with two straps (short and long). The lining is water-resistant, which is great for spillage."

If you prefer a rolling backpack, this 20-inch bag with an adjustable handlebar (and over 6,000 positive ratings!) is for you. It's kind of a steal when you can catch it on sale, and its fully padded interior includes two large compartments along with several internal pockets. (Plus, there are three exterior zipper pockets to store smaller things like snacks, your phone, and the like).

Rave Review: "This backpack is sturdy, beautifully-organized, and can hold a lot. It can stand up alone and I can leave pockets open as I pull things in and out as I work. The sturdy wheels [can] handle terribly bumpy parking lots. The colors are vivid and cheerful."

If you're looking for a backpack that's sleek and minimalistic, this one's for you. Aside from how stylish it is, this bag's main feature is that it has a totally waterproof exterior—meaning you can store all your tech inside and rest easy knowing everything will remain unaffected by the elements.

Rave Review: "The minimalist look of the bag was my first attraction. There are two interior pockets to hold a computer and other gear securely with enough [extra] room for what I need to take with me. I was looking for something that didn't scream 'backpack.' This has been a great purchase."

Matein Travel Backpack

Do you stuff your backpack to the brim every time you travel? If that's a "yes," you'll definitely appreciate that this bag has 40 whole liters of space. It has a place to hold your shoes, laptop, power bank, and all the toiletries you usually bring along. You'll also love that it's extra large, but still TSA-approved.

Rave Review: "This is an excellent bookbag. It has a bunch of different compartments and it’s very spacious. Also, it’s lightweight and the material is very durable."

Monos Metro Backpack

Monos' Metro Backpack isn't just nice to look at, it's also plenty functional. The travel bag is designed with a detachable pouch, known as a Metro Kit , which you can use to house your valuables, and a built-in trolley sleeve so you can attach it to any Monos suitcase .

Rave Review: " I LOVE this bag. I was worried that the bag might look too big on me (I'm five-foot-two), but it's perfect. I love how easy it is to stay organized. The separate zipper access to the laptop sleeve is the BEST ever for flying!"

Bago Backpack Duffle Bag

If you're looking for a more lightweight but spacious option, this is it. Adjust the straps to use this as a backpack or hold the straps on each side like a duffel. In its huge main compartment, this bag can store a week's worth of stuff.

Rave Review: "I just received this bag today and upon first impression—it's brilliant! Seriously, the way you can just fold this bag up when it's not in use is a great feature I haven't personally seen on other duffel bags and it holds a good amount."

Asenlin Travel Backpack

With more than 2,400 positive ratings on Amazon, this under-$100 travel backpack opens up like a duffel to reveal tons of packing space. The bag also comes with three packing cubes, which make it easier to organize and store your items, since you can divide them into sections.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack to use as my personal item when we travel by air...It is perfect for this use, as it fits under the airplane seat and has a strap that fits over my carry-on. The best feature I love about this backpack is that it opens up like a suitcase! It's easy to pack, and has a thick, sturdy handle at the top of the [bag] as well."

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

This simple but chic backpack has an internal laptop sleeve that's easily accessible, as well as two side pockets for slipping in water bottles or other necessities. Plus, there's also a catch-all front pocket and mini compartment in the back for storing valuables.

Rave Review: "I took [the bag] with me on a flight to California, and it fit well under the seat. I also used it to hold my beach essentials when I went to the beach and for bike rides around the bay. It’s cute and functional."

Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack

Customers say this Carhartt backpack is smaller than other bags, but very much multi-functional. It can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel-esque tote.

The bag is made from heavy-duty fabric so that it can withstand rain and cold, and features extra pockets, like a padded laptop sleeve and side compartments, for optimal storage opportunities.

Rave Review: "I love the versatility of this bag. It's very well-made and easy to use. The size is perfect—big enough to hold a laptop plus other items, but small enough that it's not in the way. Great travel bag."

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack

Able to hold a whopping 45 liters, this Away backpack can pretty much do it all. Thanks to its removable straps, it can convert from a backpack to a duffel. The bag can also handle any weather or environment. It's made with abrasion and weather-resistant recycled materials, which—yep—means it's sustainably-designed, too.

Rave Review: "I am pleasantly surprised with how much stuff I could put in this bag! I took it on a weekend trip and was able to fit everything I needed. I love that it has several pockets to store small things that you want to keep handy. I've been a fan of Away luggage for years and I'm glad I get to add this bag to my collection."

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

If you prefer travel backpacks that open up like a suitcase, this Cotopaxi bag is your pick. It's built with a full wrap-around zipper, so you can plop it open on your bed for a bird's-eye view of what you've packed. It also comes with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, making it ideal for work trips.

Rave Review: "I can fit a week's worth of clothing in this bag and it fits on every airplane. If you really stuff it full, it still fits under the seat in the smaller airplanes and up top on the larger ones. If you travel frequently by air, this is a great alternative to a roller bag."

How our team chose the best travel backpacks for women

For the past few months, Women's Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the best travel backpacks for women to buy online. WH consulted travel expert Alexandra Dubakova and our lifestyle editors, and also vetted thousands of expert reviews to find the very best options available online.

What should I look for in a travel backpack for women?

There's an endless selection of travel backpacks for women for you to load up on, but here are a few things you should look out for to find the best ones.

Lugging a backpack through airports, tossing it into overheads on trains and buses, or folding it down for storage will put your travel bag through the wringer, so it's important you grab something that's durable. "A durable backpack is more cost-effective because it provides greater longevity and offers value for your money," Dubakova says. You can get a sense of a bag's durability by looking at the bag's seams, she explains. Make sure it doesn't have loose threads or inconsistent stitching.

When it comes to the most durable fabrics, Dubakova recommends cordura. "It is resistant to abrasion, weather-resistant, and more rugged compared to nylon," she says. She also recommends compromising between the bag's heaviness and durability. "For example, canvas bags are sturdy, and the material is durable, but it is considerably heavy," Dubakova says.

You'll know whether a bag is supportive depending on how comfortable you are, and since you may wear your backpack for quite a while, you definitely want something that feels good to throw on. "A comfortable backpack will evenly distribute the weight of its contents to avoid pain and pressure on the shoulder or back and any injuries," Dubakova says.

To find a backpack that will be as comfortable as possible, Dubakova recommends looking for ones with adjustable shoulder straps, padded backs, and adjustable hip belts. This will allow you to toy around with it to get the perfect fit.

When it comes to design, you should consider how your bag will make the experience of traveling better. For example, Dubakova recommends bags with mesh back panels, since they can ensure there's enough airflow to prevent you from heating up and sweating when you're on-the-go. Other special features someone might enjoy include pockets of different sizes, individual storage bags to accompany the bag, or even a sleeve to store your laptop.

Finally, you should get something you think is cute or aesthetically-pleasing. Travel backpacks come in different sizes, color schemes, and prices, so choose something that works for you.

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez .  

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Home » Gear » best travel backpacks for women

20 BEST Travel Backpacks for Women (2024 Expert Picks)

Your backpack will carry every single one of your possessions on the road; it will be your home away from home! Therefore, choosing the perfect one for you is essential for your travels.

Comfortable, durable, big or small – there are so many factors that play into the right backpack, and it’s different for everyone. Since there are so many options, it can be quite overwhelming to make a decision on your own. That’s why I’ve created a guide to the best travel backpacks for women!

With lots of research, travel experience and an eye for the important details, I’ve included all sorts of different bags (All packs have been extensively used by myself and The Broke Backpacker team). No matter where you’re headed to, I’ve got the right backpack for you!

Every pack in this comprehensive guide was designed to last you for years, both in wear-and-ear and style.

Besides my top picks, I’ve included a quick guide at the end to help you figure out what to look for in a backpack.

Ready to find out the best women’s backpack for travel… course you are! Let’s crack on!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answer: What are the best Women’s backpacks of 2024?

Why use a women’s travel backpack, best travel backpacks for women overall, best carry-on travel backpacks, best hiking backpacks for women.

• Best Travel Bag with Wheels – Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack

Best Travel Backpack for the Minimalist – Patagonia Refugio 30L

Best lightweight backpack for women – lumina 60.

• Best Camera Backpack – WANDRD PRVKE

Most Stylish Women’s Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Explorer

• Best Laptop Backpack – Tortuga 40L Travel Pack

Honorable Mention – Nomatic Travel Pack

How to choose the best travel backpack for women, how and where i tested to find the travel backpacks for women, faq about the best travel backpacks for women, final thoughts on the best travel backpacks for women.

In a rush? Here are the best women’s travel backpacks in this review…

• Best Overall Travel Backpack for Women – Osprey Fairview 40L
• Best Carry On Travel Backpack  –   Nomatic Travel Pack
• Best Laptop Backpack – Tortuga 40L Travel Pack
• Best Leather Daypack – Katmai Diaper Bag
• Best Hiking Travel Backpack for Women –  Osprey Tempest 40L  
• Best Travel Bag for Minimalist Nomads –  Patagonia Refugio 30L
• Best Organized Travel Backpack – Tropicfeel Shell
• Best Travel Bag with Wheels –  Osprey Shuttle Wheeled Duffle
• Most Stylish Womens Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Explorer
• Best Lightweight Female Travel Backpack – Lumina 60
• Best Camera Backpack – WANDRD PRVKE 31

Osprey Fairview 40L

• Best Use > Backpacking

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Best Use > Laptops

Nomatic Travel Pack

• Best Use > Carry On

Osprey Tempest 40L

• Bets Use > Hiking

WANDRD PRVKE 31

• Best Use > Photography

Tropicfeel Shell

• Best Use > Organized Packing

First of all, there is nothing wrong with purchasing unisex or male backpacks at all. When buying a backpack, your main priority should always be a comfortable fit, no matter what your travel intentions are, so you can wear it all day.

Women’s travel bags are designed specifically with the female body shape and different weight-carry in mind. Padding, length, and straps are different from the male bags, which is crucial for a comfortable fit since the bag has to align with your center of gravity. 

Bottom line: there are some great uni-sex backpacks, a few of which I have reviewed below, but I find ladies backpacks tend to be more comfortable when the weight starts stacking up

So without further talking, here are the top travel backpacks for women. From small to big, trendy, minimalistic or super durable, you’ll find everything right here!

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#1 – Osprey Fairview 40

The Osprey Fairview 40 is one of the only female backpacks for travel designed   with women in mind. Greatly fitting and adjustable straps, the right amount of padding, and enough compartments to keep all your stuff secure. I love taking it on day hikes, and many female travelers I know use it as their main bag.

With 40L it’s suitable for carry-on luggage, however, the small volume doesn’t necessarily make it a great choice for long hiking trips. There are advanced-hiking style features built-in, like an extra harness and hip belt, but some reviews mentioned an uncomfortable fit when you load it up too heavy.

This pack is not as feature-rich as some of the other Ladies’ backpacks on the market. Overall, though, this is a fantastic carry-on travel backpack for women that can do a little bit of everything. It’s comfortable, durable, AND affordable, so you have nothing to lose.

• Perfect carry on size
• Lifetime Warranty
• Affordable, especially for the quality
• Not as feature-rich as other backpacks
• Tries to do the hybrid thing, but I wouldn’t choose for hiking

The Osprey Fairview 40 may be the best backpack for you if:

If you want a badass carry-on backpack – this is an easy pick. Its suspension system means it’s extremely comfortable when you have to walk a couple of miles down dirt roads or cobblestone streets! It’s one of the best backpacks for women specifically.

I rated this classic as their best women’s travel backpack because it just seems to kick all the boxes and it’s stood the test of time. I’ve brought this back to loads of countries, and I love the clamshell opening and the massive storage area which is a real game-changer when it comes to backpacks. I also love the extra detachable daypack on the larger version, this is a real bonus.

#2 – REI Recycled RuckPack 60L

REI’s rugged ladies rucksack is marketed as both a travel bag and a hiking bag – and I completely agree! This bag has plenty of organizational compartments and thought out innovation as well as a supportive back panel, ventilated mesh padding, and a sternum strap.

It’s designed with women-specific features for hiking including harness straps that curve around the chest, a shortened torso length, and longer hip belt strap. With 60L volume it also lives up to the carry-on standards – a perfect overall backpack! Whether you’re hiking the Alps or on a trip around Asia, this durable women’s travel pack has got you covered.

The compartments are easy to reach due to full-zip designs and multiple access points. The sleeve along the back panel is designed to hold a hydration sleeve or laptop. Even fully packed, it still sits incredibly comfortably. The coolest part is that it’s made out of recycled nylon – making it a responsible travel purchase.

• Classic rucksack look
• Good pocket organization
• Great ventilation/back support
• No laptop compartment
• Preferable for hikers/campers
• Might be too big for ultra-light campers

The REI Co-Op Rucksack may be the best pack for you if:

Looking for a 40-liter travel bag but on a bit of a budget? Then this is a fantastic option! The Ladies Rucksack is well-designed, comfortable, and durable. It will do everything you need it to for your travels or camping.

I rated this their second-best backpack because of just how comfortable this bag felt. It’s been really well designed for the female form and our team felt it offered next-level comfort compared to more standard bags.

Looking for something a bit smaller, check out the Rei Flash 55 Backpack instead.

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#3 – REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack – Women’s

While Osprey seems to make backpacks for hiking or travel specifically, the REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack is a hybrid model. It features a suspension system, padded hip belt, and shoulder straps designed specifically for a woman’s build. Moreover, its front pocket. top stash pocket and included rain cover make it perfect for any kind of travel.

It’s a good overall pack: carry-on compliant and comfortable enough for multi-day hikes, but I would try this pack versus the REI Recycled RuckPack 60L and see which one fits you better.

Keep in mind that the woman-specific bag is slightly smaller than the men’s, but fits on budget airlines. I didn’t have a problem using this bag on Ryan Air, the ultimate test for carry-on size compliance.

• U-shaped panel opening with 4 zipper sliders
• Carry on compliant
• Woman-specific
• The suspension system is not as good as other hiking-specific backpacks
• No laptop section
• Front packet designed more for light travel

The REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack may be the best for you if:

Overall, you should get the REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack if you plan to travel, train hop, and do a few multi-day hikes. I wouldn’t get it if your main objective is urban travel nor if your main objective is backcountry hiking. It does both well, so if you want a pack that can do it all, then this is a good choice.

I felt this was one of their best travel packs for women because I loved just how well thought out the pack was in so many different aspects. The opening, hip belt pockets, and included rain cover are really cool features. I also loved the additional pockets all over the pack, they really add to the storage, organisation and accessibility.

#4 – Kodiak Katmai Diaper Bag

Don’t let the name fool you, this leather daypack by Kodiak can hold a lot more than diapers! Whilst it may be marketed at new moms, this backpack doubles up wonderfully as a travel daypack which is perfect for city exploration, non-technical hikes and airport runs.

Kodiak makes high-quality products that do not come cheap. The pack is made from Top-Grain cowhide and features 3 zippered compartments. There are 2 handy side pockets and a carrying handle for when you don’t want to use it as a backpack. 

Finally, the Katmai has a padded rear zippered compartment on the back of the bag plus a luggage strap. 

You should get the Kodiak Diaper Bag if you want something primarily for urban use that can handle lite-hikes. But I definitely wouldn’t get it if your main objective is backcountry hiking at altitude.

Kodiak also makes one of the best travel purses on offer too which would be a great compliment to this bag and help keep your passport and documents organised when you’re travelling from place to place.

I felt this was their best women’s daypack for travel if style and functionality are your goals . I loved the quality and feel of the soft but durable leather exterior. Combined with the number of external pockets, it’s not only a good-looking bag, but a super practical one too.

• Quality leather
• Carry handle
• Simple & stylish
• Not ideal for hiking
• Limited capacity

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#1 – Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

My favourite carry-on pack is this little doozy from Nomatic. Custom-designed for long weekend breaks of 2 -4 days, this pack is equally useful for a long weekend as it is a trip to the store.

It’s 30 liters, making it carry-on compliant just about everywhere. The bag’s tarpaulin and ballistic weave materials mean this travel backpack will last you for years to come.

Whether you are traveling for a business trip to Dubai or you are a Digital Nomad forever on the go, this will keep your laptop and valuables well secured all while looking stylish. Plus, you’ll have more pockets and sleeves than you know what to do with.

Its top features include an RFID Safe Pocket, Roller Bag Sleeve, a dedicated Underwear Pocket, Cord pass through, easy access pocket, water bottle pocket, an Innovative strap system and waist straps.

This is a unisex bag as most carry-on packs tend to be. It isn’t exactly feminine looking but maybe one days we’ll stop thinking a colour or inclusion of flowers is feminine in the first place!

• Modern and sleek
• Endless features
• Organization Galore
• Not Fememine
• Is 30L enough?
• Only available in the US!

The Nomatic Travel Pack may be the best for you if:

If you are a contemporary traveler spending a lot of time in urban environments, the Nomatic Travel Pack is a good choice. This pack was designed specifically to be used as carry on whilst also been a great day pack for walking around cities.

I felt this was the best carry-on backpack for women . I love that for a smaller bag, it still opens up in a clamshell style and features a heap of different organisational features including the special layered compartment full of pockets.

Sadly, Nomatic only ship to the US. If you are in the rest of the world, see the next entry from AER.

#2 – Tortuga Outbreaker

The real perks of the Tortuga Outbreaker are in its design. It has tons of pockets/compartments, and the main compartment is massive with the capacity to carry a ton of clothes. The Outbreaker design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase.

Inside the main compartment are six smaller compartments. The first four smaller compartments are enclosed within the main compartment.

This isn’t specifically a ladies backpack but designed to be uni-sex. That said, it’s quality build, intuitive design, fantastic organization, and smaller size make it the perfect bag for anyone who wants to travel light, but travel in style. I find it great for both city breaks where I need my laptop, or even moderate hikes that don’t require too much gear.

• Organization
• Rectangular shape
• Urban Travel Only

The Tortuga Outbreaker may be the best for you if:

This is one of the top backpacks for women and men. It is perfect if you want a carry on backpack that keeps your things organized and secure.

I loved the rugged hard wearing feel of this pack and how well it stood up to long term travel. They felt it has a high quality feel to the material and were confident keeping their gear in here even in wet weather.

#3 – AER Travel Pack 3

My number two choice for the best carry on, as well as the best overall travel backpack (whether you’re a woman or man) is the AER Travel Pack 3 . I have yet to find a travel backpack as feature-packed as this one.

AER bags are designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. This is accomplished by an extremely thoughtful design and tons of features that will be fully appreciated by anyone who travels a lot.

• Urban environments only
• Not woman-specific

The AER Travel Pack 3 may be the best for you if:

If you are a modern traveler who spends a lot of time in urban environments, the AER Travel Pack is going to be one of the best backpacks for you. This pack was designed specifically for people who live on the road.

I felt it was one of the best travel backpacks in this roundup and for basically anyone travelling because with a separate laptop pocket at the back of the bag, clamshell opening and a second large pocket full of organisational features, it’s a dream for those of us with OCD! It’s also a bag that just oozes rugged quality too.

#4 – Peak Design Travel Backpack

This bag is great for anyone who likes its design, efficiency, and organization. It’s easily one of the best minimalist bags on the market.

What sets this pack apart from AER is its access points and style of organization. This pack was also designed to accommodate photographers with camera gear. With the external and internal pockets you can keep all of your belongings organized and safe.

The volume might be a bit too small if you’re carrying a lot of equipment with you, which makes it more suitable for urban areas. A lot of full-time travelers can make 40-45L work for extended trips, while others will need more space, personally, I think it’s a great small travel backpack for women.

• Durable in every way
• Straps are really easy to stow
• Accessibility and pockets
• Zippers are not heavy duty

The Peak Design 40 Liter Backpack may be the best for you if:

Peak Design is leading the pack in innovation and design; if you want an ultra-modern and sleek backpack, look no further. This is a versatile, urban-style backpack perfect for city trips and weekend getaways.

As a photographer, I really loved this pack and felt it stood out amongst the options as the best for those of us with plenty of gear. The design of the bag will keep your equipment safe and accessible while also providing plenty of room for your other things,too.

#5 – Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

While this might not be a backpack specifically made for women, it definitely deserves a spot on this list.

Let’s be honest, having everything put away neatly can be a full-on game-changer when travelling via airplane. That’s when the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack really starts to shine.

Tropicfeels flagship product, the Shell, is a small to medium backpack sized with big ambitions. First up, it is a 3-1 extendable backpack that starts out as a 22 litre pack, then rolls up to 30 litres before the addition of a detachable pouch turns it into a 40 litre titan – how cool is that?!

Aside from being a 3-in-1 adjustable backpack, which you can adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack, the Shell also has another novel feature; its detachable hanging packing cube which acts as a portable, pre-loaded travel wardrobe. Unpacking and packing your backpack has never been this easy.

While you’re on the road, the compartment system keeps all of your belongings organized and neatly put away, so you can easily access everything without leaving a mess afterwards.

• Really fucking versatile
• Truly novel and unique
• Packs up easily
• Not big enough for big trips
• Not cheap (yet not expensive)

The Tropicfeel Shell may be the best bag for you if:

If you want to keep all of your belongings organized, be flexible with the volume of your backpack and tick off the sleek-style box, the Tropicfeel Sheel is ideal for you. It’s also great for minimal packers who like everything to have a place.

I really love Tropical Feel bags and this bag is the cream of the crop. The internal organiser might look like a gimmick but, it was fantastic! They felt it was really well designed and meant they could pack in so much more and keep things organised at the same time.

These are the best travel backpacks for women who spend a lot of time on trail.

#1 – Osprey Tempest 40L

The Osprey Tempest 40 Pack is highly functional and fully-featured that works for pretty much any occasion. It’s the best small hiking backpack on this list. It’s been with me for thousands of kilometers now (literally) and it’s not so big that you feel like a weighed-down turtle… BUT it can still carry a WHOLE LOT of epic gear!

With 40L it’s a go-to pack for 3-5 day hiking trips because of its size, weight, and durability. I’ve taken it to heights of up to 15,000 feet, and it’s the perfect bag for light packers. Features include an incredible suspension system (so comfortable and breathable), padded and adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt, external hydration sleeve, tuck-away ice tool loops/trekking pole attachments, and an integrated rain cover.

When it comes to travel and hiking, this is going to be one of the most versatile, small backpacks for women. The Osprey Tempest 40 is also quite affordable when you consider the quality and versatility you get!

• Versatile for hiking and camping
• Very comfortable suspension system
• Affordable for quality
• Not as many features for travel; more hiking specific
• 40L will work for most airlines, but not all

The Osprey Tempest 40 Pack may be the best for you if:

Osprey specializes in producing a range of backpacks for very specific activities and practical applications, from long trips to urban travel, to commuting, running, and school. Specificity is great, but sometimes you just want a backpack that works for everything rather than buying a backpack for every occasion.

This is one of the most versatile women’s rucksacks for hiking you’ll find. Your closet space, bank account, and the planet will thank you for buying fewer backpacks. It’s well-ventilated with heaps of room, and definitely one of the most comfortable bags I’ve taken on long hikes.

#2 – Osprey Aura AG 50

The Osprey Aura 50 is the best female travel backpack to hit the trails with. It’s also ideal for long term, slow travel as it can literally fit everything! Its unique Anti-Gravity suspension system makes this bag comfortable up to 40 lbs! I recommend comparing it to the Tempest above and figuring out which women’s rucksack is best for you.

Features include water bottle pockets, compression straps, anti-gravity suspension system, and multiple organization options.

