Most people (real people that is) aren’t trying to choose between 20 different backpacks.
Instead they’re trying to figure out what kind of travel backpack they actually need, and that’s where things usually go a wee bit awry.
Because the “best” backpack depends entirely on how you travel. A 45L carry-on setup for long trips is a completely different beast to a 25L city hopper. Add in things like trip length, whether you’re checking luggage, how much you walk, and whether you’re carrying tech, and suddenly the options start to split fast.
Are you moving through airports and cities, or trekking between hostels?
Packing for a week, or living out of your bag for months?
Carrying a laptop setup, or just clothes and essentials?
This guide is built to cut through that.
Instead of throwing a massive list at you, we’re breaking down the best travel backpacks for 2026 by traveller type and real-world use case — so you can find the one that actually fits how you move.
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- Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Backpacks of 2026
- Backpack vs Suitcase: Which One Makes More Sense for Your Trip?
- Travel Backpack: The Best Overall for 2026
- The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
- Best Travel Backpacks for Hiking
- Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads
- Other Special Travel Backpacks Worth Considering
- What Makes a Good Travel Backpack?
- Final Picks: Which Travel Backpack Should You Buy?
Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Backpacks of 2026
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
- Price > $349.99
- Liters > 40L
- Material > Tarpaulin/Ballistic Weave
- Best Use > Travel, digital nomad lifestyle, weekend trips
Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 L
- Price > $200
- Liters > 40L
- Material > 100% recycled 200D nylon
- Best Use > Backpacking
Osprey Kestrel
- Price > $240
- Liters > 48L
- Material > 100% recycled 420D nylon
- Best Use > Travel, international backpacking, urban lifestyle
Tortuga Laptop Backpack
- Price > $250
- Liters > 25L
- Material > ECOPAK™ EPX200 waterproof sailcloth
- Best Use > Travel, international backpacking, urban lifestyle
Backpack vs Suitcase: Which One Makes More Sense for Your Trip?
If your trip involves moving around a lot — different cities, public transport, uneven streets — backpacks tend to make life easier. They’re built for mobility. You’re not relying on wheels, you’ve got both hands free, and you can deal with stairs, dirt roads, and chaotic bus stations without constantly fighting your luggage.
That said, suitcases are still a perfectly solid choice for the right kind of trip. If you’re flying in, taking taxis, and heading straight to a hotel, the convenience of rolling luggage and easy access to your stuff can actually be the better option. Not every trip needs a backpack.
Choose a backpack if:
- You’re moving frequently between locations
- You’ll be using buses, trains, or ferries
- You expect rough streets, cobbles, or dirt roads
- You want your hands free while navigating
- You might hike or travel off-grid
Choose a suitcase if:
- You’re mostly doing airport-to-hotel travel
- You want easy, suitcase-style access to your clothes
- You won’t be carrying your bag much
- You prioritise organisation over portability
At the end of the day, it’s not about which is “better”, it’s about what fits the way you actually travel
Travel Backpack: The Best Overall for 2026
Let’s kick this off with what I feel are the absolute TOP backpacks to travel with.
#1 Nomatic Travel Bag 40L
- Price: $349.99
- Size: 40L
- Dimensions: 22.86 x 53.34 x 35.56 cm
- Weight: 1.55 kg
- Looks sexy!
- Modern and efficient
- Tons of room
- Lots of awesome features
- Carry on size
Nomatic bags are designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. This is accomplished by great design: tons of features, and more pockets and sleeves than you’ll know what to do with.
The Nomatic Travel Pack 40L is widely acclaimed as the perfect travel pack for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its meticulously designed organization system sets it apart. The pack features an array of compartments and pockets that are intelligently laid out, ensuring that every item has its specific place. This includes a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment, a secure RFID safe pocket, and a versatile main compartment that can expand or contract based on your packing needs.
The bag can seamlessly transition from a 40L check-in bag to a slimmer, day pack by simply adjusting the expansion zipper, making it incredibly versatile for different types of trips. The thoughtful design extends to the inclusion of a cord management system and a magnetic water bottle pocket, making it incredibly convenient to stay organized and access essentials on the go. Whether you need a backpack for a business trip or are a digital nomad traveling the world, this will keep your laptop and valuables well secured all while looking stylish.
#2 AER Travel Pack 3
- Price: $260
- Volume: 35 liters
- Dimensions: 55 x 33 x 22
- Weight: 1.87 kg
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Durable
- Lots of potential customization
Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are big fans of Aer – and the Travel Bag is one of their best backpacks to date. This bag has gotten a ton of (much-deserved) hype and it’s our pick for the best overall travel backpack!
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a testament to functional design and urban style, ideal for the modern traveler who values efficiency and aesthetics. This pack is crafted from high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. a wonderful backpack for digital nomads on the go. It can fit your laptop as well as any other travel gear you tote around. Use it as a daypack around town or bring it on the pane for one bag travel.
There are many different compartments, pockets, and zippers to keep you organized. There’s a laptop sleeve and a very handy place just for shoes. With its blend of durability, organization, and style, the Aer Travel Pack 3 stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and fashionable travel companion.
