10 BEST Travel Backpacks for Women

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In a rush? Here are the best women’s travel backpacks in this review…

Product

Description

Best Overall Travel Backpack For Women

Best Overall Travel Backpack For Women

Osprey Fairview 40L

• Best Use > Backpacking

View on Osprey

Best Carry on Travel Backpack

Best Carry on Travel Backpack

Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

• Best Use > Carry On

View on Nomatic

Best Hiking Backpack For Women

Best Hiking Backpack For Women

Osprey Tempest 40L

• Bets Use > Hiking

View on Nomatic

Best Travel Bag with Wheels

Best Travel Bag with Wheels

Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack

• Best Use > Travel

View on Osprey

Most Stylish Women’s Travel Pack

Most Stylish Women’s Travel Pack

MAHI Leather Explorer

• Best Use > Travel

View on MAHI

First of all, there is nothing wrong with purchasing unisex or male backpacks at all. When buying a backpack, your main priority should always be a comfortable fit, no matter what your travel intentions are, so you can wear it all day.

Women’s travel bags are designed specifically with the female body shape and different weight-carry in mind. Padding, length, and straps are different from the male bags, which is crucial for a comfortable fit since the bag has to align with your center of gravity. 

Bottom line: there are some great uni-sex backpacks, a few of which I have reviewed below, but I find ladies backpacks tend to be more comfortable when the weight starts stacking up

So without further talking, here are the top travel backpacks for women. From small to big, trendy, minimalistic or super durable, you’ll find everything right here!

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#1 – Osprey Fairview 40

Specs

• Price: $200 / £170
• Capacity: 40 (liters) = 2440.95 (cu in)
• Weight: 3.23 lbs = 1465 g = 1.47 kg = 52 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 (in) = 55 x 35 x 23 (cm) = 551.2 x 351 x 231 (mm)

The Osprey Fairview 40 is one of the only female backpacks for travel designed with women in mind. Greatly fitting and adjustable straps, the right amount of padding, and enough compartments to keep all your stuff secure. I love taking it on day hikes, and many female travelers I know use it as their main bag.

With 40L (2441 cu in) it’s suitable for carry-on luggage, however, the small volume doesn’t necessarily make it a great choice for long hiking trips. There are advanced-hiking style features built-in, like an extra harness and hip belt, but some reviews mentioned an uncomfortable fit when you load it up too heavy.

This pack is not as feature-rich as some of the other Ladies’ backpacks on the market. Overall, though, this is a fantastic carry-on travel backpack for women that can do a little bit of everything. It’s comfortable, durable, AND affordable, so you have nothing to lose.

The Osprey Fairview 40 may be the best backpack for you if:

If you want a badass carry-on backpack – this is an easy pick. Its suspension system means it’s extremely comfortable when you have to walk a couple of miles down dirt roads or cobblestone streets! It’s one of the best backpacks for women specifically.

I rated this classic as their best women’s travel backpack because it just seems to kick all the boxes and it’s stood the test of time. I’ve brought this back to loads of countries, and I love the clamshell opening and the massive storage area which is a real game-changer when it comes to backpacks. I also love the extra detachable daypack on the larger version, this is a real bonus.

#2 – Gregory Jade 43 Pack

Specs

• Price: $249.95 / £188.48
• Capacity: 43 (liters) = 2624.02 (cu in)
• Weight: 3.4 lbs = 1542.21 g = 1.54 kg = 54.4 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 25 x 12.5 x 11.5 (in) = 64 x 32 x 29.21 (cm) = 635 x 318 x 292.1 (mm)

If your travels involve more trails than terminals, the Gregory Jade 43 is a seriously capable alternative to the more travel-focused packs on this list. It’s designed specifically around a women’s fit, with an adjustable torso, supportive hip belt and Gregory’s ventilated FreeFloat suspension system helping keep the load comfortable when you’re putting in proper miles.

At 43 litres (2624 cu in), it also hits a useful middle ground. There’s enough room for multi-day trips and backpacking adventures without immediately straying into massive expedition-pack territory. I particularly like the access: the large U-shaped opening makes getting at your gear far less annoying than with old-school top-loading hiking packs, while the separate bottom compartment, hip-belt pockets and external stretch pockets give you plenty of places to stash the stuff you actually need during the day.

There is a trade-off, though. This is fundamentally a hiking backpack rather than a purpose-built travel pack. You don’t get the neat laptop storage, suitcase-style organisation or tuck-away harness you’ll find on something like the Osprey Fairview 40. Its dimensions may also exceed some airlines’ carry-on limits, especially once you’ve stuffed it full.