• Comfortable suspension system
• High-quality
• Not as many features for travel (more hiking specific)
• 50L is often not carry-on compliant

The Aura 50 Liter may be the best for you if:

Overall, you should get the Osprey Aura 50 if you are traveling in a variety of weather (humidity and snow), and hike and backpack often. This backpack will be a great fit if you are looking for a high-quality backpack that can handle wear and tear deep in the wildest mountain ranges.

The team really loved how well this bag could be used to organised their gear even for a hiking pack. Another cool feature for the trails was the anti-gravity waist belt, they loved just how comfortable this made the pack even when fully packed and worn on a tough full day hike on challenging terrain.

#3 – Osprey Women’s Backpack Ariel Plus 60

Are you noticing a trend here?

I may be biased, but Osprey is my favorite brand when it comes to durable and ultra-comfortable hiking backpacks.

This backpack is probably overkill for most, but if you plan to travel with a ton of gear for a long time, or hit the trails for a week (my favorite pasttime) then this is an excellent pack that will last you for years and years to come.

Ultimately, Ariel has an incredible suspension system and tons of customizability when it comes to its compression straps, hip belt, and shoulder straps. This means that it provides great stabilization and weight carry for heavy loads (think over 35 pounds.)

• Extremely Durable
• Comfortable for heavy loads
• Best for women on long treks
• Too big for most travelers

The Osprey’s Ariel Plus 60 may be the best backpack for you if:

If you are looking for a heavy-duty Osprey women’s backpack that is durable enough to take long journeys across rough terrain, then this is the perfect bag for you. If you only plan to go on hiking trips for a few days, or travel by plane and train frequently, then consider one of the Auras instead.

Essentially, the Aura is better for loads under 30 pounds, and the Ariel for heavier ones. If you know how much weight you plan to carry, let that be the determining factor when deciding between these packs.

I was super impressed by this bag and specifically how well it maintained its comfort and weight distribution for a bigger pack than the other Osprey bags they tested. I found the straps and hip belts easily adjustable for different sizes and shapes too. I also found the bag to have a strong and durable feel.

Best Travel Bag with Wheels –  Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack

Designed for the savvy traveler, Osprey’s Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack is pretty much one of the best backpacks with wheels out there.

The padded hip-belt and shoulder harness stow away for easy transport. It can clip on to the wheeled range for easy transport. It even has an inside zipped compartment – perfect for smelly hiking boots!

I’ve been using this pack on and off for two years and can comfortably say that it fits a shocking amount of stuff, but it’s not comfortable to wear when the load is super heavy.

This is one of the best backpacks for travel if you have a ton of valuables, but it’s not good for hiking!

• Carry On Size
• Not a trekking backpack
• Not comfortable with heavy loads

The Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack may be the best bag for you if:

If you want a women’s travel backpack with wheels, then this is the pack for you. The backpack feature is great for dirt roads, cobblestone, stairs, and other situations where you can’t wheel it, but it’s not comfortable to wear for long periods. Get this backpack if you plan to primarily wheel it around.

I loved the versatility of this bag and how it could function just as well as a suitcase and a backpack. I felt there was very little compromise when using the pack in either setup and the wheels didn’t add too much weight. I also loved how high quality the wheels in particular felt but also the fact that you can buy replacements when needed.

This is an awesome, small hiking backpack. It’s a high-quality and durable pack made by one of our favorite brands, Patagonia. It’s a great go-to backpack for your everyday life as well, as it’s suitable for short-time travel and urban areas.

It is custom-tailored in both size and fit for a woman’s torso. Like a school backpack, it has a second zippered pocket for smaller items and accessories, a front stash pocket for small items, and the main compartment for your things.

It’s ultra-soft yet highly breathable. This is a small travel backpack ideal for shorter trips. Its internal pocket secures a laptop so it makes for a great city bag as well – I loved taking it around Bangkok! Another great feature is the daisy chain loops that allow you to attach climbing gear or a yoga mat.

• Versatile for normal use or hiking
• Perfect for organization
• Uses recycled materials
• Only for the minimalist traveler
• Sport look may not appeal to some
• No waist strap

Is the Patagonia Refugio for me?

This ladies’ small backpack is perfect for everyday use. Whether you want to hit the trails in the rain or bike to your local coffee shop with your laptop, this backpack is an awesome choice!

I loved this bag as a day pack and loved the combination of its compact size and surprisingly spacious interior. I also felt this bag is uniquely suited for petite women – something I haven’t seen in the day pack market before!

This women’s rucksack was specifically designed for ultralight hiking, though at 60-liters, this pack is in the mid to large > size spectrum.

60-liters is enough volume for a multi-month backpacking trip, or for an extended hiking trip (about 3-7 days depending on how much warm clothing, food, and water – if any – you need to carry). 

This is one of the lightest hiking backpacks on the market. While this is awesome, I wanted to know what we are sacrificing for weight. After testing this pack, I concluded that its lightweight fiber materials are durable and will last for years, just not as long as other more heavy-duty Osprey packs.

Plus, Osprey offers the “All Mighty Guarantee” lifetime warranty to indemnify against defects.

• Extremely Lightweight
• Perfect for Thru-hikes and minimalists
• Osprey Lifetime Warranty
• Not carry on sized
• Made for hiking versus travel
• The lighter color shows dirt and marks

The Lumina 60 may be the best for you if:

This is one of the most lightweight backpacks for women. It is specifically designed for ultralight thru-hikes, so unless that is your speciality, I recommend choosing a different pack. A couple of the Osprey backpacks above are excellent choices for hiking and travel.

I’m a huge fan of the brand if you hadn’t guessed and this pack is no exception. Of course, I really loved the insane level of lightweightness (is that a word?!) of this backpack. Despite the featherlight construction of the bag, it still doesn’t skimp out on features like retaining a suspension mesh back panel and plenty of exterior pockets.

Best Camera Backpack –  WANDRD PRVKE

For those who want a backpack that can do a little bit of everything, is durable and looks damn good in the process, the WANDRD PRVKE is an excellent investment. Ranging from 21-41 liters, this backpack can hold quite a bit, though isn’t as large as we’d like for travel.

Thanks to its robust weather-resistant design, your belongings will be safe. Add in some customizable straps, plenty of pockets, and a sick design, and you have yourself a versatile travel backpack. It’s not a backpack specifically made for women, so the fit might not be the best.

It is stylish and functional enough for the streets, but its padding and additional straps make it comfortable enough for the trails.

• Awesome camera backpack
• Waterproof and durable
• Organization galore
• Too small for one bag travel
• Not women-specific
• Not the best option if you don’t have camera gear

The Wandrd PRVKE may be the best for you if:

If you are traveling with camera gear, then this is one of the best packs for you. However, if photography isn’t one of your priorities on your travel, then check out one of the other travel backpacks for women above.

Again, our photographers on the team just fell in love with this bag and for many of them it became their go-to day pack… including me! The system of pockets, separators and cubes on the inside of the bag is in a word, revolutionary! I love how I can keep my camera gear in a cube at the bottom which is accessible from the side door whilst keeping all my other gear in the expandable roll top section above. The material is also super water resistant too so great for the outdoors.

A lot of practical, travel gear tends to be a bit on the ugly side. Indeed the general consensus is “comfort before style” when it comes to most travel gear whether it be backpacks, jackets or shoes but today I am here to tell you that it does not need to be this way.

The Explorer by MAHI Leather is a stylish, cool, and pretty travel backpack for those ladies who want to look the part whilst having an adventure. It’s made from soft leather (which smells lovely) and fastens with a mixture of zips and buckles. It’s a great backpack for airport runs, hitting the beach, market, and of course nights on the tiles.

It’s not ideal as a hiking backpack but could certainly work for day hikes in fine weather when no special gear is required. I did feel the comfort of the shoulder straps was slightly compromised for the sake of looks. But as it’s on the smaller side it probably wasn’t going to be used for packing heaps of gear anyway.

• High quality leather
• Looks gorgeous
• Not a hiking pack
• Limited storage
• Not fully water proof

Best Laptop Backpack –  Tortuga 40L Travel Pack

This one is pretty obvious – the Tortuga Travel Backpack is great for…. laptops! But seriously, if you are looking for a  sturdy pack to carry your laptop around  – look no further, this bad boy is as good as it gets.

Tortuga put a lot of time and effort into the laptop-features of this backpack, all of which are designed specifically to keep your gear safe, organized, and accessible.

The design and features of this backpack make it perfect for air travel. Whether it’s the sleek laptop sleeve, the easy to lock zippers, the luggage handle pass-through or the hideaway shoulder straps – this bag thrives in airports.

• Perfect for laptops
• Excellent organization
• Feature-rich
• Only for the techie traveler

Is the Tortuga Travel Pack for me?

If you are looking for a travel backpack then the Tortuga 40L is a great choice for you.

Most of our team are digital nomads and they loved how this bag really gave them confidence when it came to keeping their laptop and other expensive gear save. Two of the main reasons for that were the lockable zips that made sure everything was secure and on top of that the durable and waterproof materials on the exterior.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another great offering from this brand! While not designed just for us, it is still one of the best small backpacks for women and wears pretty comfortably.

This 20-liter daypack can be expanded to 30 liters, making it extremely adaptable for travel… if you travel light. An internal zip-shut mesh divider means you can keep clean and dirty clothing separate, and there are a compression packing cube and separate shoe compartment incorporated.

If that wasn’t enough, the bag also contains a sleeve for a laptop of up to 15” which is TSA approved as it lays flat, hidden pockets, and a pocket with RFID-blocking technology for the protection of your electronic data!

• Internal divider
• RFID-blocking pocket
• Weight of 1.9 kg

Is the Nomatic Travel Pack for me?

The 20+10 liter Nomatic Travel Pack is a great alternative to the 40-liter Nomatic travel bag I’ve reviewed. This pack has a wealth of features for such a small space. If you don’t need a pack quite as big as the Nomatic travel bag, then this is an excellent choice.

I love how this bag expanded and they felt it really gave them options when travelling. Somehow was still so compact despite the fact that it can expand to a really decent size. Rather than carrying a larger 30L bag, they felt the fact they could just expand when needed was a real bonus.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

When selecting the best backpack for females there are a few things you should consider, including size and capacity, features, and price. This is all, of course, completely subjective and depends on the type of travel you will be engaging in.

Capacity and Overall Size

• Choose the size according to your travel gear
• 40-50L are manageable, count as carry on and it’s an overall best choice
• 60+L are great for camping, hiking and long travels

Note: Ladies backpacks are often smaller than the counterpart men’s version. For example, a men’s version can be 44 liters while the women’s is 40 liters. Women’s packs are also a bit narrower to better fit a smaller frame. You may be trading-off fit for capacity.

Torso Size and Length

Backpacks for travel have a torso measurement to help you find one that will have the most comfortable fit. Most women’s torsos will be between 14-18 inches, however, you should measure your torso and try a few packs on (with weight) to make sure.

If you’re a taller woman, then maybe a uni-sex backpack will fit you better. Again, the trick is to measure and try packs in-store.

Shoulder Strap Shape and Hip Belt

In women-specific backpacks, the shoulder straps are often shaped/curved and the sternum strap is redesigned to better fit female chests. The shoulder straps are often set a little closer together since women tend to have narrow shoulders and neck.

The hip belt should be slightly narrower than the male’s version to distribute the weight equally across your hips. They can also have extra padding for a bit more comfort.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable hip belt. This is what helps take weight off of your shoulder so you can walk, hike, and climb comfortably, even with 35+ pounds.

Materials and Durability

Keep in mind, your travel bag will be exposed to rain, puddles or leaks at some point. There’s nothing worse than opening the bag to find your clothes soaked or your electronics damaged. The best backpacks are made from strong, durable, stretchy, waterproof material.

Look out for a material that will last for years – the last thing you want is a ripped bag halfway through your travels.

To test these packs, I laid my hands on each of them and took them out for a test drive on many different trips in various locations and over a decent period of time to get to know the product properly.

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry your stuff, so well we tested just that! Top points were awarded for how packable each backpack is in practical use. Any decent carry on bag also needs to make sure it maximises the space and facilitates effective packing and we tested this out by doing exactly what you normally do with a bag … pack and unpack the thing!

On top of that, I also looked at whether the bag was actually easy to pack and unpack. Was it awkward to retrieve your gear, or were things at hand when you needed them?

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

Everyone knows the nightmare of getting stuck with a super heavy backpack on a trip. It’s not fun! So I judged these bags hard on whether they were heavy or awkward because ain’t nobody got time for either of those!

I also looked at whether a bag was comfortable to carry. Were the straps thin and digging into your shoulders, or were they like resting your worldly goods on two pillows from heaven?

As such, I awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry comfort.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose, ya know, holding shiz, by erm … using it for exactly that! Science amirite?!

So basically, if it was for carry-on, then I carried it the f**k on right! In this case, being Women’s backpacks, well, we got hold of a whole heap of women and made them wear the bags!! Well, something like that!

You get the idea right? 

We all like to look good and not like absolute nerds when we’re out and about exploring the world. I mean, who knows if you’re going to meet someone fit on the trails, you’ve got to look your best! Well, I mean, my effort pretty much ends here but if I can get a cool-looking bag that functions well then I’m buzzin’!

As such I also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks. 

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t quite cover that, so we’ve had to resort to old-school tactics!

Instead, we simply inspected the materials used and the build quality of the packs paying attention to things like the seam sewing, the traction of the zips, and other pressure points that might be more likely to break.  

Of course, testing out how waterproof a pack is simply a case of pouring a litre of water over it – any packs caught leaking, were banished to the depths of hell never to be seen again!

Still have some questions? No problem! I listed and answered the most commonly asked questions about women’s travel packs below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What makes travel backpacks for women different from other backpacks?

Women’s torsos are a bit shorter. Hence why travel backpacks for women are built slightly more narrow and not as long. The hip belts are also designed differently so it fits more comfortably.

What is the most comfortable travel backpack?

The Osprey Tempest 40 Pack is one of the most comfortable travel backpacks. It’s made for long hiking trips, which is why fit, size, weight, and durability are perfectly balanced.

Should I get a unisex travel backpack?

If the dimensions fit your back comfortbaly and you prefer a more balanced design, a unisex backpack is a great option. In that case, I’d recommend the AER Travel Pack 3 .

What is the most fashionable backpack for women?

Style always depends on personal preferences, but I love the design of the Nomatic 30L Travel Bag best!

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The best women’s travel backpack for you will not only depend on your travel style but on where you plan to go at any given time. If you read the section above this one, you should be well prepared and ready to but your backpack.

Ultimately, you need to consider what your trip consists of, without stressing over it, of course! It’s difficult to find a pack that is perfect 100% of the time , but with a little bit of research, you’ll quickly figure out which backpack is best for you.

This guide covered the best backpacks for urban travel, the best hiking backpacks for women, the best women-specific bags altogether, and a few that are versatile enough for urban travel and the trails.

Out of all the best travel backpacks for women, I hope you’ve found one perfect for you!

Nic Hilditch-Short

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I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post! As a frequent traveler, I’ve been struggling to find the perfect backpack for my adventures. The quality and variety of the picks here are impressive, and I appreciate the detailed descriptions of each bag. I’ll definitely be checking out some of these options for my next trip! ??

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The 14 Best Travel Backpacks for When You Need All the Pockets and Storage Space

If you’ve been hanging on to your trusty college backpack for years, and travel is in your near future (or even if it’s not), here’s your sign that it’s time for an upgrade. The best travel backpacks have specific features that make them comfortable to wear, easy to organize , and sturdy enough for carrying your laptop or tablet (or both).

• 01 suitcase vs. backpack
• 02 how to choose a travel backpack
• 03 best travel backpack

Best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best for everyday use: Lo & Sons, The Beacon Backpack, $179
• Most functional: Samsonite, Detour Travel Backpack, $104
• Best compact: Tumi, Voyageur Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack, $125
• Best for commuting: Athleta, Excursion Backpack, $119 
• Most ergonomic: The North Face, Borealis Backpack, $99
• Best for overnight trips: Kroser, Laptop Backpack, $40
• Most eco-friendly: Everlane, The ReNew Transit Backpack, $95
• Best basic: Madewell, The Rush Hour Backpack, $100
• Most sporty: Lululemon, City Adventurer 17L Backpack, $128
• Best anti-theft: Baggallini, Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack, $110
• Best for electronics: SwissGear, Laptop and USB Power Plug Backpack, $120
• Most stylish: Troubador, Ridge Explorer Backpack, $325
• Best double-duty: Cotopaxi, Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack, $210
• Best duffel backpack: Baboon To The Moon, Go-Bag Mini, $169

Is it better to travel with a suitcase or backpack?

Whether you choose a suitcase or a backpack is a matter of personal preference, but the advantage of a backpack is that it leaves your hands free. What’s more, if you’re going on a quick trip and don’t want to check a bag , using a large enough travel backpack as your carry-on can help lighten the load and avoid baggage claim. Travel backpacks are a smart choice for longer trips, too. If you’re already lugging a shoulder bag and pulling a wheeled suitcase , it can be cumbersome to add another rolling bag behind you—not with a backpack, though.

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How to choose a travel backpack

First, consider size. If you’re traveling for a weekend or longer, you might want one that’s small enough to fit in an overhead bin or underneath a seat. If you’re looking for a larger backpack, you might want one that offers sufficient back support , too.

In any case, you neither want a bulky nor heavy backpack that restricts movement. Those who are worried about safety might also want an option with anti-theft features like special zipper or RFID-lined pockets to protect from identity theft.

Backpacks made with travel in mind typically have features that make life easier when you’re on the go, like padded laptop sleeves for your work trips , locking zippers, wide straps to slip your bag onto a rolling suitcase handle, specialized pockets (including ones for water bottles ), and other easily accessible storage spaces.

Whatever your design preference, and whether you typically go for simple designs or styles with lots of bells and whistles, you’re sure to find something you like among these picks. (Some are even made of recycled materials!) Below, find the best travel backpacks for every need—be it a business trip, vacation , or your commute to work.

Best travel backpacks

Originally $298, now $179

Popular brand Lo & Sons has a wide selection of backpacks, including their travel-friendly Beacon Backpack. While only a little over 10 inches wide and 14 inches tall, it has a ton of compartments to organize everything you’d like to carry, including a laptop compartment (for 13-inch devices), a large front pocket, two small pockets on the back, a slip pocket for folders or papers, and six interior pockets. It also has a wide pass-through strap for putting over a rolling-suitcase handle, too.

The Beacon is water-resistant and is made from 50 percent recycled nylon with 37 percent polyester and with leather accents. Reviewers love this backpack for travel and work alike. One reviewer raved: “This is a fantastic bag/backpack! On the smaller side but cleverly designed with easy-to-use pockets and compartments that kept me organized on my trip abroad. Well made, comfortable to wear, and looks great too!”

Material: 37% recycled nylon and 50% recycled polyester

Measurements: 14”H x 10.5”W x 4.5” D

Weight: 1.6 lbs.

Capacity: 10.8L

• Various compartment types
• Pass-through strap for luggage handle
• Smaller capacity

Originally $130, now $97

Samsonite’s Detour Travel Backpack is all about functionality. It’s water resistant, and it offers easy access to all your belongings. The backpack is replete with pockets, including one for your bottle, and thanks to padded back and shoulder, it will offer you ample support while you’re on the move. Inside, you’ll find even more compartments to organize your things, with one for your laptop. Other features include: Front handles and a wide pass-through strap it offers back and shoulder support. What’s more, Samsonite offers a limited 3-year warranty.

With more than 100 5-star ratings, this backpack has earned high praise. “Someone really put a lot of thought into this backpack/overnight bag. It is fantastic and if you are any kind of traveler I would recommend it,” one reviewer wrote.

Material: Recycled fabric and polyester

Measurements: 20”H x 13”W x 9”D

Weight: 2 lbs.

Capacity: Not specified

• Water-resistant
• Padded back and shoulder straps
• Front pockets have narrow openings

Not totally sure whether you’ll need an extra bag on an upcoming trip, or just don’t like bulky backpacks in general? Tumi’s aptly named “Just In Case” backpack conveniently folds flat, so you can easily pack it in your suitcase. It could also work well if you need a small, hands-free carry-on—and it has a wide pass-through to slide over the handle of your suitcase and lighten your load. This sleek backpack is small, super light at only 0.6 pounds, and it has a large outer zip pocket, and adjustable shoulder straps.

“I bought this to use as a carry-on—it’s remarkably roomy for such a small bag!” One traveler on Amazon wrote. “I put in a sweater, a makeup bag, headphones, iPad, a little case with cords and chargers, sunglasses, travel docs, water bottle, wallet, keys, two phones—and still had a bit of room left over. The nylon is heavyweight and the gold zippers are substantial. It does not look utilitarian or outdoorsy. It really does fit into a small pouch, which is useful on its own.”

Material: Nylon

Measurements: 15.5”H x 4.5”D x 12.3”W

Weight: 0.6 lbs.

Capacity: 2.8L

• Not as structured as other options

Athleta has more to offer than great sports bras and athleisure. They also have a few highly-rated bags and wallets, for example, including this backpack. It’s made with recycled nylon and polyester, and it features a front zip pocket for your keys, phone, or wallet, side pockets, and on the inside, a roomy main compartment for your laptop. It has a mesh back panel to keep you cool and comfortable when you’re on the move, as well as adjustable straps. Plus, it isn’t too bulky either.

“Perfect size and functionality, as I wanted something for quick trips and not a big old backpack,” one happy customer wrote. “Compact with lots of great little pockets and compartments.”

Material: Recycled nylon and recycled polyester

Measurements: 15”H x 9”W x 3”D

Weight: Not specified

• Roomy main compartment
• Mesh back panel and adjustable straps
• Some reviewer say they wish it had more compartments

Rugged-looking and available in a ton of colors, this backpack is designed for women (as opposed to the brand’s original Borealis pack). Fortunately, The North Face didn’t simply add “women’s” to the product name, make it pink, and jack up the price—although there are pink and pink-and-black options available, plus a pretty pink print. This women’s backpack costs the same as the regular version. Its “FlexVent” suspension system is tailored to a woman’s body and is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. This recycled-nylon, water-repellent backpack’s many features include a padded tablet sleeve, laptop sleeve, and water bottle pocket.

Amazon reviewers frequently mention using this backpack for school, college, hiking, and/or work, but many customers also love it for travel. To wit: “This backpack is so versatile. It is spacious, yet compact. It is comfortable and stylish. There is literally a place for everything. I use this as a carry-on for airplane travel with packing cubes for organization and it is perfect,” one reviewer wrote.

Measurements: 18.75”H x 12”W x 6.75”D

Capacity: 27L

• Padded back panel
• Waist belt and sternum strap for support
• Made specifically for women
• On the bulky side

This slim but roomy backpack has earned over 11,700 5-star reviews on Amazon. It’s even professional enough for work. There are many compartments—a dedicated laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop, organizational pockets, and a compartment where you can fit some clothes for an overnight trip. There’s a pass-through strap so you can hook it over a suitcase handle, side pockets to hold water bottles, and a built-in USB port.

“This bag looks fantastic and is very well made. It has a lot of padding so it is comfortable to carry,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I was able to fit everything I need for an overnight business trip into a single bag and not have an additional carryon bag.”

Material: Water-repellent fabric

Measurements: 18.5”H x 13.3”W x 7.8”D

Weight: 2.6 lbs.

