13 Cute (and Practical) Backpacks for Travel in 2024
Whether you’re hopping in your car for a quick road trip or venturing cross-country in a camper van, a backpack can help you travel light and stay hands-free while you’re on the go. Keep reading to dive into our list of the 13 best backpacks for travel in 2024.
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13 best travel backpacks for 2024
1. Best overall travel backpack: July
July really knocked it out of the park with their stylish yet practical Carry All Backpack. This Series 2 design has space for all your essentials “without compromising comfort as you move.” Not only does this bag boast a 20 L carrying capacity, but it’s also water-resistant, full of zippered pockets (to stash your small items), and comes with a designated laptop compartment to safely and discreetly store your computer. That’s a lot of smart features in one sleek bag.
Price: $175
2. Best travel backpack for extra storage: Calpak
Designed for both day trips and work commutes, the Luka Laptop Backpack from Calpak is the perfect choice for your low-key travel needs. That’s because this bag is equipped with multiple exterior and interior pockets, a hidden zippered pocket, and a separate space for your laptop so it stays safe from unwanted spills or scratches. And we can’t forget to mention the handy shoe compartment, where you can stash an extra pair of casual sneakers or sandals to wear later on.
Price: $108
3. Best convertible travel backpack: Lo & Sons
The Rowledge backpack from Lo & Sons is a do-it-all design full of thoughtful features and endless functionality. For example, this backpack has its own laptop-friendly compartment complete with water-resistant zippers so you can keep “rain and happy hour spills” totally out of the way. Better yet, this pick can easily convert from a backpack to a travel tote and back, depending on your needs and/or where the day takes you. Convertible and convenient all rolled into one.
Price: $325
4. Best anti-theft travel backpack: Pacsafe
What we love about the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Backpack from Pacsafe is that it can be worn as a conventional backpack *or* folded down and used as a travel crossbody for added convenience. Along with that, this bag has tons of security features that’ll make your travels smooth sailing. You can take advantage of smart zipper security and cut-resistant materials — as well as RFID-blocking pockets to protect your credit cards and passport from unwanted scans.
Price: $140
Read our full review of the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack here.
5. Best versatile travel backpack: Arden Cove
Arden Cove has your travel needs covered with their Carmel Convertible Backpack. In short, this on-trend bag is the perfect combination of versatility and practicality. Not only can you wear this design as a backpack, but it can also transform into a handbag, shoulder bag, or crossbody style to suit all sorts of occasions. But that’s not all — this pick offers anti-theft security features, waterproof materials, and an adjustable strap to help you achieve total comfort.
Price: $199
6. Best compact travel backpack: Athleta
Even though Athleta’s Excursion Backpack is so compact, it offers an impressive carrying capacity that makes it a great option for roaming around a new city or exploring a new trail. Highlights of this bag include the lightweight ripstop materials (that resist snags and tears), the stash pockets to hide all your essentials, and the adjustable straps to give you a personalized fit. If you’re looking for a small bag that packs a big punch, this might be just the style for you.
Price: $119
7. Best lightweight travel backpack: Patagonia
Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole® Tote Pack is made from premium recycled nylon that’s ultra-lightweight — but can still withstand the elements during all your outdoor adventures. So although this bag is “almost weightless,” it has the durability you need for hiking, climbing, and more. Whether you wear this design as a backpack or carry it as a tote, the 27 L volume provides plenty of room to store all your travel essentials (likely with some space remaining).
Price: $99
8. Best leather travel backpack: Cuyana
If you love a quality leather accessory, you can’t go wrong with this leather backpack from Cuyana. The sleek silhouette of this bag makes it an instant classic, but it’s also full of practical features you’ll love — AKA the spacious interior compartment, built-in laptop sleeve, and slit pockets for easy, breezy organization. Plus, the top handle allows for convenient carrying by hand or on your shoulder (in case you’re not in the mood to wear this one on your back).
Price: $498
9. Best recycled travel backpack: Everlane
The ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane is a bestseller for a reason (and more truthfully, for a lot of reasons). This design, made from 100% recycled polyester materials, comes with a 15" exterior laptop pocket, catch-all zip pockets for passports and tickets, two water bottle holders, a handy magnetic closure, and a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage. Not bad, right? And it even has a water-resistant finish to make sure your pack stays dry and looking fresh.
Price: $95
10. Best modular travel backpack: Monos
The Metro Backpack from Monos has a super original, modular design where the front pocket actually detaches from the rest of the bag. In other words, you can carry the little folio kit on its own or attach it to the main compartment depending on your storage requirements. Aside from that, this unique style includes a 15” laptop sleeve, a trolley sleeve, and several spacious pockets along the interior for storing your electronics, toiletries, and maybe even a change of clothes.
Price: $220
11. Best drawstring travel backpack: Cotopaxi
Drawstring bags are a popular alternative to zippered styles, as they pack up super small whenever you need to save some space. That said, we’d recommend the Tago Drawstring Backpack from Cotopaxi for its clever design features including top carry handles, zippered front pocket, and back accessory pocket for even more storage options. In addition, this pack has daisy chain loops on the front so you can hook on accessories like sunglasses or a travel water bottle.
Price: $40
12. Best overnight travel backpack: Beis Travel
Planning a night or two out of town? While you can always pack your things in a weekender, this backpack from Beis Travel is another great option. Though this bag looks pretty unassuming from the outside, it actually offers quite a bit of space. The main compartment zips wide open to carry everything you might need for a few days on the road. Alternatively, you can also use this bag to carry your gym gear or work essentials. The possibilities are truly endless with this one!
Price: $88
Check out this list for the best Béis Travel Backpack alternatives.
13. Best travel backpack with trolley sleeve: Away
It’s no secret Away makes some of the best luggage and travel gear on the market — including this sleek and expertly-designed backpack. The Everywhere Zip Backpack is made with water-resistant nylon and comes with a breathable back panel to enhance your overall comfort. Inside this pack, you’ll find a fully padded laptop pocket (with magnetic locking zipper). And on the outside, there’s a trusty trolley sleeve you can slip over the handle of your suitcase.
Price: $195
Common FAQs
What size should my backpack be to carry on?
Most airlines allow bags up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22" long, 14" wide, and 9" deep — but keep in mind that each airline sets its own guidelines for the maximum allowable size for carry-on luggage. That’s why it’s best to check carry-on restrictions for the specific airline you're flying with before you head to the airport.
What is the best travel backpack?
The best travel backpack will always depend on your individual preferences and needs. That said, some of the most popular travel backpacks (that are also highly rated) include styles from July, Lo & Sons, Away, Everlane, and Beis Travel.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality travel backpack?
While you can easily find a quality travel backpack for under $100, some bags will cost a few hundred dollars depending on the materials used and features included. For example, a leather backpack will cost considerably more than one made from nylon materials.