Choosing the right travel backpack can make your trip a lot easier. A good backpack should be comfortable enough to carry for hours, have enough space for your essentials, be durable enough to handle airports and busy streets, and keep your belongings organized.
For most travelers, 35–45 liters is a great range for one-bag travel. If you’re taking shorter trips or want something that works as a personal item, a smaller 20–30-liter backpack may be a better fit. Some of the most popular travel backpack brands include Osprey, Cotopaxi, Patagonia, Peak Design, Aer, and Tortuga.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best travel backpacks for different travel styles, budgets, and trip lengths, so you can find one that fits the way you travel.
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1. Osprey Farpoint 40
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Osprey Farpoint 40 is a 40-liter travel backpack that combines the comfort of a hiking-style carrying system with the easy packing of a travel bag. It has an adjustable torso, stowaway harness and hipbelt, a laptop compartment, and a suitcase-style front opening, making it easy to pack and access your stuff. It’s a great option if you expect to walk long distances with a fully loaded backpack, instead of only carrying it between the airport and your hotel.
The Farpoint 40 measures about 55 × 35 × 23 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.1 in) and weighs around 1.48 kg (3.3 lb), so it offers a good balance between space and portability for one-bag travel. Its LightWire frame and AirScape back panel help make heavier loads more comfortable, while the hipbelt, sternum strap, and compression system provide extra support and stability. There’s also a dedicated laptop compartment that fits most laptops up to 16 inches, along with a lockable main zipper for added security.
Osprey recommends a load range of roughly 7–16 kg (15–35 lb), and the bag is designed to meet common domestic carry-on size requirements. If you want to use it with a smaller bag for day trips, the Farpoint 40 is also daypack compatible.
2. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
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Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a popular one-bag travel backpack, and its biggest strength is organization. Instead of giving you one big open space that you have to organize with packing cubes, the Allpa splits the interior into separate sections, making it easier to keep your clothes, shoes, electronics, and other items neatly arranged. The current version was redesigned in 2024 and is built around easy packing and everyday travel.
It has a 35-liter capacity, weighs around 1.3 kg (2.9 lb), and measures 55.9 × 30.5 × 25.4 cm (22 × 12 × 10 in). The full clamshell opening lets you open the bag almost like a suitcase, so you can see and access your belongings without digging through everything.
There’s also space for a 15-inch laptop and a separate tablet compartment, while the hip belt provides extra support when the bag is fully loaded. The Allpa 35L is designed for carry-on travel and uses durable materials such as recycled nylon, ballistic nylon, and TPU, along with YKK zippers.
Some versions or packages may also include a rain cover. Overall, it’s a unisex travel backpack that works especially well for travelers who want a well-organized bag that’s easy to pack and carry.
3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
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Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a premium, structured travel backpack made for people who carry more than just clothes, such as laptops, cameras, tablets, and other electronics. Its main advantage is the combination of smart organization, multiple access points, expandable capacity, and durable construction. It’s especially useful for photographers, content creators, and digital nomads, although its main drawbacks are its heavier weight and higher price.
The backpack can hold up to 45 liters, while its compressed size brings the capacity down to around 35 liters. It weighs about 2.05 kg (4.5 lb) and measures roughly 56 × 33 × 24 cm (22 × 13 × 9.5 in). The full clamshell opening makes packing easier, and there are dedicated compartments for a laptop and tablet.
The hip belt provides extra support when the bag is heavily loaded, while the shoulder straps can be stowed away when you want a cleaner look or need to check the bag. It also works well with camera gear, making it a practical choice for photographers and content creators. The backpack is weather-resistant and can expand from 35L to 45L when you need more space.
Overall, it’s a good choice for travel, photography, and business trips if you want plenty of features and don’t mind the extra weight or higher price.
4. Patagonia Black Hole 32L
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Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L is a lightweight and durable backpack that works well for both travel and everyday use. It’s a good middle ground between a large everyday backpack and a dedicated travel bag, especially if you want something rugged and weather-resistant without the extra bulk.
Unlike the Osprey Farpoint 40 or Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, it doesn’t have a suitcase-style opening or as much built-in organization. Instead, its main strengths are its low weight, durability, weather resistance, and versatility. The pack has a 32-liter capacity, weighs just 760 g (1.7 lb), and measures around 52 × 28 × 21 cm (20.5 × 11 × 8.3 in).
There’s a dedicated laptop compartment that fits most 15-inch laptops, while the main compartment opens from the top with a zipper. It doesn’t have a traditional padded hip belt, but the sternum strap and Airmesh back panel help make it more comfortable to carry. You also get two stretch-woven side pockets for water bottles or other quick-access items, along with a luggage pass-through for attaching it to a suitcase.
Made with 100% recycled polyester ripstop, the Black Hole Pack 32L is a solid choice if you want a simple, tough backpack that can handle both daily commutes and trips.
5. Aer Travel Pack 3
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Aer Travel Pack 3 is a premium 35-liter travel backpack made mainly for business travelers, digital nomads, and urban one-bag travelers. Its biggest strengths are smart organization, a structured design, durable materials, and plenty of space for laptops and other electronics.
It’s worth noting that the Travel Pack 3 is an older generation, as Aer has since released the Travel Pack 4 35L, so keep that in mind if you’re comparing the latest models. The Travel Pack 3 weighs about 1.87 kg (4.12 lb) and measures 54.5 × 33 × 21.5 cm (21.5 × 13 × 8.5 in). Its lay-flat main opening makes packing and unpacking easier, while the dedicated laptop compartment fits laptops up to 16 inches.