• Water repellent
• Large laptop compartment
• Back is only partially padded

This backpack is part of Everlane’s ReNew collection, which features shoes, bags, outerwear, and activewear made from recycled polyester and nylon from plastic bottles, textiles, and fishing nets—and it’s perfect for carrying everything you need on the go. This particular travel backpack is 100% recycled polyester. It has an unusual but interesting structure for a backpack, with plenty of pockets. It also has spaces designed for a 15-inch laptop, water bottles, passports, tickets, magazines and notebooks, aswell as a luggage-handle strap.

Material: 100% recycled polyester

Measurements: 17.5”H x 12”W x 7.25”D

• Made from 100 percent recycled polyester
• Water resistant
• Many compartments
• Not ideal for those who want a backpack with more structure

Originally 148, now $100

Madewell makes several backpack styles, and this travel-friendly backpack is made with a combination of strong ripstop nylon and stylish suede. It is sturdy, lightweight, and packed with pockets. The backpack has an inner laptop sleeve, as well as outer side pockets, a sizable front pocket, and lightly padded shoulder straps.

Material: Ripstop nylon and suede

Measurements: 16 ½”H x 12 ¼”W x 6”D

• Lightly padded straps
• Side and front pockets
• Made from strong ripstop nylon
• Minimal organizational compartments

Lululemon has few backpacks in its City Adventurer line, and this 20-liter-sized option is one of them. The backpack is made from water-repellent fabric and has reinforced straps. The laptop pocket is padded and can fit devices up to 16 inches in size (giving it a bigger compartment than many backpacks). It also has handy pockets, including an expandable one for clothes. (The company suggests using that one for “your sweaty gear,” but bear in mind that the bag isn’t machine washable!)

One Lululemon customer wrote: “Holds a lot. Not bulky. Decent in the rain [and] can be wiped clean! Very nice sleek look, yet sporty! I love it for travel!”

Measurements: 16.1”H x 11.4”W x 7.1”D

Capacity: 20L

• Padded laptop sleeve
• Shoe compartment
• Not machine washable

The safety features on this backpack will offer you more peace of mind while traveling. It features slash-resistant fabric and cut-resistant straps, locking zippers, and RFID-lined pockets. The backpack also has a pocket that’s hidden against your back when you wear it, among others. Plus, there’s a small opening for headphone or earbud wires. The material is water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about wearing it in weather.

One of the 500-plus 5-star reviews on Amazon reads, “Bought for trip to Greece. I’m small (5 ft.) and wanted something smallish, lightweight, and secure. This fit the bill perfectly. Was great to carry water bottles and other essentials while sightseeing and it held what I needed on the flight.”

Material: Polyester

Measurement: 13”H x 10”W x 3.5”D

Weight: 1.2 lbs.

Capacity: 7.5L

• Anti-theft features like RFID-blocking technology and locking zippers
• Lots of pockets
• Straps aren’t padded

SwissGear parent company Wenger also makes Swiss Army knives, so it’s not surprising that this bag is super functional. It boasts tons of features you won’t find in a typical travel backpack, such as shoe storage, a crush-resistant sunglasses compartment, ergonomically contoured straps, a ventilated back panel, insulated water bottle pockets, and designated pockets for your cell phone, ID card, memory stick, and pens. It even has a USB port for charging your devices (battery pack not included). Its more common features include a padded laptop pocket, padded tablet pocket, water bottle pocket, and luggage-handle strap. Bonus: SwissGear provides a 5-year warranty.

After more than 250 reviews on Target, this backpack has earned a 4.5-star rating. One reviewer shared, “This is the best backpack I have ever owned. It is a beast! I was able to fill it with two days of clothes, a computer, chargers, toiletries, a book, snacks, a wallet, and more, and flew without having to roll a bag, or check any luggage.”

Measurements: 18.5”H x 12”W x 8”D

Capacity: 24.7L

• Padded straps
• USB power port
• Lots of pockets, including a crush-resistant compartment for glasses
• Some reviewers say it won’t always sit upright

If you’re a traveler who is tired of digging through your bag to find stuff on the road, this pocket-friendly backpack is for you. The Troubador Ridge Explorer has a space for quite literally everything, so you’ll never lose your AirPods or charging cable again.

The 25-liter body is large enough for storing your main belongings, keeping them safe and cushioned while you’re on the go. There’s also a plethora of pockets: three large main ones in the front for organizing your wallet, headphones, and other personal items, two retractable water bottle holders on the sides, and a 16-inch padded laptop zipper for your computer. Layer on the classy design and chic leather detailing and you couldn’t ask for a better commuter backpack.

Material: Recycled polyester

Measurements: 18.5”H x 12”W x 7”D

Weight: 2.8 lbs.

Capacity: 25L

• Waterproof fabric and zippers
• Breathable back panel
• Sleek design

The Cotopaxi Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack doubles as a packing cube, making it ideal for short and long trips. It has a clamshell design that falls open into two halves when unzipped, much like a suitcase. On one side is a large zippered mesh compartment, and on the other are two zippered mesh compartments. According to one reviewer, it is sizable enough to hold two week’s-worth of clothes and essentials, including toiletries and electronics. Outside, you’ll also find a few more compartments—a smaller zippered pocket on the front, a zippered padded laptop sleeve on the back that’s perfect for storing devices up to 15 inches, and a side pocket for your water bottle. It’s replete with wide shoulder and hip straps to help you carry the load.

While the pack itself isn’t water resistant, it comes with a rain cover, making it suitable for outdoor adventures or wet climates. You can wear it as a backpack, or attach the shoulder strap to wear it like a messenger bag. To add to its appeal, it’s made of 100 percent repurposed nylon fabric, so each bag is unique to its owner.

Material: 100% repurposed nylon

Measurements: 21.5”H x 13”W x 9”D

Weight: 4 lbs.

Capacity: 42L

• Includes a rain cover
• Multiple ways to wear it
• Made of 100 percent repurposed fabric

A true workhorse, the Baboon To the Moon Go-Bag converts to a backpack but fits as much as a small carry-on suitcase. For reference, the 32-liter option can fit about three day’s-worth of clothes. The waterproof shell protects the duffel from the elements while keeping it lightweight. It has a roomy main compartment replete with three zippered compartments for your essentials, plus an exterior zippered compartment to keep valuables, like your phone, wallet, passport, and keys close at hand. It’s also surprisingly lightweight considering all the duffel backpack can carry. (It weighs a little over 3 pounds). The adjustable straps make it comfortable to wear as a backpack, but you also have the option to carry it as a briefcase if you so please. You can shop it in a wide range of colors and in two other sizes—a 40-liter version and a larger 60-liter option.

“I love my Go-Bag so much!” proclaimed one reviewer. “I was a little hesitant due to the price, but this bag is the only thing I ever need for my little excursions. It’s perfect for weeks away from home or even just two or three days. I adore this bag and love the color I bought it in as well!”

Material: PVC and polyester

Measurements: 9.5”H x 18.5”W x 12”D

Weight: 3.2 lbs.

Capacity: 32L

• Roomy yet lightweight
• Available in multiple sizes
• Lifetime warranty
• Not as many compartments

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15 Best Travel Backpacks for Women in 2024

The best travel backpacks for women need to be organized, stylish, and (most importantly) comfortable to wear.

Even if you’re new to travel, you likely already know that having a good backpack is crucial. And while it may seem convenient to lug around that old-school bag you’ve been using since the 8th grade, it’s not always the most practical choice. In my experience, a good travel backpack makes your travels a lot smoother.

There’s lots to consider. For example, security is a standard in good backpacks nowadays—does yours have anti-theft measures built-in? Does it fit comfortably? Is it ideal for hiking?

When I first started traveling I had no idea what I was doing, and ending up wasting money on the wrong backpacks for the wrong adventures. This list of the best travel backpacks for women will help you avoid the same mistakes.

Here are my top picks for the best travel backpacks for women, from weekend travel bags to one-bag travel carry-ons.

• Best Women's Travel Backpack Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack for Women: REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack
• Best Carry-On Backpack for Women: Aer Travel Pack 3 Small
• Most Large Travel Backpack for Women: Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Duffel Backpack
• Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Women: NOMATIC Travel Pack
• Most Stylish Backpack for Women: Monos Metro Backpack
• Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Women: Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L
• Best Leather Backpack for Women: Kodiak Leather Katmai
• Best Digital Nomad Backpack for Women: Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
• Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack for Women: Osprey Fairview 40
• Best Digital Nomad Travel Backpack for Women: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Backpacking Backpack for Women: Osprey Aura AG 65
• Best Hiking Backpack for Women: Osprey Kyte 48
• Best Photography Backpack for Women: WANDRD PRVKE
• Best Daypack for Women: Patagonia Black Hole 25L

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L : Best Women's Travel Backpack Overall

While it isn’t specifically designed as a women’s backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a popular choice for women looking for a good carry-on backpack for travel. It’s durable, stylish, and impressively functional.

This versatile backpack features a clamshell opening that makes it super easy to access anything in the main compartment without needing to dig. There are several zippered mesh compartments inside to keep everything organized. I’ve found I don’t really need packing cubes in this well-organized travel backpack.

The Cotopaxi Allpa is also impressively durable. It’s made from a burly 1000D polyester with a thick TPU coating that adds water and abrasion resistance. The YKK zippers are beefy and confidence-inspiring. I expect this to last much longer than a traditional backpack.

I love the external laptop pocket which makes it super easy to pull out my device for airport security. I hate having to dig through the main compartment to get to my laptop, so this is a welcome feature in this travel backpack.

The Allpa is also surprisingly comfortable with its padded hip belt, generously curved shoulder straps, and air mesh back panel.

I think the 35L size is perfect for most trips, and it’s especially good if you’re on the short side and need a backpack with a smaller torso length. If you need extra space, there’s a slightly larger 42L size . On the other end of the spectrum, the 28L version is perfect for super light packers and is small enough to fit under an airplane seat and count as your personal item on most flights.

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Easy packing with clamshell opening
• Great internal organization
• Impressive durability
• Not many external pockets
• A bit small for extended trips (the Allpa 42L will be better for some)

REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack : Best Budget Travel Backpack for Women

REI is well known for its affordable yet awesome gear, and the REI Co-op Ruckpack Recycled Pack is no exception.

The design of this bag is built to fit women, with narrower straps and a larger hip belt for distributing weight better. Compression straps help pack down your gear and lift the load off your back more easily. The sternum strap even has a whistle for your extra security.

The REI Co-op Recycled Pack is versatile: it can function as a backpacking bag or as an outdoor backpack. There’s a daisy chain to attach more items, as well as trekking pole attachments and two water bottle holders. The padded hip belt and shoulder straps make for great comfort while hiking. This bag is way more versatile than most travel packs!

One thing it does lack is a well-padded laptop compartment, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to work on the road.

For a 40L, the price tag on this one is more than reasonable. Not only are you getting the best bang for your buck, but the REI Co-op Ruckpack Recycled Pack is also eco-friendly: it’s made with recycled materials that are bluesign® approved, helping you cut down on waste.

• Designed for a women’s fit
• Eco-friendly recycled materials
• Great weight distribution
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• Side pockets keep water bottles and snacks accessible
• Enough space for one-bag travel or trekking
• The laptop sleeve lacks padding
• Doesn't have many inner pockets
• Less stylish than many travel packs

Aer Travel Pack 3 Small : Best Carry-On Backpack for Women

This is a bag jam-packed with organizational features that pair well with your busy day-to-day life, but is also perfect for taking along as a carry-on bag. It’s incredibly durable, great for keeping your belongings neat and tidy, and it counts as a personal item on most flights while still providing enough space for a week-long trip, as long as you travel light.

The design team created the Aer Travel Pack with the best of the best materials, like ballistic nylon. The material on this travel backpack is guaranteed to stand up to the test of time.

You can squeeze quite a few items into this bag for its small 28L capacity. The main compartment can lie flat when opened completely, which you’ll find very useful for quickly finding small items. Easy access is key for travel backpacks, and this little backpack definitely excels over a more traditional backpack design.

Other nifty organizational features include the easy-access laptop compartment and shoe pocket (that fits up to a men’s size 13). This bag is also chocked full of nifty storage pockets for your accessories, and the padded shoulder and side straps do a good job of easing the weight of the bag.

One downside to this bag: it has a whole lot of compression straps, which makes the bag quite bulky. There is a hip belt, but you have to buy it separately. That’s a small price to pay, though. Even at full capacity, the Aer Travel Pack 2 is ideal as a carry-on.

For more information check out our full Aer Travel Pack review or see our top picks for the best carry-on backpacks .

• Easy access pockets and a main storage compartment that lies flat
• Can handle 3-7 days worth of packing 
• Ultra-durable materials
• Well-padded shoulder straps
• Lots of straps 
• Hip belt is separate

Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Duffel Backpack : Most Large Travel Backpack for Women

The designers at Timbuk2 made the  Impulse Travel Duffel Backpack  with road warriors in mind—this bag is meant to endure a lot . It’s water resistant, made with incredibly durable materials, and can switch between a duffel and a backpack within seconds.

You can easily store or locate all your tech items thanks to the clever storage system and clamshell shape of the bag. It has a plethora of pockets and storage compartments for your accessories and there is a dedicated padded laptop compartment too. Interior compression straps help pack down your clothing so you can fit more in.

This bag is great if you want to save on baggage fees because you can pack everything you need for a long weekend in it. You can even turn it into a duffel bag for when you’re going to be gone for extended periods of time.

There’s an impressive harness system too, making it easy to carry long distances if necessary.

If you’re in the market for a duffel, check out our full round-up of carry-on duffel bags .

• Fits a 17″ laptop
• Clever organization
• Can turn into a duffel bag with a clamshell opening
• Built-in shoe compartment keeps your dirty shoes separate
• Doesn’t have a traditional shoulder strap
• Zippers tend to be sticky and hard to maneuver

NOMATIC Travel Pack : Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Women

The design team at NOMATIC named this backpack the “most functional travel pack ever.” I agree, and that’s why it’s my top pick for the best laptop backpack for women.

When you are using this bag as a carry-on, effortlessly slip the pass-thru shoulder straps onto your main luggage handle and wheel it along. The organization is fantastic. There’s a quick-access laptop compartment that also has space for a tablet. Then there is the main compartment, which you can compress by 50% when you don’t need to pack much.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is also made with weather-resistant material, and the zippers are waterproof. This bag will keep out rain much better than most travel backpacks.

The one downside to this bag? The straps aren’t as padded as many other travel backpacks. They don’t have sufficient padding to make a long journey with this bag on your back comfortable, particularly in the 30L size.

Our NOMATIC Backpack review has more info.

• Great functionality features, including pass-thru straps to attach to your wheeled luggage
• Weather-resistant
• More organized than most laptop backpacks
• Not enough padding in the shoulder straps
• Small for a travel backpack

Monos Metro Backpack : Most Stylish Backpack for Women

The Monos Metro backpack is a real eye-catcher—its sleek, minimalistic design makes it one of the best stylish backpacks on the market.

This backpack has two options when it comes to materials: nylon twill with vegan leather accents or full ultra-microfibre vegan leather. The nylon twill and vegan leather are water-repellent and scratch-resistant.

My favorite thing about this backpack is the storage system. The Monos Metro’s clamshell design allows the main compartment to open and lie completely flat. No more fishing for loose socks at the bottom of your bag!

There is also a dedicated compartment for your laptop (maximum of 15”). The location of the laptop sleeve in the middle of the pack is great —it distributes the weight evenly throughout the bag. It’s also sandwiched between water-repellent and waterproof materials, so your gear stays good and protected.

Monos Metro bags come standard with the new QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System . This is a magnetic system that fixes the interchangeable Metro Kit to the backpack, which allows for fast detachment and easy re-attachment. This means you can store all your day-to-day essentials in there and grab them quickly when you’re on the go. Need to brush your teeth in-flight? Just unsnap the Metro Kit and go.

• Water-repellent & scratch-resistant
• Storage space opens up completely
• Quicksnap system is included
• Not much padding in the shoulder straps

Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L : Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Women

If you’re anything like me, safety is a top priority when it comes to traveling. Luckily, the team who designed the Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack took most travel safety concerns into account. It’s one of the TravelFreak top picks for anti-theft backpacks . Seriously, this is the bank vault of travel backpacks.

Firstly, there’s the eXomesh Slashguard technology that protects the contents of your travel backpack’s front pocket. It’s basically a stainless steel wire mesh frame to stop flyby attacks (otherwise known as cut-and-runs).

There is also a Roobar Deluxe locking system in place, which is appealing for anyone who travels with lots of gear. This system allows you to secure your zips and anchor cable on a single lockdown point.

Other safety features of this travel backpack include ToughZip zippers, which are puncture-resistant and prevent luggage tampering, and a locking cable to attach your bag to a fixture.

The storage system is nifty and organizes your stuff well. It boasts a 45L capacity, which is more than enough for a carry-on. Its dimensions are also small enough to fit onto most planes as a carry-on.

You can use this bag on your everyday commute and not worry about your belongings. If you are looking for a long-lasting, versatile bag, then the Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L is your best bet.

• Plenty of safety features to prevent theft 
• Effective storage system
• Durable materials
• When packed to the brim, it can be difficult to fit on your shoulders
• Heavier than many travel backpacks

Kodiak Leather Katmai : Best Leather Backpack for Women

There’s something special about leather travel backpacks. Probably because the materials are organic, and the design ends up being one-of-a-kind (and even looks better with age).

Kodiak uses premium cowhide leather for the Kodiak Leather Katmai , from its base to its reinforced support handle. The inside of the bag features black nylon which gives this travel backpack a smooth look.

This travel backpack boasts a 15” padded laptop pocket at the back, which fits a MacBook Pro very snugly. There are three zippered pockets (small, medium, and large) on the front of the bag. The main large pocket has individual pouches for wallets, phones, and pens.

Apart from the obvious productivity benefits, I like this travel backpack because it just looks great. The leather comes in a variety of stylish colors and adds some edge to your look.

If you’re someone who likes high-quality products that have personality, then the Kodiak Leather Katmai is a great fit for you. If you’re curious about other leather options, check out this round-up of leather backpacks.

• It will last a lifetime if looked after properly 
• Made with high-quality leather
• Lightweight
• Not suitable for long periods of travel
• Lacks padding in the shoulder straps

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L : Best Digital Nomad Backpack for Women

Travel backpacks are the ideal solution for any busy professional who works while on the road, and the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent travel backpack for anyone who wants to travel with a carry-on only and skip the hassle of baggage claim.

The Tortuga Setout has a sturdy lockable zipper to protect your gear while you’re on the move. If you’re city hopping and doing lots of urban travel, this bag will keep you well organized (and your gear well protected) while you’re in transit.

It’s a compact bag that has a (surprisingly large) main luggage cavity and a few small compartments. The luggage compartment’s simple dividing system makes it easy for you to find items in a pinch. This bag likes to keep things simple, and that’s why I love it. Nothing is overdone. It’s a great balance between a simple rucksack and overly complicated travel backpacks that leave you wondering which pocket you put your passport in.

The shoulder straps are comfortable with plenty of padding as well. This is one of the best carry-on travel backpacks for comfort and support, in my experience. That’s especially helpful if you’re carrying heavier loads for an extended trip.

The Tortuga Travel Backpacks come in two sizes: the 30L and the 40L. 30L is toward the small end for travel packs, so unless you’re a really light packer, I don’t think you can go wrong with the 40L, which fits carry-on size restrictions around the world.

If you’re still not sure if this is the best carry-on backpack option, take a lookat our Tortuga Travel Backpack review . You can also check out more travel packs for carrying your computer on the go in our list of the best laptop backpacks .

• Compact design great for carry-on
• Simple storage system
• 17’’ laptop compartment
• Not suitable for outdoor use
• The 45L bag may not be suitable for international airlines
• More expensive than most travel packs

Osprey Fairview 40 : Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack for Women

The Osprey team created the Osprey Fairview 40 to fit a woman’s frame specifically, creating a hardy travel bag that will last you forever thanks to its durability and handy lifetime guarantee. Unlike many travel backpacks that are tailored for urban use, this one feels right at home on the trail.

This backpack comes in two sizes: XS/S and S/M. Both options are suitable if you’re shorter than six feet, and it has two adjustable front-compression straps to keep it compact against your back. The suspension system keeps the weight of the bag evenly distributed as well.

The Osprey Fairview travel packs come in two standard color schemes: rainforest green and misty grey. I love a darker color scheme because it tends to conceal dirt if you’re doing any trekking, unlike lighter colors.

Apart from looking great, this bag fits great too, and it has better support than most travel backpacks. As soon as you sling this backpack over your shoulders, you’ll notice how lightweight it feels. The straps are nice and narrow and feature a curved design for a comfortable fit.

I love the clamshell opening, padded laptop pocket, and variety of storage pockets, too. All in all, it’s a perfectly well-rounded backpack for any woman on the go.

• Functional colors 
• Incognito strap system can be tucked away
• Great suspension system
• Works for both travel and hiking
• Not suitable for women taller than six feet
• Less stylish than more urban-themed travel backpacks

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L : Best Digital Nomad Travel Backpack for Women

I love this Peak Design Travel Backpack because it does it all: I can proudly carry it with me on work trips, it’s great for multi-day travel, and it’s also super organized for all my gear. It balances business function with a look that’s easy on the eyes. To me, it’s one of the most stylish travel backpacks on the market and will give you an ultra-professional look.

The organization of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is nothing short of genius, and it blows other travel packs out of the water. You can find a compartment for every one of your essentials and they’re all easy to reach via top, side, front, and rear access. Most travel backpacks have good organization, but the Peak Design Travel Backpack puts the rest of them to shame.

The whole bag is also made with a weatherproof nylon canvas shell that’s ideal for protecting your tech gear. The weatherproof zippers on the external storage pockets are another nice touch that give this bag one more advantage over other travel packs.

You can tuck away the shoulder straps for a more streamlined look and then you can grab the side handle to carry it like a briefcase. And, of course, there’s a well-padded laptop sleeve. If you need a bag to keep up with your diverse lifestyle, this is it. Read more about it in the full Peak Design travel bag review .

If you’re a light packer, you may opt for the smaller 30L Travel Backpack . It’s on the small end for travel packs, which is perfect if you don’t need much space.

• Sleek and professional appearance
• Top, rear, front, and side access
• Tuckable straps
• Lifetime guarantee 
• Comes with storage pockets for all your accessories
• Side handle’s placement throws off the weight distribution if you carry sideways

Osprey Aura AG 65 : Best Backpacking Backpack for Women

If you’re looking for a backpacking bag that’ll accompany you on your travels for years to come, then the Osprey Aura AG 65 is for you. This is definitely a step up from most travel backpacks in terms of durability and comfort in the outdoors.

You’ll always stay comfortable and dry thanks to this bag’s plush yet breathable shoulder straps, ventilated waist belt, and breezy back panel. If you’re traveling in the summer months or to more tropical environments, you’ll appreciate these extra touches.

The key feature of this backpack is the Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension design. The new AG suspension technology does a great job of distributing the weight of the pack evenly.

This bag also boasts 65L of luggage capacity, which is more than enough for standard backpacking trips. However, its accessibility is what really sets it apart. I love all the large pockets because they allow you to access your essential items quickly and easily.

This bag has a main compartment and also a storage area for other gear, like camping gear. You can even turn this backpack into a daypack by removing the lid and taking away some of the storage space. It’s this versatility that makes it my top pick for a backpacking backpack!

