Jet-setting with a single travel bag can be fun and freeing – as long as you have the right gear and the right backpack to carry it. Our team at CleverHiker has spent the last 10 years traveling all over North America – from Calgary to Cancun and Hawaii to Hartford – to test more than 20 of the top travel backpacks. This guide represents the best travel backpacks we’ve tested, based on their organization and storage, features, comfort and fit, durability and protection.
And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Travel Backpacks
Check out this quick list of our favorite travel backpacks, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Best Travel Backpack Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa ($200)
Highly Protective and Organized Backpack: Matador Globerider 45 ($350)
Durable & Highly Compressible Travel Bag: Osprey (men’s) Farpoint 40 ($185) / (women’s) Fairview 40 ($185)
Most Protective Travel Backpack: Osprey Sojourn Porter ($195)
Best Commuter Backpack: Osprey Nebula 32 ($140)
Great Backpack for Weekend Trips: The North Face Base Camp Voyager ($170)
Most Versatile & Stylish Travel Backpack: Nomatic Travel Pack ($300)
Organized and Sustainably Made Backpack: Thule Aion Travel Pack ($200)
What’s new
The CleverHiker team has been testing tons of new travel backpacks against our go-tos while traveling on planes, trains, and automobiles. We’ve added some packs to our list for 2025.
- The MatadorGlobeRider45 earns a spot on the list for its durability, organization, and comfortable carry system.
- The lightest bag in our lineup, the Osprey Nebula 32 is a great pack for everyday use, weekend trips, or commuting.
- With its sleek design, excellent durability, and compact volume, The North Face Basecamp Voyager is an excellent choice for light packers.
- New to us, the Thule Aion Travel Pack is a great travel companion for one-bag travelers, or paired with a larger suitcase.
Travel Backpacks Overall Testing Scores
Cotopaxi Allpa 35
Best Travel Backpack Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $225
Volume: 35 L
Weight: 2 lb. 15 oz.
Dimensions: 20 X 12 X 10 in.
Pros
- Main compartment opens fully
- Durable
- Stylish
- Streamlined organization
- Hideaway straps
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Expensive
- Material marks easily
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35 is a thoughtfully crafted travel backpack designed to make every journey smoother. With its emphasis on versatility and durability, this pack is ideal for both seasoned globetrotters and weekend adventurers alike. Its standout clamshell design unzips fully around three sides, allowing easy access to a well-organized interior with zippered mesh dividers. This layout keeps items secure and visible, making packing and unpacking a breeze.
Built with an 840-denier, TPU-coated nylon shell, the Allpa is rugged enough to endure bumps, scrapes, and light rain, ensuring your belongings stay protected. Inside, it boasts a spacious main compartment and dedicated pockets for everything from shoes to smaller essentials. A snug laptop sleeve, accessible from the side, adds tech-friendly convenience.
While external storage is minimal, with just one small zippered pocket and a slightly undersized water bottle holder, the Allpa’s streamlined design enhances durability and maintains a sleek profile. For added flexibility, it easily converts into a duffel by tucking away the shoulder and waist straps. Wide, air-mesh shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt distribute weight evenly for long walks during transit. Whether navigating airports, trails, or city streets, the Allpa 35 combines function, sustainably sourced materials, and style.
Matador GlobeRider 45
Highly Protective and Organized Backpack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $350
Volume: 45 L
Weight: 4 lb. 8 oz.
Dimensions: 22 x 12.8 x 11 in.
Pros
- Comfortably carries heavy loads
- Large volume
- Excellent durability
- Good organization
- Versatile
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Expensive
- Tricky conversion to duffle
The Matador GlobeRider45 is a well-made travel backpack designed for travelers who require durability, organization, and comfort on extended trips. With a 45-liter capacity, this pack is ideal for long adventures yet compact enough to meet most airlines’ carry-on requirements. Its sealed zippers and rugged 420-denier nylon shell, reinforced with polyurethane waterproofing, provide excellent weather resistance. It’s a reliable choice for wet environments or rough handling.
Inside, the GlobeRider45 features a clamshell opening for easy access to the main compartment. Zippered lid pockets, internal compression straps, and a dedicated 16-inch laptop compartment keep gear secure and organized. A secret back panel pocket adds extra security for valuables like passports or wallets. On the exterior, a stretch mesh pocket and a water bottle holder offer quick-access storage. Plus, six strategically placed handles ensure easy handling from any angle.
The GlobeRider45 is extremely comfortable, even while heavily loaded. Padded shoulder straps, an adjustable waist belt, and load lifters that distribute weight evenly make it feel more like a backpacking pack. However, at 4 lbs 8 oz, its burly construction comes with heft, which might not suit ultralight travelers. Although the duffel conversion feature adds versatility, the process is cumbersome and less user-friendly than others in our lineup.