The minimalist outer design helps deter thieves, and what the outside lacks in pockets it makes up for with well-designed internal storage.
Read our Aer Travel Pack 3 review to learn more about this bag!
#3 Osprey Men’s Aether/Ariel
- Price: $440
- Size: 70L
- Dimensions: 83.82 x 38.1 x 35.56 cm
- Weight: 2.81 kg
- Custom-fit
- Convertible top-lid day pack.
The Osprey Aether (Ariel in the womens versions) is in our view, the quintessential backpackers backpack. If you headed to Southeast Asia for a few month, or maybe going on a backcountry hiking trip, then this arguably the PERFECT backpack.
There are 5 different size versions available, but we recommend the 70L which offers a whopping 70 litres (no shit!!) of storage and has all the advantages that every pack from the Osprey brand offers. (the Osprey ‘All-Mighty Guarantee’, durability, comfort). Several of us here at TBB use this pack for all of our backpacking trips and I have carried mine across 5 continents now. It has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep things extra organized plus An AirScape back panel to keep you cool on the warmest adventures. I can guarantee it’ll last a lifetime, if you don’t believe me, just ask Osprey!
Literally guys, they put a lifetime guarantee on every single product they sell to prove it. The only downside to this pack is you can’t avoid checked luggage fee’s with this bad boy as its too big. But at least you don’t have to dump any stuff! This is hands down one of the best backpacks for traveling around the world on a longer adventure.
Check out our review of the Aether 70 backpack to learn more!
I have about four different travel backpacks now. For longer trips, I generally use my Osprey Aether, but I also have a number of carry-on backpacks, which I use for shorter trips.
And hear this, these days it is increasingly common for airlines to charge separately for checked bags, and it can often increase the price of the ticket by 50%. As such, if you only travel with a compact backpack, you can save a fortune on luggage fees and simply take your backpack on a flight as carry-on. Budget backpacking win right there!
Below are some of my favorite backpacks that I use as a carry-on. If you’d like to learn more about these sorts of bags, then be sure to head over to our comprehensive guide on the top carry-on backpacks to take traveling!
#1 Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 L
- Price: $200
- Size: 40L
- Dimensions: 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
- Weight: 1.59 kg
- Large panel zip access to main compartment.
- Stowaway backpanel, harness and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection.
- Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in lockable compartment.
Overall, you should get the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 if you are traveling the world, and like to pack super light (like me). If you are looking for a nearly indestructible carry on backpack which can actually carry, and compartmentalize, a lot of stuff – this backpack might be your match made in heaven.
Because of it’s 40 liter size, the Farpoint 40 is a near-guarantee to carry on no matter the airline. This will save you hundreds of dollars in checking fees, and countless hours waiting in baggage claim. And as we will look at later, there is plenty of space to make sure that light-traveling does not mean bad-traveling.
In my opinion, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the best value carry on backpack on the market right now. Check out our epic Osprey Farpoint review here.
#2 Peak Design Travel Pack
- Price: $250
- Capacity: 30/45 litres
- Dimensions: 53cm x 34cm x 20cm (30L)
- Weight: 1.44 kg (30L)
- Great organisational capacity
- Extends to 33L
- Amazing for organization
- Comfy to carry and fits under the seat
The Peak Design 30L Travel Pack (a 45L versions is available) is built with the modern traveler in mind. Its 30-liter capacity is perfect for weekend getaways or even extended travel if you pack light. The bag’s sleek design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about function. Its adjustable compartments allow for a customized fit for your belongings, while its innovative side access points provide convenience in retrieving items without having to dig through the entire bag. The expansion zippers give you the flexibility to accommodate extra items when needed, making it an adaptable companion for various travel durations.
I have been incredibly impressed by this travel pack and it has now accompanied me on a free weekend rips already. What I really love about it is how well organised I can get with my packing – everything has its place and there are enough zips and pockets to stash all of those little odds and ends. In terms of downsides, the packs material is thick and robust but not all that nice to the touch. The bag does also feel a bit heavier than it looks.
Finally I personally find that 30 litres is only ever enough storage for a few nights worth of traveling but perhaps thats just me – I do after all travel with a hair-dryer. Fortunately though there is a 40 litre version available.
#3 Tortuga Travel Pack
- Price: $350
- Size: 45 litres
- Dimensions: 47 x 30 x 23
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- The design will leave you fairly impressed
- It has tons of pockets/compartments
- Amazing for organization
- It packs huge – you can put A LOT in it
The first thing I noticed when packing my new Tortuga Travel Pack, was just how massive the main compartment was. It has the capacity to carry a ton of clothes. If you are a world traveler, then this is great because it means you have to do less laundry – score! And yet despite its generous capacity, the new and improved version of the Tortuga Travel pack was custom designed to for carry on meaning that it complies with the limits for pretty much every airline in the world.
Its a cleverly designed pan too. The Travel Pack by Tortuga’s design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase; this is far more convenient than a traditional backpackers backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple, and because of the organization of the compartments, it was easy to know what was where.
