Tired of fighting with bulky suitcases on old streets or squeezing your bag onto crowded trains? A good travel backpack could be the answer.
Whether it’s a weekend in a new city, a long backpacking trip, or a simple carry-on for work, picking the right backpack can be a game-changer. After tons of research and testing, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best travel backpacks for 2025.
Why a Travel Backpack Beats Regular Luggage
Travel backpacks are way more useful than suitcases with wheels. Imagine walking through markets, hiking to a village, or catching a train, all with your stuff safe on your back. You can go almost anywhere with a backpack, from airports to beaches.
Having your hands free means you can take photos, help someone out, or just enjoy the view without dragging a bag. Plus, today’s travel backpacks are super comfy and have cool ways to keep everything organized.
What Makes a Great Travel Backpack in 2025?
Size is Important
A good size for most people is between 35 and 50 liters. This gives you enough space for a week-long trip but still fits as a carry-on for most planes. The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L gives you even more space and still works as a carry-on.
Key Things to Look For
- Clamshell opening: Opens like a suitcase for easy access.
- Comfy straps: Padded shoulder straps, hip belt, and back.
- Straps to tighten it up: Keeps your pack small and secure.
- Lots of pockets: To keep clean and dirty clothes apart, and organize electronics.
- Safe zippers and hidden pockets: For your important stuff.
- Strong build: Made with stuff that can handle being thrown around.
Top 20 Travel Backpacks for 2025
The Best of the Best
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Price: $300-350
The Peak Design Travel Pack 45L is our best overall pick. It has cool ways to organize your stuff with camera cubes and tech pouches you can take out. It looks good whether you’re in a fancy office or a hostel.
Great For: People who work online, photographers, and those who care about looks.
Where to Buy: Peak Design Official Store
2. Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
Price: $180-220
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is a great deal. This pack turns from a backpack into a duffel bag, so it works in lots of situations. It can carry a lot of weight and has straps to make it smaller.
Great For: Those who like to explore and people who want something that can do anything.
Where to Buy: Osprey Official Store
3. Osprey Farpoint 40
Price: $160-200
The Farpoint 40 is a favorite for a reason. It has a ribbed back, comfy straps, and an adjustable fit, like a hiking pack. This makes it super comfy, even when you’re walking all day.
Great For: Backpackers and those who want comfort without spending too much.
Where to Buy: REI Co-op
4. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Price: $140-170
The Cotopaxi Allpa has a smart way of keeping things inside, with big zipper pockets. This colorful pack is made in an ethical way and keeps you organized without too many pockets.
Great For: People who care about how things are made and those who like bright colors.
Where to Buy: Cotopaxi Official Store
Good All-Around Options
5. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L
Price: $220-250
This stylish pack looks good in the city but works great for travel. The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag has a cool way to keep your stuff organized without losing style. It’s made in Colorado with top-notch stuff.
Great For: City explorers and those who want to look good.
Where to Buy: Topo Designs
6. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40L
Price: $140-160
REI’s own brand is a great value, with features you find in more expensive packs. The member program makes it even better if you shop at REI a lot.
Great For: People who want a good deal and REI members.
Where to Buy: REI Co-op
7. Eagle Creek Tour 40L
Price: $130-160
This is a reliable pack that’s been perfected over the years. The newest version has better zippers and ways to keep things organized.
Great For: People who want something they can count on.
Where to Buy: Eagle Creek
8. Matador GlobeRider45
Price: $200-230
The Matador GlobeRider45 opens like a clamshell, so it’s easy to pack and unpack. This newer pack is simple and made with nice materials.
Great For: People who like things simple and want nice stuff.
Where to Buy: Matador Equipment
Great for Saving Money
9. Kelty Redwing 44
Price: $90-120
This is a great first pack that still has the important features. Kelty is known for making things that last, so this pack will be with you for years.
Great For: People traveling for the first time and those who want to save money.
Where to Buy: Amazon – Kelty Redwing 44
10. AmazonBasics Travel Backpack 40L
Price: $50-70
This cheap pack did better than some that cost way more. Sometimes, simple is best.
Great For: Those on a tight budget and students.
Where to Buy: Amazon Basics
Special Packs
11. Tortuga Setout Travel Backpack 45L
Price: $200-240
Made by travelers, this pack gives you lots of space while keeping things organized. They really thought about what travelers need.
Great For: Those who fly a lot and want to use every bit of carry-on space.
Where to Buy: Tortuga Backpacks
12. Nomatic Travel Pack V2 40L
Price: $250-280
This is a dream for tech lovers, with over 40 pockets and compartments. If you have lots of gadgets, this pack keeps everything in its place.
