Finding the ideal travel backpack can feel overwhelming given the vast array of choices available today. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, a city explorer, or a digital nomad, the right backpack can make a significant difference in comfort, organization, and convenience. In this guide, I’ll break down the best travel backpacks of 2025, considering their design, durability, features, and suitability for different types of trips.
How to Choose the Perfect Travel Backpack
Selecting the right travel backpack isn’t just about brand names or flashy marketing. A truly exceptional backpack strikes a balance between practicality, simplicity, durability, and comfort. Overcomplicated designs with countless compartments can look impressive in advertisements but often hinder ease of use in real-life travel situations.
When evaluating backpacks, consider these four essential factors:
1. Capacity Matters
Backpacks ranging from 35 to 45 liters are generally ideal for carry-on travel. They are spacious enough to pack essentials for multi-day trips while remaining compact enough to comply with airline regulations. Smaller backpacks, around 30 liters, are perfect for weekend getaways or business trips, whereas larger packs above 55 liters are better suited for extended journeys requiring extra gear.
2. Lightweight Design
A lighter backpack allows you to carry more essentials without exceeding airline weight limits. It also reduces fatigue, especially when navigating airports, trains, or city streets.
3. Streamlined Features
While it can be tempting to choose backpacks with countless pockets and gadgets, simplicity often wins. Overly complex designs can lead to frustration, as it becomes easy to lose track of your items. Look for backpacks that provide thoughtful organization without unnecessary complexity.
4. Durability and Build Quality
Materials and craftsmanship are critical. High-quality fabrics, robust stitching, and weatherproof zippers ensure your backpack will withstand the rigors of travel and remain reliable for years.
My Top 10 Travel Backpacks for 2025
Each backpack below has been personally tested during real trips to evaluate comfort, practicality, and durability. From budget-friendly options to premium models, these backpacks cater to a variety of travel styles.
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack – Best Premium Carry-On
This 35L backpack, expandable to 45L, combines minimalistic design with innovative features. Its magnetic pouches, origami-style dividers, and optional accessories make packing straightforward and efficient. While its thin shoulder straps make it less ideal for hiking, it excels in city breaks, business trips, or digital nomad travel.
Pros: Expandable, premium materials, clever organization.
Cons: Shoulder straps are not ideal for long hikes.
2. Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite – Best Budget Versatile Carry-On
Designed as a lightweight, adventure-ready backpack, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite provides excellent support with a full suspension system including a hip belt, sternum strap, and load lifters. Its weather-resistant exterior and waterproof zippers make it suitable for a wide range of travel scenarios.
Pros: Comfortable harness, multiple compartments, durable materials.
Cons: Laptop compartment not easily accessible from the outside.
3. Osprey Farpoint Series – Best Budget Adventure Pack
Available in 40L, 55L, and 70L sizes, the Osprey Farpoint is a classic among backpackers. Its suspension system and adjustable harness make it exceptionally comfortable for long journeys, while the detachable daypack in the larger models adds versatility. Ideal for hosteling and adventure trips, though basic internal organization may require packing cubes.
Pros: Lightweight, highly comfortable, excellent value.
Cons: Limited organizational features, narrow water bottle pockets.
4. Cotopaxi Allpa – Best Budget Adventure Pack for Organization
This pack excels in internal organization with a clamshell design and multiple compartments, eliminating the need for packing cubes. The 35L or 42L sizes provide sufficient carry-on capacity, while the durable outer shell ensures long-term reliability.
Pros: Colorful design, well-organized compartments, durable materials.
Cons: The 1000D polyester exterior may appear bulky when not fully packed.
5. Salkan Backpacker – Best Premium Adventure Pack
The Salkan Backpacker offers a 2-in-1 system with a main pack and detachable daypack, featuring a fully adjustable harness for superior comfort. Made of rain-resistant polyester, it combines style and functionality, ideal for longer trips or heavy load travel.
Pros: Highly adjustable, stylish, multiple compartments.
Cons: Slightly heavier than other models.
6. Peak Design Outdoor Backpack – Best Tech + Outdoor Pack
Blending a tech-friendly design with outdoor functionality, this backpack supports laptops, camera equipment, and other gear while providing comfort for longer wear. Its minimalist style and rugged materials make it versatile for both city and light adventure trips.
Pros: Durable, ergonomic, multiple compartments.
Cons: Not suitable for extensive trekking or expeditions.
7. Pakt Travel Backpack – Best Smaller Carry-On
At 30L, this backpack is perfect for weekend trips or business travel. Its internal layout divides the main compartment into sections with a padded laptop sleeve, providing excellent organization despite its compact size.
Pros: Compact, highly organized, versatile.
Cons: Too small for long trips, limited space for bulky items.
8. Tom Bihn Techonaut – Best Premium Lightweight Pack
Designed for minimalist travelers, the Techonaut balances low weight with premium features. Its 30L–45L capacity fits most airline carry-on requirements, with specialized compartments for laptops and efficient packing.
Pros: Lightweight, high-quality materials, clever organization.
Cons: Higher price point.
9. Patagonia Black Hole MLC – Best Duffel-Style Backpack
This versatile bag functions as a duffel, suitcase, or backpack. Its flexible straps and maximum carry-on dimensions make it suitable for trips requiring a mix of packing styles, although shoulder strap comfort is basic.
Pros: Multi-mode usage, ample organization, lightweight.
Cons: Less comfort when worn exclusively as a backpack.
10. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 – Best Security Features
With its anti-theft locking system and slash-proof materials, the Pacsafe EXP45 is ideal for high-risk areas. Comfortable harnesses and ample organizational space make it a reliable and secure carry-on backpack.
Pros: Integrated security system, comfortable, durable.
Cons: No quick-access pockets; laptop compartment position could be improved.
Backpack Sizes: What to Choose?
- 10–25L: Too small for main travel; suitable for daypacks.
- 30L: Ideal for weekend trips or minimalist travelers.
- 35–45L: Optimal carry-on size for most trips; balances capacity and mobility.
- 50–65L: For long-term travel requiring extra gear.
- 70–120L: Only for extreme trekking or expeditions.
Conclusion
The best backpack ultimately depends on your travel style, destination, and personal comfort. Mid-sized carry-on backpacks (35–45L) provide an excellent balance for most travelers, offering mobility, ease, and the ability to save on luggage fees. Premium models like Peak Design and Salkan are ideal for those seeking high-quality materials and superior organization, while budget-friendly options like Osprey Farpoint and Cotopaxi Allpa provide comfort and functionality at a lower price. Whichever backpack you choose, prioritize simplicity, durability, and comfort to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