The bag is made from tough 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon and uses YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware for added durability. Other useful features include an expandable water bottle pocket, luggage pass-through, lockable zippers, and a dedicated smart-tracker pocket. An internal frame helps support the load, while the hip belt is optional, removable, and sold separately.
Overall, the Travel Pack 3 is a solid choice if you want a durable, well-organized backpack for work trips and one-bag travel without going for a much larger pack.
6. Tortuga Travel Backpack
Check the latest price of the Tortuga Pro 40L on Amazon.
Tortuga Pro 40L is a premium carry-on travel backpack built for travelers who want plenty of space without giving up carrying comfort. One of its biggest strengths is its hiking-style suspension system with a supportive, height-adjustable hip belt, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re carrying a fully packed bag for long periods.
The backpack has a 40-liter capacity, weighs around 2 kg (4.4 lb), and measures 55 × 35 × 20 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in). Its full clamshell opening lets you pack it more like a suitcase, while the built-in compartments can hold a 16-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch tablet. It’s made from durable ECOPAK EPX200 sailcloth and offers good water resistance, plus two external water-bottle pockets and a luggage pass-through.
Its size is suitable for carry-on travel on many airlines, although you should always check your airline’s specific size and weight limits. With its roomy interior and comfortable suspension, the Tortuga Pro 40L is a good option for longer trips, especially if you like to pack a lot of gear.
7. The North Face Base Camp Voyager
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The North Face Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack 35L is a versatile travel backpack that works well for weekend trips, short vacations, commuting, and everyday use. It has a rugged build, useful organization, and a relatively light weight for a structured 35L travel bag.
The 35-liter capacity, clamshell-style opening, and dedicated 16-inch laptop compartment make it easy to pack and access your essentials, while the adjustable, foldable divider helps keep everything organized. It weighs around 1.57 kg (3.5 lb) and measures 49 × 30.5 × 16 cm (19.3 × 12 × 6.3 in).
The bag is made from 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU, with a tougher 840D recycled nylon bottom, giving it good durability and water resistance. You also get two water-bottle pockets, a luggage pass-through, and a sternum strap for extra stability. The main drawback is the lack of a traditional hip belt, so it may not be the best option if you regularly carry heavy loads over long distances.
Overall, it’s a great pick for short trips and everyday travel if you want a compact, rugged backpack that’s easier to manage than a larger travel pack.
8. Thule Subterra 2 Convertible
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Thule Subterra 2 Expandable Travel Backpack 26L is a versatile backpack that works as an everyday bag but can expand from 26 liters to 32 liters (1,586 to 1,953 cu in) when you need more packing space. Unlike larger 35–45L travel backpacks, it’s designed to be more compact and practical for daily use while still giving you extra room for short trips.
The backpack weighs around 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) and measures 33 × 24.5 × 50.5 cm (13 × 9.6 × 19.9 in). It has dedicated compartments for a 16-inch laptop and a 10.9-inch tablet, along with a large side pocket for a water bottle.
A removable packing cube is also included, making it easier to organize clothes and smaller items. The bag is made from durable 800D nylon/polyester and has a water-resistant finish that provides protection from light rain. There’s no traditional hip belt, but the luggage pass-through makes it easy to attach the backpack to a suitcase.
Overall, the Subterra 2 is a good choice for everyday use and shorter trips, especially if you want a compact backpack that can give you more space when needed.
9. Tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L
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Tomtoc Navigator T-66 40L is a lightweight travel backpack that puts a strong focus on organization, tech storage, and convenient airport travel. It offers around 38–40 liters of space while weighing only about 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), making it surprisingly light for a backpack of this size.
It measures 52 × 34 × 23 cm (20.5 × 13.4 × 9.1 in) and has a suitcase-style clamshell opening that makes packing and unpacking easier. There’s a dedicated TSA-friendly laptop compartment that can fit laptops up to 17.3 inches, along with space for a 12.9-inch tablet and several quick-access pockets for smaller items.
It doesn’t have a traditional hip belt, but you do get a sternum strap, luggage pass-through, and water-bottle pocket for added convenience. Made from recycled polyester with YKK zippers, the Navigator T-66 is a great option if you carry a lot of electronics or simply want a lightweight, well-organized backpack for short trips.
10. Osprey Fairview 40
Check the latest price of the Osprey Fairview 40 on Amazon.
Osprey Fairview 40 is the women-specific counterpart to the Osprey Farpoint 40 and is a great option for one-bag travel, backpacking, and longer trips.
It offers 40 liters of space while weighing around 1.47 kg (3.2 lb) and measuring 55 × 35 × 23 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.1 in). Osprey recommends carrying roughly 7–16 kg (15–35 lb), and the internal frame, padded hip belt, and breathable back panel help make heavier loads more comfortable.
Its suitcase-style opening makes packing easy, while the stowaway harness and hip belt can be tucked away when you want a cleaner look or need to check the bag.
There’s also dedicated laptop storage, and a compatible daypack can be added separately if you need extra flexibility. The Fairview 40 uses recycled 210D nylon, with a tougher recycled 420D nylon bottom, and has a DWR finish for added protection against light moisture.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for one-bag travelers who want a lightweight pack with good carrying comfort, especially when you expect to carry it for long periods.
Final Thoughts
The best travel backpack really depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, how you like to pack, and your budget.
If you want a good all-around option, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great place to start thanks to its balance of space and carrying comfort. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a better fit if organization is your top priority, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is worth considering if you carry a camera, laptop, and lots of other tech gear.
Most importantly, don’t choose a backpack just because it has the biggest capacity or the most pockets. Look for one that fits you comfortably, holds what you actually need, and meets the airline size and weight limits you normally travel with.
The right travel backpack shouldn’t feel like extra luggage. It should make your trip easier, more organized, and more comfortable.