The 5 Best Travel Backpacks in 2020
If you’re heading on a long adventure trip, you need to ditch the cumbersome suitcase or carry-on bag and invest in one of the best travel backpacks.
Backpackers and hikers venture off to distant destinations where plenty of adventure awaits. Most backpackers will be walking through steep terrain, cramming on buses, or living out of their backpacks for weeks at a time as an adventurer or digital nomad. Pulling a suitcase isn’t an option.
With the nature of backpacking, you’ll need a good bag that will fit you comfortably. A good travel backpack will make a significant difference during your next adventure trip.
Here are our choices for the best travel backpack and how to choose the best one for you.
#1 Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpacking Pack
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpacking is a fully loaded travel backpack to carry you through your long-haul journeys. Features include:
- Anti-gravity suspension system
- Hydration pack compatible
- Multiple size options to fit all body types
#2 Osprey Women's Fairview 40
The Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel backpack will be your best trip companion and is designed for the comfort of the female body. Features include:
- Adjustable straps and convertible body
- Comfortable, curved back panel
- Good suspension system without the bulky look
#3 Kelty Redwing 44
The Kelty Redwing 44 is the perfect travel backpack for the budget minded. Features include:
- Dual laptop and hydration sleeve
- Lightweight materials weigh only 2 pounds
- Ventilated back panel
#4 Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
This top choice from Osprey is perfect for adventure travelers seeking a lightweight, durable pack. Features include:
- Carry-on sized bag
- Front panel opening for easy access
- Two available sizes
#5 Pacsafe VentureSafe X30
The Pacsafe VentureSafe X30 is the perfect travel backpack for short weekend trips and has all of the anti-theft perks you need to stay safe. Features include:
- Lightweight build perfect for short trips
- RFID-blocking technology in the pockets
- Slash guard straps
Best for the Budget-Minded: Kelty Redwing 44
Amazon
Travel backpacks can be a considerable investment, and it’s easy to shell out hundreds of dollars on some of the top brands. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly options for someone looking for a good quality backpack for their travels.
Kelty Redwing has a high-quality travel backpack that has the perfect amount of space for short trips or even longer hauls.
The best part about this bag is that it offers all of the great features you would expect from a travel backpack, but you’ll only spend a little more than $100.
Kelty Redwing 44 Pros
- Hybrid zipper: This U-zipper design can work as a panel loader and a top loader. This feature helps you access your belongings when you need to.
- Hydration pack compatible: The dual-use laptop and hydration sleeve can adapt to your needs when you’re on the road.
- Interior organizer: The inside has organizers so you can keep electronics, pens, maps, and other essentials where you need them and use to find.
- Lightweight backpack: This bag weighs only 2 lbs 10 oz so you can carry what you need without the bag itself weighing you down.
- Ventilated back panel: This panel helps to help keep sweat off as you’re hiking or wearing your pack.
Kelty Redwing 44 Cons
- Larger size: If you stuff the bag, it may not pass carry-on size limits.
- No lockable zippers: Because the zippers don’t lock, the bag isn’t as theft-proof as some other bags out there.
Best for Women: Osprey Women's Fairview 40
Amazon
If you are a female traveler and want a lightweight backpack that will help distribute the weight you carry, try the Fairview 40.
This nomadic travel bag will fit everything on your packing lists. We recommend this travel backpack for women.
Osprey Women’s Fairview 40 Pros
- Electronics sleeve: You’ll be able to protect your laptop and tablet on the go.
- Size options: This bag is available in three sizes to fit your needs as a traveler.
- Suspension system: If you don’t like your bag to look like a typical backpacker’s pack, you’re in luck. The suspension system on this bag doesn’t have the usual hiking look but still gives you plenty of support.
Osprey Women’s Fairview 40 Cons
- Heavier materials: This bag is not the lightest backpack because it weighs about three pounds.
Best for Men: Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Amazon
Osprey is one of the top makers of travel backpacks, and they have several types of backpacks made specifically for certain physiques.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is one of the top travel backpacks to buy for men because of it’s lightweight design, comfort, and versatility.
This backpack can double as a messenger bag, a duffel bag, or a sturdy backpack for your next adventure. It also has a sleek design that doesn’t fit the typical hiking backpack, making this bag an option for almost any type of trip.
Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review to find out more.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Pros
- Customizable sizes: Not every traveler has the same needs, so many people will appreciate having different sizes to choose from.
- Mesh panel: The back panel, shoulder harness, and hip belt have mesh, which reduces chafing and improves ventilation.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Cons
- Checked luggage only: The bigger options are not carry-on size, so you’ll need to pay to check your bag if you fly.