Inside the main compartment are six smaller compartments. The first four smaller compartments are enclosed within the main compartment. The Tortuga Travel Pack is still without a doubt one of the best backpacks on the market. It’s quality build, intuitive design, fantastic organization, and smaller size make it the perfect compact travel bag for anyone who wants to travel light, but travel in style. Oh, and if you wan’t something lighter but less durable, then the Tortuga Lite is also a great pack.
Check out out our must-read full Tortuga Travel Pack review.
Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.
So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉
Buy on REI!
A lot of people like to go hiking while they are out traveling the world. To do so, they need a special type of travel backpack, one that can go further, carry more, and last longer.
We have listed a select handful here, but if you would like to read more about these special pieces of gear, then be sure to check out our ENORMOUS hiking backpack guide!
#1 Osprey Kestrel
- Price: $240
- Size: 48L
- Dimensions: 79 × 40 × 30 cm
- Weight: 2.1 kg
- Cutting-edge back support and Air flow
- Integrated rain cover
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
The Osprey Kestrel (we used the 48L versions) is one of the most versatile hiking packs ever released by one of the world’s leading backpack brands. Its 48-litre hiking and travel backpack built for long-distance adventures and multi-day treks, combining durability, comfort, and a close-to-body fit that moves with you on the trail.
This babe is built to be strong, comfy, and easy to carry pack on long hikes. It has an AirScape™ back panel that keeps air flowing and helps to avoid a drenched back. The sturdy LightWire™ frame spreads the weight evenly, and there are heaps of straps to make sure it fits you just right. The pack is made from recycled nylon that’s tough and water-resistant, so it can handle bad weather too and it comes with an attached rain cover that folds out quickly if the weather does take a turn.
It also comes with some snazzy extras. You get a bottom compartment for your sleeping bag, two pockets on the hip belt, and a clever trekking pole holder that lets you stash your poles away without having to stop.
Unlike some of Osprey’s high-end limited editions, the Kestrel 68 offers premium comfort and functionality at a far more accessible price point. After testing A LOT of packs, I can say is that this is one of the most comfortable and reliable hiking backpacks I have ever tried.
#2 Osprey Skarab 30
- Price: $170
- Size: 30L
- Dimensions: 53.34 x 27.94 x 25.4 cm
- Weight: 0.74 kg
- Walking pole attachments
- Adjustable BIOFIT back system
For the days when you venture into the wilderness or walk the market streets, you need a pack that is both comfortable and practical. I’ve been using my Osprey Skarab for three years now as my go-to backpack for shorter adventures or hikes.
It’s one hell of a pack and is the best budget backpack I’ve come across. It’s pretty cheap considering the quality and it has plenty of pockets for storage, a padded hip belt, a safety whistle on the chest strap (always handy!) and an in-built rain cover.
The Osprey Skarab backpack is 30 liters so it’s a backpack best for weekends or ultralight hiking rather than long expeditions where you have to carry tents and food. It can just about handle long trips but space is limited so whilst it is one of the best backpacks for travel, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a long trip. For more intel check out our full-length Osprey Skarab review.
#3 Deuter Aircontact Core 65 + 10 Pack
- Price: $275
- Size: 75L
- Dimensions: 84.07 x 32 x 27.94 cm
- Weight: 2.25 kg
- 15% perspiration control
- Dimensions:
- Weight:
- Material:
Hands down, this is one of the best backpacks for hiking. This is a fantastic backpack for those looking for comfort, support, breathability and freedom of movement. This backpack is absolutely one of my best picks and if it wasn’t for my trusty Osprey, I would probably be a Deuter man.
These days, traveling without a laptop is just not going to happen. For many of us, a laptop is just as essential as a phone and if you are a digital nomad hitting the road, you need to protect your baby. So amigos, let me share the best travel backpacks for digital nomads and laptop lovers.
#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack
- Price: $250
- Size: 25 liters
- Dimensions: 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
- Weight: 1.27 kg
- Very functional
- High-quality manufacturing
- Super organized
This one is pretty obvious – the Laptop Backpack is great for…. laptops! But seriously, if you are looking for a sturdy pack to carry your laptop around– look no further, this bad boy is as good as it gets. This is for a few reasons.
First off, Tortuga Backpacks are possibly some of the most well designed and durable backpacks on the market. We’ve reviewed tons of Tortuga products and they all have an incredible amount of detail to them, and are made of the highest quality materials. High quality/durable materials means your precious laptop will be safe and sound.
Simply put, this backpack has tons of organization features, all of which are designed specifically for laptops. Notice in the pictures above and below, that this bag is loaded with ways to keep your gear safe, and very organized. Tortuga markets this bag as an “organized daypack for air travel”– and it’s certainly true!
The design and features of this backpack make it perfect for air travel. Whether it’s the sleek laptop sleeve, the easy to lock zippers, the luggage handle pass through or the hideaway shoulder straps, this bag thrives in airports and airplanes.
Check out our in-depth Tortuga Laptop backpack review.
#2 TomToc Navigator-T66
- Price: $205
- Size: 40L
- Dimensions: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm
- Weight: 1.17 kg
- Sleek, stylish design
- Super lightweight makes travel easy
- Ultra comfortable straps +back padding
This is the perfect lightweight travel backpack for digital nomads weighing only 1.17kg. It has a large 40L compartment with more than enough space to pack your clothes, a padded laptop sleeve and a mesh zipped pocket for your accessories.