But if your idea of travelling involves trekking through Patagonia, hiking between mountain towns or disappearing into Southeast Asia with the occasional multi-day trail thrown in, that compromise makes sense. The Jade 43 carries considerably more like a proper hiking pack than most travel backpacks do.

The Gregory Jade 43 Pack may be the best pack for you if:

Looking for a 43-liter travel bag but on a bit of a budget? Then this is a fantastic option! The Gregory Jade 43 is well-designed, comfortable, and durable. It will do everything you need it to for your travels or camping.

I rated this their second-best backpack because of just how comfortable this bag felt. It’s been really well designed for the female form and our team felt it offered next-level comfort compared to more standard bags.

Best for travellers who want one backpack capable of handling both long-term travel and serious hiking.

#3 – REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack – Women’s

Specs

• Price: $159 / £120
• Capacity: 40 (liters) = 2440.95 (cu in)
• Weight: 2.56 lbs = 1161.2 g = 1.2 kg = 41 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 20 x 12 x 9.5 (in) = 51 x 30.5 x 24.13 (cm) = 508 x 305 x 241.3 (mm)

While Osprey seems to make backpacks for hiking or travel specifically, the REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack is a hybrid model. It features a suspension system, padded hip belt, and shoulder straps designed specifically for a woman’s build. Moreover, its front pocket. top stash pocket and included rain cover make it perfect for any kind of travel.

It’s a good overall pack: carry-on compliant and comfortable enough for multi-day hikes, but I would try this pack versus the REI Recycled RuckPack 60L (3661 cu in) and see which one fits you better.

Keep in mind that the woman-specific bag is slightly smaller than the men’s, but fits on budget airlines. I didn’t have a problem using this bag on Ryan Air, the ultimate test for carry-on size compliance.

The REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack may be the best for you if:

Overall, you should get the REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack if you plan to travel, train hop, and do a few multi-day hikes. I wouldn’t get it if your main objective is urban travel nor if your main objective is backcountry hiking. It does both well, so if you want a pack that can do it all, then this is a good choice.

I felt this was one of their best travel packs for women because I loved just how well thought out the pack was in so many different aspects. The opening, hip belt pockets, and included rain cover are really cool features.

#1 – Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

Specs

• Price: $309.99 / £238.63
• Capacity: 30 (liters) = 1831 (cu in)
• Weight: 3.27 lbs = 1483.25 g = 1.5 kg = 52.32 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 9 x 19 x 13 (in) = 23 x 48.3 x 33.02 (cm) = 229 x 483 x 330.2 (mm)

My favourite carry-on pack is this little doozy from Nomatic. Custom-designed for long weekend breaks of 2 -4 days, this pack is equally useful for a long weekend as it is a trip to the store.

It’s 30 liters (1831 cu in), making it carry-on compliant just about everywhere. The bag’s tarpaulin and ballistic weave materials mean this travel backpack will last you for years to come.

Whether you are traveling for a business trip to Dubai or you are a Digital Nomad forever on the go, this will keep your laptop and valuables well secured all while looking stylish. Plus, you’ll have more pockets and sleeves than you know what to do with.

Its top features include an RFID Safe Pocket, Roller Bag Sleeve, a dedicated Underwear Pocket, Cord pass through, easy access pocket, water bottle pocket, an Innovative strap system and waist straps.

This is a unisex bag as most carry-on packs tend to be. It isn’t exactly feminine looking but maybe one days we’ll stop thinking a colour or inclusion of flowers is feminine in the first place!

The Nomatic Travel Bag may be the best for you if:

If you are a contemporary traveler spending a lot of time in urban environments, the Nomatic Travel Pack is a good choice. This pack was designed specifically to be used as carry on whilst also been a great day pack for walking around cities.

I felt this was the best carry-on backpack for women. I love that for a smaller bag, it still opens up in a clamshell style and features a heap of different organisational features including the special layered compartment full of pockets.

Sadly, Nomatic only ship to the US. If you are in the rest of the world, see the next entry from AER.