For those seeking a high-performance, weather-resistant backpack that blends rugged construction with thoughtful organization, the Matador GlobeRider45 is a premium choice built to handle life on the road.
Osprey Farpoint 40 & Fairview 40
Durable & Highly Compressible Travel Bag
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $185
Volume: 40 L
Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz. / 3 lb. 7 oz.(Farpoint/Fairview)
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Good compression system
- Main compartment opens fully
- Hideaway straps
- Multiple carry options
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Laptop compartment is not as padded as some others
- No internal organization / pockets
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a compact and versatile travel backpack that balances durability, comfort, and simplicity, making it a favorite with minimalist travelers and carry-on adventurers. Designed with Osprey’s signature craftsmanship, this pack is ideal for navigating airports, exploring city streets, or tackling trails.
Featuring a clamshell-style opening, the main compartment is spacious and lined with bright lime green fabric for easy visibility. A medium-sized mesh pocket on the lid and compression straps help organize smaller belongings, and internal compression straps help keep everything in place. The padded laptop sleeve, equipped with lockable zippers, adds a layer of security for electronics.
The exterior keeps things streamlined with a shove-it pocket for extra layers and a top-zippered pocket for small essentials. Though it’s missing a water bottle holder, the pack’s rugged 450/500-denier nylon construction ensures durability. Flaps over the zippers add light water resistance as the sturdy frame protects without compromising mobility. We love this pack for its comfort while loaded and its ability to pair with other Osprey packs to make a well-organized travel system.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46
Most Protective Travel Backpack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $195
Volume: 46 L
Weight: 3 lb. 7 oz.
Dimensions: 18 x 15.8 x 12.2 in.
Organization: 4.4
Features: 4.4
Comfort: 4.6
Durability: 4.8
Pros
- Durable
- Spacious
- Good compression
- Good suspension
- Main compartment opens fully
- Streamlined pocket organization
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Bulky
- A little large for carry-on with some airlines
- Sidewalls can get in the way when packing
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is a highly durable, feature-packed travel backpack designed for one-bag travelers and extended trips. With a 46-liter capacity, it’s one the largest bags in our lineup that is still TSA-compatible. It offers ample space for week-long adventures or heavier packers. Its robust construction, made from 460-denier recycled nylon with a DWR coating, provides excellent durability and weather resistance. Osprey’s signature StraightJacket compression straps enhance both protection and help to reduce the pack’s bulk.
The main compartment is spacious but lacks internal dividers, making it ideal for larger items but requiring packing cubes to stay organized. Two small mesh side pockets offer minimal internal organization, while a large external zip pocket and a generously sized side water bottle holder add accessibility. The stowaway shoulder straps and waist belt allow seamless conversion to a sleek duffel.
Comfort while weaning the pack fully loaded is a mixed bag (pun intended). While the AirScape back panel and padded straps provide adequate support, the pack becomes less comfortable under heavier loads over 15 pounds. However, its reinforced design and padded laptop compartment offer excellent protection for fragile items.
For those seeking a rugged, high-capacity pack with versatile features, the Sojourn Porter 46 is a top choice in our lineup of best travel backpacks. Its durable construction, expandable functionality, and compatibility with Osprey’s Daylite and Farpoint daypacks make it a reliable choice for extended travel.
Osprey Nebula 32
Best Commuter Backpack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $140
Volume: 32 L
Weight: 2 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 11 in
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Good for Commuting
- External mesh stuff pocket
- Two water bottle pockets
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- Not enough volume for longer trips
- Easily overburdened
The Osprey Nebula 32 is a lightweight, versatile backpack designed for commuters, day hikers, and travelers seeking functionality in a compact design. With a 32-liter capacity, it offers ample room for daily essentials while remaining streamlined and easy to carry.
Divided into three main compartments, the Nebula provides excellent organization. The laptop compartment is a standout feature, with its clamshell-style opening and generous size, perfect for larger devices. The other compartments include small zippered pockets for organization but lack the volume needed for extended travel. Although ultralight packers might be able to fit a week’s worth of gear in it, the Nebula is better suited for day trips or as a carry-on to supplement larger luggage.
The pack’s external features are thoughtfully designed, including two water bottle pockets and a stretch-mesh back pocket for quick-access essentials. Compression straps on the exterior help tighten the pack down but can obstruct zipper access. Accessing the compartments requires unbuckling for full entry. Osprey’s signature AirScape back panel provides comfort, but it’s not as breathable with higher-end models. The small, removable waist belt offers minimal support, making the Nebula best suited for light loads.