You might be wondering, “Do I sacrifice quality and comfort because of the lightness?” Absolutely not. This pack has ultra-comfortable straps, a padded back panel and is made with high-quality materials. In essence, TomToc makes simple, tough, and well-designed travel backpacks equipped with enough storage and organizational features to make any modern traveller happy. For the price and quality, this pack is a steal!
#3 Incase Icon Pack
- Price: $165
- Size: 9 x 13 x 19 inches
- Dimensions: 48.26 x 33.02 x 22.86 cm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Multiple organisation options
- Airflow channels in back panel
The Incase Icon Pack is a great travel backpack if you’ll be working on the road and need a sturdy, durable pack to keep your laptop safe while exploring new areas. Featuring multiple exterior and interior pockets, the Icon laptop backpack allows maximum organisation and easy access to your belongings, with a dedicated laptop compartment to stow your gear away safely.
Check out our in-depth breakdown of the best laptop backpacks for more intel!
Photographers need to be very mindful of their gear while traveling. Rough rides and constant movement can imperil sensitive camera equipment, so it’s very important to have a reliable backpack that can keep everything safe.
These are a few more good travel backpacks, this time with the photographers and aspiring photographers in mind. If these suggestions aren’t enough, we’ve also written an in-depth guide to choosing the best camera backpacks too!
#1 WANDRD PRVKE 31
- Price: $282
- Size: 31 Liters
- Dimensions: 47 X 30.5 X 16.5 cm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Expandable roll top
- Large enough for travel camera + 3-4 lenses
- Additional straps for accessories
For those who want a backpack that can does a little bit of everything, is durable, and looks damn good in the process, the WADNRD PRVKE 31 is an excellent investment. At 31 (expandable to 36) liters, this backpack can hold quite a bit and there are plenty more pockets to hold everything else. Thanks to its robust weather-resistant design, your belongings will be safe as well. Add in some customizable straps and sleek sexy design and you have a backpack that can do damn near anything.
Though the PRVKE 31 has lots of padding and additional straps for distributing weight, it lacks certain key features that make it truly adept at carrying heavier loads. During our tests, both of the women on our trip struggled somewhat while carrying this bag as it did not fit snugly against their bodies.
I was impressed with the number of customizable options that PRVKE 31 offered. Between the many loops found on the pack as well as the ability to attach adjustable accessory straps (sold separately), users will be able to find many alternative means of packing. Overall, a badass camera backpack!
Read our WANDRD PRVKE 31 review!
Sometimes traveling calls for a unique bag. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior who needs something both professional and rugged. Maybe you just like to mix things up. Either way, these backpacks maybe more appropriate for you.
#2 Osprey Ozone 4 Wheel
- Price: $350
- Size: 38 Liters
- Dimensions: 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
- Weight: 2.27 kg
- Will attach to any of the wheeled luggage by Osprey
- Can be combined with other Osprey bags to make a nimble beast
Wheeled luggage sometimes get a bad reputation. We’ve all seen those travelers trying to roll giant pieces luggage around cobble stone streets or busy Asian alleys, clearly in over their head. But wheeled backpacks are different.…
Designed for the savvy traveler, Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On Wheeled Luggage is pretty much one of the best travel backpacks out there. The padded hip-belt and shoulder harness stow away for easy transport. It can clip on to the wheeled range by osprey for easy transport and it is super breathable. It even has an inside zipped compartment perfect for smelly hiking boots!
I’ve been using this pack on and off for two years: you can fit a TON of stuff in it – a genuinely surprising amount considering it still qualifies as hand luggage most of the time – however, once it’s heavy it quickly becomes a tad uncomfortable – not ideal if you plan on taking it hiking. This is one of the best backpacks for travel if you have a ton of valuables you want to keep in your hand luggage – i.e. if you are a digital nomad!
#3 REI Co-Op Flash 55
- Price: $229
- Size: 55L
- Dimensions: 76.2 x 35.56 x 30.48 cm
- Weight: 1.28 kg
- Perfect-Fit suspension for on-body adjustments
- Easy access
- Budget-friendly
Although a little smaller than the Osprey Aether (and not as well-built), the REI Flash 55 still makes for a quality backpack for travel on long haul minimalist trips and weekend backpacking missions.
Ideal for use in both cities and in the mountains, the Flash 55 is a versatile, sturdy backpack with multi-functional pockets, a comfortable, suspension- supported fit, and easy access compartments allowing you to get to your essentials whenever you need to. This is one of the best hiking bags around for under $200.
Coming in just under $200, this pack features 8 external pockets plus a main compartment, making packing for your adventure a breeze. Combine this with a breathable back frame and comfortable hip belt, this is a great go-to for your weekend backpacking trips and more. I’ve used this pack primarily in desert climates, and typically tried to keep the overall packed weight under 35 lbs, and it’s yet to fail me.
All that being said, there are a few things I don’t love about the bag. For starters, the zipper pouch on the back side is made from a ripstop nylon material, which I found to be super inconvenient.. Another small complaint I had was the option to not include a rain cover for the bag. The nylon exterior can fend off small mistings of from mother nature, but anything more would more than likely render the bag (and your belongings inside) rather soaked and heavy.
