The Best Travel Backpacks of 2021
Whether you're a seasoned traveler, a short weekender or simply thinking about heading out on the open road, picking the right travel backpack can make – or break – your trip. Simply put, pared-back traveling doesn't have to mean two pairs of underpants, a clean T and a toothbrush squashed into an old-school haversack. Neither does it mean wearing most of your clothes when trying to check in your hand luggage at the airport.
And gone are the days of towering rucksacks overstuffed with everything you don't need when all you're planning is a short trip away.
You can get a variety of lightweight backpacks to match your travel plans that are practical, comfortable, eat up all your gear…. oh, and are ruggedly good-looking to boot. To help get your short break or dream trip underway, we've scoured the internet to bring you what we think are the best travel backpacks currently on the market.
1. Nixon Hauler 35L Travel Backpack
Durable, comfortable to wear, and designed to keep all your belongings organized and secure, the Nixon Hauler 35L Backpack is, hands down, one of the best backpacks for travel. With 35L capacity and 16” laptop storage, it can take practically anything you throw at it, and then some.
Tested by our senior editor who took it on his two-week trip through South America, this handsome travelers backpack is as versatile as it gets – perfect both for jungle treks and schlepping through the airport. It comes with a cavernous main compartment that has lots of organization features, including internal organizers and zippered shoe or towel compartment, so you don't have to waste your time fishing for your earbuds. As a bonus, it's constructed with REPREVE recycled plastics, meaning plastic waste from the ocean.
2. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
The Farpoint 40 is the perfect weekend travel bag that can really step it up for a trip off the beaten track. Osprey doesn't disappoint with this 40L pack, bringing its outdoor tech to an urban-cool rucksack that's equally at home in the wilderness. Mesh back panels, dual compression straps and just enough attachment points to hook on extra gear, and the Farpoint 40 provides a sufficiently comfortable ride.
With a deceptively large inner space and lots of internal protection for your gadgets, the Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is also small enough to use as a carry-on bag for plane travel. Throw in a stowaway system that can turn it into a super streamlined duffel and you'll find navigating airport security and baggage reclaim a breeze.
3. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
The Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack is a great little space-saver that's deceptive in size – you'll be amazed how much you can stash away and still use it as a smart-looking carry-on for short business trips and weekends away.
It revels in its role as the bag around town, transforming from travel-savvy luggage to city-ready duffel in seconds, and in a choice of over 20 colors and colorways, you'll be able to either fit in with or stand out in a crowd. Lightweight and uncomplicated, the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack is also surprisingly sturdy and will take you from arrivals lounge to business – or social – meeting in no time.
4. Outlander Lightweight Travel Backpack
For day-to-day use or a quick overnighter, then the Outlander offers exceptional value. This lighter than lightweight backpack is made from water-resistant nylon and at under ½ a pound, can work what seems like a miracle, packing away a supersized 33L of essentials.
Yes, its packable structure means it is a tad on the shapeless side and with its lack of internal padding you could probably feel a toothbrush poking you in the back but where it loses in comfort it more than makes up with versatility. And when not escorting you and your gear on your casual travels, it can be packed away into an inner pocket, shrinking to the size of a ‘generously sized hamburger'. All for under $2 – what's not to like? Be sure to also check out our list of the best Patagonia Backpacks for more great items like this.
5. Yorepek Extra Large Travel Backpack
The Extra-Large TSA Friendly Travel Backpack is made from premium quality polyester material with nylon lining for extra durability. With a 45L capacity, it takes on even more than your average travel backpack sporting a convenient and functional design. It features a USB port and a headphone hole perfect for charging devices on the go and listening to music respectively. This works via the built-in charging port that works when a power bank is connected from the inside. Travelling can get exhausting and boring especially if you're traveling alone. The headphone hole will help you relax during long transit periods listening to calming or upbeat music.
There's also a large compartment that suitably accommodates laptops ranging from 13 to 17 inches in size. With up to 3 zippered pockets in the front, there's enough space to store vital documents and accessories for easy access on demand. Gadgets, stationeries, wallets, and the likes can be arranged neatly in the front pockets while the side pockets hold a needful water bottle. The main compartments fold flat for easy screening when passing check-in points with the laptop splayed in a convenient position that prevents slipping or any damage. Going back to the design, it's well ventilated with the help of a mesh design included in strategic areas for maximum airflow. An ergonomic design ensures the bag properly contours your back preventing unnecessary strain or pain.
