We found tons of options for the best travel backpack!
We’ve tested and vetted the best travel backpacks in 2024. From traveling in the airport to hiking, and everything in between!
Here are our best options for the best backpack for travel in 2024:
1. The Wonhox backpack is roomy, affordable, and could potentially fit more than your carry-on luggage.
This backpack can do more than carry-on luggage! It counts as a personal item, fitting under the seat in front of you, and has a ton of space. With this roomy backpack, you can likely ditch carry-on fees and it checks off the list of essential features.
This backpack is our best travel backpack overall because it’s under $40 and comes in many different colors making it a very affordable option for all budgets and styles. It has a luggage strap which makes traveling on flights a breeze and many different organizational features including a bottom shoe compartment, a separate wet bag, an exterior USB charging port, a 14″ laptop compartment, side pockets, and more!
Our Hip CEO, Collin owns this travel bag which is super similar and currently the same price! 🤩
2. When it comes to the best travel backpack for women, the Kaya bag is our most stylish pick.
This durable bag is perfect for any minimalist packers who are looking for something just as stylish as it is functional. It’s the perfect size for typical traveling. Our Hip sidekick, Emily, actually scored this on sale and said it’s worth the splurge. It comes in nearly 30 gorgeous faux leather colors and will be your perfect companion for just the essentials. It also features a luggage strap making airport trips even easier.
“I have the Calpak Kaya backpack, and it’s my go-to airplane bag! It’s not overly big and fits my 15” MacBook Pro, plus my iPad, with separate compartments for each. It also fits my chargers, AirPods, and some bags of snacks. The Calpak’s minimalistic design helps me keep my traveling load low because there’s just enough room for those essentials. I’ve had it for nearly 6 years now, brought it on loads of trips, and it’s holding up great.” – Emily, Hip2Save
3. Outdoorsy travelers will appreciate this backpack no matter where your travel adventures lead you.
The Osprey Farpoint series is ideal for travelers who plan to head on many different adventures from city to wilderness! Made from durable recycled materials, these backpacks are tough and come in various colors. They feature a comfortable LightWire frame suspension, padded straps, and a ventilated back panel. Plus, we love that the harness, back panel, and hip belt can be zipped away for checking the bag for flights or worn during strenuous hiking.
The backpacks provide a large lockable main compartment, internal compression straps, and multiple pockets for all your gear and then some. Overall, the Osprey Farpoint series is praised for its comfort, durability, and smart design, making it a top choice for adventurous travelers.
“Lots of great features, well designed. I used this for a 10-day trip to Mazatlan to see the 2024 total eclipse. It fit easily in the overhead storage and had ample room for clothes, essentials, and a small laptop. I particularly liked the stow-away straps, which when deployed, make airport transfers easier to navigate. I used an additional small daypack to supplement as a carry-on, but this pack did most of the work and made for an easier travel experience. Ended up buying another as a gift for my daughter for her travels, she loves it!” – Wylde
4. This travel backpack turns into a tote and is the best option if you need versatility.
If you’re looking for a versatile backpack that can double as a tote, this is going to be your new carry-all bag when traveling! It features water-resistant nylon and has over five pockets. It even has a built-in USB port!
They are lightweight and the perfect size, easily fitting a water bottle on the side. You’ll be comfortable wearing this as a travel backpack all day from airports to amusement parks. Many people love the pocket placement as it makes it easy to find their things. The tote-to-backpack feature is unique and functional.
5. This spacious travel backpack is organized and the most like a suitcase if you’re only toting one bag around.
This option is rated by Travel & Leisure as the best budget-friendly carry-on backpack so of course it had to make our top list of frugal picks! It’s unlike most backpacks because it unzips and folds out to the side like a traditional suitcase. Plus, it comes with three packing cubes with compression buckles to help you stay organized and maximize your packing during every trip.
To top it off, it has a separate laptop compartment which even some suitcases can’t say! It also features an adjustable cup holder on the side so whether you’re toting a large water bottle or skinny one, it will fit securely. When traveling, you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps and slip them over a suitcase handle with ease.
6. Well-traveled kids will appreciate this best backpack for kids.
The Deuter Junior travel backpack is an excellent choice for young adventurers and students, offering a surplus of space for daily essentials, school supplies, or light travel gear. It features ergonomic design elements they’ll appreciate when hiking outdoors such as adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap for a secure, comfortable fit, along with a padded, breathable back panel to minimize discomfort and sweating. The durable, water-resistant fabric ensures the backpack can handle everyday wear and light rain.
It’s a practical bag that includes multiple compartments for organization, including a spacious main compartment, a front pocket, and mesh side pockets for water bottles. We adore the bright colors and the thoughtful reflective elements for added safety. Regardless of age, your kiddos won’t complain about carrying their own belongings because it’s lightweight and versatile for all their needs.
Deuter also makes a slightly smaller travel backpack for kindergarteners.
Hip Tip: We’ve tested these best kids backpacks for years if you’re back-to-school shopping!
Our team recommends these best travel accessories for every trip!