• Anti-Gravity suspension
• Tons of padding in the shoulder straps
• Supportive hip belt
• Great for long backpacking trips
• Detachable daypack
• Plenty of storage pockets
• Heavier than other travel packs
• Too big for carry-on

Osprey Kyte 48 : Best Hiking Backpack for Women

Osprey has never let me down when it comes to durability and functionality (it’s by far my favorite brand for outdoor and travel packs), and the same goes for the Osprey Kyte 48 .

This bag is a proper workhorse with tons of useful features. It comes with an integrated rain cover that’s very easy to attach and detach. A lot of travel packs don’t include a rain cover, so it’s great to see that this bag has one included.

Other awesome features include trekking poles and sleeping mat/hiking tent attachments, plus lots of pockets and organizational features to make this bag an outstanding bag for hikers.

The LightWire frame suspension system distributes most of the weight to your hips, so it feels very light while you’re walking. However, this bag uses the old-school back panel that fits tightly to your back, which doesn’t allow for great breathability if it’s hot.

This bag does well for overnight hikes of two to four days and it also passes as a carry-on at most airlines. However, if you are looking to pack a lot of food and extras, then you might struggle to fit everything into this pack.

This hiking backpack will be your lifelong hiking partner, thanks to Osprey’s lifetime guarantee. For other options, check out this article on the best hiking backpacks .

• Great organizational features and storage pockets
• Robust suspension system
• Built-in rain cover 
• Attachments for sleeping gear and trekking poles
• Lifetime guarantee
• Very comfortable shoulder straps
• Not enough room for multi-day hikes
• The back panel is not very breathable

WANDRD PRVKE : Best Photography Backpack for Women

The WANDRD PRVKE is the ultimate backpack for photographers. It has waterproof Tarpaulin material and ballistic nylon to ensure that the contents of your bag stay dry and safe from abrasions. You won’t have to worry about your camera gear (or any other gear) getting wet while you’re out in the field taking photos.

The organization of the bag is what really stands out to me compared to most travel backpacks. The optional camera cube fits nicely into the main compartment and you can grab it in a pinch.The laptop sleeve is strategically placed at the back so that, no matter how full it is, you can access your laptop easily too.

There are also pockets upon pockets in this bag so that you can store all your bits and bobs. This bag also comes in three sizes, depending on your luggage needs.Aesthetically, it comes in three stylish colors: black, Wasatch green, and Aegean blue. This bag really stands out from the crowd of same-old same-old travel packs.

The only real downside to this bag is that, at a standard weight of 3.7 pounds for the 41L option, it’s heavy when fully loaded. However, the materials used in this bag are top-quality, so this is a fair trade-off, in my opinion. For a more detailed breakdown, check out the WANDRD PRVKE review.

• Camera-ready features 
• Waterproof and ultra-durable materials
• Comfy shoulder straps
• The camera cube costs extra
• No hip belt

Patagonia Black Hole 25L : Best Daypack for Women

At first glance, the Patagonia Black Hole 25L doesn’t look like anything special. But it’s a sturdy bag that you can take everywhere with you on day adventures, whether that’s hiking, running errands, or meeting some friends at the park.

This backpack is technically water-resistant and not waterproof. That being said, the materials used in this bag are extremely water-resistant, so unless you drop the bag in the ocean or a giant puddle, your belongings are quite safe here.

The organizational features on this bag are good too. It has a compartment for your laptop and plenty of storage pockets to keep you organized.

If you are looking for a versatile daypack with great functionality without breaking the bank, then this backpack is worth checking out.

• Weather-resistant and durable
• Great organization
• The laptop pocket is not easy to access and lacks padding

What to Look for in a Travel Backpack for Women

There isn’t much of a difference between travel backpacks for men and women, so the essential things you look for in a travel bag remain the same (like materials and durability, for example). There are, however, some things that make certain travel bags a better fit for women.

Is it a Good Fit for Women?

There’s more to a travel backpack than design, volume and features. A comfortable fit is absolutely the most important consideration for travel packs. When it comes to fit, you want to consider the shoulder straps and hip belt.

These features are usually designed to fit a women’s body better. The straps will usually have more padding and are narrower at the shoulders. The hip belt is usually larger too, to distribute the bulk of the weight to this area. This keeps the load lighter on your frame.

Is it a Fashionable Backpack for Women?

Fashion essentially boils down to the design and colors of the bag, and your own personal preference. I suggest going for bags that are sleek and low-profile so as not to draw additional attention to yourself, but honestly, I’ve never been caught up in how things look. Functionality is way more important here.

I will say that I much prefer dark colors, though. Colors like black and dark greens or blues are always great options for travel packs because these will show less dirt and scuff marks as you’re on the move.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Backpack for Women

I’ve included quite a selection of best women’s travel backpacks here, but now you’re more equipped to choose the right one for you. It really boils down to how you prefer to travel, and what you’ll be spending your time doing. Maybe that means hiking or city-hopping, or doing more work-oriented travel. Whatever the case, take some time to think about it—this bag should last you for a very long time.

The travel backpacks for women listed here are the best of the best. And when you’ve found your personal best women’s backpack for travel, let me know in the comments below!

• Best Backpack Brands
• Best Waterproof Backpacks
• Best Travel Daypacks

Travel Backpacks for Women FAQs

Which backpack is best for traveling women.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a popular choice for women looking for a good carry-on backpack for travel.

What type of backpack is best for Travelling?

A dedicated carry-on backpack is the best choice for traveling.

What is the best backpack to take on a plane?

If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll be best off with a dedicated carry-on backpack .

How big of a backpack do I need for 2 weeks in Europe?

A 35-45 liter backpack should be sufficient for 2 weeks in Europe as long as you don’t pack the kitchen sink.

Is it better to travel Europe with a backpack or suitcase?

A dedicated carry-on backpack is a much better choice for Europe, where cobblestone streets are unforgiving to suitcase wheels.

Candice Walsh

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The Best Travel Backpack

By Geoffrey Morrison

A travel backpack easily carries all your stuff while letting you navigate airports, subway stations, and city streets. After traveling with travel backpacks for years across dozens of countries, we recommend the new versions of Osprey’s Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 travel packs.

These bags fit everything we need for trips ranging from just a week to months of continuous travel. They come with a sizable daypack and are even airline-carry-on friendly.

They’re also highly adjustable and well padded, meaning that not only can you get a perfect fit, but the packs will also remain easy to carry and comfortable to wear for long treks, even if there are stairs, cobblestones, or narrow alleys in your way.

Everything we recommend

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Buying Options

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s)

Larger, for people with longer torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this pack just as comfortable and easy to fit as any other we tried for people with longer torsos. However, it’s too big to carry on a plane.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Women’s)

Larger, for people with shorter torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this pack just as comfortable and easy to fit as any other we tried for people with shorter torsos. However, it’s too big to carry on a plane.

Upgrade pick

Salkan The Backpacker

More stylish, with more padding.

This attractive but expensive travel backpack has customizable straps and great, cushy padding. It comes in only one size, however.

I traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time. In 2023, Osprey released new incarnations of the Farpoint 55  and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 .

These new versions mostly kept what we liked about the previous ones and fixed what we didn’t. Best of all, they’re among the least expensive travel backpacks available. After several years as runner-ups, the packs are once again our top picks.

The front of the main pack still unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

The best change: The main packs are now overhead-bin-sized for most airlines. (You’ll have to use the daypack as your underseat bag.) Other notable updates include height-adjustable shoulder straps and big exterior pockets on the daypack. Previous versions of these bags used ripstop nylon. The current one uses a heavy-duty recycled polyester, which held up well during a six-week trip across Europe.

Osprey offers a lifetime warranty.

If you want something a little larger than the Osprey packs, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Men’s (for travelers with longer torsos) and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Women’s (for travelers with shorter torsos) are just as adjustable and comfortable. The Ruckpacks had been our top picks for several years—we now prefer the new Ospreys because they’re carry-on sized.

The Ruckpacks have a smaller daypack than the Ospreys, which isn’t as good for photographers and digital nomads, but the main packs are larger, which can be good if you’re carrying bulkier items like a heavy jacket. While not carry-on-sized, the main pack’s overall dimensions are still manageable. The Ruckpack 60+ is also a little cheaper than the Osprey packs.

The Ruckpacks are made from a tough, recycled ripstop nylon that stands up to wear. REI offers a return period of up to a year if you’re a member (90 days if you’re not). However, if the problem is a manufacturing or materials defect, the packs are covered by REI Co-op’s warranty, which has no specified expiration date.

The Salkan The Backpacker looks and feels like a higher-end travel backpack. The polyester cloth feels extremely rugged, and there’s extensive padding in every place the pack touches your body.

Available in black and lightish green, The Backpacker has nine color options for its exterior compression straps, so you can mix and match based on your preferences—or even change them up. This gives The Backpacker the most customizable palette of any of our picks.

While looking more stylish on TikTok and Instagram isn’t generally a primary consideration for us, overall The Backpacker feels well made, and it has many of the same thoughtful features as our top and runner-up picks, including lots of pockets, smooth zippers, and height-adjustable shoulder straps.

These are offset, however, by a much higher price. Also, the main pack is technically too large to be a carry-on for most airlines, and the bag comes in only one size. (Salkan says it’s best for people 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-4).

The research

Why you should trust me, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: osprey farpoint 55 travel pack and fairview 55 travel pack, runner-up: rei co-op ruckpack 60+ recycled travel pack, upgrade pick: salkan the backpacker, the competition.

I’ve lived, worked, and visited 60 countries on six continents, as well as all 50 US states. I spent the majority of 2014 through 2020 traveling. Over the last few years, I’ve done a mix of extended road trips and multi-month international adventures. For all those years, I lived out of a backpack while abroad. I’ve also traveled in Africa, China, and throughout Europe with a variety of terrible backpacks and luggage, so I know what’s best to avoid.

In addition to covering travel gear here at Wirecutter, I write about travel and tech for CNET , Forbes , and The New York Times itself, and I have my own YouTube channel . My first travel book, Budget Travel for Dummies , comes out in January.

A travel backpack is for people who want to travel around the world unencumbered by heavy, slow-moving wheeled luggage. An internal-frame backpack in the 50- to 65-liter range has more than enough room for all of the possessions you need to travel anywhere for an indefinite amount of time—as long as you’re okay with doing laundry once you get to a destination. (If you’re going to carry heavy jackets, going-out clothes, multiple pairs of footwear, or other bulky gear, you may want something a tad bigger .)

A travel backpack is not for business travelers who’d like to maintain appearances, nor is it for outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend six weeks hiking in Patagonia. If you prefer something that rolls, check out our guide to the best carry-on luggage . And if you want something that you can carry on your back for shorter periods of time, that’s business-casual-friendly, and that you won’t ever need to check, see our review of the best carry-on travel bags .

Based on my experience and research, we looked for travel backpacks with the following qualities:

• Fifty to 65 liters, including a daypack: We looked at bags between 50 and 65 liters (including an integral, removable daypack). Packs this size can easily hold everything you need for any length of trip, while being small enough to remain manageable while you’re wearing it.
• Clamshell opening: For extended travel use, backpacking backpacks have annoying qualities, including that they tend to load only from the top and are sealed with a drawstring. This design saves weight and means there’s one less thing to break. But it’s a total hassle when you want something from the bottom of the bag because you have to unload and reload the entire pack. We looked for bags where the front zips fully open like a suitcase, making it easy to pack or repack and find things during your trip.
• A well-framed structure: A fully loaded backpack, even a small one, can easily weigh more than 20 pounds. My old Farpoint 55 usually hovered in the mid-30s, though that included a DSLR, three lenses, a battery pack , a laptop, a 360 camera , and other work-related gear. A fully supported internal-frame pack distributes the weight onto your hips, which are much stronger than your back and shoulders. If you’re going to be doing a significant amount of walking, you’ll want something with a frame.
• Durability: We looked for features to help the pack last, like some sort of cover to contain the straps (for easier storage on planes and trains), as well as lightweight and water-resistant materials.
• Plenty of storage (and separation): I’ve done all of my traveling in the past five years with a 55-liter backpack (which includes a 15-liter daypack). I tend to overpack a bit, but 55 liters lets me carry everything I need (the full list is below) for weeks, or even months, at a time.

Here’s what I usually bring for any length of trip (and this is our standard kit for testing):

• main pack (the command module , if you will)
• daypack (the lunar excursion module )
• pair of walking shoes or sneakers (along with the shoes I’m wearing)
• five shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of jeans (not shown because I wear them in transit), one merino wool underlayer
• warm hat (because my head lacks insulation)
• five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, one extra T-shirt for laundry day, one bathing suit (I really recommend packing cubes )
• rain jacket in an Eagle Creek bag
• various adapters , camera batteries, chargers, etc.
• various toiletries, vitamins, etc.
• Osprey rain cover
• razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• well-worn flip-flops
• travel towel
• portable Bluetooth speaker
• prescription dive mask
• merino wool jacket
• inflatable pillow
• smartwool half-zip midlayer
• sun hat (because my head hates sun)
• extra travel adapter for daypack (when the daypack is my carry-on)
• pen (vital!)
• a small laptop (a 15-inch MacBook fits in all of our picks)
• GoPro batteries and filters
• earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones
• Writer Emergency Pack
• USB battery pack #1
• USB battery pack #2
• backup headphones
• iPod Classic (because you can’t always stream music)
• USB charger
• Sigma 30 mm f1.4 (with a wireless mouse to its right)

For our first version of this guide in 2016, we narrowed our choices to 11 possible contenders. For that initial round of testing, I poked and prodded the different packs to sort out whether they had any obvious flaws or issues. I had adults of various sizes try each pack to get a sense of what short and tall people preferred.

For each subsequent update, including this one, I tested with similar methods whatever new or substantially redesigned packs were available. In between updates, I took one of our picks on some extended travels.

The Osprey Fairview 55 and the nearly identical Osprey Farpoint 55 have been one of our picks since the first version of this guide came out in 2016. (The Fairview is for people with 15- to 19-inch torsos, as measured from the top of your hip bone to your C7 vertebra, the one that sticks out when you press your chin to your chest. The Farpoint is for those with torsos from 17 to 22 inches long.) They’re now our top picks again, and here’s why.

You can carry them on the plane. Once you detach the daypacks, the main packs are now carry-on-sized, making them the most versatile travel backpack we’ve tested. Interestingly, the total capacity remains roughly the same as those of our other picks—that is, we were able to stow the same amount of clothing in this bag as we could in the REI Co-op packs and the Salkan . The daypack, in this case, would count as your personal item—on most airlines, this would mean you couldn’t also bring a large purse or a briefcase.

Or check your bag—your choice. The shoulder straps can be secured behind a zippered panel, so if you want to check the bag or put it in a packed luggage compartment on a train or bus, they won’t catch on anything. Doing this essentially turns the main pack temporarily into a duffle bag, complete with sturdy and well-padded handles on the top and side.

They’re adjustable. Like our other picks, the main pack has height-adjustable shoulder straps. This crucial feature lets you get an all-important personalized fit that makes carrying the pack for any length of time far easier. The straps were padded enough for our testers’ comfort (though not as cushy as the Salkan’s, and slightly less so than the REI Co-op’s).

They have comfortable, easy-to-use daypacks. The daypacks are roughly the same size, or a little larger, than those of our other picks, something travelers who plan to cart lots of camera gear or other daily essentials will appreciate. The top of the shoulder straps connect to form a sturdy handle, which is extremely, ahem, handy. Each daypack easily holds a 15-inch MacBook and is comfortable to wear over long treks. There are two large exterior mesh pockets for water bottles . Though the daypack is a little short on organizational slots and pockets, its comfort made it the best overall.

The backpacks are tough. The Farpoint and the Fairview are made from 450-denier recycled polyester, which feels thick and sturdy, though more “plasticky” compared to the Salkan. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) I put the Farpoint through six weeks of train, bus, and airplane trips across Europe, and it didn’t show any signs of wear or breaking.

You can attach a lock, if you want. Unlike the Salkan The Backpacker, both the main pack and the daypack’s main zippers are lockable.

The backpacks come in more color options than our other picks. Currently, the Farpoint comes in black, green, blue, and grey. The Fairview comes in black, green, red, and purple.

The packs include a lifetime warranty. Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers repair of any damage or defect for life—or replaces the pack, if repair is impossible. If you just want to return the pack unused, you have 30 days.

It’s been a pick in this guide for seven years—and counting. I have put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. After testing this 2023 pack, I liked it so much that I bought one for myself, replacing an Osprey Farpoint that had been my go-to pack for years of travel.

It comes in additional capacities. If you already have a daypack that you like, the Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 are just the main pack from the 55 (they’re also picks in our guide to carry-on travel backpacks ). You can add the daypack later if you want. If you want more space and don’t mind checking your luggage, the Osprey Farpoint 70 and the Osprey Fairview 70 are slightly larger versions of their Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 counterparts—anything we’ve said about the Farpoint 55 and the Fairview 55 also applies to them. They would work well for those who want to go with the Osprey but need more room in the main pack for, say, clothes for multiple climates, bulky items like ski parkas, and the like.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The U-shaped opening of the daypack is surprisingly small, restricting access. You can’t easily spot things at the bottom or carry bulky items. On the other hand, this does limit what might spill out of the pack if you forget to fully close it, something that has happened to me several times with the old half-clamshell design.
• Previous versions of the Farpoint and the Fairview had large zippers that basically fused the daypack to the main pack. With this version, the daypack hangs off the back, secured only by the nylon compression straps. The straps loop through reinforced parts of the daypack, so it seems reasonably secure, and this new design does let you stuff more things in both packs—but as someone who carries a lot of expensive gear in the daypack, I’m less than excited about it.
• The pack isn’t as comfortable as the heavily padded Salkan. Osprey seems to have prioritized weight and breathability over padding. In warmer climates, though, this could be a good thing.
• Unlike our other picks, the Farpoint and the Fairview don’t include a rain cover. One is available separately, however. Osprey recommends the large size for the 55 L packs.
• The new design is slightly smaller than the old one, as well as being a little smaller than the REI Co-op and Salkan packs.
• Lastly, while looks are entirely subjective, the Farpoint and the Fairview are very much “backpack-looking backpacks.” The dark color choices are safe, to put it mildly.

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Men’s and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack - Women’s were previously our top picks, until they were replaced this year by the improved Osprey packs.

It’s easy to get just the right fit. The Ruckpack has well-padded and height-adjustable straps, closer in size and padding to those of the Salkan than those of the Osprey . Like the Osprey but unlike the Salkan, the Ruckpack comes in two models, one marketed toward men and the other toward women. The men’s model, available in black or blue, is for people with torsos between 17 and 21 inches. The women’s model, available in black or reddish orange, fits torsos between 15 and 19 inches.

It’s sturdy. The Ruckpack uses a recycled, 210-denier ripstop nylon. It feels similarly sturdy as the Osprey, though not as sturdy as the Salkan. Previous versions of the Ruckpack have held up well over time, and we’ll continue testing to see how the 2023 version wears.

It’s bigger than the Osprey, although the daypack is smaller. Capacity wise, there’s a bit more room in the Ruckpack’s main pack than in the slightly smaller Osprey’s. The daypack, however, is a little smaller. Which backpack works better depends on what gear you carry and how you want to carry it. If you have a lot of things you want on your person at all times, the Osprey is better. If you have more or bulkier clothes, and no camera or less-bulky daypack gear, the REI might be better.

It has more pockets than our top pick. These pockets are on the inside (three are accessible via external zippers) and the outside (on the hip belt, for instance). This is especially convenient if you want to quickly stash items or get to them without having to open the main compartment. And, unlike the Osprey packs, the Ruckpack includes a rain cover.

You will have to check it. The Ruckpack’s dimensions make it too large to qualify as a carry-on, even if you detach the daypack from the main pack. The main pack’s straps can be stored behind a zippered panel when you check your bag.

The main pack’s zippers are easily lockable. However, the daypack’s zippers don’t have the standard holes for easy locking. Instead, you have to thread the lock through the holes in the pull tabs. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s an odd oversight.

REI has a good return policy. REI has a one-year “ 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ” return policy if you’re a member (90 days if you’re not). This is not quite as epic as Osprey’s lifetime guarantee, but you should have enough time to determine whether or not you like the pack. However, if the issue is a manufacturing defect, you should be able to return it any time.

The Salkan The Backpacker is a higher-end travel backpack for people who want the comfort of our top pick but are willing to pay more for swappable design options and more organization.

It has more organization than our top pick. The capacity of the main pack is 45 liters, basically the same as that of our main picks . It has more organization and compartments than the Osprey packs, however. There are two large water-bottle compartments on either side and a laptop compartment inside, as well as several other small, zippered compartments. In addition to the main zippered hatch, the top opens with a drawstring like a hiking backpack, allowing fast access or storage. This drawstring design does allow you to stuff a bit more into the pack than the Osprey or REI Co-op packs. However, the main pack is technically too tall to be a carry-on for most airlines.

It has the best padding. The shoulder straps are well padded—the best I’ve seen—and height adjustable. The back panel and hip straps are generously padded, too. All this does make the pack nearly twice as heavy as the Osprey, though we’re talking only a few pounds (under 8 pounds compared with the Farpoint’s 4-plus pounds). For reference, the Farpoint, fully loaded with all my clothes, heavy camera gear, and so on, was around 35 pounds, including the bag itself.

You can customize it. The pack is available in two main colors: black and light green. In addition, the straps have complementary color options, including orange (shown above), pink, and maroon, plus five other choices. This allows for more personalization and flair compared to the Osprey and REI Co-op packs. Salkan also sells several accessories to go with The Backpacker, such as packing cubes, water bottles, and a laundry bag that attaches to the inside of the main pack.

It’s sturdy—but has not-so-great attachments. The bag’s 900-denier polyester fabric (even stronger than our top pick’s 450-denier fabric) is extremely strong and should resist rips or tears. What zippers The Backpacker has run smoothly, but the design oddly eschews them in key places. While the main compartment has a zipper, as do multiple smaller compartments, the main and daypack’s top openings do not, using drawstrings and a flap instead. These flaps are secured with aluminum “G”-shaped hooks (Salkan calls them buckles) that slide into nylon straps. The hooks feel nice in your hand and could well last longer than the plastic clips on the Osprey and REI Co-op packs. However, connecting them takes a few moments longer than using a clip or zipper would—time that adds up. They also feel less secure, like they could slide loose under load and movement. (These hooks are also what connect the daypack to the main pack.)

It has a great warranty. Salkan has a “ ‘No Landfill’ Lifetime Guarantee ”: “If there is something wrong with your backpack that shouldn’t be, then we’ll try to repair it, and if we can’t, we’ll replace it.” In addition, the company has a 100-day trial period within which you can return or exchange the pack if you don’t like it.

But it’s pricey. The Backpack costs much more than the Osprey or REI Co-op packs. While it’s arguably better-looking than either, this doesn’t add much functional difference. The pack’s comfortable, but so are the others. It’s adjustable, but so are the others. It comes with a rain cover, but so does the REI Co-op pack, and Osprey’s is $40. Is the Salkan’s extra cost and organization worth the better aesthetics? That’s not for me to say.

And we couldn’t attach a lock. There’s no way to lock either the main pack or the daypack. There’s no way to attach a lock to the “G” hooks. The nylon drawstrings at the main pack’s top opening, as well as the daypack’s, offer no practical way of attaching a lock. For such a well-designed and feature-rich pack, this is a surprising oversight. Is this a dealbreaker? Probably not, at least for most people. With the daypack buckled and the drawstring closed, it’s highly unlikely someone could reach in while you’re wearing it without you noticing. However, I frequently leave my pack in luggage rooms at hotels or the occasional hostel without lockers, and not being able to lock it when it’s out of sight would concern me.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide—just what’s still available.