A good travel backpack isn’t about features; it’s about fit, function, and how well it matches your trip.
Get these right, and everything else becomes a lot easier.
1. Choose the Right Size
Size defines everything.
- 20–30L – short trips, minimalist travel
- 30–40L – carry-on sweet spot (most people)
- 50L+ – long trips, bulky gear, camping
Bigger isn’t better. Larger packs mean more weight, less mobility, and often checked baggage.
2. Pick the Right Access Style
How you open your bag matters more than you think.
- Clamshell (suitcase-style) – easiest for travel
- Top-loading – lighter, but harder to access
- Hybrid – somewhere in between
If you’re unpacking regularly, clamshell wins. If you’re moving fast and packing light, top-loaders can work.
3. Prioritise Carry Comfort
You will carry your bag more than expected.
Look for;
- a proper hip belt (on larger packs)
- padded shoulder straps
- a breathable back panel
A good carry system makes weight manageable. A bad one makes even light loads feel heavy.
4. Check Organisation and Laptop Carry
Think about what you’re carrying.
- Need tech? – get a dedicated laptop sleeve
- Like structure? – go for organised compartments
- Prefer simplicity? – fewer pockets, more flexibility
Too many pockets can be as bad as none. Aim for useful, not excessive.
5. Think About Materials and Weather Resistance
Your bag will get wet at some point.
Look for:
- water-resistant or waterproof materials
- durable fabrics that won’t tear easily
- solid zips and construction
You don’t always need full waterproofing (a rain cover will often do the job), but you do need something that can handle real travel conditions.
6. Match the Bag to Your Actual Travel Style
This is where most people go wrong.
Ask yourself:
- Are you moving often or staying put?
- Urban travel or outdoors-heavy trips?
- Carrying tech or just clothes?
A hiking pack, a commuter bag, and a travel backpack all do different jobs. Choose based on how you actually travel, not your idealised version of it.
So look out for backpack material that will last for years – the last thing you want is a ripped bag halfway through your travels!
7. Fit Over “Men vs Women”
Fit matters more than labels. Women ’s-specific packs often adjust for:
- shorter torsos
- different strap positioning
But plenty of unisex bags work just as well. So ignore the marketing, pick the one that fits your body best.
Final Picks: Which Travel Backpack Should You Buy?
There really isn’t one single “best” travel backpack, there’s just the best one for how you travel. A bag that works perfectly for a digital nomad flying city to city won’t suit someone trekking between hostels or carrying camping gear. The key is matching the bag to your trip style, not chasing a universal winner.
If you just want the straight answer, it really comes down to two camps.
If your travel is urban, flight-heavy, and tech-driven, go for something like the NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag or the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. these are built around organisation, carry-on compliance, and structured packing. They open like suitcases, handle 3–7 day trips comfortably, and keep everything exactly where you expect it . They’re the smart choice if you’re bouncing between airports, cities, and coworking spaces.
If your trip leans more backpacking, longer-term travel, or anything outdoors-heavy, then look at the Osprey Aether 65 or the Osprey Farpoint 40. These prioritise comfort and load carrying — proper suspension, weight distribution, and durability — which makes a huge difference when you’re actually walking with your pack for hours at a time.
Or to put it another way….
- Nomatic / Peak Design = structured, organised, travel-first
- Osprey Aether / Farpoint = comfort, movement, real backpacking
Pick based on how much you’re moving on foot vs living out of your bag.
Glad you found the list helpful! The Osprey Ozone really does hit that sweet spot with size and design — perfect for travel without being bulky. And you’re right about the Farpoint 70 — tons of room, especially great if you’re not trekking long distances with it. Happy travels!
You can backpack with a surplus military rucksack and do well. Poorly chosen footwear, tho, not so much.
Lets not hype it too much. Any three of the comparable packs in size and intent would be usable for the length of that trip. For the experienced packer tho, you only get one pair of boots. Choose wisely – and carry extra socks.
I know most of the experienced packers would read right past the opening line, but someone wanting to try the trail for their first time to Devil’s Den would not be well served concentrating on a high end pack and hitting the trail head with flip flops.
Great detailed article. I ended up going with the Wandrd Prvke. I think i made an awesome choice. Really love the looks and functionality of the bag.
Hey Will, Thanks for your wounderful review. Actually I was using Pacsafe Metrosafe backpack and now I want to upgrade my backpack. I’ll go for Nomatic as exactly you said it is designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. Thank for this buying guide!
Glad you are enjoying the Nomatic Pack! Indeed, that pack is awesome. Cheers.
very informative article sir
Thanks for sharing. I’m the new in backpack travel. I was torn between nomatic backpack and zynego backpack. Although I know the popularity of these two bags cannot be compared, I am very interested in zynego’s ai intelligence system. I think I need help! hhh
Our top choice at the moment is the Nomatic backpack :). Cheers!
I use the Osprey Porter 30L as my Carry On, because I have NEVER had to check it in no matter what airline. Even on small regional flights, I had no issues with it as a Carry On. The Farpoint and Fairview are excellent bags, but depending on the airline, yoiu may have to check them in. That’s never an issue with the Osprey Porter 30L.