- Heavier materials: The smallest bag weighs three pounds.
Best for Long-Haul Trips: Osprey Atmos AG 65
Amazon
Another winner travel backpack in the sturdy Osprey family is the Atmos AG 65.
The Atmos AG 65 is perfect for those long-haul trips. Are you going on a long hiking trip? Or are you heading on a backpacking trip throughout South America? You’ll want a bag that can hold any and everything, has a comfortable suspension system and is easy to move around.
The Atmos AG 65 has the backpacker’s comfort in mind. The adjustable waist strap and anti-gravity suspension system makes it feel like you’re carrying less weight.
Overall, this backpack is the best option for your long haul treks.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Pros
- Anti-gravity suspension: The advanced suspension system makes the bag feel lighter than it is.
- Hydration pack sleeve: You can add a hydration pack to help you get enough liquids while you’re adventuring. The pocket accommodates up to a 3L reservoir.
- Trekking pole attachment: This feature lets you stow your poles when you need to have your hands free.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Cons
- Larger size: Some options may not fit as a carry-on.
Best for Short Trips: PacSafe VentureSafe X30
Amazon
A top contender in antitheft bags, Pacsafe brings you the ultimate pick for a short weekend getaway or hiking trip.
The VentureSafe X30 is a versatile option that is perfect for your shorter trips but still packs a punch. The backpack comes with all of the key features you need in a good travel backpack while also featuring anti-theft technology to keep you and your things safe.
Take this backpack on a short camping trip or if you’re an urban traveler, on a trek to a new city.
Pacsafe VentureSafe X30 Pros
- Anti-theft protection: The slash-proof straps protect you from slash thieves, and the pocks have RFID-blocking technology. Security hooks also help keep the bag safe.
- Hydration/laptop sleeve: This sleeve fits a 15″ computer or a hydration pack.
Pacsafe VentureSafe X30 Cons
- Harder to open: While the build helps deter thieves, the bag isn’t as easy to open because of it.
- Hip belt: There’s no option to hide the hip belt, and it can be uncomfortable.
Travel Backpack Buying Guide
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When you’re looking for the perfect backpack, you have a lot to keep in mind.
Use this buyer’s guide to help you determine what you need in your pack.
Comfort and Support
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Travel backpacks are for long journeys, so they must be comfortable and give good back support.
A good travel backpack is designed to be comfortable for hours of walking. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a lopsided uncomfortable bag while walking through hilly cobblestoned streets in search of your hostel.
Here are some things to look for to make sure your backpack will be comfortable.
Internal Frame
Exposed wiring and rods are both ugly and extremely uncomfortable.
A bag with an internal frame will have the proper padding so that you can’t feel the frame while carrying the backpack.
Padded Back
The back of the bag is more important than you think. A well-padded back will give the support you need to carry your bag for hours at a time.
If you’re carrying weeks of clothes in one bag, you’ll need the proper support to keep the weight evenly distributed throughout the backpack.
A contoured, padded back will help the weight of the bag distribute evenly and will give the bag a more natural arch. The contoured back will also allow airflow so that you and your backpack don’t get sweaty.
How do you know if a travel backpack is a good choice?
They are the ones that offer so much support that you forget you’re even wearing a bag whether you’re carrying a lot of packing light.
Compartments
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A good travel backpack should have several extra compartments besides the main ones on both the inside and outside portion.
Compartments help organize your packing and keep your things in order. Instead of digging around for smaller items, utilizing the various compartments in the backpack will save you time and stress.
What to Put in Compartments
Items like shoes, your toiletry bag, and other miscellaneous travel items are some examples of things to place in your compartments instead of the main compartment.
You’ll need the outside compartments for easy access to things while on the road. For example, many belt straps contain small pockets that are easy to access. These compartments are helpful for quick access things like money, headphones, or even lip balm.
Pockets on the outside are also ideal for maps and travel umbrellas you’ll need to grab quickly.
Types of Compartments to Look for
The compartments you should look for relies on your preferences and travel needs. Here are some to consider:
- Detachable daypack: Some bags have detachable daypacks that you can put enough in for a short trip or while you sightsee.
- Laptop sleeve: This compartment is essential if you are traveling with a laptop or a tablet. A lot of travel backpacks have laptop sleeves so that your computer is secured. You don’t want your computer floating around in your bag, especially while flying, so a fitted pocket helps protect your belongings.