During our research, we checked out a number of companies that make great packs, but none of those packs met all of our criteria. In most cases this was because the company specialized in top-loading bags, bags with wheels, bags that were too big, or very large bags that didn’t include daypacks. These companies included Black Diamond, Berghaus, Dakine, Eagle Creek, eBags, EMS, Ferrino, Gregory, High Sierra, Kathmandu, Kelty, Minaal, MEI, The North Face, Ortovox, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Rick Steves, Thule, Timbuk2, and Victorinox.

The Deuter Aviant Access Pro has many of the features we liked, but its daypack is too small. The pack’s also more expensive than our top picks.

The men’s and women’s Thule Landmark 60L are well-made, sturdy packs, with a wide main-pack opening and most of the same features that we like in the other packs. They’re more expensive, though, and the daypacks aren’t as comfortable.

The Tropicfeel Shelter Backpack is a highly customizable pack to which you can add “modules” that expand capacity or change its use. It’s a cool idea, and the pack seems well designed, but it’s extremely expensive and doesn’t really add that much practical use over our main picks.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Sam Reed

By Emily Tannenbaum

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Paula Lee

By Talia Abbas

By Stephanie McNeal

By Kylie Gilbert

12 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Women of 2024

Shop our recommended lightweight luggage picks for traveling on a plane overseas, quick work trips, and weekend getaways.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Travel backpacks and lightweight carry-ons are incredibly versatile since they offer more organization, comfort, and storage than a typical purse, better functionality than a tote, and are still sleek enough to bring just about anywhere. There are countless options suitable for every kind of adventure — whether you’ll be hiking in inclement weather on vacation or exploring an international city for a work trip — and each one is designed with airplane travel in mind.

Our top picks for best travel backpacks 2024:

Best Overall

Everlane the renew transit backpack.

Best Foldable

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Most Fashionable

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

We’ve taken all the guesswork out of selecting the best travel backpack for your needs with our recommendations below. They fall under a variety of categories, so you can pick and choose the features that matter most to you. Once you settle on the perfect backpack, all that’s left to do is to start brainstorming some creative travel captions and hit the road.

There's not much that this Everlane backpack doesn't offer in terms of travel conveniences. It comes with a 15" exterior laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, catch-all exterior zip pockets, two water bottle holders, and comfortable straps, all for under $100.

Like other Longchamp accessories, this chic backpack offers plenty of flexibility for women on-the-go. The nylon material can easily fold into a suitcase or larger bag for storage, and is lightweight enough to be worn for long stretches of sightseeing.

This sleek backpack easily slips on top of a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, and can also fit a great deal if it's the only luggage you're bringing. Plus, it features a 15" laptop pocket. Customers note that it offers plenty of space to organize basic travel necessities including masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, books, magazines, and a light jacket all at once.

Monos Metro Backpack

Don't be fooled by the simple design of this pack: it offers all the bells and whistles you could possibly want for everyday traveling. Features include a detachable folio kit, a 15" laptop sleeve, a trolley sleeve, and several thoughtfully designed interior pockets for storing everything from electronics to toiletries and clothing.

MZ Wallace Metro Convertible Backpack

Designed with urban commuters in mind, this stylish quilted backpack is incredibly comfy and still professional enough for the office. It offers both interior and exterior pockets, top carry handles, and a structured silhouette for all your work essentials.

Large Travel Backpack

Over 11,000 reviewers rated this backpack five stars on Amazon thanks to its roomy interior and security features. One customer wrote, "This backpack somehow bends the rules of physics to fit several outfits (warm-ish weather), a pair of shoes, carry-on toiletries, and a few personal items. I’ve taken this on three trips so far and the zippers and stitching are holding fast despite pushing it to its limits on an international trip."

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack

Looking to maximize that one personal item allowance on your next flight? This lightweight pack includes cushioned straps, several interior pockets, and a "shove it" front pocket for quickly stowing away electronics and other small items.

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This lightweight backpack offers an impressive amount of storage given its size, making it ideal for everything from sightseeing, to hiking, and even long distance running. One happy customer wrote that it's "Such a cute backpack! It's small and deceiving, fits way more than you would expect!"

Troubadour Ki Backpack

If protecting your back and shoulders is a top consideration while traveling, opt for this ergonomic Troubadour pack. It comes with a breathable back panel and thoughtfully designed straps for a supportive fit without sacrificing storage space.

Osprey Sirrus 24 Women's Hiking Backpack

For a hiking-specific backpack, this Osprey bag includes several unique features that are helpful on the trail. A trekking pole attachment offers ease on rough terrain, hipbelt pockets make snacks and essentials easily accessible, and a raincover and ice axe holder offer protection during inclement weather.

BÉIS The Expandable Backpack

If you tend to overpack (or do a lot of shopping on vacation), an expandable backpack offers added flexibility. Not only does this one offer extra space, but it also comes with functional details like a key leash, laptop sleeve, trolley sleeve, and water bottle pockets.

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

This Scandinavian backpack was originally produced in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, but has since become iconic around the world thanks to its stylish yet practical design. The water-resistant material makes it durable, and the foam insert and cheerful color makes it a piece you'll be reaching for often.

How to shop for a travel backpack for women:

Look for the following when shopping for a new travel carry-on backpack:

✔️ Durability: A travel backpack is an investment piece that you'll hopefully get a lot of use out of, so there are several factors to consider before buying. The primary question to ask yourself is how you plan to use it, and whether it's important to buy something that you can use in a variety of settings. To get the most value out of your purchase, we recommend looking for features that offer versatility and durability, such as high-quality, water-resistant material.

✔️ Support and comfort: Additionally, whether or not you have back issues, it's important to consider the level of support a backpack offers. Opting for lightweight packs, with cushioned back panels, and ergonomic straps will protect your shoulders (and will also make for a much more pleasant wearing experience.)

✔️ Style and special features: Lastly, taking into account your personal style and any must-have features will help narrow down the many options available. Take time to think about if the aesthetic is a top priority, or if a different aspect such as organizational capabilities or eco-friendly manufacturing is more important to you. The good news is that if you're really having difficulty deciding, there's always the option to purchase more than one backpack for different occasions.

• Why is a travel backpack helpful? Rolling luggage certainly makes transporting your heaviest items easier, but it does require the use of one or both hands. Especially if you're traveling lighter, or for transit that occurs after those initial trips to/from the airport, a backpack allows you to move about hands-free, while still carrying more than you could with a smaller bag or purse.
• What size backpack can I bring on a plane? If you're using the backpack as your primary piece of carry-on luggage, t he maximum dimensions are typically 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high . If you're using it as a personal item stowed under the seat in front of you, it shouldn't exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.

Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

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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.

Now that we live in a post-pandemic world, it seems that everyone is returning to their selective workplace, school, or airport with a backpack in hand. Laptop backpacks come in an array of styles, sizes, and overall intended uses so we thought it was time to take a deep dive into what the best ones are and what attributes make them that way. 

When you’ve invested in a portable computer or tablet, you’ll want to pair it with a backpack that is going to keep it plenty protected while also providing ample room for books, chargers, and other equipment. Students, freelancers, and working professionals alike deserve to have a backpack that best suits their needs without sacrificing quality or completely breaking the bank. 

An EDC — or “everyday carry” — laptop backpack is a pack designed with the necessary padding needed to keep a computer or tablet safe from the shock and irreversible damage that comes with an unideal tumble or drop. These backpacks can also have waterproofing or resistance that keeps your tech and other things safe from rain, snow, sleet, or that half-full coffee mug your cat just swatted off your desk. 

Our testers rounded up what we think are the best 10 laptop backpacks on the market right now and used them in airports, offices, and coffee shops across America. To truly assess these backpacks’ abilities to, well, do their job, lead tester Meghan put them through a months-long, rigorous testing process where she examined their protective qualities, overall comfort, and intended uses. This came with its own unplanned series of accidental drops, liquid spills, and snowy trudges to and from her favorite workplaces. 

As a full-time, freelance graphic designer, writer, and photographer, Meghan did not take this task lightly, as she herself has been utilizing laptop backpacks for almost a decade. She knows that keeping hundreds or thousands of dollars in tech equipment safe is no joke, and you’re going to want a streamlined laptop backpack that doesn’t sacrifice weight or style when it comes to protecting your valuables. 

Of course, there isn’t one perfect laptop backpack for everyone, but this guide will be a sure-fire way for you to narrow down what you are searching for in terms of style, padding, and other specifics. At the end of our selection, you’ll find our helpful comparison chart , buyer’s guide , and frequently asked questions .

Editor’s Note: We updated our laptop backpack guide on May 22, 2024, to cover the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag , a diminutive laptop commuter that doesn’t skimp on high-quality materials or design.

• Best Overall Laptop Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Budget Laptop Backpack: Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210
• Most Versatile Laptop Backpack: TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
• Best Laptop Backpack for Students: Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack
• Best Laptop Backpack for Travel: Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
• Best Laptop Backpack for Outdoors Enthusiasts: Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L
• Best 3-in-1 Laptop Backpack: Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Dimensions 18" x 7" x 11.5 "
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Capacity 24L
• Laptop compartment size 17"
• Best use Everyday and travel

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

There’s a multitude of reasons the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) was our pick for the best laptop backpack of 2024. From the office to photography sessions and weekend trips away, this backpack really does it all due to its high-capacity storage and organization systems. 

The first reason we love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the highly protective construction and abrasion-resistant materials it’s designed with. Evergoods uses a custom-developed 840d ballistic nylon that is treated with a water-resistant finish that makes this backpack last through countless trips to and from the office or journeys across the globe in all the various elements.

The thick padding throughout protects your electronics from drops or spills, giving you a major sense of security while in use. We were super impressed with the plastic shield that is integrated directly into the back panel, even furthering this backpack’s level of laptop protection. 

Evergoods certainly did not compromise any level of comfort when they designed this backpack, The Civic Panel Loader 24L has moisture-wicking straps and back panel. Our tester wore this around town during a work-from-cafe day in which she walked in both cold and snowy weather. Her back and shoulders stayed cool and dry while not even getting remotely sore despite the heavy amount of gear she packed.   

While 24 L may not seem like much, this backpack can actually pack quite a bit despite its size. Our tester was able to fit a luggage cube full of clothing, her computer, a keyboard, a mouse, and a book into it for a weekend trip away.

Much like the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack , the front vestibule of the Civic Panel Loader opens fully — which makes it super easy to pack and unpack on those shorter journeys. This is also a major plus if you are a frequent flier and constantly going through airport security. 

And while $279 is a steep price to pay for a laptop backpack, this piece is truly a lifelong investment thanks to its overall functionality and durability. Even better, Evergoods has placed a lifetime warranty on the Civic Panel backpacks, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship on these products. 

Whether you’re a graphic designer needing a safe place to rest your tablet or laptop, or you’re regularly traveling for work, be sure to check out the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L for its exceptional design, top-of-the-line device protection, and sleek aesthetic. Overall, this laptop backpack is simply a standout. 

Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210

• Dimensions 17.93 x 13.4 x 5.91 in.
• Weight 1 lb.
• Capacity 23L
• Laptop compartment size 15.6 in.
• Best use Office, non-commuter environments

• Deep exterior zippered pockets
• Large interior can fit a computer and plenty of other accessories
• Interior pockets are not zippered
• Lack of water bottle pocket
• Flimsy, not durable design

At only $22 on Amazon, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 is our most affordable option listed for this buyer’s guide. And while it may lack in engineering and features that the other packs listed can boast, this one is still a simple option for those seeking a backpack that can just “do the trick.” 

With a spacious interior compartment and deep exterior pocket, this backpack can fit a large laptop, plenty of books, and other gear. The Lenovo B210 has a simple construction with decent padding. Even after tossing this pack around, the laptop inside stayed completely safe which came as a surprise seeing as how low the price tag is. 

Where the Lenovo B210 lacks is in its materials. While it is listed as water-resistant on its product specs, we found that the pack did not ward off any water when put under a running sink. The straps are also made of an itchy foam textile that feels uncomfortable when wearing a tank top or sleeveless shirt. We also found that the adjustable straps and buckles are made with flimsier, less durable materials that do not boast too much longevity. 

We also wish that this laptop backpack had more internal organization as the interior pockets lack any zippers. The front exterior pocket is extremely spacious, but this in turn makes it challenging to find smaller supplies or accessories. If you still desire a lower price and require some organization in your backpack, an option like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack may be better catered toward your needs. 

However, we understand that everyone can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a laptop backpack. For this price, we were honestly impressed with how well this backpack blended in with the other more pricey packs of this guide. Especially if you’re on a budget as a student, working professional, or just need a temporary option while you search for something nicer, this backpack is still a good choice — it just won’t last you a few years. 

Overall, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 is just fine for the extremely reasonable price. For 22 bucks, this backpack can securely hold your laptop, but don’t expect it to last a lifetime or hold up through the daily wear and tear of life.

TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

• Dimensions 18.9 x 11 x 5.3 in.
• Weight 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Capacity 20L
• Laptop compartment size 17 in.

• Plenty of secure pockets
• Generous padding keeps laptop and shoulders protected
• Streamlined, modern design
• Front zippered pocket is harder to open
• Water bottle pocket is narrow
• Limited colorways

When considering the top spots for the best laptop backpacks of 2024, there was no question that the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe ($159) would be near the top of our list. Not only did this pack pass our “laptop drop test” with flying colors, but it also is extremely versatile in the office, classroom, or on board an airplane. 

The TimBuk2 Authority is minimally designed, but includes several useful features like two interior pockets that are lined with a microfiber material so you can safely store your glasses while in transit. This pack also has a mesh, zippered interior pocket for pens, chargers, and other small gear. 

Thanks to the thick, waffle-style padding on the back panel and shoulder straps, this backpack is genuinely comfortable while on. The moisture-wicking materials will keep you cool while commuting on foot to the office. If you opt for cycling to and from work, you can be assured that the reflective straps on the underside of this backpack will keep you plenty visible to those passing by via car. 

In terms of protection, this laptop backpack is not too shabby. Our lead tester accidentally dropped this backpack with her actual computer in it (not the dud, oops) out of her truck onto an icy patch of her driveway. Unsurprisingly and thanks to the stiff padding included in this backpack, her computer was completely fine. Even though the backpack sleeve isn’t suspended like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , it still functions superbly. 

While we wouldn’t necessarily use this backpack as a full-on carry-on bag due to its narrower design that doesn’t accommodate bulky items like excessive clothes or shoes, it still is the perfect companion when traveling via plane. It has a luggage strap located on the back panel so you can toss it onto your roller bag on those longer connections. 

Another remarkable aspect of the Authority is the front panel pocket that unzips completely — making it super easy to find that pesky SD card or cord that may have fallen to the bottom of your backpack. No more having to awkwardly dig around for things when you can easily get the full scope of what you’re looking for. 

Whether you’re looking for a laptop backpack to use as a daily driver to and from work or you need a personal item to hold your tablet and other necessities for your next trip, the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a supreme option for less than 160 bucks. This durably made and highly protective pack is a more than worth it investment that will be sure to last a lifetime.

Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack

• Dimensions 16.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 in.
• Weight 1 lb., 1.6 oz.
• Best use School and travel

• Cube-design more conducive to storage
• Extra foam insert doubles as a seat pad
• Stylish and carry-on compliant
• Side pockets are not stretchy enough for larger bottles
• Only two zipper pockets
• Fabric is easily creased

Designed with style and storage in mind, the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack ($125) performed exceptionally well in our testing process. Using it as a carry-on bag while traveling across the United States, our tester was able to fit her laptop, camera cube, hard drives, book, wallet, and keyboard with some room to spare. It slid easily under the seat in front of her while airborne and was easy to maneuver on and off during security checks.

The Fjällräven Kånken has a padded 17-inch laptop sleeve that kept our tester’s 13-inch laptop well-protected during her travels and conveniently doubled as a sitting pad, thanks to the removable foam insert. Due to the box shape that provides the generous 20-liter storage capacity, this backpack opens up wide and fits lots of gear. Our tester’s camera storage cube fit pretty much perfectly with extra room for her book and headphones. 

This iconic backpack is stylish and retro, making it perfect for students and young professionals looking for a minimalistic look. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the Kånken is constructed with Vinylon F, Fjällräven’s durable and water-resistant synthetic material seen in all of their Kånken models. This material helps their Kanken packs stay stiff, without losing any of their designs’ iconic shape and construction. 

One of our qualms with this laptop backpack is the strap adjustment system and materials. With a little more padding on the straps and a way to tuck the dangling adjustment straps, in a way similar to the Topo Designs Daypack Tech , the Kånken 17″ Pack would be pretty much perfect. Even with these minor flaws, this pack was one of our all-time favorites in this guide. 

Whether you’re a college student looking for a fashion-forward laptop backpack or an on-the-move graphic designer, be sure to check out the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack . Between its large storage space and padded computer compartment, this backpack is a fantastic choice for all users.

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

• Dimensions 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 in.
• Capacity 27L
• Laptop compartment size 15 in.
• Best use Travel

• Minimalist design with plenty of storage space
• Attaches to luggage handle for easy travel
• Separate zippered laptop compartment
• Protective foam not thick
• Water bottle side pocket does not fit larger bottles
• Top storage panel only secures down via small magnets

With a minimalist design and four zippered pockets, the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) is a fantastic travel-friendly option at less than a hundred bucks. With a separate zippered compartment for your laptop, you can keep your computer protected from any spills or other gear you may have in the main storage area. 

If you’re an environmentally conscious person, you can feel good about purchasing the ReNew Transit since it’s made from 100% recycled polyester that’s been treated with a water-resistant finish. Our tester even poured a glass of water onto this pack and it beaded right off. Furthermore, this backpack was manufactured with Bluesign-approved dyes, which are better for workers and the environment. 

Our tester was impressed by how travel-friendly this pack is. The back panel laptop compartment keeps the user’s computer safe from any potential pickpockets and the luggage strap makes it easy to attach to the handle of a roller suitcase to save your back any unnecessary aches. With a higher storage capacity like the Osprey Ozone , at 32 liters, you can store enough clothes and supplies needed for a weekend trip away while also being able to fit your computer easily. 

While the Everlane ReNew Transit is superb for travel, keep in mind that the padding for the laptop compartment is minimal so you’ll want to be careful maneuvering this pack around. When dropping this pack off a table with an old computer inside of it, we found that the padding just was only slightly sufficient enough to protect it. We would opt for pairing this backpack with a laptop sleeve or case when in use. 

Overall, if you seek a minimalist design that does not sacrifice inner pockets and compartments, be sure to take a look at the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack . Its ergonomic design performed well on most fronts and the sleek design is truly timeless.

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L

• Dimensions 19 x 12 x 6.5 in.
• Weight 1 lb., 12 oz.
• Capacity 30L
• Best use Hiking

• Generous storage space
• Removable laptop sleeve/desk caddy compartment
• Hydration hanger and pass-through access
• Lacks structure
• May not be a professional enough aesthetic for the office

If you’re looking for a laptop backpack that performs well on trail and off, be sure to consider the Refugio Daypack 30L ($129) from Patagonia. Designed for students, outdoorsy folks, and working professionals, this backpack instantly impressed us with its versatile design and applicability. It really does have all the bells and whistles. 

With an included removable laptop sleeve that also functions as a desk caddy so you can store all your office supplies, the Refugio pack is highly durable and water-resistant thanks to its 100% recycled polyester makeup with a PFC-Free DWR finish. At 30L, this pack has plenty of room for books, gear, layers, and your computer. Our tester wore this pack while ski touring both in the backcountry and at her local resort. She opted to swap the laptop sleeve for her hydration bladder, and really appreciated the pass-through access point for the hose. 

After skinning for miles with this backpack on, her back remained cool with plenty of air regulation thanks to the mesh back panel. Because this backpack lacks stiffness from any internal hard plastic elements, like those in the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase , it’s super lightweight and easy to toss on and off. This ease was even further evident by the top-loading pocket she filled with granola bars. Being able to grab one of these without having to fully take the pack off was a major plus. 

Available in several earth-tone colors, the Refugio has a padded back panel and straps that make it super comfortable to wear while commuting to work or hiking for miles on end. These breathable panels stayed dry and supportive despite a decent amount of weight in our tester’s pack. The outer bungees make for extra storage space if you need to attach a jacket or helmet too. 

Even though it is a tad flimsy for a laptop backpack, the Refugio is still a great option for the mid-range price of $125. Like most Patagonia products, it’s a decent investment and will last you a lifetime thanks to their warranty repair program. If you find that this pack has torn or become damaged in use, they should repair or replace it for free or at a low cost. 

Whether you’re a hiker looking for a daypack that functions well in the office and out, or a student needing a pack that can hold a lot without sacrificing comfort, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L is a solid pick thanks to its multifaceted design and included accessories.

Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase

• Dimensions 12 x 17.5 x 11.5 in.
• Best use Office and travel

• 3 different modes of carry
• Protective laptop padding
• Plenty of storage space
• Shoulder carry strap lacks any padding
• Strap buckles challenging to open and close
• Bulky design

If you’re stuck deciding between a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, be sure to check out the 3-in-1 Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase ($229). With a simple reconfiguration of the straps, this laptop backpack can transform itself into a backpack or shoulder bag style within seconds, making it perfect for those craving a more versatile and adjustable design. 

At 27 liters, the 3 Way 27 Briefcase is spacious enough for a computer, tablet, keyboard, notebooks, and other necessities for the office or classroom. The laptop compartment includes stiff padding, meaning your electronics will stay safe should any undesirable drops or spills occur. Manufactured with Mystery Ranch’s CORDURA fabric, a highly durable and recycled nylon, this backpack can withstand even the most treacherous commutes.

Mystery Ranch calls this pack a “portable office” and we couldn’t agree with that title more. With several organizational storage compartments, you can keep your pens, cables, hard drives, and other supplies in their own spot. If you work on the go, you can use this stiff briefcase as a lap desk thanks to its inner plastic panel. The bag itself opens via side zippers, making it easy to look around for those pesky headphones or pencils that may be at the bottom.  

If you tend to fly with a checked bag or carry-on suitcase, be sure to consider this briefcase as your personal item. Because of its versatility as both a briefcase and backpack, you can easily give your back a rest by carrying it with the side handle, or use the backpack straps to throw it on during those quick connections where you need to run. The options are truly endless with this one. 

One of our few complaints about the 3 Way Briefcase is the shoulder strap included for the messenger bag configuration. Because it lacks padding, the strap is not super comfortable when in use as it digs into the wearer’s skin. Needing a little bit of elbow grease, the buckles for the shoulder strap are hard to attach and detach. However, we do appreciate the rotating mechanisms on each end of the strap that prevent it from getting twisted when worn. 

As a laptop backpack, the 3 Way Briefcase is easy to wear and comfortable when on. We appreciate that the backpack straps pack away inconspicuously into the back panel so there’s no risk of losing them or taking up precious storage space. Much like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , when you have this bag on in backpack form, remember that it is side panel loading — so double-check that all the YKK zippers and buckles are closed up so that nothing comes tumbling out. 

Overall, the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase is a fantastic choice for those needing an EDC laptop backpack that triples as both a messenger bag and briefcase. With its internal organization and durable materials, this pack is ideal for those needing a daily office companion or adjunct travel bag.

