Discover the best travel backpacks of 2025, from budget picks to premium gear. Find your perfect pack for comfort, style, and functionality.
✈️ Traveling Light? Here’s Your Ultimate Backpack Guide
If you’ve ever juggled a suitcase in a crowded airport or wrestled with zippers on a mountain trail, you know the right backpack can change everything.
The best travel backpacks of 2025 blend comfort, capacity, and style, making every journey—from weekend getaways to globe-trotting adventures—smoother and smarter.
In this guide, we’ve sifted through expert reviews, real traveler feedback, and the latest gear releases to bring you the top travel backpacks worth packing this year.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, minimalist explorer, or casual vacationer, you’ll find a pack tailored to your needs.
🧳 Best Overall Travel Backpacks
1. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Versatile, eco-conscious, and incredibly durable
- Price: \$225
- Why it’s great:
- Clamshell opening makes packing and unpacking a breeze
- TPU-coated polyester ensures excellent water resistance
- Thoughtful internal dividers keep you organized
- Ethical production and sustainable materials
- Downside: Slightly heavier when packed full
2. Osprey Farpoint 40
Top choice for carry-on compliance and comfort
- Price: \$185
- Why it’s great:
- Lightweight design with a ventilated back panel
- Lockable zippers and laptop sleeve
- Stowaway harness and hip belt for easy handling
- Downside: Internal organization is somewhat limited
💼 Tech-Savvy and Business Travel Favorites
3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
A sleek solution for photographers and tech lovers
- Price: \$299.95
- Why it’s great:
- Expandable capacity from 35L to 45L
- Multiple access points for easy reach
- Dedicated tech sleeves for laptops and tablets
- Downside: High-end pricing
4. Nomatic Travel Pack
Designed for the smart and stylish professional
- Price: \$280
- Why it’s great:
- Expands from 20L to 30L
- RFID-safe compartments
- Magnetic water bottle pockets
- Downside: May feel too structured for casual travel
🎒 One-Bag Travel Champions
5. Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
Perfect for serious one-bag adventurers
- Price: \$399
- Why it’s great:
- Front-loading suitcase style
- Padded hip and shoulder straps
- Max carry-on size with smart organization
- Downside: Premium price tag
💸 Budget-Friendly Backpacks
6. Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack
Unbeatable value with packing cubes included
- Price: \$34
- Why it’s great:
- Water-resistant polyester
- Laptop compartment and three packing cubes
- Downside: Less durable for long-term or rugged use
7. Lifeventure Waterproof Packable Backpack
Your perfect ultra-light day trip companion
- Price: £35
- Why it’s great:
- 22L compact design
- Folds into itself
- Waterproof Cordura fabric
- Downside: Minimal padding and structure
🌲 Adventure and Specialty Picks
8. Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
Built for rugged outdoor excursions
- Price: \$129
- Why it’s great:
- Weather-resistant ripstop fabric
- Sustainable and long-lasting
- Downside: Basic internal features
9. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL
The most secure backpack you’ll ever carry
- Price: \$290
- Why it’s great:
- Anti-theft tech with RFID protection
- Eco-friendly ECONYL material
- Downside: Slightly heavier
Final Thoughts: Which Travel Backpack Should You Choose?
When it comes to picking the best travel backpack, your ideal match depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities.
For a do-it-all, ethical choice, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L wins. Need something carry-on compliant and comfy?
Go for the Osprey Farpoint 40. Want something with tech compartments and sleek style? The Peak Design Backpack delivers.
And if you’re on a budget, the Asenlin 40L packs surprising value into a wallet-friendly design.
Your next adventure starts with a solid pack—choose smart, travel far.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What backpacks are not allowed on planes?
A. Backpacks that are oversized, contain prohibited items, or feature dangerous battery packs may not be allowed. Most airlines restrict bags that exceed carry-on dimensions (usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches). Always check the airline’s official guidelines before flying.
Q. Will an 18-inch backpack fit under an airplane seat?
A. Yes, most 18-inch backpacks are compact enough to fit under a plane seat. This makes them ideal as personal items. However, legroom and under-seat storage can vary by airline and aircraft model.
Q. What is the maximum size bag to fit under a plane seat?
A. Generally, the maximum size is about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. To avoid issues, choose backpacks labeled as underseat approved or personal item compatible.
Q. Do airlines consider a backpack a carry-on?
A. Yes, as long as the backpack fits carry-on size limits, it is accepted. If it’s smaller, it might be considered a personal item instead. Airlines often allow one carry-on and one personal item per traveler.
Q. Can you take an underseat bag and a carry-on on?
A. Yes! Most airlines allow both. A carry-on goes in the overhead bin, and the underseat backpack stays with you. This is ideal for organization and accessibility during flights.
Q. What size bag fits under a seat on American Airlines?
A. American Airlines recommends bags no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Backpacks designed for laptops or short trips usually meet this requirement.
Q. How strict are airlines about backpack size?
A. It varies. Budget airlines are usually stricter, especially on personal item dimensions. Traditional carriers like Delta or United may be more lenient, but staying within size limits is always safest.
Q. What size backpack fits under a United Airlines seat?
A. United permits personal items up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Choose slim, compact backpacks that are soft-sided for best fit.
Q. Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane?
A. Usually no—one personal item per person is standard. You can carry a small purse inside your backpack, or combine them into a single compact bag.
Q. Does TSA allow backpacks?
A. Yes, TSA allows backpacks, but they must go through security screening. Remove electronics, liquids, and prohibited items to speed up the process.
Q. What is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule for packing?
A. It’s a minimalist travel tip: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories, 2 shoes, 1 swimsuit. This rule helps travelers pack light and smart—especially when using 40L or 50L backpacks.
Q. Is a 40L backpack too big for carry-on?
A. Not usually. Most 40L backpacks are designed to fit within airline carry-on size limits. They’re a favorite for one-bag travel and week-long trips.
Q. Is 70L backpack too big for carry-on?
A. Yes, a 70L backpack is too large for carry-on standards and must be checked in. It’s better suited for camping, trekking, or long-term travel.
Q. What size backpack for 2 weeks in Europe?
A. A 45L to 50L backpack is ideal for two-week trips. It offers enough space for clothes, shoes, and essentials while staying within most airline regulations for carry-on.
Q. How much can you fit in a 50L backpack?
A. A 50L pack fits about 5-7 days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, shoes, and a laptop. It’s excellent for light packers, digital nomads, and multi-city trips.
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