#2 – Peak Design Travel Backpack

Specs

• Price: $299.95 / £259.99
• Capacity: Expanded 45 (liters) = 2746.07 (cu in)
• Weight: 4.5 lbs = 2041.2 g = 2.05 kg = 72 oz
• External Dimensions (HxWxD): Expanded 22 x 13 x 11 (in) = 56 x 33 x 29 (cm) = 559 x 330.2 x 279.4 (mm)

This bag is great for anyone who likes its design, efficiency, and organization. It’s easily one of the best minimalist bags on the market.

What sets this pack apart from AER is its access points and style of organization. This pack was also designed to accommodate photographers with camera gear. With the external and internal pockets you can keep all of your belongings organized and safe.

The volume might be a bit too small if you’re carrying a lot of equipment with you, which makes it more suitable for urban areas. A lot of full-time travelers can make 30-45L work for extended trips, while others will need more space, personally, I think it’s a great small travel backpack for women.

The Peak Design 45 Liter Backpack may be the best for you if:

Peak Design is leading the pack in innovation and design; if you want an ultra-modern and sleek backpack, look no further. This is a versatile, urban-style backpack perfect for city trips and weekend getaways.

As a photographer, I really loved this pack and felt it stood out amongst the options as the best for those of us with plenty of gear. The design of the bag will keep your equipment safe and accessible while also providing plenty of room for your other things,too.

These are the best travel backpacks for women who spend a lot of time on trail.

#1 – Osprey Tempest 40L

Specs

• Price: $280 / £240
• Sizes: WXS/S (38L) = WM/L (42L)
• Capacity: 38L (2319 cu in) = 42L (2563 cu in)
• Weight: (38L) 2.87 lbs = 1302 g = 1.3 kg = 46 oz = (42L) 3.01 lbs = 1365 g = 1.4 kg = 48.2 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): (38L) 26 x 11.8 x 13.4 (in) = 66 x 31 x 34 (cm) = 660.4 x 300 x 340.4 (mm) = (42L) 27.56 x 12.2 x 13.39 (in) = 73 x 31 x 34 (cm) = 700 x 310 x 340.11 (mm)

The Osprey Tempest 40 Pack is highly functional and fully-featured that works for pretty much any occasion. It’s the best small hiking backpack on this list. It’s been with me for thousands of kilometers now (literally) and it’s not so big that you feel like a weighed-down turtle… BUT it can still carry a WHOLE LOT of epic gear!

With 40L (2441 cu in) it’s a go-to pack for 3-5 day hiking trips because of its size, weight, and durability. I’ve taken it to heights of up to 15,000 feet (4572 m), and it’s the perfect bag for light packers. Features include an incredible suspension system (so comfortable and breathable), padded and adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt, external hydration sleeve, tuck-away ice tool loops/trekking pole attachments, and an integrated rain cover.

When it comes to travel and hiking, this is going to be one of the most versatile, small backpacks for women. The Osprey Tempest 40 is also quite affordable when you consider the quality and versatility you get!

The Osprey Tempest 40 Pack may be the best for you if:

Osprey specializes in producing a range of backpacks for very specific activities and practical applications, from long trips to urban travel, to commuting, running, and school. Specificity is great, but sometimes you just want a backpack that works for everything rather than buying a backpack for every occasion.

This is one of the most versatile women’s rucksacks for hiking you’ll find. Your closet space, bank account, and the planet will thank you for buying fewer backpacks. It’s well-ventilated with heaps of room, and definitely one of the most comfortable bags I’ve taken on long hikes.

#2 – Osprey Aura AG 50

Specs

• Price: $350 / £280
• Sizes: WXS/S (47L) = WM/L (50L)
• Capacity: 47L (2868 cu in) = 50L (3051 cu in)
• Weight: (47L) 4.2 lbs = 1905.1 g = 2 kg = 67.2 oz = (50L) 4.3 lbs = 1950.5 g = 2 kg = 69 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): (47L) 12.2 x 14.96 x 29.53 (in) = 31 x 38 x 75 (cm) = 310 x 380 x 750.1 (mm) = (50L) 12.2 x 14.96 x 31.5 (in) = 31 x 38 x 80 (cm) = 310 x 380 x 800.1 (mm)

The Osprey Aura 50 is the best female travel backpack to hit the trails with. It’s also ideal for long term, slow travel as it can literally fit everything! Its unique Anti-Gravity suspension system makes this bag comfortable up to 40 lbs (18kg)! I recommend comparing it to the Tempest above and figuring out which women’s rucksack is best for you.

Features include water bottle pockets, compression straps, anti-gravity suspension system, and multiple organization options.