- Water bottle pocket: Many travel backpacks have mesh side water bottle holders. Leaving water bottles inside of your pack could be a spill hazard. Mesh compartments are great because whatever you put inside is easy to reach whenever you need it.
Compartment Alternatives
If your bag doesn’t have the compartments you want, you can use packing cubes to help keep things organized.
Durable and Waterproof Material
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a backpack that is 100% waterproof. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find one with good weather resistance.
Make sure that whatever brand of backpack you choose has good durable material that won’t soak through with a little water. This material comes in handy on rainy days or if you ever spill something while traveling.
In any case, check if the backpack comes with a waterproof tarp that you can pull over the bag in case of heavy rain. Look for a nylon or polyester that is thick and will last a long time.
If the backpack doesn’t come with a rain cover, you can usually find options in sport equipment stores and online.
Internal Frame
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The travel backpacks of today are usually internal frame backpacks, meaning that the wiring and frame that holds it together is inside.
Most backpacks you see will have an internal frame.
Outer frames are mostly in the past because almost all of them are uncomfortable and bulky. Packs made today have a sturdy and durable inner structure that makes a lightweight backpack.
If you’re traveling light to save on the weight you need to carry, check to see how much extra weight the frame will add to your load.
Shoulder and Belt Straps
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The shoulder and belt straps are also a crucial part of the comfortability of a travel backpack. The way that the bag distributes the weight depends on the quality of the shoulder straps and hip belt straps.
Because of the longterm wear of travel backpacks, you’ll usually find most of them with a padded shoulder strap and padded hip belt straps.
You’ll want a bag with thick padding on these straps so that your body is supported and comfortable while carrying the backpack.
Some travel backpacks have anti-theft technology built into the straps like the Pacsafe VentureSafe backpack. The straps have wiring built into it so that thieves can’t cut into your bag while you’re out sightseeing.
Size and Capacity
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You may think that the size of your backpack is related to how much you want to pack inside of it, but that’s not wholly accurate.
While bigger backpacks may carry more, the size of the bag depends on your body type. If you get a pack that is too wide or too tall for your body, it will be uncomfortable and could cause back pain.
A good travel backpack is one that distributes the weight evenly and can carry a sufficient amount of your clothes. Picking the biggest bag isn’t always the best way to go.
As far as the capacity of the bag, inspect the inside of the bag to see how much it can hold. Some backpacks may look like they fit more than they can.
Carry-on or Checked Bag
The last component of travel backpack size is carry-on vs. a non-carry on bags.
The bigger your backpack is, the more likely you will have to check it.
With airline regulations cracking down on the legal carry-on size and weight, this could make a difference in the price of your plane ticket and travel time. These fees can add up even more with frequent travel.
In our roundup of backpacks you should choose, we included several options that meet the airline regulations (22 x 14 x 9in).
Top Loader vs. Front Loader
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One of the most significant decisions when choosing a travel backpack is picking a front loader vs. top loader.
Front Loader
A front loader backpack is one that opens up like a standard suitcase. When you lay down the pack, instead of opening it the traditional way at the top, a zipper opens down the front of the bag.
Opening a backpack from the front gives you better options for packing. Instead of essentially stacking your clothes into the bag, you can load it by laying it down.
This difference provides better organization and more convenient access when unpacking or grabbing for something.
Front loaders also offer more security because you can secure a lock on the zippers if you want to. Many travel backpacks are front loaders and can be worn in various ways.
Top Loaders
Top loaders are the more traditional style of opening a backpack.
These usually have a drawstring and a flap that folds over it. Most people consider this to be not as safe because a drawstring is easy to open.
Some people claim that top loaders are much easier to carry around because of how slim and lightweight they tend to be. A top loader is also said to provide better back support for walking.
If you’re a smaller person, a top loader may be a better choice for you because of the distribution of weight.
The best way to decide which one works better for you is to go to a nearby store and try on different travel backpacks.
Zippers
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Every opening in a backpack should have two zippers so that they easily be locked together.
The bag may or may not come with a lockable zipper, but you can use a lock if the bag has two zippers to secure your belongings while in transit or if you have to leave it in a public place like a hostel.
Our picks for ideal travel backpacks for short trips has lockable zippers and other anti-theft features. These features keep unwanted hands away from your belongings.
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Whether you’re going to South America, Southeast Asia, Disney World, or Europe, a travel backpack can help you pack light and still have everything you need while you’re on adventures. Choosing the best travel backpacks can make a huge difference is how you feel.
Next time you shop for a travel backpack, take this information into account to help you make the best choice.
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