Sustainably made with bluesign approved recycled materials, the Nebula balances durability with a lightweight design. Even though it’s not ideal for heavy packing, it excels as a commuter or daypack, offering comfort, organization, and practicality for shorter outings. For day-to-day use or quick adventures, the Osprey Nebula 32 is a reliable and eco-friendly choice.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager
Great Backpack for Weekend Trips
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $170
Volume: 35 L
Weight: 3 lb. 6 oz.
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 6 in
Pros
- Rubberized exterior
- Good organization
- External zip pockets
- Compact size
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- No waistbelt
- Clamshell opening doesn't lay flat
Nomatic 30L Travel Pack
Highly Featured Travel Bag
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $300
Volume: 30 L
Weight: 3 lb. 4 oz.
Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 in
Durability: 4.4
Pros
- Stylish
- Waterproof zippers
- TSA laptop compartment
- Main compartment opens fully
- RFID safe pocket
- Removable hipbelt / hideaway straps
- Durable materials
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than some others
- Bulky profile
The Nomatic Travel Pack is a sleek and highly functional bag designed for those after a premium piece of gear. With a base capacity of 20 liters and the ability to expand to 30 liters, it’s perfect for light packers who value organization and top-notch build quality.
The Travel Pack is one of the most heavily featured packs in our lineup. With a whopping 22 pockets, there is a place for everything on your next trip. Unique features include a retractable key chain, protective sunglasses case, and an RFID-safe pocket. The main compartment features a zippered mesh divider for added organization, and the exterior has two zippered pockets and two magnetic water bottle sleeves that fold flat when not in use.
The Nomatic Travel Pack has excellent durability. The rubberized outer material is weather-resistant and scratch-proof, and sealed zippers provide added protection against moisture. Although the laptop compartment padding is thinner than competitors, the bag’s rigid structure ensures adequate protection for fragile items.
With only thin shoulder straps and a frame that easily folds in half when empty, the Travel Pack lacks the support needed for longer trips requiring more gear. The lack of a waistbelt means that this pack is not the best choice for travels requiring long walks with a heavy load. Decidedly technical, this pack may not be the most versatile and looks more like a suitcase than a backpack. But for those looking for a dedicated travel bag, it’s hard to find a higher quality and more well-designed bag.
Thule Aion Travel Pack
Organized and Sustainably Made Backpack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $200
Volume: 40 L
Weight: 3 lb. 3 oz.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 9 in
Pros
- Sleek design
- Included dry bag
- Water resistant
- durable
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- No waistbelt
- Uncomfortable shoulder straps
The Thule Aion 40L is a sleek and sustainably made backpack that combines the lightweight convenience of a daypack with the organizational features of a suitcase. Made from recycled, bluesign certified materials, the Aion is durable and water-resistant, making it a reliable choice for weekend trips and light travel.
The pack’s clamshell-style main compartment ensures easy access, and internal compression straps and mesh pockets keep gear organized and secure. The included TPU-coated bag is ideal for separating dirty or wet items from clean ones. We also like how the padded side-access laptop compartment is large enough for a 16-inch device. With a 40-liter capacity, the Aion fits within carry-on limits and provides enough room for a week’s worth of essentials for minimalist travelers.
While the exterior is simple and streamlined, it includes useful features like a water bottle sleeve and lockable zippers. However, the Aion lacks a waist belt, and its narrow shoulder straps can become uncomfortable with heavier loads. The waxed canvas exterior adds durability and weather resistance but scuffs and dirties quickly, making it less resilient than others in our lineup. Regardless, the Thule Aion is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact pack for short trips or as a carry-on companion. Its thoughtful design and high-quality build make it versatile, though it’s best suited for lighter loads and shorter outings.
