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10 Best Travel Backpacks for Your 2025 Vacations

best travel backpacks

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Vacations are all about having fun and making memories, of course, but the planning and travel required to get to your destination is just as important. Luckily, the best travel backpacks and luggage can take some of that travel stress away. To find the best travel backpacks available now, we looked for ones with considerate design touches, like laptop sleeves, hidden pockets, expandable zippers, and compression straps. These bags have all the little thoughtful details you don’t even realize you need until you’re at the airport, too—like a special pocket for your water bottle, or a trolley sleeve that easily slides over your luggage handle.

The bags included here are also compliant with most airline carry-on size requirements and are well-reviewed, durable, and made with high-quality materials. Special consideration was given to those that use recycled or otherwise eco-friendly material, too, so you can rest easy knowing your backpack is made with care. Between your high-quality carry-on suitcase, your organized travel makeup bag, and these lightweight backpacks for travel, who knows—you might even enjoy your time at the gate!

01

Fjallraven Ulvo 30L Backpack

Amazon

$145.00

It’s all in the details with the popular Fjallraven Ulvö backpack. Some of the best include a spacious main compartment divided into two sections, a padded laptop pocket, and their signature waterproof, durable Bergshell fabric made of 100% recycled polyamide. This backpack is perfect for those who love adventure.

02

THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager Daypack

Amazon

$129.99

There are several well-reviewed North Face travel backpacks available, but this one’s especially good if you’re traveling with multiple electronics. The 16-inch laptop sleeve is padded and fleece-lined to ensure your computer is safe, while the large external pockets have enough room for your headphones and chargers.

03

BAGSMART 40L Compression Travel Backpack

Amazon

$42.99

There are so many reasons why this BAGSMART travel backpack is great for international travel, starting with its lie-flat design and expandable, large-capacity build. This backpack can store a whopping three to five days worth of clothes, and even has a built-in elastic band to help compress your items inside. It’s also designed to meet the carry-on size limit of most airlines, so you can travel easy.

04

The Expandable Backpack

BÉIS

$98.00

Made out of recycled plastic water bottles, the BÉIS travel backpack comes with a special pocket for your own reusable one—so you’ll never have to worry about losing it (or getting thirsty) on your trip. Another cool feature? It’s expandable, meaning there’s enough extra space for all those souvenirs and other trinkets, which makes it one of the best large travel backpacks too.

05

Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover

$129.00

Need something to use as your daily work bag after the big trip is over? Dagne Dover’s popular travel backpack is a great pick for such. The stylish, minimalist design isn’t as clunky or heavy as some of the other bags specifically built for travel, and it’s made with a neoprene fabric that’s water-resistant and hand-washable. It’s ideal for an everyday bag that might see a lot of use, and potentially messy situations.

06

Active 25L Convertible Backpack

Away

$180.00

As popular as their suitcases are with travelers, it’s not surprising that the Away travel backpack is another win for the brand. But what makes this one of the best carry-on backpacks for international travel? The removable padded straps can convert the backpack into a duffle instantly, and standout features include an easy-access exterior pocket for travel essentials; water bottle pocket; interior compression straps; and a trolley sleeve, to name a few.

07

Hap Tim Laptop Backpack

Amazon

$31.44

Over 80% of Amazon customers who bought this travel bag gave it a glowing five-star review, with many saying it’s well worth the (under $40!) price. “The design of the bag is functional and easy-to-get-into on the go,” wrote one. “The fabric is nice and looks finished and well-made; it was also easy to wipe clean.”

08

tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L

Amazon

$85.99

This travel backpack is made with a durable, recycled material that’s so lightweight, it won’t strain your back after a long day at the airport. There’s also a 3D foam back panel and contoured shoulder straps for ergonomic comfort when breezing through the airport. “The quality of the material is excellent, and it feels very durable. The padded shoulder straps and back panel provide great comfort, even when the backpack is fully loaded,” wrote one happy customer in their review.

09

Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L

Amazon

$299.95

Reviewers love the Peak Design travel backpack for its high-quality materials and thoughtful design. “One of the standout features for me is the abundance of well-thought-out pockets and compartments, which make the bag extremely user-friendly,” says one customer review, while another called it “a phenomenal travel companion.”

10

Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Calpak

$175.00

In addition to its many airport-friendly features—from a luggage trolley sleeve to its padded laptop pocket—this Calpak travel backpack also stands out for its style. It comes in several different color options, so you can easily match it to your existing luggage. Or instead, have a little fun and pick one of their more bold colorways, like Amethyst or Juniper.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best size backpack for airline travel?

All airlines have different carry-on restrictions, so it’s always best to check with your carrier before heading to the airport. That said, the best travel backpacks for men and women are typically made to be carry-on compliant or personal item-compliant. If it’s a carry-on, that means the backpack will likely be under 50 liters (or about 22 x 14 x 9 inches). A personal item bag is most often limited to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Expect to check the bag if it’s larger than that, though.

Does a backpack count as a carry-on?

What should I pack in a backpack?

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