Topo Designs Daypack Tech

• Dimensions 11 x 19 x 5 in.
• Weight 1 lb., 9.6 oz.
• Capacity 21L
• Best use Travel and daily use

• Well-padded external laptop compartment
• Simple design with durable materials
• Neon inside liner makes it easy to find gear or supplies
• Lack of internal organization
• Less pockets than other options

Topo Designs has been making superb backpacks and luggage since 2008 and the Daypack Tech ($129) is no exception. This simple yet effective design is great for students or working professionals seeking a laptop backpack that is protective and applicable to any environment. With the ‘RidgeBack’ molded back panel, this backpack is super comfortable while on and can fit a decent amount of books, chargers, and other workplace accessories. 

The main compartment of this backpack is pretty generous in terms of space. We found that it was best suited for books and notebooks, but not anything super bulky like a big binder. The external laptop compartment really can only fit smaller 15-inch computers that are not thick, so anything bigger would have to go in the thinner sleeve in the main compartment. We tried to fit an older, thicker 15-inch MacBook in there, and it simply wouldn’t budge. 

Like other Topo products, the Daypack Tech is available in a handful of nature-inspired, subtle colors. However, all of the models are designed with an inner neon lining that naturally keeps the interior of the pack well-lit so you can easily find your notebooks, pencils, and other supplies that may be buried in the bottom. The external laptop sleeve on the back panel kept our computer separate and protected from the other objects we put in this backpack. 

And while this pack is fantastic for students who have numerous textbooks and notebooks, we would not recommend it for any tech-oriented working professionals. With the lack of internal storage pockets, there is no secure place to store SD cards, cords, or hard drives while commuting. Also, the canvas-like fabric seems to be a total magnet for dog hair, so pet owners be wary.  

Much like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack, the Topo Designs Daypack Tech , is a minimally designed pack for folks needing a simple yet durable solution to store their computers and other office necessities. Overall, this backpack keeps things simple and safely stored.

Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack

• Dimensions 19.2 x 13.3 x 11 in.
• Capacity 28L
• Laptop compartment size 16 in.
• Best use School, travel, outdoor

• 28 liters provides generous storage space
• Multi-compartment and several pockets provide organization
• Lightweight frame and materials
• Would benefit from a open front panel loading system
• Zippers prone to grabbing
• Slightly cumbersome design

With a streamlined design, large storage compartments, and an outdoor aesthetic, the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack ($170) is a fantastic option for those needing to maximize space and functionality in a pack. 

Mostly known for their high-performance hiking and backpacking packs, Osprey also soars (pun intended) in the EDC bag and luggage department as well. The Ozone is no exception to this rule thanks to its ultralight materials and travel-friendly tech. 

Unlike any of the other laptop backpacks we’ve tested, this pack has an included Travel Sentry identification tag, or TSID , on the handle that can be scanned should your backpack become lost and found by someone else. This isn’t where the travel-friendliness of this pack stops.

The Ozone is lined with an ultrasoft, bright gray fabric that won’t scratch your sunglasses or make it hard to navigate when digging around in its interior. Also, there is a secret pocket located on the back panel so you can safely store flat high-risk items like a passport, cash, and other documents. 

The harness system on the Ozone is some of the best we tested in terms of comfort and breathability. The mesh panels are moisture-wicking, and the backpack itself sits at a comfortable, high spot on the user’s back. The sternum strap helps bring much of the weight forward, lessening pressure on the shoulders, but we think this backpack would benefit from a hip buckle if it’s packed super heavily. 

While this backpack operates fantastically in an office environment or while traveling, we really wish it had a fully openable compartment much like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L . It can fit plenty of packing cubes and toiletries, but being able to flatly organize them while packing would make it that much better. 

Overall, if you pack a heavy load for the office or need something perfect for travel, especially international, then take a gander at the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack for its multi-compartment organization and security accessories.

The North Face Router Backpack

• Dimensions 12.5 x 9 x 21 in.
• Weight 2 lbs., 2.4 oz.
• Capacity 40L

• 40L provides plenty of storage space
• Over 5 different pockets that can be used for organization
• Microfiber lining protects screens and glasses against scratches
• Some pockets open from the bottom, making objects prone to falling out
• Main shoulder straps attach to the backpack with weaker stitching and materials
• Not ideal for folks with petite frames or shorter torsos

When it comes to searching for a laptop backpack that can both carry your computer and a plethora of layers, snacks, bottles, and more, be sure to check out The North Face Router Backpack ($159) for its high carrying capacity and organizational system. 

Best used in traveling, school, or commuting environments, the Router has two main compartments and several inner/exterior organizational pockets. We super appreciate that this laptop backpack has a microfiber-lined tablet sleeve and pockets so your screens and sunglasses don’t get scratched when inside. 

The main harness and back panel of The North Face Router is designed with the FlexVent suspension system, which is approved by the American Chiropractic Association for its rounded back panel, stiff and breathable padding, and grid-like structure.

This backpack was pretty comfortable on our tester’s back, but due to its length, it would be best worn on someone with a longer torso. While the main curved portion of the back panel is highly supportive, the top and bottom ends put some unideal pressure points on the upper hip and mid-neck area.

While it is durably made and decently spacious, the Router is heavier than other laptop backpacks we tested during this buyer’s guide build. There are quite a few buckles, materials, and features on this pack that certainly weigh it down a bit. However, our tester was able to fit a plethora of things in here like notebooks, a laptop, a large novel, headphones, a water bottle, and more.

The internal pockets are fantastic for safely stowing small gear like hard drives, chargers, pens, and keys. Be warned, that some of the pockets are situated upside down, so if you forget to zip them up, things will inevitably fall out. 

Much like the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L , the Router has a noticeable outdoor aesthetic and can be used both in the office and on the trail. With two water bottle holders and plenty of straps to clip gear to, this backpack is another great choice for those seeking more versatility in a laptop pack.  

Overall, if you don’t want to completely break the bank on a backpack and are seeking something with plenty of bells and whistles, be sure to consider the Router Backpack for its 40L carrying capacity, multiple carry handles, and carry-on compliance.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

• Dimensions 17.7 x 10.6 x 6.7 in.
• Weight 1 lb., 8 oz.
• Capacity 13L
• Laptop compartment size 14 in.
• Best use Short commutes, crowded bus rides

• Compact silhouette is barely noticeable on your back
• Impressive organization in a 13L bag
• Available in both Cordura nylon or X-Pac
• Stealth pocket behind the back panel
• Light interior color aids in finding small goods
• Laptop sleeve only fits computers up to 14"
• Bit pricey for such a small bag

Small but mighty, the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag ($149) is true to its name and offers up a compact 13 liters of space for those who are on the minimalism kick, or just simply don’t need to tote around a lot of remote worker kit. In practice, we found this pack well suited to bumping around in crowded cities where a large laptop backpack would otherwise be a nuisance. If you’re just jetting out to the local coffee shop with your laptop and charger in tow, the Thirteen Daybag is primed for it.

To be sure, there’s a broad schism between the Thirteen and our best budget and similarly compact pick, the Lenovo B210 (a $127 gap, to be exact) — but those extra bills are all tucked into the fit and finish on the Able Carry pack. Available in both a rugged Cordura nylon or even more rugged X-Pac (for an extra $30), the Thirteen makes use of materials on par with brands like Evergoods and is sewn with an attention to detail that’s obvious even from across the room.

At 13 liters, there’s not much space to work with, but the pack breaks it up smartly. A 14″ laptop sleeve is flanked by an additional sleeve to stash your tablet or journal, as well as two internal stretch pockets for caching bottles or a compact umbrella. A final zippered accessory pocket has all your small items under control, and the rest of the space is yours to pack as you please. We found we could make a full day on the go working out of the Thirteen, with nothing left on the sidelines.

The exterior of the pack has some smart features built into it. A hidden pocket behind the back panel is perfect for quickly stashing your phone and going hands-free, while the card slots in the shoulder straps keep your plastic close at hand. At such a small capacity, we didn’t expect much padding, but Able Carry again over-performs and uses a high-quality closed cell foam in the straps and back panel that meant even to-the-brim carries went easy.

At $150, the weight-to-capacity ratio on the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag might seem upside down at first, but that’s before you realize what a nice laptop pack this is. For those who simply don’t need a 30-liter pack for their 15-minute commute, the Thirteen is a style-forward and tough pack that will get the job done, and look good doing it.

Laptop Backpacks Comparison Chart

How we tested laptop backpacks.

Stock full of writers who frequent local coffee shops, office spaces, and outdoor vistas, GearJunkie understands the importance of finding that ideal laptop backpack that can provide space, back support, and technology protection. We’ve rounded up what we think are the leading EDC, or “everyday carry”, backpacks of the industry. As new products hit the market or catch our eye, we will continue to test and update this guide. 

As a full-time graphic designer, freelance photographer, and writer, lead tester Meghan LaHatte is no stranger to the world of laptop backpacks. Due to her work at a local newspaper and for GearJunkie, she is constantly on the move between her home desk, office in Aspen, and local coffee shops. Meghan certainly did not take the genesis of this buyer’s guide lightly as she put each of these backpacks through the wringer for testing. 

The most important aspect of these laptop backpacks we tested was their protection factor and durability. When carefully examining each pack, Meghan noted how thick the padding was where a computer was meant to be stored. Was it less than an inch, thicker than an inch, or somewhere in between? She also examined the materials in which the padding was made — typically foam, plastic, or a combination of the two. After noting the quality of the padding, Meghan literally threw the backpacks. Yep, you read that right. 

To trigger what would be an “oopsy” moment like accidentally nudging the backpack off a desk or an unideal strap failure, she placed an old, non-functioning laptop in each backpack before tossing it across her apartment. (She would like to sincerely apologize to her downstairs neighbors for this stage in the testing process).

Since the laptop was completely dead, she based the protection factor on each sound the packs made when they hit the ground. For example, if the backpack made a dull thud rather than a sharp thunk , this meant that the backpack was doing a superb job at protecting the computer since the sound was absorbed. 

For water resistance, Meghan tested this by placing each backpack that was advertised as waterproof or coated with a DWR (durable water-resistant finish) under a running sink. She noted if the water beaded off, was absorbed, or stained. This is an important attribute to consider especially if you live in a moisture-prone climate like a coastal city or snowy ski town. Since Meghan lives just outside of Aspen, Colorado, she was able to wear these backpacks in both snow and shine. 

The next factor she felt significantly mattered in testing was comfort. If you’re going to be commuting via bike or foot, you’re going to want a backpack that is comfortable and supportive. Whereas, if you’re traveling frequently for work or have heavier gear, you’ll want a laptop backpack with streamlined, adjustable straps and a back panel made to conform to your torso. 

The testing process for scoring the comfortability of these laptop backpacks was pretty simple. Meghan loaded up each backpack with a significant amount of gear and then walked at least a consecutive two miles with one on. During this, she carefully noted any pressure points she felt, the usefulness of supporting straps at the chest or waist, and generally how her back and shoulders felt throughout the trek. 

The fourth and final factor Meghan heavily tested was the internal organization and pocket systems for each laptop backpack. When you’re using a laptop backpack in the office, travel, or educational environments, it is important to consider how well you can store your equipment, accessories, bottles, and other supplies. 

To assess this, Meghan counted each pocket and how well it fit glasses, hard drives, wires, or pencils. Another aspect she considered was pocket placement and direction. Were the pockets in easy-to-reach areas? Were they lined with a certain material? This internal organization varied heavily between each pack, but certainly affected how they performed in her multifaceted testing process.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Laptop Backpack 

In today’s modern world where most professional workers operate from a computer, it can be overwhelming to swim through the massive ocean that is the laptop backpack market. Now that most employees are returning to the office, there’s certainly a push to find a laptop backpack conducive to commuting, travel, and most workplace environments. 

Be sure to read through our buyer’s guide to discern what makes a laptop backpack a laptop backpack and all the bells and whistles that typically come with one. Some of these factors can be protection ability, internal organization, purpose of use, price, and more. Hopefully, by the time you’ve reached the end of the road on this guide, you’ve found that laptop backpack that is your own pièce de résistance .

What Is a Laptop Backpack?

An EDC, or “everyday carry,” laptop backpack is an investment one makes for the health of not only their computer, but also their back and shoulders. A laptop backpack will always have a padded sleeve or compartment where you can safely stow a computer or tablet, a thick back panel that increases that protection, and a supportive harness system so you can comfortably wear it on commutes and travel days. 

When shopping for a laptop backpack, be sure to understand how it differs from, let’s say, an ultralight hiking backpack or a backpacking backpack . Outdoor-oriented backpacks tend to have higher-liter carrying capacities and accessories meant for attaching gear like sleeping pads, ropes, tents, etc. While there can sometimes be an overlap of the two, a laptop backpack will always have a compartment meant for protecting a computer. Laptop backpacks will also typically be smaller than backpacking packs as they are more conducive to fitting smaller gear like office supplies, notebooks, and other technology. 

When it comes to commuting between the home and office, or flying across the country, laptop backpacks are our favorite way to carry our mobile workspaces. Sure, you can use a tote bag or briefcase, but a backpack will leave your hands empty and give you the peace of mind that your stuff is super safe.

Laptop Backpack User Profiles

The Daily Commuter: If you’re someone who opts for biking, walking, or bussing to work, you’ll want a laptop backpack that is comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. The last thing anyone wants on that long trek to work are any aches or pains from an ill-fitting backpack or lack of breathability. Backpacks made with supportive harnesses that include a chest or hip strap to help shift weight forward are best for folks who are walking, running, or biking to the office. Also: laptop backpacks with reflective materials certainly excel for these people, especially if you’re heading home after the sun has gone down.

For commuters and hikers alike, we recommend the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L for its lightweight and breathable design and the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for its city-like aesthetic with reflective tape for increased visibility. Both of these laptop backpacks excelled during our long walking tests and stayed supportive without compromising comfort or style.  

The Frequent Flier: Whether you’re flying internationally or traveling across the states, finding a laptop backpack that is advantageous to travel environments is key. When you’re on and off airplanes, there can be a lot of transferring your backpack from the overhead bin, under a seat, to TSA shifting it around during their screening processes. For these reasons and more, it is important to get a laptop backpack with a higher protection factor and easy access panels. These can include thicker back padding, front-loading panels, and secure pockets for important documents like passports and tickets. 

You’ll also want a backpack with a higher storage capacity should you need to throw some clothes or toiletries in there. Our choices for the best travel-friendly laptop packs are the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L for its front panel loading system with additional side padding and the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack for its higher-liter storage and streamlined design. Both of these laptop backpacks perform well as a personal item on a longer journey or as an overnight bag for a weekend trip.

The Minimalist: We get it — sometimes you just don’t need all the bells and whistles these laptop backpacks come with. Extra buckles, straps, and pockets can oftentimes make a computer bag too cumbersome and add to its overall weight. Having these extra accessories can cost you as well since typically more materials = an increased retail price. 

For those wanting a simple aesthetic without much of a cost at all, we recommend the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 for its super simple style and minimal design. Since it does not have any extra straps or many pockets, this backpack remains lightweight but is best suited for folks who don’t have much of a commute to work. Another minimal design we appreciate is the Topo Designs Daypack Tech which has a large exterior pocket and bright interior that makes it easy to find and organize items within. The monochrome exterior looks slick and isn’t as flashy as some of the other options listed. 

The Student: Whether you’re just getting a start on your college career or navigating through those formative high school years, you’ll want a supportive laptop backpack that can provide enough space for books, binders, and other school supplies. Because you’re in school, you are probably ballin’ on a budget, so we understand how important it is to find a pack that won’t empty your wallet without sacrificing precious packing space. Be sure to consider backpacks with extra supportive harness systems since you’ll be carrying more weight thanks to those textbooks. 

Our picks for all sorts of students — high school, college, medical, you name it — are the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase and Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack . We love the Mystery Ranch 3 Way Briefcase for its versatility and organization system that can fit all sorts of school supplies like pencils, erasers, flash drives, and notebooks.

It is easily carried from class to class thanks to its multiple handles. The thick adjustable straps are super supportive as well. The Kånken got more style points from us than anything, but still can fit so much stuff. This vintage-style bag is great for younger folks who want a little more swagger in a laptop backpack. 

Laptop Protection

Perhaps the most important attribute of a laptop backpack is its protection factor. Simply put, a laptop backpack’s protection factor relates to its ability to protect the given technology inside, whether that is a computer, tablet, keyboard, or a combination of the three. This is executed through the materials, padding, and anatomy of the laptop backpack itself. 

Much like knee pads when you’re skateboarding, the protective padding of a laptop is designed to absorb shock and thus protect what’s inside from damage due to impact. This padding can take many different shapes and placements throughout your backpack. It also can contribute to the pack’s supportive position on your back. 

As we mentioned earlier, we heavily tested these packs’ abilities to protect a computer by throwing them against the ground of our lead tester’s apartment. Depending on how loud each thud of the backpack hitting the ground was, we were able to discern how well it protected what was inside. We also periodically examined the inside computer for any cosmetic damages after each test.

Access Points

Typically, the laptop compartment of a backpack is located in the panel closest to the wearer’s back, where it will have the most support and remain secure. This location prevents it from jostling around too much and increases back stability.

Now where laptop backpacks differ on this element are the actual access points. Some unzip from the top where you can slide in your computer vertically, while others slide in horizontally on the left or right side of the pack. This is totally up to personal preference, but we found that the side panel loading is more conducive to folks wanting a more secure spot for their computer, away from the rest of the items they may have packed in their bag already. 

Side panel loading systems, like in the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L and Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack , will always be zippered, whereas some top-loading systems may have an internal sleeve that is not zippered for your laptop. This is evident in packs like the Topo Designs Daypack Tech and The North Face Router Backpack .

In terms of design, some laptop backpacks are made with padding throughout, on the main sleeve compartment, the sides, or all three. A well-made laptop backpack will accommodate your computer’s size and protect it from those inevitable drops and spills. This padding is generally made from thick foam and plastic elements that provide structure and shielding.

Sometimes these protective elements are stiff enough that the backpack can stand on its own, thus preventing your computer from toppling over within. This was evident when the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase was in its briefcase form. 

Anatomically, the padding of a laptop backpack should be located throughout the bag, but it is usually thickest on the back panel and inside the actual sleeve. We were impressed by the laptop backpacks that had thicker padding on the harness straps.

Not only do these thicker straps make the pack more comfortable when on, but they also soften any blows to your computer should the backpack tip over onto the ground. Furthermore, backpacks with extra padding on their sides help protect them when you’re swinging them on and off throughout the day.

Winning our overall award for this buyer’s guide, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L simply took the cake for its protection factor thanks to its 360-degree stiff padding and durable materials. It truly did pass our drop test with flying colors. Even with its minimal but thick padding, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 did well during this testing portion, despite its uber-low price. 

If we didn’t think any of these backpacks were incapable of protecting your precious tech, they simply wouldn’t be on the list. However, we felt that the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack could benefit from some better laptop protection through increased foam thickness.

If you find yourself traveling a lot or commuting daily to work via foot or bus, you’ll want a laptop backpack with security attributes like hidden pockets, zipper locks, an ID tag, or highly durable materials. A secure laptop backpack will typically be inconspicuous, without having easy-to-access compartments or flashy elements. 

In terms of laptop and gear security, we were highly impressed with the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack for its hidden passport pocket located on the unexposed back panel, digital ID tag, and overall incognito design.

The zippers themselves blend well into the bag, making it harder for someone to suddenly open them while you aren’t looking. If you find yourself in high-traffic environments like trains, airports, or busy streets, definitely try out this backpack for its overall security factor.

The capacity of a laptop backpack refers to the amount of space available inside the pack for accommodating items like computers, books, layers, tablets, and more. These measurements encompass the storage space of all the compartments and pockets within the backpack.

By now, you’ve probably noticed that each laptop backpack has a storage capacity attached to it in the form of liters. This measurement can also be calculated in cubic inches, but for all intents and purposes, we will be discussing volume in the form of liters.

To test out the capacity of each backpack, our lead tester gathered all of her work necessities that she typically packs when she heads to the office, library, or coffee shop on any given day. This took the form of a 15-inch laptop, bulky headphones, a notebook, a novel, pens, chargers, and a keyboard.

She also traveled with some of the backpacks for both week-long and weekend excursions via car and plane. This loadout usually included two luggage cubes, a toiletry bag, a camera cube, her laptop, a book, and other small necessities. 

Overall, almost every backpack suited her needs during this testing iteration, but some certainly stuck out more than others. As a personal item during a flight, the 20L Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack fit Meghan’s full remote working setup which included her computer, a camera, hard drives, a 400-page novel, over-the-ear headphones, and her keyboard. Its cubic shape was perfect for modularly stowing her stuff and it had zero issues sliding under the seat in front of her on the plane. 

For a longer trip away for a wedding, Meghan used the 28L Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack in which she packed two clothing cubes , a makeup bag, a toiletry bag, her work-from-home setup, and some other small necessities like a wallet, wires, and a curling iron. The larger size of this pack was perfect for accommodating enough of her clothes and supplies without needing to bring a second bag.

It can be confusing discerning between liter counts on laptop backpacks so here is a helpful guide to assist you in crunching the numbers:

Small Capacity (Below 20L)

On average, most of the laptop backpacks in this guide are around 20 liters. And while there are backpacks listed below 20L, it is still important to consider how this size differs from larger sizes. 

• Smaller capacity backpacks like the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag are ideal for shorter trips and commutes since they do not boast as much space. 
• Backpacks with this capacity will typically only hold a small computer or tablet, maybe a book or two, and some other small layers and supplies.
• Small-capacity backpacks are more lightweight and easy to carry.

Medium Capacity (20L to 30L)

This is the threshold where most of these laptop backpacks fall since this storage capacity is a great sweet spot for working professionals who need just enough space for their office needs, without being too cumbersome or bulky.

Packs like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 , TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe , Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack , Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack , Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase , Topo Designs Daypack Tech , and Osprey Ozone fall into this storage capacity.

• Sufficient for everyday use or short weekend trips out of town. 
• Offers a superb balance between compactness and being able to carry all the necessities. 
• Typically can fit a computer, tablet, multiple books, clothes, and other small supplies like chargers, SD cards, sunglasses, and more.

Large Capacity (30L and Above)

At the more robust end of the storage capacity spectrum are laptop backpacks made with over 30 liters of storage space. Because laptop backpacks are designed for more temporary environments like offices, libraries, and coffee shops, you won’t typically see them in higher capacity options since bigger packs are overall heavier and bulkier.

However, packs like the North Face Router , which measures in at a whopping 40 liters, are an exception to this rule. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider a large-capacity laptop backpack: 

• You’re a seasoned traveler who craves versatility in a laptop backpack that will afford you a week’s worth of clothing and supplies.
• A large-capacity laptop backpack will fit not only a computer and other gadgets, but also luggage cubes, a toiletry bag, a jacket, a water bottle, and other luxuries.
• If you’re someone with a larger frame, you can rock a higher capacity bag since it will be more conducive to your own proportions and thus give you ample back support.

In conclusion, capacity is totally up to your own personal preference and needs. Typically, a higher capacity will contribute to the overall size and weight of the backpack, so if you are a commuter by foot, you may want something with a smaller capacity. On the other hand, if you’re a photographer or student needing to max out storage space for gear and books, you can probably go with something at or above average on the liter count.