Great For: People who work online and tech fans.
Where to Buy: Nomatic
13. Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
Price: $200-230
This pack turns into a backpack, duffel, or briefcase. Patagonia cares about the environment and offers a lifetime repair, so it’s a good value.
Great For: Those who care about the environment and want something that can do it all.
Where to Buy: Patagonia
For Women
14. Osprey Fairview 40
Price: $160-190
This is the women’s version of the Farpoint. It has shorter straps and is made for a woman’s body.
Great For: Women who want a comfy pack that fits right.
Where to Buy: Osprey Women’s Fairview
15. Gregory Border 35
Price: $140-170
Gregory makes packs that fit women well and are comfy to carry.
Great For: Women who want a pack that fits well and feels good.
Where to Buy: Gregory Packs
Lots of Space
16. Gregory Baltoro 75
Price: $300-350
The Gregory Baltoro 75 is great for people who need to carry a lot and want a pack that’s strong and has lots of features. Good for long trips.
Great For: Long-term travelers.
Where to Buy: REI – Gregory Baltoro 75
17. Osprey Aether 65
Price: $280-320
This is a top-notch pack with lots of space and comfy features for long trips.
Great For: Serious backpackers and trips that last weeks.
Where to Buy: Backcountry – Osprey Aether 65
Super Light
18. Granite Gear Crown2 38L
Price: $120-150
If you want to save every bit of weight, this light pack still has the important features.
Great For: People who like to travel light.
Where to Buy: Granite Gear
19. Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Price: $350-400
This is the lightest pack for people who really want to save weight. It’s pricey but has the best weight-to-space.
Great For: Those who want the lightest pack.
Where to Buy: Zpacks
Cheap Option
20. High Sierra Loop Backpack
Price: $40-60
This is a surprisingly good cheap pack that has the basics. Great for seeing if backpack travel is for you.
Great For: First-time travelers.
Where to Buy: Amazon – High Sierra Loop
How to Pick Your Best Travel Backpack
Think About How You Travel
- City trips: Focus on style and organization (Peak Design, Topo Designs)
- Exploring: Focus on strength and comfort (Osprey, Gregory)
- Super light: Pick light designs (Granite Gear, Zpacks)
- Save money: Look for good deals (Kelty, AmazonBasics)
Size Help
- 30-35L: Weekend trips, just carry-on
- 35-45L: 1-2 week trips, good carry-on size
- 45-55L: 2-4 week trips, might need to check it
- 55L+: Long trips
How to Try It On
- Put 20-25 pounds in the pack before trying it on.
- Adjust the length to fit your body.
- Make sure the hip belt sits on your hips.
- Shoulder straps should be comfy, with no pressure.
- Walk around for 10 minutes to see how it feels.
Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Pack Smart
- Roll clothes, don’t fold, to save space.
- Use packing cubes to keep things organized.
- Wear heavy stuff like boots when you travel.
- Pick colors that match so you can mix and match clothes.
- Pack clothes that can be used in different ways.
Important Stuff for Your Backpack
- Packing cubes: To keep things organized.
- Rain cover: To keep your pack dry.
- Lock: To keep zippers safe in hostels.
- Clips: To attach water bottles.
- Extra straps: For more stuff.
How to Keep Your Pack in Good Shape
Make It Last
- Clean it with soap and water.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Fix it right away if it tears.
- Move zippers to keep them from sticking.
- Use a rain cover to keep it clean and dry.
When to Get a New One
Look for zippers that break, fabric that’s torn, buckles that are broken, or padding that’s flat. Good packs like Osprey and Gregory often have good warranties.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use my travel backpack as a carry-on?
A: Most 40-45L packs are carry-on size, but check with your airline. Some airlines have strict rules.
Q: How much weight can I carry?
A: Most people can carry 20-25% of their weight. Start light and get used to it.
Q: Should I get a pack for men or women?
A: Women’s packs are shorter and have straps made for women. If you’re between sizes, try both.
Q: Is a expensive travel backpack worth it?
A: Good packs last longer, are more comfy, and have good warranties. Think about how much you’ll use it over the years.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right travel backpack is a good move for all your future trips. There’s a perfect pack for you.
The best backpack fits your body, matches how you travel, and feels good after walking for hours. Take your time, try different packs, and imagine yourself traveling with it.
Your travel backpack is more than just gear. Pick wisely, pack light, and start your adventures.
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Ready to pick your best travel buddy? Start with our top picks: the Peak Design Travel Pack 45L for top features, the Osprey Farpoint 40 for being reliable, or the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L . Your next trip is just a backpack away.