Same with my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 Never have to check it. Always allowed carry on. Best way to travel… light… quickly… easily.. one bag… carry on. Much more free feeling…
I missed Deuter act lite but I bought 60 + 10 liter for women and I am more than happy with it!
60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Why would you need to pack so much stuff and put so much strain on your body?
I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go.
I never have to check a bag, always carry on.
I used to travel with a 45 liter bag, but it was big, and I always had to check it at the airport and then hang around the carousel waiting for it at my destinations.
Now I just carry my 35 liter bag on and toss it in the overhead and no waiting a carousels or wondering who’s handling my bag.
One Bag…Carry On travel. I always travel for a minimum of two months at a time, and up to four months. One, 35 liter, convertible backpack.
Whoah, Thanks for the lovely post. A great help, hope you continue to do this more often. I really like studying your posts. Cheers!
Hey, I’m in a bit of a dilemma- I’m so used to suitcases and i’m doing my first backbacking trip around SE Asia for 5 weeks in aug-sept. I want to pack quite a few clothes and I’m travelling by plane between different cities. Should I still go for a backpack and what size would you recommend. I was thinking backpack because I want to get scooter Grabs, and also the terrain. I was thinking 60-70 because of the amount of stuff I wanna bring but I was told by a friend that it would break my back lol.
Pssshhhh!!! Don’t listen to them! You can totally take a 60L without a problem so long as you don’t have a pre-existing spinal problem. Just make sure the pack fitted right! Depending on how heavy you pack, you might not need all that stuff though. I’m in Thailand for 7 weeks with Nomatic’s 30L. (Don’t worry, they have laundry service everywhere!)
I’m in my 60’s and would never think of taking a 60 or 70 liter back pack. Too much stuff. And you will have to check it at the airport and possibly pay baggage fees.
Why would you want to take lots of clothes? I take three pair of summer weight material zip off pants, three thin summer weight material Columbia shirts wit roll up sleeves and three pair of ex-officio underwear and a good pair of hiking sandals. So I wear one set of clothes, and my other two sets are “Ranger Army Rolled” and in packing cubes in my 35 liter backpack. There are cheap laundries everywhere there that will do a load for a buck or two. And you can even wash your clothes in the sink and shower and hang to dry in your hotel room or apartment. I go for months at a time in Southeast Asia and carry only my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 convertible backpack.
So much easier to carry less stuff, and not have to check any bags. Just carry it on the plane and throw it in the overhead.
No waiting at carousels, or worrying about other people being rough with your bag or having it being diverted to another country and not showing up.
Minimalist, one small bag, carry on is the way to travel. And it’s becoming more popular.
60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Sounds like major Himalayan expedition for a few months.
I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go. Never check a bag, always carry on.
Hey thank you for writing this post. It’s really helpful 🙂
Hi
I am not a frequent traveller though like travel. In a recent trip with a connection inDubai, i used an american tourister 35L backpack, which caused a heavy toll on my back. Is it due to the particular brand or backpacks as a whole. Please suggest a backpack that is Back’ frenly.
Hi Shephy, I don’t really know about that model specifically, but if you have no spinal issues normally, a well-made, well-fitted pack won’t give you problems. Make sure you have hip straps (and use them). You can have someone help you fit it properly and always pack the bag with the heaviest stuff closest to your spine. This helps maintain your normal posture.
Have you tried the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L? I’m trying to decide between that one an the farpoint 40L. Thank you.
Hi Lucas, we have not tested the Eagle Creek backpack you mentioned, but we always recommend anything by Osprey…and the Farpoint is a solid choice!
Any suggestions for a woman with low back issues. I hurt my back last year and can no longer carry larger bags but love the freedom of having a backpack for travel. I’m also only about 5″3″ if that helps.
It’s recommended to have a backpack with hip straps if you’re traveling but in your case, I’d say it’s ESPECIALLY important to have sturdy and padded hip straps, even if it’s a smaller backpack. This will take most of the pressure off your back. The second key element will be to get it properly fitted, especially if you’re wearing a larger bag. You need to find the tension that works for your hip straps, shoulder straps, and stabilizers (if you have them). You can research this online or ask a professional at an outfitter – they’re usually willing to help, even if you didn’t purchase the pack in their store. Similarly, do research on how to mount the pack properly without doing more damage to your back. Lastly, manage the time that you’re carrying your pack. This will just take a little planning before you leave your hotel or get off your flight – take breaks when you need to and cut down on weight as much as possible. I hope you find that backpacking freedom again! See ya out there!
Jackie… take a look at the Minaal 2.0 It’s only 35 liters and is convertible to duffle or backpack. Get the optional waist belt for it. I did. It’s the only bag I take even when I go for months, and I never have to check it.
No more waiting at carousels.. I’m 67, and still carry my own bag. No wheelie luggage.
There are other 35 liter and even smaller bags out there. You don’t have to get a Minaal 2.0 It’s a pricey bag. But I love mine.