Specs

• Price: $350 / £280
• Capacity: 65 (liters) = 3967 (cu in)
• Weight: 6.62 lbs = 3000 g = 3 kg = 106 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 28 x 16.9 x 13.4 (in) = 71 x 43 x 34 (cm) = 711.2 x 429.3 x 340.4 (mm)

Designed for the savvy traveler, Osprey’s Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack is pretty much one of the best backpacks with wheels out there.

The padded hip-belt and shoulder harness stow away for easy transport. It can clip on to the wheeled range for easy transport. It even has an inside zipped compartment – perfect for smelly hiking boots!

I’ve been using this pack on and off for two years and can comfortably say that it fits a shocking amount of stuff, but it’s not comfortable to wear when the load is super heavy.

This is one of the best backpacks for travel if you have a ton of valuables, but it’s not good for hiking!

The Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack may be the best bag for you if:

If you want a women’s travel backpack with wheels, then this is the pack for you. The backpack feature is great for dirt roads, cobblestone, stairs, and other situations where you can’t wheel it, but it’s not comfortable to wear for long periods. Get this backpack if you plan to primarily wheel it around.

I loved the versatility of this bag and how it could function just as well as a suitcase and a backpack. I felt there was very little compromise when using the pack in either setup and the wheels didn’t add too much weight. I also loved how high quality the wheels in particular felt but also the fact that you can buy replacements when needed.

Specs

• Price: $195 / £140
• Sizes: WXS/S (18L) = WM/L (20L)
• Capacity: 18L (1098 cu in) = 20L (1220 cu in)
• Weight: (18L) 1.81 lbs = 821 g = 0.82 kg = 29 oz = (20L) 1.89 lbs = 857.3 g = 0.86 kg = 30.24 oz
• Dimensions (HxWxD): (18L) 20.5 x 11 x 10.2 (in) = 52 x 28 x 26 (cm) = 521 x 279.4 x 259.1 (mm) = (20L) 21.6 x 10.24 x 10.24 (in) = 52 x 28 x 26 (cm) = 520 x 280 x 260 (mm)

This lightweight women’s rucksack was specifically designed for multi-sport with a running-vest-inspired harness, providing elevated efficiency and versatility for fast movement across any landscape.

20 litres (1220 cu in) is enough to carry your essentials, snacks and water for day trips or even overnight trips but if you’re planning on backpacking through Europe for three months, I’d recommend getting something with a bit more space.

This is one of the lightest hiking backpacks on the market. While this is awesome, I wanted to know what we are sacrificing for weight. After testing this pack, I concluded that its lightweight fibre materials are durable and will last for years, just not as long as other more heavy-duty Osprey packs.

If in doubt, Osprey offers the “All Mighty Guarantee” lifetime warranty to indemnify against defects.

The Tempest Velocity 20 may be the best for you if:

Its super lightweight, versatile and flexible build with functional compartments make it perfect for hiking, biking or off-the-beaten-path adventures. 

With a snug fit to your body, comfy straps and a hip support belt you’ll instantly feel bonded to the Velocity 20, enjoying freedom of movement without feeling weighed down. With more pockets than a magician, you’ll have easy access to snacks, sunscreen and your phone to grab those Insta pics while on the move. 

If you’re looking for a pack to take everything but the kitchen sink I’d recommend one of Osprey’s larger relatives. However, if you need a lightweight pack with enough space to store your essentials and is perfect for day trips the Tempest Velocity 20 is your ideal match.

Specs

• Price: $201 / £153
• Capacity: 11 (liters) = 671.3 (cu in)
• Weight: N/A
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 x 9 top (12.2 bottom) x 4.3 (in) = 40 x 22 top (31 bottom) x 11 (cm) = 400 x 220 top (310 bottom) x 110 (mm)

A lot of practical, travel gear tends to be a bit on the ugly side. Indeed the general consensus is “comfort before style” when it comes to most travel gear whether it be backpacks, jackets or shoes but today I am here to tell you that it does not need to be this way.

The Explorer by MAHI Leather is a stylish, cool, and pretty travel backpack for those ladies who want to look the part whilst having an adventure. It’s made from soft leather (which smells lovely) and fastens with a mixture of zips and buckles. It’s a great backpack for airport runs, hitting the beach, market, and of course nights on the tiles.

It’s not ideal as a hiking backpack but could certainly work for day hikes in fine weather when no special gear is required. I did feel the comfort of the shoulder straps was slightly compromised for the sake of looks. But as it’s on the smaller side it probably wasn’t going to be used for packing heaps of gear anyway.