More: Thule Aion Full Review
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | CleverHiker Rating | Price | Volume | Weight | Dimensions | Organization | Features | Comfort | Durability | 0 |
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 View at REI View at Amazon |
4.8/5.0 | $225 | 35 L | 2 lb. 15 oz. | 20 X 12 X 10 in. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 1 |
Matador GlobeRider 45 View at REI View at Backcountry |
4.7/5.0 | $350 | 45 L | 4 lb. 8 oz. | 22 x 12.8 x 11 in. | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 2 |
Osprey Farpoint 40 & Fairview 40 View Men's View Women's |
4.6/5.0 | $185 | 40 L | 3 lb. 8 oz. / 3 lb. 7 oz. (Farpoint/Fairview) | 22 x 14 x 9 in. | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 3 |
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 View at REI View at Amazon |
4.5/5.0 | $195 | 46 L | 3 lb. 7 oz. | 18 x 15.8 x 12.2 in. | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4 |
Osprey Nebula 32 View at REI View at Amazon |
4.4/5.0 | $140 | 32 L | 2 lb. 2 oz. | 19 x 12 x 11 in | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 5 |
The North Face Base Camp Voyager View at REI View at Amazon |
4.4/5.0 | $170 | 35 L | 3 lb. 6 oz. | 19 x 12 x 6 in | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 6 |
Nomatic 30L Travel Pack View at Amazon View at Nomatic |
4.3/5.0 | $300 | 30 L | 3 lb. 4 oz. | 19 x 13 x 9 in | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 7 |
Thule Aion Travel Pack View at REI View at Amazon |
4.3/5.0 | $200 | 40 L | 3 lb. 3 oz. | 20.5 x 13 x 9 in | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
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How We Test & Methodology
We assessed each travel backpack based on four criteria: organization and storage, features, comfort and fit, and durability and protection.
ORGANIZATION & STORAGE
Crucial to any travel bag is its ability to stow items securely and in an organized manner both on the inside and outside of the pack. We packed our standard amount of items for a week-long trip into each pack to see how well it organized a full load. We paid specific attention to how the items remained organized after carrying the bag in multiple orientations and after being jumbled during transit.
FEATURES
With our fully loaded bag, we examine what features the bag has to offer that increase its versatility or aid its performance. This may be things like purpose-built pockets, water bottle sleeves, or the ability to convert to a duffle. With these features, we also pay close attention to their ease of use and how they impact the overall user experience.
COMFORT & FIT
When traveling, it’s not uncommon to have to make long walks while carrying a heavily loaded bag. To replicate this, we took each bag for an hour walk with a week’s worth of items inside. We carefully consider the fit of the backpack and how the shoulder straps, back panel, and waistbelt help distribute the load.
DURABILITY & PROTECTION
Keeping items protected from the elements and impact is crucial while traveling. If your travels look anything like ours, are bags are constantly being thrown around and exposed to the wind and rain. As such, we are sure to expose every pack to moisture, drag them along the floor, and toss them in the back of a truck to see how well they protect their contents.
Why Trust CleverHiker
From Alaska to Mexico, Iceland to New Zealand, and Thailand to Australia, Gear Analyst Miles Knotek has adventured across the country and the world over the last 15 years. His extensive travels bring well-rounded experience and critical insight into what gear performs best when on the road. Whether bumping down a jungle road in the back of a pickup in rural Thailand, living out of a van in New Zealand, or on cross-country road trips, Miles pushes all his gear to the limit. With a critical eye and keen attention to detail, he brings a methodical and rigorous approach to every product he reviews.
Analysis & Results
See how these travel packs compare using the four testing criteria above.
VALUE
Travel is expensive enough, so your bag shouldn’t add to the cost. We prefer a bag that offers a blend of performance and affordability. Although a cheap bag might get you by, a slightly more expensive bag may make a huge difference in quality and vastly improve its function and ability. We define value as the balance of affordability and performance.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is an excellent choice for a high-value bag. With its price under $200, it’s one of the few bags that combines low cost with high performance. Its rugged design and comfortable carry system make it great for long travel stints. If you’re looking for a smaller bag, The North Face Basecamp Voyager and Osprey Nebula are both smaller, lighter, and less-expensive bags than others we tested.
ORGANIZATION & STORAGE
After finally making it to your destination after a long day of travel, there’s nothing more annoying than finding everything you packed jumbled and disorganized. Dividers, pockets, and separators are a must for keeping everything in its place for easy access. Spend less time searching for your socks and more time exploring with a well-organized bag. When it comes to ease of use and streamlined organization, it’s hard to beat a clamshell-style bag.
With a zipper that opens on three sides and a lid that lays open flat, they provide some of the best access and storage available. The Cotopaxi Allpa and Matador GlobeRider45 both incorporate this design to provide excellent organization. The Allpa has excellently divided mesh pockets to be able to see items within. The GlobeRider45 incorporates a combination of zippered mesh pockets and internal compression straps to organize both large and small objects securely. These are two packs we love for their excellent organization and clever storage options.
FEATURES
Features add versatility to any travel backpack, are intuitive to use, and enhance the user’s experience. We prefer sleek features that give the bag enhanced functionality without being overly gadgety. The Cotopaxi Allpa combines these elements to make a bag that is highly featured without being overly technical. It’s extremely easy to convert it between a backpack and duffel. With an incredible 22 pockets, the Nomatic Travel Pack is one of the more heavily featured bags in our lineup. It’s packed full of unique features like an RFID-safe pocket, sunglasses case, and retractable keychain. This is one of the most well-thought-out bags we tested, making it great for those who love to have a place for everything in their bag.