First of all, I’ve been scouring the Internet for any articles/blogs/videos/Reddit comments regarding backpacks that are optimal for people with lower back pain, as I have really bad lower back pain too. Second of all, I HIGHLY recommend you to check out a rolfer or a trained Structural Integration practitioner in your area. Saved me thousands in chiro fees and made me stand straight after years of lower back pain.
As for backpack choices, I suggest maybe 30L and below and with hip straps (maybe Tortuga Setout if you’re in the US) and/or load lifters. I personally am 6 ft and around 185lbs and decided to go with Thule Subterra 34L and Tortuga Setout 35L (for when I need to pack more stuff).
Hope your lower back issues can be fixed!
Thank you all so much!! I appreciate all of the advice!! I have seen a doctor and went through physical therapy for 3 months to get me pretty much back to normal. Unfortunately, heavy lifting still bothers my back and I need to be careful about how and how much I carry. With all of your suggestions I went to get fitted and learned even more about keeping your pack weighted correctly. They fitted me with the Osprey Sirrus 24 Hiking backpack which is a little too small for longer travel so I’m looking at getting the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack. Smaller than the ones listed here but I think should be a good option for me. I haven’t bought one yet so I can’t speak to how it works for someone with back pain but I’m hoping it works well. Thanks!!
Yes, 24 liter might be a bit small for long term travel, although there are some minimalists who do travel long term with bags that small.
I downsized from a 45 liter bag to a 35 liter convertible backpack.
It’s great traveling lighter and being able to carry it on the plane and just toss it in the overhead. I spend months at a time in Southeast and South Asia with only that one 35 liter bag. No waiting at carousels and worrying about it going missing or being mishandled.
I feel better not being over loaded down with stuff, not paying baggage fees. Becoming a minimalist one bag, carry on traveler takes adjusting, but is so much more freeing and enjoyable.
You should also start backing up the data you store on your device(s). If you don’t know where to start, you’ll want to dig into our guides covering iCloud backups and iTunes backups. Data loss issues are pretty rare, but there’s always a chance something gets lost in the shuffle as you transition to a new version of iOS.
Hi. Just wanted to leave some information on my trip that I just returned from. I used the Osprey Porter 30. Carry On bag only. I had one connection both ways of the trip. My trip was for three days, and I had no issues fitting what I needed in the bag and I was able to fit it under the seat in front of mine, even on the smaller planes. I stowed away the straps to do it, and it worked out great. One of the best travel investments I made. It also wasn’t uncomfortable walking through the terminals to my connections. I highly recommend the Osprey Porter 30 for shorter trips as a carry on bag. I love it.
Amazing! This makes traveling easier.
Thanks for the recommendations. I really like Osprey and was going to get the Farpoint 40, which because of you and others I know, is said to be an excellent carry on bag. That said, I opted for the Osprey Porter 30 because I need a bag that will ALWAYS be carry on size, no matter what airline I am flying on. I usually only need a bag to get me by for a few days and I am pretty good at packing what I need. This bag looks small on the outside, but it is bigger than it looks. I have no problem packing everything I need. I won’t be hiking, camping, or anything like that. Just needed a carry on bag. I may attach an Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack to it, but I really don’t need to.
I travel one bag, carry on also. So many great bags out there. Used to travel with a 45 liter convertible backpack, but was made to check it too often.
So I bought the 35 liter Minaal 2.0 with zip away backpack strap. Can carry it like a duffle bag when I want.
I’ve always been able to carry on my Minaal. Never had to check it.
Love being a one bag, carry on traveler.
Even when going for months, I only take my Minaal 2.0. It’s so freeing not taking so much stuff.
I can’t believe the travelers I see with huge 70 – 120 liter expedition backpacks on their back, a second, smaller backpack on their front. Why ? We call them “Turtle Backpackers”
Some of them with all that stuff also pulling a big wheelie suitcase. Unbelievable! That can’t be a comfortable way to travel. Impossible.
I just toss my little 35 liter backpack on…and gone. For months at a time.
Have safe flights and happy travels.
Good content with great pieces of information on traveling bags with so much variety.
Hi Will!
Do you have any thoughts or experience with the Osprey Talon 44 as a travel pack in comparison to the osprey packs you mention?
I plan to travel for 1-3 months, fairly light, so I’m hopeful I can use it as a carryon in some cases.
I know I want to to some hiking so a travel-specific pack is a no-go for me.
Thanks for the great guide and your awesome website!
Hi Will,
Thank you for the very detailed guide and for your recommendation. I’ve had an Osprey backpack for several years, but I am looking to upgrade to something new and I am browsing opinions from experienced backpackers. To be honest, Nomatic was not on my short list, I was looking at Tortuga and Osprey again, but after your strong recommendation, I may have to take it seriously into account. Keep up the good work.
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Not a fan of the Osprey Ozone. It was weird, I expected to love it- my Osprey Vector 22 (a model they don’t make anymore, sadly) is an almost-perfect carry-on rollaboard type of bag.
But the T-handle is a pain in the ass if the bag rocks or a wheel catches just a bit- it twists too easily in your hand and you can’t steady it while walking. I live in Spain and travel Europe, and so there’s lots of cobblestones, and the Ozone wasn’t great there.