Laptop Compartment Size

When considering the capacity of your ideal laptop backpack, be sure to consider the size of its given laptop compartment. Most of the laptop backpacks we listed fall at the 17-inch laptop mark, but some can only accommodate a 15-inch model or less.

Small Compartments (15 in. or Less):

• Typically, these laptop backpacks have a smaller liter count.
• Best for small computers or tablets like the MacBook Air, iPad, HP Chromebook, or Kindle. 
• Usually have less robust padding.

Medium Compartments (15 in. to 17 in.):

• The most common laptop compartment size. 
• Can accommodate computers like the MacBook Pro, HP ProBook, multimedia PC laptops, and large tablets.  
• Best for protecting laptops at this size as anything significantly smaller will jostle around in the compartment.

Large Compartments (17 in. and Above):

• Usually included in larger-liter capacity backpacks meant for travel.
• Best for large modular setups that include gaming laptops, small monitors, and more portable workstations.
• Padding should be generous to accommodate the large-sized tech. 

You should base your laptop compartment size on the size of your given computer. You’ll want your laptop to fit in the sleeve snugly. If your computer is too big for the compartment size, its protection will be compromised, especially if the backpack can’t be zipped up all the way.

On the other hand, if your laptop is too small, it may shift around too much inside the backpack and thus damage itself or other tech you may have stored adjacent to it. 

In terms of laptop compartment size and padding, we loved the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for its optional padded compartment and inner sleeve. It can accommodate a 17-inch computer and a tablet quite securely with plenty of room to spare. 

Organization

Whether you’re headed to class, the office, or on a work trip, organization is key to optimizing the space of your backpack and keeping your valuables in easy-to-find places. Within laptop backpacks, organization can take the form of pockets, sleeves, removable cases, and exterior bungees. 

The most common form of organization with laptop backpacks is through compartments. Most backpacks have a laptop compartment, a main compartment, and a smaller exterior compartment. For example, The North Face Router Backpack has this exact setup with a fleece-lined computer compartment, a middle open space, and a smaller exterior area.

We think that when it comes to compartment amount, three is the magic number. This gives you enough customization with your packing methods, without being too overwhelming or complex. Too few compartments and you can’t separate your valuables, but too many compartments will lead to the overall space in which the bag takes up and it requires more work to dig around items.

When it comes to organization, especially for smaller items like SD cards, batteries, chargers, and more, pockets will be your best friend. The best laptop backpacks will have a balance of interior and exterior pockets. We appreciate backpacks that have mesh interior pockets, so you can easily see what you have stowed. Exterior pockets that are lined with fleece or microfiber are a great spot to store your glasses or phone, thanks to their anti-scratch properties.

We certainly prefer zippered pockets to not, but interior pockets don’t absolutely require zipper access and can be useful when you need to grab something in a pinch. The pocket system of the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase definitely impressed us with its multi-purpose use and varying material application.

Some organizational elements take the form of removable accessories, like in the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L . This backpack stands out from the rest as it includes a removable desk caddy that also functions as a padded laptop sleeve. This is great for mobile workers who need to take their desk space with them everywhere.

This customization is also great for switching the backpack from its professional mode to its outdoor iteration. For example, the desk caddy can easily be swapped for a water bladder thanks to the hydration hanger and pass-through access. There’s even an exterior bungee cord for attaching items you may want to grab more quickly or frequently. 

When considering which laptop backpack might be right for you, don’t hesitate to splurge a little more on a pack that has the organization system you require. It will help make your workday much more productive and much less stressful.

Materials and Durability

Up there with laptop protection, the materials and durability are both highly important to the overall functionality of your backpack. From the exterior, back panel, zippers, and interiors, materials can make or break what is a good and reliable laptop backpack. Sometimes these textiles are manufactured with recycled materials, waterproof/resistant finishes, reflective elements, and more. 

Exterior backpack materials are typically made with nylon, polyester, canvas, vinyl, and or a combination of textiles. These fabrics have the important job of protecting your computer and other things from wear and tear, water, spilled coffee, and other unideal accidents. Here is how a few of those materials work to do this and some product examples:

Nylon-constructed laptop backpacks are typically lighter, water-resistant, and durable against daily use. Scientifically speaking, nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic constructed from petroleum, so it can be easily combined with other materials and coating to increase its water-resistant performance and abrasiveness. Nylon can also be easily made into an array of different colors and hues. 

The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is constructed with an 840D ballistic nylon that is extremely durable against drops, scrapes, and overall daily use. This nylon is also treated with a water-repellent finish and the micro-woven fabric itself is dust-resistant too.

If you’re seeking a nylon-based backpack that does not have a major environmental impact, be sure to consider a pack like the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase for its 500D recycled CORDURA re/cor nylon, another impressive textile made from sustainable materials. 

Another highly common textile, polyester is found in several of our listed backpack options. It is a synthetic textile made of plastic polymers made from petroleum. Similar to nylon, polyester is lightweight, typically water-resistant, and easy to clean.

However, its durability is not as impressive as nylon and may wear away just a hair faster. To help increase a polyester’s abrasiveness, companies will often coat them with finishes like a durable water repellent (DWR). 

Made with 100% recycled polyester, the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack was one of our favorite constructed backpacks of this material. It has a canvas-like aesthetic and doesn’t seem to attract much dirt or dust. The Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L was another fantastic polyester option, and the DWR finish helped repel any moisture from snow during a long day at the skin track. 

Interior Materials

While exterior textiles and design are highly important to a laptop backpack’s overall protection and durability, don’t overlook the interior materials either. Typically, computer pack interiors are constructed with softer fabrics like microfiber or nylon that make for a scratch-free house for your tech to sit in.

These non-abrasive fabrics keep your items away from dust and become damaged if exposed to dirt that could scratch your otherwise pristine screens. The ultrasoft microfiber interior of the laptop compartment and glasses pocket of the The North Face Router Backpack was phenomenal at protecting our tester’s sunglasses and iPad from any devastating scratch exposure.

One other thing to note about interior laptop backpack fabrics is the dye used. We appreciate backpacks that are manufactured with brighter colors like white, gray, and yellow. This makes your stuff so much easier to find, especially in a dimly lit coffee shop or under the seat in front of you on an airplane.

The neon interior found on most Topo Designs backpacks and luggage is one of our favorite examples of this application. This is just color theory plain and simple — brighter colored objects reflect light better than those of darker hues like black or blue. 

Overall, if your laptop backpack is constructed with industry-standard materials and coatings, it should be great in keeping your stuff safe from exposure to the elements, expected wear and tear, and unideal tumbles. It should also have interior textiles that are brightly colored, softer than the exterior, and made to withstand a pencil poking through it.

Carry Options and Styles

Laptop backpacks typically take the form of, well, backpacks. However, sometimes laptop backpacks can be a satchel or briefcase. Whether you want a backpack style or messenger bag is completely up to personal preference and what best suits your needs.

We have found that backpacks are the most convenient when it comes to longer commutes, travel days, and trudges across campus. Briefcases and messenger bags are superb for office environments where you need to have documents, devices, or pens quickly at hand. They also tend to be a little more professional looking if your workplace requires more than just business casual. 

If you truly can’t decide between a laptop backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase, be sure to consider the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase for its versatility as all three. It is easy to configure this laptop backpack into its three modes and it provides plenty of storage thanks to its cubic design.

Laptop backpacks can also have various carry handles so you don’t only have to transport them on your back. All the laptop backpacks listed have a convenient handle for carrying from the top. This handle makes it easy to maneuver your backpack in smaller spaces like airplanes, trains, and buses.

This is also great for when you want to shift your pack over a few feet or inches, but don’t want to have to grab the larger shoulder strap. The reinforced handle on the Osprey Ozone was one of our favorites right out of the gate for its soft and seemingly inconspicuous design. 

Laptop backpacks can also have handles located on their sides as well. Much like the top handle, these carry styles are great for quickly moving your backpack or just taking some of the weight off your shoulders briefly. They also help when sliding your backpack into an airplane’s overhead bin or cubby at the gym.

We thought the side handle on the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L should be applied to most laptop backpack options on the market. It not only looks sleek, but also adds to the overall convenience of the pack itself. 

For more travel-savvy folks that have roller suitcases, you may want to opt for backpacks like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack or TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for their luggage straps located on the back panel. They simply slide over the metal roller handle and securely sit on top of the suitcase itself. These are useful when you’re shuffling through the terminal and want to give your back a breather.

Travel backpacks such as these have a certain minimalistic aesthetic that blends in well with most environments, making them more conducive to high-traffic areas where you don’t want to look too flashy or out of place. 

Whether you want a briefcase or a backpack, be sure to try on the harness to make sure it’s a good fit. If you’re commuting by foot to work, you really should opt for a backpack style that will take the weight out of your hands to leave them open for your phone or much-needed coffee. If you have a car and don’t require much walking for work or school, then a messenger bag or briefcase would probably suit you just fine.

A factor that you definitely shouldn’t ignore or take lightly when it comes to laptop backpacks is price. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a few extra bucks to spend, these laptop backpacks will definitely suit your needs for school, the office, or travel.

The price of a laptop backpack is typically based on its overall material makeup, design, brand, and size. We have found that backpacks with inexpensive price tags function well, but lack the added organization, protection, and durability that you would find in more pricey options. These pricier options tend to have reinforced zippers, security pockets, modular designs, and heightened longevity, thanks to better craftsmanship and textiles. 

On the lowest end of the price spectrum is the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 at $15. While it has a good computer protection factor, it doesn’t boast much organization or durability. But for less than 20 bucks, we were pretty impressed by it. If you still have a little more to spend, then consider the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) for its added organization, sleek design, and durable materials. 

Jumping over to more mid-range price options at over $100 are options like the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack ($125), Refugio Daypack 30L ($129), Topo Designs Daypack Tech ($129), Able Carry Thirteen Daybag ($149), The North Face Router Backpack ($159), TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe ($159), and Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack ($170).

These are all fantastic choices for their reinforced padding, removable accessories, adjustability, and heightened durability. For less than $200, any of these backpacks would most likely last you years — if not decades, making them a fantastic investment. 

Lastly, at the higher range in price at over $200, are backpacks like the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase ($229) and Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279). For the more expensive cost, these laptop backpacks give you superb protection and overall versatility for their multi-functional designs that perform well in office, travel, and educational environments. 

Remember that a laptop backpack is not only an investment in your own shoulder health and overall productivity, but also in your actual computer itself. A laptop backpack’s ability to protect your computer will save you hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars when utilized properly. You won’t be kicking yourself for spending a little extra on a good backpack when you inevitably drop it and it protects your precious technology. 

While they can sometimes look highly similar, there is a difference between a laptop backpack and one you would take hiking, backpacking, or just around the city. And really it all boils down to laptop security — a laptop backpack will always have some sort of computer protection factor in the form of a padded, suspended laptop compartment or an inserted sleeve.

Other backpacks are not designed to protect your computer or tablet, but are better suited for just storing gear and clothes. Sure you can throw your laptop in there, but just know that it probably won’t have the proper materials and construction to keep it very safe.

Typically no, your laptop shouldn’t require an additional sleeve or case once it’s in your laptop backpack as long as it has the proper padding to keep it cushioned. However, if you have one on hand already or feel as though your backpack isn’t sufficient enough to keep your laptop safe, it wouldn’t hurt to throw one on. Sometimes these additional cases and sleeves can prohibit your computer from actually fitting in the bag so just keep that in mind.

Depending on your needs as a working professional, student, or traveler, you’ll want a laptop backpack that can best store your necessities without compromising space, bulkiness, or comfort. If you have shorter commutes or only need to fit a small computer with a couple of other things, then you can opt for a pack that is 20 liters or less.

If you find yourself wanting to store additional layers, snacks, and gear in your EDC backpack, then consider one in the 20-30L range for its additional space and reinforced support systems. Maybe you’re planning on traveling globally with your computer backpack and need space to fit clothing, toiletries, and souvenirs. If so, then snag one with a liter count that is higher than 30 for the generous amount of space.

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Meghan LaHatte is a contributor for GearJunkie and a graphic designer for the Aspen Daily News. A recent college graduate, she is excited to dive into work with the outdoor industry, journalism, and her role as a gear tester. She’s sharpened her skills as the head marketing photographer for Momentum Ski Camps, as a climbing instructor for Western Colorado University, and as a sales representative for Redline Gallery in Crested Butte, CO. Based in Western Colorado, Meghan is a passionate rock climber, roller skater, skier, artist and coffee connoisseur — all of which she does alongside her rescue dog, Opa.

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The 14 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Brought to you by true enthusiasts.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that great bags are the most important companions.

Best Luxury

Bottega veneta the cassette padded leather crossbody bag.

Best Camera Bag

Isabel marant wardy camera bag.

Best Leather

Mansur gavriel moon sling bag.

The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all —and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation , shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, look for styles that close securely and transition well from day to night.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches

Material: Leather

Colors: 19 options

Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy *but* you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”

While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist , right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.

Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches

Material: Leather, silver, textile

Colors: Black

If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum

Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag , this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.

Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters

Material: Nylon fabric

Colors: Black, Desert Beige

Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”

Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag

If you’re the sporty or adventuring type of traveler, allow us to introduce you to this style from Dagne Dover. We think you’d be perfect for each other.

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 4 inches; length: 9.5 inches

Material: REPREVE recycled polyester

Colors: Onyx, Moonbeam, Goji

Customer review: “Recently took this bag on my weeklong trip to Amsterdam...It worked so well. It comfortably fit my small Nalgene water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses—all the necessities. It’s not huge but it could also fit small souvenirs picked up throughout the day such as magnets, small jewelry items, candy, etc. Highly recommend!”

MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe

Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace . This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather

Colors: 17 options

Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”

WE-AR4 The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag

Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches

Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious, not bulky, and surprisingly cute.

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham

Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”

Béis The Sport Sling

Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can complement any number of other Béis luggage pieces.

Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches; width: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.7 inches

Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester

Colors: Black, Slate, Beige, Atlas Pink, Maple

Customer review: “Love all the pockets and how accessible the sling is! Grabbing what you need quickly from the slots is so handy. I can’t wait to use this on my Italy trip!”

Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag

As a traveler with her naïveté on constant display, this anti-theft bag could’ve saved me some heartbreak (and the four hours I spent Google translating a theft complaint to the Paris police department). Slash-resistant material, deep locking compartments, and an RFID-protected pocket mean you can rest a little easier knowing your belongings are safe and sound.

Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches; depth: 3 inches

Material: Cotton canvas, leather

Colors: Navy, Stone Grey

Customer review: “Did a month with this bag all over the world and there is no wear or tear that I can see at all...it fit everything I needed (wallet, rolled up rain jacket, phone, passport, rolled sun visor, etc.) and the zip out water bottle pocket works with a collapsible water bottle to fill up when you’re not in an airport.”

Tumi Valetta North/South Crossbody

For those who never leave their tech behind, keep your lifeline secure in Tumi’s vertical crossbody, complete with a touch of leather trim for style points. It has pockets for cash, cards, and mini must-haves.

Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; length: 5.3 inches, depth: 2 inches

Material: Nylon, leather

Mango Crossbody Bag

This bag from Mango gives off an aura of quiet luxury that makes it versatile enough to wear as your day-to-day bag or take it on the go. It’s polished, simple, and houses dual compartments to enhance convenience.

Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches; height: 6.7 inches; width: 3.5 inches

Material: Polyurethane, polyester

Colors: Black, Leather

Customer review: “Yeah to to faux leather! The time has come for us to be conscious consumers. This purse is perfect to wear with my simple, classic wardrobe pieces.”

Coach Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote

An extension of the Coach brand, Coachtopia revives recycled and upcrafted materials to give birth to new designs, like this puffy-soft crossbody laptop tote.

Dimensions: Length: 16.75 inches; height: 12.25 inches

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: Twilight, Deep Orange, Black, Olive Green

Customer review: “This tote is so cute and comfy on my shoulders. It holds a lot of items...great for work or travel.”

FashionPuzzle Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag

This crossbody bag has a 4.6-star rating from almost 30,000 reviews. At such an affordable price point, you might want to choose a couple of color options to add to your collection.

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.75 inches

Material: Faux leather

Colors: 30 options

Customer review: “I use this when traveling, it holds so much without being bulky. I can put passports, phone, sunglasses, lip products, money/cards and still have gobs of room left.”

How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags

• Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
• Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
• Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
• The more organizational features, the better.
• A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
• If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers

• If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
• From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best travel purses of 2024.

Find the ideal companion for your journey with features like anti-theft or hands-free capabilities.

The Best Travel Purses

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

Planning summer travels includes determining what purse works best for your itinerary. If you're going abroad, you may want anti-theft features and compartments with space for glasses, passports, sunscreen and more – but you can also find plenty of extras like built-in wallets, hidden pockets and key ring attachments. There's a wide range of different styles on the market to suit your travel purse needs.

U.S. News editors tapped travel experts for their top picks and researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best travel purses.

Best Overall: TUMI Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Crossbody: Lug Ranger 2 Crossbody Bag

Best for europe: minooy eirene crossbody bag, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft crossbody bag, best shoulder bag: vera bradley glenna satchel, best messenger bag: tory burch nylon small messenger, best backpack purse: calpak luka mini backpack.

• Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Best Packable: LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

Best belt bag: dagne dover ace fanny pack, best sling bag: cluci small sling bag for women, best convertible: augustnoa mini noa.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. We update this article regularly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

Courtesy of TUMI

What sets it apart: This sleek design blends fashion with function. The Tyler Crossbody by TUMI has multiple organizational features, including a spacious main compartment for a passport, camera and other personal essentials; a U-shaped front pocket with a leather card pocket and key leash; two front zippered pockets; and a back slip pocket. The upscale nylon construction is durable yet polished and it can be spot cleaned for when those spills happen. What's more, the detachable leather charm can be monogrammed.

Expert review: "This is one of my go-to handbags for any trip – especially European vacations," says Rachael Hood , a senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The pockets and separate compartment keep everything organized and quick to find. The nylon construction has a silky and upscale feel, and the overall design is versatile for travel or daily use."

Price: $295 or less

Courtesy of Lug

Full of organizational details, the Lug Ranger 2 has multiple compartments to keep essentials neatly stowed. The front zippered compartment has a built-in wallet with RFID protection and a key leash. Just above that, you'll find a magnetic-closure slip pocket on the front of the bag for your cellphone, to make answering a call or taking a selfie easy. The main internal compartment can fit your camera, snacks and personal essentials. There are two slip pockets for sunglasses or cords, plus a clear zippered pocket for sunscreen, lotion or other small liquids. The back zippered compartment has two pen slots and is ideal for wipes, a passport or other travel-related items.

Expert review: "I use this bag at least weekly, and I really like this design for weekend road trips," says Hood. "I have multiple colors and prints that I like to switch out for seasonality, and the wipeable and water-repellent material is forgiving, whether it's raining, snowing or I spill my latte."

Price: $80 or less

Courtesy of Minooy

What sets it apart: When traveling abroad, versatility is key, and this chic design by Minooy offers just that. Constructed of high-quality full-grain leather in a choice of four classic colors, this multicompartment travel purse is packed with details. The separate main zippered pocket keeps everything from lipstick to a phone cord in its place. The crossbody bag offers understated luxury, the RFID-blocking internal compartment has six card slots, and the outside zippered pocket can hold up to an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Expert review: Marisa Méndez , senior travel editor at U.S. News, adores this purse. "I love how soft the leather is on this bag as well as all of the pockets and loops for organization," says Méndez. "My favorite feature is that the entire bag is RFID-blocking so I don't need to worry about carrying a wallet; I can just use the card slots in the bag."

Price: $159 or less

Courtesy of Travelon

What sets it apart: Protecting your valuables is always important, but when you're traveling it's even more vital. This bag features Travelon's patented five-point anti-theft system, which includes slash-resistant handles and mesh panels within the walls of the bag. The bag also offers RFID protection, a locked main compartment, and the ability to fasten the bag to a chair or post to deter a thief in a restaurant, train station or airport.

Travelers appreciate: The lightweight construction of the bag, combined with the theft-proof security features and multiple pockets, makes this a traveler favorite. Owners of this bag say it holds all of your travel essentials from passports to sunglasses, and that it holds up well after years of use.

Price: $70 or less

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

What sets it apart: Machine-washable and available in an array of eye-catching prints to suit your style, the Glenna Satchel is a large shoulder bag ideal for city adventures, day trips, shore excursions and daily activities. The spacious main compartment has a zip pocket and three slips, along with room for a book, tablet, planner, phone and wallet. There are two exterior slip pockets to stow things like maps or handouts, and a hidden zip pocket on the outside as well to secure smaller items. For added options, the drawstring adjusts the size of the bag depending on your needs.

Travelers appreciate: Fans of this bag praise the functionality and the pretty print options of the satchel. Though, some do note that the straps could be longer.

Price: $110 or less

What sets it apart: Constructed with a 100% recycled nylon shell and trimmed in leather, this design gives major '90s vibes in all the best ways. The unstructured messenger bag is perfect for travel with an interior compartment for your wallet, phone, keys and more, plus an interior slit pocket and zippered pocket to keep valuables secured. The front exterior pocket of the bag zips, and the back slit pocket is ideal for your phone or items you want to reach quickly. Finished with a magnetic closure flap and a removable crossbody strap, this bag adds an element of style to your travel wardrobe.

Travelers appreciate: Lightweight, practical and functional are a few of the words bag owners use to describe this messenger bag. They say it works well for sightseeing, and that the bag can hold a lot without looking clunky or overstuffed.

Price: $248 or less

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Courtesy of CALPAK

What sets it apart : Designed with travel in mind, this mini backpack has a luggage trolley sleeve and matches the duffels and other items in the CALPAK Luka collection. You can put your tablet, wallet and other must-haves in the interior compartment; your cell phone and a travel umbrella in the exterior side pockets; your passport in the hidden back zippered pocket; and other items in the front zippered compartment. The bag's lining is water-resistant, the puffy exterior is soft and comfortable to carry, and the straps are adjustable to suit your needs.

Expert review: "The compact and functional design makes is possible to pack my iPad, reading material, a wallet and even a camera," says Hood. "Plus, I can coordinate my purse with other CALPAK Luka luggage items. The only downside is the two exterior pockets are a bit small, as they can't hold a water bottle."

Price: $72 or less

Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

What sets it apart: For a compact design with adaptability, this Lo & Sons design checks all the boxes. This convertible style has a two-part strap to transform into a belt bag, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag or wristlet with ease. The neatly organized interior compartment has space for your phone and essentials with a three-slot zippered pocket, an interior slip pocket, and an exterior card slot ideal for a room key or transit card. Offered in a choice of natural-grain nappa leather, scratch-resistant textured Saffiano leather or plant-based cactus leather, this style can easily go from day to night or boardroom to ballgame.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag really like the option to adjust the strap to suit the day's events. They compliment the quality construction and overall look, with many saying it's great for travel because it can easily fit into a duffel or backpack.

Price: $178 or less

Courtesy of LeSportsac

What sets it apart: Made of recycled ripstop nylon, this lightweight and durable handbag can easily be packed into your suitcase and pulled out for use when you arrive at your destination. It lays flat when not full of your belongings. This roomy travel purse has plenty of space in its two main compartments for a wallet, water bottle, cell phone, on-the-go necessities and a few fun things you find along the way. The front has two exterior zippered pockets, and there's a back zippered pocket as well. With the adjustable crossbody strap, the bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag. What's more, LeSportsac continuously adds to the color and pattern choices in this classic bag with everything from beloved animated characters to florals or plaid.

