10 Best Packable Backpacks for Women
Otherwise known as the secret weapon of frequent travelers, a packable backpack is a must for your packing list whether you’re traveling near or far. With a packable backpack, you can instantly expand your storage space whenever you need a little room to grow. From hiking trips to city-hopping jaunts, these are the best packable backpacks for women on the move.
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10 best packable backpacks for women in 2024
1. Best overall packable backpack: Away
A good travel backpack is like your favorite pair of jeans: It goes with every outfit, and it’s uber practical. But it can also be really hard to find that just-right fit. If you can’t find a packable backpack that’s equal parts fashion and function, get ready to be swept away (pun intended). The Everyday Backpack from Away is a lightweight, versatile dream. 18L is neither too much nor too little storage space. Black is a no-fail favorite, but you can also wear it in flashy Wave blue. And the lightweight nylon-polyester combo folds down into a built-in zipper pocket for easy transport. Hello, new faithful travel companion. Where have you been all this time?
Price: starting at $65
2. Best anti-theft packable backpack: Pacsafe
We love a backpack for going hands-free around the city—but sometimes it gets a little stressful touting all your daily essentials, you know, behind you. If you’re wary of pickpockets getting too close to your valuables, try switching to an anti-theft backpack. The Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack from Pacsafe is made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon, post-consumer recycled polyester, and a whole slew of anti-theft features. Think an eXomesh® slashguard, a Carrysafe® slashguard strap, RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material, and a TurnNLock security hook. Shop it in Black, Gravity Gray, or Rose, and tell the pickpockets, “Sorry, not this time!”
Price: starting at $140
Read our full review of the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Backpack here.
3. Best sustainable packable backpack: Patagonia
The more sustainability we can add to our travels, the better, which is why we’re such big fans of Patagonia. Not only do they pledge 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment, but they also do good for people by using Fair Trade Certified™ factories. Plus, their Ultralight Black Hole® Tote Pack 27L is made out of 100% recycled nylon. Now that’s a darn sustainable packable backpack! Best of all, Patagonia knows eco-friendly and recycled doesn’t need to be drab—this packable backpack is available in six two-toned color options, like Burl Red and Steam Blue.
Price: starting at $99
4. Best lightweight packable backpack: BAGGU
The whole point of a packable backpack is to tuck it away out-of-sight-out-of-mind until you need more storage in a snap. In other words, you want it to be a lightweight extra that won’t weigh down your suitcase. Enter the Sport Backpack from BAGGU. This lightweight packable backpack was designed for all seasons with a high-quality, recycled nylon that can fold up easily in your carry-on. It’s also machine-washable, super comfy with adjustable straps, and outfitted with an interior laptop sleeve to help you stay organized on the go.
Price: starting at $68
5. Best luxury packable backpack: TUMI
If you consider yourself more of a packable tote bag girl and don’t love the look of a backpack, we think this one will make you a convert. Aptly named, the TUMI Voyageur Just in Case Backpack was designed for that voice in your head (Mom, is that you?) who always reminds you to pack extra underwear and an extra bag in your suitcase—”just in case.” Except this luxury packable backpack is a lot sleeker than what Mom had in mind. With stain- and water-resistant nylon in quiet-luxury Deep Plum and gunmetal hardware, TUMI’s chic backpack will level up your OOTD—not make you look like a kid getting ready for the first day of school.
Price: starting at $150
6. Best vegan packable backpack: Sakroots
Whether you’re a new vegan or a seasoned pro, sometimes it can be hard to find travel gear that’s completely vegan and void of any leather accents. To take any guesswork out of the equation, turn to the Women’s Go Packable Backpack from Sakroots. Like all Sakroots bags, this packable backpack is 100% PETA approved and vegan certified. It’s also a traveler’s dream with pockets galore, including a main zipper closure, a front zipper pocket, an interior zipper pocket, and the zippered pouch itself that the backpack folds down into. Shop this vegan packable backpack in Black Spirit Desert or make a statement in Royal Blue Seascape.
Price: starting at $69
7. Best weatherproof packable backpack: Catalyst
A packable backpack really comes in handy when you’re jetting off on an action-packed getaway. But whether you’re planning on boating, spending a day at the beach, or otherwise adventuring, you can’t always count on good weather. Be prepared rain or shine for any spontaneous travel activities with a weatherproof packable backpack, like this one from Catalyst. The Weatherproof Collapsible Backpack is made out of highly water-resistant nylon with taped seams to prevent water from seeping through. The roll-top design also helps safeguard your valuables if you ever accidentally drop and submerge your backpack. (Be careful out there hiking!) Plus, it all folds down easily into the companion carrying pouch so you can toss this backpack in your carry-on and forget about it until you need it.
Price: starting at $120
8. Best packable backpack for hiking: Dakine
A backpack is a staple when you’re preparing for a hiking trip. But not just any backpack will do. Ideally, you want a backpack that’s waterproof, secure, and comfortable. Plus, if you’re also packing for travel days that don’t involve hiking, you want a hiking backpack that’s compact enough to fit in your suitcase. That’s why we’ve got our eyes on the Dakine Packable Backpack 22L. This full-size packable backpack for hiking easily folds down into one of its own pockets. Lightweight mesh shoulder straps give you extra comfort for long days out trekking, and the drawstring top closure helps you pack it all in efficiently. We particularly like the bright orange color option—because safety first!
Price: starting at $48
9. Best packable day backpack: Herschel
Going hands-free and care-free with a backpack is great and all, but if you don’t get the right size, they can also end up being really bulky and cumbersome. The trick is shopping for a dedicated day backpack that’s more of a backpack-purse hybrid, like the Herschel Packable Casual Daypack. Available in classic Black or Woodland Camo, this packable daypack is designed to become a staple in your travel capsule wardrobe. The poly ripstop fabric is durable but lightweight, and the exterior zipper pocket gives you quick access to your phone without overloading you with zippers that make you jingle when you walk. (Been there, done that, don’t want to disturb everyone in the quiet co-working space again.)
Price: starting at $43
10. Best affordable packable backpack: Peak Gear
Your packable backpack is a trusty, no-fail companion—but it’s not the star of the show. So if you’d rather spend your pennies elsewhere like on a personal growth retreat or customized luggage, we feel you. You can still score the packing space you need without crushing your travel budget. For example, we like the Foldable Backpack from Peak Gear. She’s lightweight; she’s water-resistant; and she’s budget-friendly. Plus, this affordable packable backpack is not like the other daypacks—it even includes an internal divider and side mesh pouch for extra organization and easy access to your water bottle or umbrella on the go.
Price: starting at $37
Common FAQs
Are packable backpacks worth it?
A good-quality packable backpack will always be worth the investment. From grocery shopping to laundromat runs to spontaneous hiking trips or a day trip to another city, there are dozens of ways a packable backpack can come in handy—particularly for long-term travelers and location-independent women.
What fabric should a packable backpack be made out of?
Ideally, a packable backpack should be made out of a lightweight fabric that folds up or rolls up compactly, like nylon or polyester. Plus, these fabrics are usually water resistant and easy to clean, which any seasoned traveler knows are must-haves for life on the road.
How big should a packable backpack be?
At a minimum, a packable backpack should be small enough to fold into a carry-on suitcase. But we really prefer packable backpacks that fold down into a small pouch or pocket no bigger than your hand. This lets you maximize your storage space without bulking up your suitcase.