The frame is also a little bit weird. Their guarantee is excellent, which is good because the way the bag attaches *to* that bottom frame is with fabric straps and they’re going to get beat up and break.
Just all in all, wasn’t a fan, and I normally love Osprey stuff. I wish they’d bring the Vector back.
That’s why I like my 35 litre Minaal 2.0 backpack.. which I can also carry like a duffle if I wish just by zipping the backpack straps behind their panel. I don’t have to worry about handles and wheels, sand, mud, stairs, cobblestones.
It’s going with me again this year back to southeast Asia. Traveling for much longer than the two months I did last time. Just pick up and go…. carry on… no checking baggage or waiting at carousels. It’s the only bag I take.. whether going for two weeks… or for a year or more.. 67 years old now.. 35 litre backpack… get up and go….
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I’m surprised you didn’t include the Minaal 2.0 in your reviews.. I’ve had a Tortuga bag and an M.E.I Voyageur….. both good bags..Both 45 liters. (They’ve been making the Voyageur since the early 1980’s..with a few tiny improvements over the years. Nothing says “Great Product” like longevity in production).
But in early 2017 after a lot of research and comparisons, I bought the Minaal 2.0 …a 35 liter convertible backpack. I was made to check my Tortuga and Voyageur on many flights… but during a two month trip to Cambodia and Thailand in 2017… I was always able to carry it on and toss it in the overhead.
Its clean lines and grey color with minimalized Minaal logo keep it from sticking out in the crowd.. discrete. Small… pick up and go.. Hide away backpack straps, rain cover in its own little hidden pocket, I like to use a single strap and carry it like a duffle at times.. Only using the backpack straps and hip belt if I do a long hike across a city…
You might like to check out the Minaal 2.0
Your guide is phenomenal. I was looking to buy a Best Camera Backpack for my tactical gear trip and happy that I read your review! Love your other travel articles as well.
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Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product
thank you for share this blog with us. I also like travelling and also like hyking on mountains.
Hi Will, I’m a very tall girl 5’10 and travelling SE Asia for a few months next year. I used a bag with detachable dayback while in Australia and loved it. I noticed the Fairpoint doesn’t have an adjustable back system. Which would you recommend?
Hmmm… tough for me to recommend as you’re taller than me! 😛 I recommend going into a shop for this and testing a bunch out to find one that works for you.
Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product. It saves us time and headache when looking for the best travel backpack for us. Kudos!
Hi Will,
I’m planning on travelling from Australia to Asia, and then on to Europe with total travel time of 9 months (potentially staying on to work). Would you recommend getting something bigger than the womens Osprey 55?
Love your website – it’s filled with really great and helpful information!!
Cheers, Ash
Hey Ash! Hmmmm… it really depends on how much stuff you need, and also how tall you are… but personally I would stick to 55 as the max size, if you have something bigger then you WILL fill the space, and you’ll have a real heavy pack!
Hi Will,
How does a laptop fit into these travels bags? Im deciding between a 50l deuter bag and a 60l osprey. I think the 50l is enough for me right now but i think i will travel to some colder places in the future and may appreciate the larger size. However, i need to travel with my laptop as well. I dont want to check my laptop in with the checked backpack. Do you think carrying a smaller normal backpack just for my computer would be reasonable?
If you want to travel with a laptop in your main pack, I would honestly consider picking up a pack specifically designed for this, have a read of this post – https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-laptop-backpacks-for-travel/
A vote for the Farpoint here, I ‘ve bought two others since I first bought that and gone back to it each time.. so much better build quality and just so comfortable to carry.
Great review. Thanks.
I’m torn between the Nomatic Travel Bag and the Osprey Farpoint 40.
I’m going to be island hopping and diving in the Philippines, so it looks like I will be getting the obligatory ‘back sweat’ from wearing backpacks..
Is the Nomatic comfy? I see you have to purchase the hip straps separately and they are detachable, which leads me to believe thay won’t be particularly comfy or robust.
Plus the price is probably swing it in favour of the Farpoint 40.. although I wish they did it in more colours..
I really like the green (that they only appear to do in the women’s version ‘Fairview’.
Keep up the good work.
I personally think the Farpoint is the better pack…
hi will I am looking at the osprey farpoint 70-80 litres, I am going travelling for 6 weeks, I do however have a wedding to attend so I have 2 extra outfits plus 1 extra pair of shoes, It will be summer so not worried about a load of clothes, I love backpack so the travel backpack with the zip all the way around looks great, any suggestions?oh I am 5ft 5in, 68kilos medium build, & have always carried a backpack, oh yeah I do not need a day pack attached, thanks?
The Farpoint is a great pack, assuming you don’t plan on hiking and if you pick up the 70 litre Farpoint, you’ll have plenty of space for sure!
Finally – a comprehensive list of the best backpacks for travellers. I think you’ve persuaded me to pick up the Osprey Ozone. Firstly it looks beautiful but also 46 Litres is the perfect size for me. Thanks for the advice Will!
Happy to help – The Ozone is an epic backpack!
Thanks for sharing. Some great idea’s for backpacks. Love the detail you go into. Makes choosing a new backpack so much easier.