Travelers appreciate: Handbag owners rave about the pockets, durability and color options for this style. Many note while it is great for travel, it's also ideal for everyday use with plenty of space for everything.

Price: $105 or less

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

What sets it apart: Offered in a choice of neoprene or air mesh, this versatile option is U.S. News' top fanny pack pick . This hands-free belt bag has an adjustable belt, a small front zip pocket (a great spot to stash cash for tipping) and a back panel exterior credit card. The roomy main compartment comes equipped with an elastic loop, a key clip and a card pocket to keep things easy to find.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this belt bag like the quality construction, color options and the overall versatility of the design. They also compliment the fabrication and say it holds the essentials without being bulky.

Price: $95 or less

Courtesy of CLUCI

What sets it apart: Available in a wide variety of colors, this hands-free crossbody bag is perfect for those on the go. The three zippered pockets are roomy enough for travel essentials like keys, sunglasses, lipstick, wallet and sunscreen. Place your ID and credit cards in the five interior card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home. The back pocket of this sling bag is ideal for keeping important items close to your body to prevent theft, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry.

Expert review: "My favorite travel purse is the vegan leather crossbody bag by CLUCI," says Sharael Kolberg , a U.S. News travel contributor. "Not only is it environmentally and animal-friendly, it's also stylish and easily fits my wallet, passport, reusable water bottle and snacks. Plus, the front pocket allows easy access to my smartphone."

Price: $25.99 or less

Courtesy of augustnoa

Compact and versatile, this sustainable style can be carried as a crossbody, an over-the-shoulder bag or a backpack. On the outside, there's a zippered front pocket ideal for a room key, transit card or lip gloss. The interior has a deep slip pocket, a mesh zippered pocket and a spacious compartment with room for a phone, a small point-and-shoot camera, hand sanitizer, a wallet, your passport and other essentials.

Expert review: "I love the carrying options of this bag, and the gold hardware really elevates the look of the purse. I find myself using this bag on walks and adventures where I want to bring my phone and camera," says Hood.

Price: $89 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

For European vacations, a lightweight and versatile style is key. Choosing a neutral color like black, brown or a metallic fabrication can help you take the same handbag anywhere from sightseeing to a nice dinner. A built-in wallet, anti-theft and RFID protection, and space for must-carry items are important. You'll also want to decide whether to carry your passport within your purse or have a concealed passport holder you wear under your clothing.

Purses with anti-theft straps are safest. Also, crossbody and belt bags that you wear around your body rather than a shoulder bag can help with safety.

You need to have space for your identification and passport for trips abroad, as well as credit cards, cash (have some easily accessible for tipping or street vendors), medications, prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, hand sanitizer or wipes, and your phone.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood has had a serious love for handbags her entire life. For everything from daily errands to global journeys, she has tried a variety of travel purse styles from an array of brands, discovering the good, the bad and the very best options. For this article, Hood used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research expertise to curate this list.

You might also be interested in:

• Editor Picks: The Top Travel Accessories
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Top Toiletry Bags
• The Top Clear Stadium Bags
• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Nordstrom’s Massive Half-yearly Sale Is Finally Here — Shop the 77 Best Summer Travel Deals Up to 80% Off

Skims, Free People, and Vuori are all majorly discounted.

• Women’s Clothing Deals
• Women’s Shoe Deals
• Men’s Clothing Deals
• Men’s Shoe Deals
• Luggage and Travel Bag Deals
• Travel Accessory Deals
• Beauty Deals

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

The Memorial Day sales are rolling in, and the best one of them all isn't even technically related to the shopping holiday: the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale . For a limited time, the beloved retailer will be treating customers to savings of up to 80 percent off all its most popular brands. With price markdowns starting as little as $12, these deals are not to be missed, especially if you have an upcoming trip. 

Instead of scrolling endlessly through the clearance pages, we’ve conveniently broken down the must-buys from the major categories, including women's shoes , men’s clothing , luggage , and the list goes on. So, if you’ve been considering updating your travel wardrobe, there’s no better time to place an order than now. To ensure you land the top items, remember to make the most of the site’s filter function, which allows you to sort the products by price or sale percentage. This was how we caught gems like 60 percent off Veja sneakers and half off Vuori men’s performance tees . Ready to see it all for yourself? Scroll on to explore the 75 best deals from the Nordstrom Half-yearly Sale. 

Best Women’s Clothing Deals

The best part about shopping around the middle of the year is that you’ll have a wide selection of deals on transitional clothing to peruse. Whether you’re thinking ahead with a trench coat for cooler days or hunting around for a fun dress to wear over your summer bikini, Nordstrom’s sale has you covered. All in all, whatever your closet is missing, we guarantee you’ll be able to snag it through these annual promotions.

• Free People After Love Roll-cuff Wide-leg Pants , $49 (originally $98)
• Vuori Volley Dress , $75 (originally $108)
• Skims Fits Everybody Square-neck Bodysuit , $24 (originally $60)
• BP Quarter-zip Sweatshirt , $22 (originally $40)
• Astr the Label Tie-back Puff-sleeve Midi Dress , $60 (originally $99)  
• Madewell The Oversize Straight Hem Signature Poplin Shirt , $43 (originally $85) 
• House of CB Santorini Side-tie Bikini Bottoms , $12 (originally $59)  
• Chantelle Lingerie Orchids Underwire Demi Bra , $46 (originally $115) 
• Treasure & Bond Polo Sweater , $42 (originally $70) 
• Cole Haan Signature Hooded Trench Coat , $140 (originally $325) 
• Treasure & Bond Cutaway Shoulder Cotton Blend Tank , $14 (originally $25) 
• Luxely Tidal Cotton Blend Sundress , $94 (originally $118) 

Astr the Label Tie-back Puff-sleeve Midi Dress

Best women’s shoe deals .

Your shoe game will be better than ever, courtesy of Nordstrom's Memorial Day-level deals. From Veja to On Cloud, See by Chloé, Alexander McQueen, and so much more, these discounts are too good to pass up. One thing’s for sure, don’t hesitate to treat yourself when browsing this sale section — everything's selling out fast . 

• Veja Dekkan Alveomesh Sneakers , $84 (originally $210)
• On Cloudtrax Water Repellent Hiking Shoes , $133 (originally $190)
• Tory Burch Double-T Leather Sport Slide Sandals , $119 (originally $198)
• Birdies Starling Velvet Flats , $44 (originally $98)
• See by Chloé Glyn Espadrille Wedge Sandals , $130 (originally $325) 
• Birkenstock Uji Shine Slide Sandals , $96 (originally $160)
• Loeffler Randall Natalia Knot Platform Sandals , $270 (originally $450)
• Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers , $354 (originally $590)
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneakers , $56 (originally $80)
• Nike Air Force 1 '07 SE Sneakers , $60 (originally $115)
• Adidas Primegreen Stan Smith Sneakers , $66 (originally $100)

Veja Dekkan Alveomesh Sneakers

Best men’s clothing deals.

Stocking up is the way to go with the Half-yearly Sale men’s clothing deals. With discounts this good on polo shirts, briefs, travel pants, and more, there’s no reason to skip out on any of the essentials. Bonus: Father’s Day is also on the horizon, so do yourself a favor by shopping now and getting your gift early. 

• AllSaints Venice Relaxed Fit Short Sleeve Button-up Camp Shirt , $75 (originally $149)
• Vuori Starto Long-sleeve Tech Performance T-shirt , $32 (originally $64)
• Boss Parlay Tipped Cotton Polo , $65 (originally $118) 
• Carhartt Work In Progress Chase Sweat Shorts , $32 (originally $78)
• Calvin Klein 3-pack Low-rise Microfiber Stretch Boxer Briefs , $24 (originally $48)
• Levi's Premium 511 Slim Fit Jeans , $35 (originally $98)
• Bugatchi Ribbed Polo Sweater , $90 (originally $179)
• Tommy Bahama Tropic Isle Short-sleeve Button-up Silk Camp Shirt , $83 (originally $118)
• Peter Millar Ultimate 5-pocket Straight-leg Sateen Pants , $111 (originally $170)
• Barbour Banner Tailored Fit Check Cotton Button-down Shirt , $70 (originally $100)
• O'Neill Lennox Scallop 19 Hyperdry Stretch Board Shorts , $23 (originally $50)

Vuori Starto Long-sleeve Tech Performance T-shirt

Best men’s shoe deals .

Similar to the women’s side of things, the men's footwear clearance rack is splendid. There are an endless number of coveted brands that have been marked down, and it’s not just out-of-season fall or winter shoes either. You’ll find summer flip-flops, year-round running shoes, and even a pair of classic Chuck Taylor sneakers available at steep discounts.   

• On Cloud Cloud X 3 Training Shoes , $113 (originally $150)
• Allbirds Tree Runner Sneakers , $74 (originally $105)
• Coach Lowline Leather Sneakers , $99 (originally $125)
• Nordstrom Cody Driving Loafers , $54 (originally $90)
• Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers , $75 (originally $115)
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 High Top Sneakers , $23 (originally $90)
• Salomon Acs OG Trail Running Shoes , $132 (originally $175)
• APL TechLoom Wave Hybrid Running Shoes , $147 (originally $245)
• Birkenstock Boston Soft Clogs , $83 (originally $142)
• Havaianas Top Basic Flip-flops , $20 (originally $30)

Allbirds Tree Runner Sneakers

Best luggage and travel bag deals .

For travelers in need of a new suitcase or duffel bag, this sale was also made for you. Tumi and Herschel Supply Co. have taken the lead on the deals, so we encourage you to head straight to the brands’ dedicated pages for the chance to find some pretty impressive savings. For more luggage and travel bag needs, we’ve spotlighted other can’t-miss steals with major savings.  

• Tumi Oxford 16-inch Compact Wheeled Carry-on , $455 (originally $650)
• Briggs & Riley Sympatico 22-inch Expandable Spinner Carry-on , $480 (originally $599)
• Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Medium Luggage , $200 (originally $300)
• Tumi 31-inch 19 Degrees Extended Trip Expandable Spinner Packing Case , $665 (originally $950)
• Mali + Lili Riley Vegan Leather Weekend Travel Bag , $101 (originally $148)
• Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffel Bag , $83 (originally $110)
• Tumi 22-inch 19 Degrees International Expandable Spinner Carry-on , $525 (originally $750)
• Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Large Carry-on Luggage , $150 (originally $250)
• Tumi Léger 22-inch International Wheeled Carry-on Bag , $485 (originally $695)
• Ted Baker Hyke Duffel Bag , $137 (originally $195)
• Tumi Alpha Braco Wheeled Duffel Bag , $599 (originally $750)
• Tumi Celina Backpack , $329 (originally $475)
• Tumi Alpha Bravo Endurance Convertible Backpack , $699 (originally $875)

Tumi Oxford 16-inch Compact Wheeled Carry-on

Best travel accessory deals .

What’s luggage without a cosmetic bag, jewelry case, or belt bag to match? Stay organized when you’re on the go and complete your travel gear lineup with must-have accessories for less. We even threw in a stroller travel bag for the parents out there (and don’t worry, the corresponding stroller is on sale, too). 

• Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Belt Bag , $16 (originally $40)
• Lunya Sleep The Details Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, Pillowcase & Scrunchie Set , $90 (originally $150) 
• Off-White Zip Tie Leather Luggage Tag , $195 (originally $300)
• Liberty London Coated Canvas Zip Pouch , $85 (originally $170) 
• Ted Baker Ever Striped Flight Bag , $38 (originally $95)
• Nordstrom 4-panel Fold-up Travel Box , $15 (originally $25)
• Thule Large Stroller Travel Bag , $79 (originally $100)
• Tumi Tammin Nylon Cosmetic Bag , $139 (originally $175) 
• Tumi Crossbody Bag , $205 (originally $295)

Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Belt Bag

Best beauty deals.

Our list wouldn’t be complete without beauty finds that can take your day-to-day routine or getaway glam to the next level. For instance, you can finally treat yourself to that Dyson hair straightener, or if you’re looking for a way to make your home smell like a five-star hotel, we recommend grabbing a heavily discounted diffuser. They may be small pleasures, but there’s no doubt that these buys can make a world of difference.   

• Dyson Airstrait Hair Straightener , $400 (originally $500)
• Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick , $23 (originally $38)
• Kiehl’s Smooth Skin Essentials Value Set , $83 (originally $110)
• Boy Smells Kush Scented Candle , $22 (originally $38)
• Ceylon Body Wash , $20 (originally $40)
• Serene House Ultrasonic Cool Mist Macaron Aromatherapy Diffuser , $30 (originally $50)
• Bobbi Brown Rosey Nudes Eyeshadow Palette , $35 (originally $49)
• The Original MakeUp Eraser MakeUp Eraser Pro , $15 (originally $20)
• Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex 20% Serum , $99 (originally $165)
• Clinique Happy Body Cream , $29 (originally $48)
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The 22 Best Designer Tote Bags

They’re worth the investment

The Best Designer Tote Bags for 2024

Best Woven Leather Designer Tote Bag

Bottega veneta andiamo large embellished intrecciato leather tote.

Best Black Designer Tote Bag

Ferragamo large leather tote bag.

Best Designer Tote Bag With Multiple Straps

Gucci diana medium tote bag.

Of course, more distinctive and whimsical styles abound for making more of a statement—think of floral raffia in the summer, minimalist, hardware-adorned shapes, and unique hues that feel unexpected yet perfectly on point. Whether you’re all about maximizing space with an oversize shape or prefer less-precious materials like nylon for everyday toting, there’s a designer tote bag for you. Ahead, the 22 topping our list.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato leather weave is as recognizable as a logo, yet elegantly reserved. I’m partial to the Andiamo line, particularly this earthy-green shade as a slightly bolder neutral, with its exaggerated proportions and knotted hardware details. (Jacob Elordi, king of the designer handbag, is also a fan.) On days when you have less to carry, the mini East-West version has your name written all over it.

Materials: Leather, hardware

Measurements: 13" H x 15.7" W x 3.9" D

Ferragamo’s new twist on the leather tote was first presented on its menswear runway, but it’s a fit for anyone and everyone. Inside its artfully constructed, star-shaped compartment, you’ll find enough space for daily commute essentials or possibly a weekend’s worth of clothing. While I gravitate toward timeless black, it also comes in several other shades.

Materials: Calfskin

Measurements: 13" H x 15" W x 7" D

I love an updated take on an iconic item, like Gucci’s Diana tote, named for the late Princess of Wales. This open-top version expertly contrasts supple leather with the vintage allure of bamboo handles and elongated shoulder straps. (Multiple carrying options are so clutch.) Carry it when spending an entire day out with a mix of essentials, from your wallet, laptop, and keys to a change of shoes for a commute. You can even customize it with your initials.

Materials: Leather, cotton linen lining, bamboo handles, gold-toned hardware

Measurements: 10.6" H x 12.2" W x 5.9" D

The Row Alexia Tote Bag

Something about the utilitarian buckles on this bag, reminiscent of those found on overalls, juxtaposed with the architectural draping feels so clever and slick, whether you go for timeless back, marine blue, or amaretto red. It’s perfect for making a polished impression.

Materials: Leather

Measurements: 17.1" H x 11.6" W x 5.9" D

Saint Laurent Bea YSL Tote Bag

Slouchy pebble-grain leather can be polished, and this Saint Laurent bag proves it. Thick straps lend modernity to the timeless open-top shape that can be styled wider in a trapeze shape or tucked for a slimmer shoulder-bag look.

Materials: Leather and gold-tone hardware

Measurements: 19.7" H x 11" W x 7" D

Khaite Lotus Medium Suede Tote

Khaite’s sculptural Lotus suede tote is moderately capacious (i.e., it won’t weigh you down when full) and highly versatile, flexing from shoulder bag to clutch when cradled under your arm for a runway look.

Materials: Suede

Measurements: 13.8" H x 22" W x 7.5" D

Toteme Striped Jacquard Canvas Tote Bag

This striped black and cream tote, rendered in durable canvas with leather trim, will bring timeless dimension to an outfit of solids—an effortless style hack for instant allure.

Materials: Cotton and leather

Measurements: 12.5" H x 19.5" W x 6" D

Hermès Taurillon Clemence Picotin Lock 22 MM Etoupe

Hermès bags are instant heirlooms to pass down for generations. (The house takes restoring existing pieces as seriously as designing new ones.) This taupe color with contrast stitching feels like the perfect neutral to wear when black, beige, or tan isn’t the mood.

Measurements: 8.75" H x 7" W x 8.75" L

Chanel 22 Large Handbag

Reinterpreting timeless Chanel codes, this supple leather carryall features the French house’s signature quilting and a chain strap adorned with an emblematic double-C medallion. The cinchable silhouette ensures belongings are secure whether you sling it over your shoulder or carry it in the crook of your elbow.

Materials: Leather with gold-tone metal hardware

Measurements: 18.7" x 17.6" x 3.9"

DeMellier Tokyo Leather Tote Bag

Acquiring a DeMellier bag is like joining a very stylish secret society—one of like-minded editors, designers, publicists, and other creatives. This structured and spacious design, like any worthwhile tote bag, comes with long handles that comfortably sit over the shoulder and protective feet (an essential detail for an investment bag).

Measurements: 10.5" H x 18" W x 6" D

Valentino Garavani Medium Resort Flower Raffia Tote Bag

Valentino’s floral take on a straw tote bag is delightfully whimsical alternative to more traditional woven bags—and it’s plenty durable, crafted of raffia nylon.

Materials: Raffia nylon

Measurements: 10.6" H x 14.2" W x 7.1" D

Givenchy Medium Voyou Belted Leather Tote

At first glance, this Givenchy tote may seem like yet another black leather bag. However, the tall silhouette offers extra security, from the deep silhouette to the belted strap, and is detailed with just enough hardware to make it feel edgier than all the rest.

Measurements: 15" H x 11.5" W x 5" D

Prada Logo Canvas Tote Bag

With countless Prada totes available, it’s difficult to nail down the “ultimate” buy. But for summer, few compare to this elegant take on canvas —a true design feat, considering the fabric’s informal connotations. But like the best nylon totes , this durable option levels up the utilitarian textile, as functional space harmoniously combines with the label’s puffed leather logo for an easy-yet-elevated everyday companion.

Materials: Cotton, linen, and leather

Measurements: 12.2" H x 15.4" W x 6.7" D

Victoria Beckham The New Medium Leather Tote Bag

Go the oversize route on days when you’re lugging the most or as a stylish travel bag for weekends away. This unlined leather style won’t add too much extra weight, with snaps to keep your belongings secure.

Measurements: 12" H x 23" W x 14" D

Longchamp Le Pliage Green Recycled Canvas Small Shoulder Tote Bag

Some shoppers are discovering Longchamp’s fold-up canvas totes for the first time; others have a sizable collection lining their closets. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the know, as long as you recognize why they’re an enduring classic. Each Le Pliage tote, including this recycled version, offers seemingly bottomless toting potential without losing its polished look. And when you want to try out another bag, they easily fold into a small square for storage.

Materials: Recycled polyamide canvas with embossed leather trim

Measurements: 10.5" H x 11" W x 6" D

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

Louis Vuitton styles like the Multipli-Cité tote and the Onthego are perfect for women who want a dash of classic designer monograms with their carryall bags. I always designate a Neverfull as my personal item when I travel abroad. It has enough space to carry my 13-inch laptop, plus an e-reader and pouches with travel minis and snacks. With a detachable interior pouch included, I have a dedicated space for my passport and boarding passes, too.

Materials: Leather, canvas

Measurements: 11" H x 5.5" W x 12.2" L

Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag

Tory Burch’s best-selling Perry tote is organized enough to be your personal assistant. It has three interior compartments for flawlessly stowing a wallet, keys, SPF, and your laptop.

Measurements: 11.4" H x 5.3" D x 14.2" L

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Medium Puzzle-Fold Tote Bag

Reimagined for summer, Loewe’s signature Puzzle bag is ready for sunny days, balmy nights, and every getaway in between. The triangular sections aren’t just for show—they allow the bag to fold in on itself for effortless storage—a genius space saver when packed in an already stuffed suitcase.

Materials: Raffia, leather, and viscose

Measurements: 12.3" H x 9.9" W x 5.7" D

Savette Tondo Large Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote

From its subtly curved silhouette to the neat leather trim and polished silver hardware, this canvas carryall exudes a sense of femininity and sophistication. It’s a gorgeous option to pair with suits, skirts, midi dresses, and more.

Materials: Canvas and calf leather

Measurements: 12.6" H x 11.8" W x 7.9" D

Chloé x High Summer Woody Medium Tote Bag

When the season for floral dresses and sandals returns, Chloé’s Woody tote is what you’ll want to carry. This embroidered denim iteration feels like an afternoon at the beach, even if you’re spending the summer at home.

Measurements: 10.2" H x 14.6" W x 4.7" D

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR . Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour .

The Edit: Fashion

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Handbags & Wallets
• Fashion Backpacks

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Pink Cherry Floral Backpack Purse for Women Anti-theft Small Fashion Travel Backpack HandBag Back Pack Lady Gifts,S

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 【Size Options】: Choose from two convenient sizes of this Women's Fashion Backpack Handbag - Small: 10.2x5.1x12.6 inches/26x13x32 cm or Medium: 11.4x6x14 inches/29x15.5x36 cm. Find the perfect fit for your specific carrying needs.
• 【Large Capacity】: This backpack purse has multiple zippered pockets, including 2 spacious main compartments for your cell phone, book, clothes, wallet, and makeup. It also features a front zip pocket, an anti-theft back pocket, and 2 side pockets for easy access to your essentials.
• 【Comfortable Design】: With a sturdy leather handle and thick straps, this women's travel backpack ensures a comfortable carrying experience, even during long journeys.
• 【Secure and Easy to Use】: Our backpack purse for women have double zipper design provides secure storage and easy access to your belongings, making it perfect for modern, on-the-go women.
• 【Fashion Style & Perfect Gift】: This fashionable and chic women's backpack purse is a must-have addition to your collection. Whether you're a busy professional, a trendy traveler, or a fashion-forward city dweller, this multipurpose bag is versatile and stylish. It also makes a great gift for female friends, mother, daughter, lover, or for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day.

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Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 10.23 x 12.59 inches; 1 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ Fashion
• Department ‏ : ‎ womens
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Lotupokon
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2NLSN4L
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China

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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.

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Hours updated 2 months ago

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129 N Cloverdale Blvd

Cloverdale, CA 95425

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THERE'S A NEW CLOTHING BOUTIQUE IN CLOVERDALE!!! Calling all my Ladies! If you live in or near Cloverdale, or if you pass through, do not miss this new, locally-owned, hidden gem of a boutique! Tucked away in the courtyard between Cloverdale Travel Agency and W Real Estate, you'll find this bright inviting shop selling women's apparel (including a variety of vintage band tees), hats, jewelry, vintage belt-buckles, bags, and more. Owner Bri is a delight and will happily help style you. She sells on-trend brands including Z Supply, Free People, We The Free, and more! I was in Cloverdale to visit the Cloverdale Nursery and Plank, and a friend recommended North End. I found two Italian linen tank tops, a We The Free studded belt, and a set of beaded bracelets that I've been wearing on repeat. Can't wait to go back! North End is currently open Thursday - Saturday (and by appointment Tuesday & Wednesday). You can also purchase through their website. I love this new local clothing shop and hope you do too!

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