COMFORT & FIT
Inevitably, travel entails some kind of long walk or even run while wearing a loaded backpack. That might be walking across town to the bus stop or sprinting through the airport to make your connecting flight. Regardless, having a comfortable backpack that fits well is key to happy and successful travel. We love packs that have a structured back panel, comfortable shoulder straps, and a waistbelt that keeps the weight supported on the body.
Fitting more like a backpacking pack, the Matador GlobeRider45 is one of the most comfortable backpacks to carry heavy loads. Its load adjusters, wide waist belt, and comfortable shoulder straps make it one of our top choices for long walks. If you’re looking for a bag with an adjustable frame size, the Osprey Farpoint 40 may be what you’re searching for. With four inches of adjustability, the shoulder straps slide up and down to accommodate different body types. Its excellent AirScape back panel enhances breathability while still being structured and supportive.
DURABILITY & PROTECTION
From being tossed in the back of a pickup, jostled around on a baggage carousel, or dragged along the floor, travel backpacks are subject to a lot of abuse on every trip. Whether carrying clothes, souvenirs, or electronics, it’s vital that the bag keeps your items safe and protected. While durable often means heavy, we most often reach for bags that balance weight and durability to give us the best of both worlds.
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is a standout choice for its durability and protection. The thick, weather-resistant fabric helps keep contents dry, and its strong frame helps protect the laptop pocket. Osprey’s StraightJacket Straps have large padded sections that compress and protect the backpack. If you’re looking for a smaller volume pack that still has impressive durability, The North Face Basecamp Voyager and Nomatic Travel Pack are both excellent options. They are both on the smaller side, but their structure and polyurethane-coated materials give them superior durability and weather resistance.
How to Choose a Travel Backpack
The key to a successful journey lies in selecting the right travel backpack to accompany you. The best travel backpacks balance durability, comfort, and organization while incorporating well-thought-out features that fit the bag to your specific demands.
SIZE & CAPACITY
The first step in finding the perfect travel backpack is determining the appropriate size. Consider how long you’ll be traveling and whether you prefer packing light or carrying extra gear. For weekend trips, a compact 30- to 35-liter pack is usually sufficient. While ultralight packers may be able to make that volume work for longer journeys, most will need a bag with a larger capacity, such as 40 or 45 liters. Be sure to check that your bag adheres to your airline’s carry-on restrictions. The key is to strike a balance by finding a bag that offers enough space for necessary items while remaining compact and lightweight for easy transport.
ORGANIZATION & ACCESSIBILITY
Efficient organization can make a significant difference during your travels. There are a variety of styles out there, but a backpack with a clamshell opening is one of the best. It unzips fully for easy access to the main compartment. Thoughtfully designed interiors featuring mesh dividers, compression straps, and multiple pockets are key to keeping the inside neat and ordered. Packing cubes or stuff sacks can further enhance organization, keeping your belongings separated and accessible.
VERSATILITY & USE
Choosing a backpack that can fit many uses not only helps you get the most out of your dollar but also helps you pack less if you have one bag for many activities. While highly technical bags may be nice for their enhanced features, they may be too technical for daily use or too heavy for taking on a hike. Carefully consider your trip and what activities you will be using the bag for. A versatile bag can fill the role of many and is a reliable companion for trip after trip.
PROTECTION & SECURITY
Keeping items safe while traveling is crucial, and the right bag can help immensely. Many bags come with lockable zippers (locks sold separately) for keeping the main compartment and laptop sleeve secure. Others have small loops at the end that allow the zipper pull to be threaded through, making a quick unzip and grab difficult. Thick, water-resistant fabric is also vital for keeping your items safe from the elements. While not fully waterproof, many bags have a DWR (durable water repellent) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating to help enhance their wet weather performance. Choose a bag that keeps your items protected without being overly bulky or heavy.
Your ideal travel backpack should align with your travel style, offering the right combination of size, organization, versatility, and security. While larger, premium options cater to extended trips, compact packs are perfect for weekend adventures and tend to be cheaper. Invest in a high-quality bag that complements your journey and fits your style and intended purpose. With the perfect backpack, enjoy the freedom of traveling light and well-prepared.
Conclusion
Travel can be confusing enough as it is, so we’ve taken the confusion out of choosing your next travel bag with our comprehensive gear guide. Set off with peace of mind knowing you have a highly investigated and thoroughly tested bag joining you on your next travel adventure.
