TRAVEL BACKPACK COMPARISON : The list of the 13 best bags
Updated: May 19
When you travel a lot, everything you take with you is important.
So when it comes to backpacks, it's even more so!
The thing to know is that there is no "best" travel backpack for travel. In fact, it all depends on you, your budget, your needs, the length of your adventure and your way of traveling. I have therefore developed the subject in depth by proposing different models according to all that.
How to choose your travel backpack
Here are the criteria that seem to me the most important when choosing a travel backpack:
Weight: the lighter you travel, the better you feel. I wrote a whole article called "Travel light (or leave that horrible shirt, that you will never wear, at home!).
Capacity: In general, travel bags are classified by capacity in liters. For a small bag to take everywhere on a day-to-day basis, it is around 15-25 liters. For a bag to go away for a few days, or even months in minimalist mode, it goes from 30 to 45 liters. And for a longer travel bag, you should count on 50 to 65 liters.
The type of opening: Most travel backpacks open on the top. This is pretty inconvenient because to get something from the bottom of your bag, you'll have to take everything off. Fortunately, there are travel bags that open on the front, much like a suitcase.
The type of straps: It's the waist strap that balances the weight of your backpack across your body rather than on your shoulders. It prevents back pain, especially when you carry your bag for a long time. Some bags have padded straps, which are much more comfortable.
The type of straps 2: It is the strap at the waist that allows you to balance the weight of your backpack on your whole body rather than on your shoulders. It prevents back pain, especially when you carry your bag for a long time. Some bags have padded straps, which is much more comfortable.
The interior design: This is different for everyone. For me, I prefer to have a few pockets inside my bag, but not too many. The most important thing for me is the computer pocket.
Zippers: Since you'll be opening and closing your bag several times a day, it's best if they are practical and sturdy.
Fit: To choose your travel bag, take measurements, keeping in mind that the length of your torso is more important than your height.
Style: Some bags look better than others, but that's a matter of taste. It's up to you to decide if it matters to you.
Weather resistance: It depends on the materials used. Some backpacks have a built-in rain cover, and others are designed with a water-resistant fabric.
The possibility of taking it in the cabin: Airlines are becoming increasingly strict about the size and weight of carry-on luggage. For my part, I always forbid myself to take a bag of more than 45 liters.
What kind of traveler are you?
In order to choose the right travel backpack, you need to know what it will be used for. And to know what it will be used for, try to know what type of traveler you are among these three categories
THE "MINIMALIST" TRAVELER (CARRY-ON)
You hate wasting time at the airport. You love to visit cities, sleep in hostels and go on the occasional day trip, but don't bring your camping gear.
GAP YEAR" TRAVELERS
You're a student who took a gap year to travel before starting college, or you're a recent graduate who wants to see the country before starting work. You are traveling for the first time and have no experience in the field. You need a checked bag because you are bringing a lot of stuff.
ADVENTUROUS" TRAVELERS
You will spend a lot of time in the jungle, the desert or the mountains. You're thinking about hitchhiking, and you love to get off the beaten path, even if it means sleeping outside. You want to take some equipment to be able to sleep in the wilderness.
Your choice of travel backpack will depend on the type of traveler you are (or will be). If you are a light traveler, you can already fit a lot of stuff in a 40-liter bag. On the other hand, if you want to carry camera equipment, camping gear or a lot of clothes, you will need a bigger bag (and therefore to put in the hold).
Best backpacks for minimalist travelers
OSPREY FARPOINT 40 - THE MOST POPULAR BACKPACK
Weight: 1.4 KG
Capacity: 40 liters
Loading: 10-20 KG
Colors: Black, Grey, Red, Blue
Good for : Traveling with carry-on luggage
Price: Click here to find the best price
This is THE most popular backpack for travelers who don't want to travel with a checked bag as well as for those who go on a full year trip. The Osprey Farpoint 40 opens in the front. It is very easy to use and comfortable to wear thanks to the excellent suspension offered by its straps and design.
The straps can be separated with a zipper, turning this backpack into a classic travel bag with handle. The hip strap is very comfortable and the style is quite nice to look at.
Advantages: ✅ Front opening ✅ Secure closures ✅ Adjustable straps ✅ Ideal for a day hike | Disadvantages: ❌ The laptop sleeve is not against the back ❌ The neon green interior may turn some people off |
NOMADIC TRAVEL BAG 40 - PERFECT FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
NOMADIC TRAVEL BAG 40
Weight : 1.8 KG
Capacity: 40 liters
Loading : 10-20 KG
Color : Black
Good for : Traveling with a carry-on
Price: Click here to find the best price
The Nomadic Travel Bag was created by a digital nomad for digital nomads. It is full of practical features for those who work while traveling: an underwear pocket, a pocket for wires and chargers ... Nothing is missing! In addition, it can easily be transformed into a tote bag and it has a computer pocket.
Benefits: ✅ Water resistant ✅ Detachable belt ✅ Front opening | Disadvantages: ❌ Gimmicky features. ❌ The overly square design ❌ The price |
EAGLE CREEK GLOBAL 40 - MINIMALISTE ET DIGITAL NOMAD
Weight : 1.5 KG
Capacity: 40 liters
Loading: 10-20 KG
Colors: black, blue
Good for: Traveling with carry-on luggage
Price: Click here to find the best price
The Eagle Creek40 is a bag I used for more than two years before switching to the Packsave (mentioned below). Although the volume of this bag seems smaller than I would have imagined, it is more than enough for my excursions, whether it is for a few days or a month.
I can fit everything I need in it. And there are quite a few practical compartments for a jacket or parka, water bottle, cell phone and keys as well as the rain cover.
Benefits: ✅ 17″ computer pouch ✅ Very light weight ✅ An ideal bag for day hiking ✅ comfortable belt | Disadvantages: ❌ The look is a little too classic. |
PACSAFE VENTURESAFE 45 - ANTI-THEFT TRAVEL BACKPACK
Weight : 1.1 KG
Capacity: 55 liters
Loading : 25-30 KG
Color: Black, blue
Good for: Backpacking
Price: Click here to find the best price
Pacsafe is THE brand for travel security. Its particularity is that it is ultra secure and packed with anti-theft gadgets. It opens like a suitcase and has a nice look. There is of course the very efficient suspension system and the ultra comfortable belt. Even when filled, this bag is still easy to carry. If you want to go on a long trip, but you don't plan to hike.
Benefits: ✅Super secure ✅Minimalist design ✅Integrated RFID technology | Disadvantages: ❌ Expensive ❌ Quite large |
The best travel backpacks for hikers
Traveling with only one carry-on bag is not for everyone. Maybe you've never traveled before, or maybe you just need more room in your bag for your clothes, or maybe you love adventure and want to bring your gear along...
Then maybe you should look for the best backpack for traveling AND hiking. These backpacks are big enough to hold your clothes, but also kitchen gear, a tent, a sleeping bag and the other little things you might need.
Aveler 50Liters
Weight : 1.3kg
Capacity: 50 liters
Loading : 20 KG
Color: Black, blue, green, grey
Good for : trekking, hikking
Price: Click here to find the best price
If you're going to be out in the wilderness for several weeks and need an ultra-light, rainproof backpack I recommend Aveler 50 Liters.