The best present of all… is CONVENIENCE!

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!

When selecting the best backpack for females there are a few things you should consider, including size and capacity, features, and price. This is all, of course, completely subjective and depends on the type of travel you will be engaging in.

Capacity and Overall Size

• Choose the size according to your travel gear
• 40-50L are manageable, count as carry on and it’s an overall best choice
• 60+L are great for camping, hiking and long travels

Note: Ladies backpacks are often smaller than the counterpart men’s version. For example, a men’s version can be 44 liters while the women’s is 40 liters. Women’s packs are also a bit narrower to better fit a smaller frame. You may be trading-off fit for capacity.

Torso Size and Length

Backpacks for travel have a torso measurement to help you find one that will have the most comfortable fit. Most women’s torsos will be between 14-18 inches, however, you should measure your torso and try a few packs on (with weight) to make sure.

If you’re a taller woman, then maybe a uni-sex backpack will fit you better. Again, the trick is to measure and try packs in-store.

Shoulder Strap Shape and Hip Belt

In women-specific backpacks, the shoulder straps are often shaped/curved and the sternum strap is redesigned to better fit female chests. The shoulder straps are often set a little closer together since women tend to have narrow shoulders and neck.

The hip belt should be slightly narrower than the male’s version to distribute the weight equally across your hips. They can also have extra padding for a bit more comfort.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable hip belt. This is what helps take weight off of your shoulder so you can walk, hike, and climb comfortably, even with 35+ pounds.

Materials and Durability

Keep in mind, your travel bag will be exposed to rain, puddles or leaks at some point. There’s nothing worse than opening the bag to find your clothes soaked or your electronics damaged. The best backpacks are made from strong, durable, stretchy, waterproof material.

Look out for a material that will last for years – the last thing you want is a ripped bag halfway through your travels.

To test these packs, I laid my hands on each of them and took them out for a test drive on many different trips in various locations and over a decent period of time to get to know the product properly.

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry your stuff, so well we tested just that! Top points were awarded for how packable each backpack is in practical use. Any decent carry on bag also needs to make sure it maximises the space and facilitates effective packing and we tested this out by doing exactly what you normally do with a bag … pack and unpack the thing!

On top of that, I also looked at whether the bag was actually easy to pack and unpack. Was it awkward to retrieve your gear, or were things at hand when you needed them?

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

Everyone knows the nightmare of getting stuck with a super heavy backpack on a trip. It’s not fun! So I judged these bags hard on whether they were heavy or awkward because ain’t nobody got time for either of those!

I also looked at whether a bag was comfortable to carry. Were the straps thin and digging into your shoulders, or were they like resting your worldly goods on two pillows from heaven?

As such, I awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry comfort.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose, ya know, holding shiz, by erm … using it for exactly that! Science amirite?!

So basically, if it was for carry-on, then I carried it the f**k on right! In this case, being Women’s backpacks, well, we got hold of a whole heap of women and made them wear the bags!! Well, something like that!

You get the idea right? 

Aesthetics

We all like to look good and not like absolute nerds when we’re out and about exploring the world. I mean, who knows if you’re going to meet someone fit on the trails, you’ve got to look your best! Well, I mean, my effort pretty much ends here but if I can get a cool-looking bag that functions well then I’m buzzin’!

As such I also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks. 

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t quite cover that, so we’ve had to resort to old-school tactics!

Instead, we simply inspected the materials used and the build quality of the packs paying attention to things like the seam sewing, the traction of the zips, and other pressure points that might be more likely to break.  

Of course, testing out how waterproof a pack is simply a case of pouring a litre of water over it – any packs caught leaking, were banished to the depths of hell never to be seen again!

Still have some questions? No problem! I listed and answered the most commonly asked questions about women’s travel packs below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

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The best women’s travel backpack for you will not only depend on your travel style but on where you plan to go at any given time. If you read the section above this one, you should be well prepared and ready to but your backpack.

Ultimately, you need to consider what your trip consists of, without stressing over it, of course! It’s difficult to find a pack that is perfect 100% of the time, but with a little bit of research, you’ll quickly figure out which backpack is best for you.

This guide covered the best backpacks for urban travel, the best hiking backpacks for women, the best women-specific bags altogether, and a few that are versatile enough for urban travel and the trails.

Out of all the best travel backpacks for women, I hope you’ve found one perfect for you!