Tried & Tested
Backpack shopping offers numerous attractive options that promise you the world while travelling the world! Unfortunately, most of these overhyped bags will disappoint you when it matters most. So, here we've compiled 10 superior options that will never let you down, as well as 10 disappointing ones that will teach you an expensive lesson about trusting flashy marketing.
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
This bag goes from 35L to 45L with expansion zips, or compresses to 30L for lighter days. Built with 400D recycled nylon and a bombproof 900D bottom panel, it features magnetic strap storage and 360-degree grab handles. The clamshell design also offers multiple access points.
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack Review: Your next camera bag? by Todd Dominey
2. Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L
The unique J-shaped zipper lets you access gear from the top or side independently. Yes, this is genius for quick grabs without full unpacking. Made from 100% recycled ripstop polyester with TPU coating, the fabric shrugs off weather like it's nothing great.
Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 32L by Patagonia
3. Osprey Farpoint 40
At $185 and 3.5 pounds, Osprey Farpoint 40 serves serious hiking pack comfort with its AirScape back panel and LightWire frame. The redesigned laptop compartment is now positioned at the back for improved weight distribution. Also, it's opening accommodates a week's worth of gear.
NEW & UPDATED | Osprey Farpoint 40 Review (2 Weeks of Use) by Pack Hacker Reviews
4. Nomatic Travel Pack V2
Tech lovers rejoice. This organizational masterpiece expands to 30L instantly. Twenty-two pockets include RFID protection, magnetic water bottle holders, and TSA-friendly laptop access. The patented strap system converts from backpack to briefcase mode, which is well-suited for digital nomads.
NOMATIC Travel Pack Review | Updated 2019 Version 20L - 30L Expandable Backpack by Pack Hacker
5. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40
A shocking value at $199 proves that you don't need premium prices for premium features. The removable 18L daypack gives you two bags so you can leave the main pack at your hostel while exploring with the detachable portion. Co-op members can earn 10% back.
REI Ruckpack 40 Review | One Bag Travel Backpack (Men’s & Women’s Version) by Pack Hacker
6. Tortuga Setout Backpack
Here comes another backpack born from digital nomad frustration. The beast opens like a suitcase with its massive clamshell layout. External compression keeps everything tight while internal organization prevents the dreaded gear explosion. At 45L, it meets airline requirements with space for extended co-working stays.
Tortuga Setout Backpack Review by OneBagTravels
7. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L
Eye-catching colors meet serious functionality. Those opening and compression straps maintain stability whether you're boarding a tuk-tuk or hiking a mountain. Plus, it has a TPU weather coating that protects your gear. The brand's social impact mission means your purchase fights global poverty.
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Review I One Bag Travel Backpack by Drew&Annie!
8. Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L
Decades of travel gear expertise shine in this $280 veteran creation. The legendary Bi-Tech Armor Lite material survives abuse that destroys lesser bags. Lockable zippers and smart pockets solve real travel problems. It also has different carry modes like backpack, duffel, and shoulder bag.
Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L by Eagle Creek
9. Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L
Time for some Swedish manufacturing. The dedicated PowerPocket connects to external batteries, keeping devices charged during long layovers. Bluesign-approved fabric meets environmental standards, alongside the SafeZone compartment, which protects fragile items. It is built for modern travelers living between cities and Wi-Fi connections.
This is my New Favorite Travel Backpack! Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L! by Sean Talks Tech
10. Away The Travel Backpack
Luggage experts bring their design obsession to backpacks with this newcomer. Compression zippers seamlessly transition the bag from 26L to 35L. Besides, the clamshell features internal compression straps and organized pockets, along with a dedicated shoe compartment that keeps dirty soles separate.
Away Travel The Front Pocket Backpack | Elegance and Function by David Samwel
Now, for the dark side, let’s look at backpacks that'll turn your trip into a gear nightmare.
1. AmazonBasics Travel Backpack
Reports from customers have called it "all the design élan of a Soviet housing block." Such a budget beast might tempt penny-pinchers, but flimsy construction and slippery materials reveal why it's cheap. Reviews consistently mention broken clips and weak stitching.
2. Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Backpack
Ultra-budget doesn't mean ultra-smart when it comes to serious travel. This packable wonder folds down small because there's virtually no structure or support. Some critics literally note "no frame or back padding". It's fine for beach trips, but not for real travel.
3. BANGE Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
BANGE promises "anti-theft" features but delivers amateur-hour execution with cheap zippers that defeat the purpose. Hidden pockets are so hidden you'll forget they exist, while the "ergonomic" design feels bland. Plus, the USB charging port requires a separate power bank, which may disappoint users expecting an all-in-one solution.
4. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
This is what happens when medium-grade construction meets premium prices. Reviews over time mention "thin polyester that feels slightly flimsy" and quality issues with zippers and stitching. The laptop compartment extends to the bag's bottom, meaning your computer hits concrete every time you set it down.
Best Budget Travel Packs: Hynes Eagle 40L Review by Danny Packs
5. Kono Large Travel Backpack
As a no-name Amazon special, this item delivers disappointing reality with poor weight distribution and suspect zipper quality. The "large" capacity is achieved through weak expansion that makes the bag unwieldy and prone to bursting. Customer service is nonexistent when things inevitably go wrong.
6. Zomake 40L Lightweight Travel Backpack
Lightweight for all the wrong reasons. The $35 price point screams corners cut, and that's exactly what you get. Thin fabric that peels after weeks, zippers that snag constantly, and shoulder straps with padding thinner than airplane peanuts. The "40L" capacity is theoretical at best.
7. LOVEVOOK Extra Large Travel Backpack
Size queens? Look elsewhere. LOVEVOOK’s "extra large" monstrosity prioritizes volume over everything else, resulting in an unwieldy creation that fits nowhere and pleases no one. The clamshell opening lacks compression, turning your organized packing into a clothing explosion every time you open it.
LOVEVOOK Carry on Backpacks | Our Point Of View by WTI
8. Gonex 40L Packable Travel Backpack
Another ultra-light contender that sacrifices everything meaningful for the ability to stuff into a tiny pouch. The lack of structure causes heavy items to create pressure points that'll have you walking all tired. The "waterproof" claim is laughable because even light drizzle can soak your stuff.
Gonex Foldable Duffel Bag - The Transformer of Travel Bags by Gonex
9. Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
At 4.5 pounds empty, it weighs more than some ultralight competitors, such as the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, when empty. The non-removable sternum strap annoys users who prefer clean lines. Additionally, the bag’s high-riding structure feels awkward compared to proper hiking packs.
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L Review (2 Weeks of Use) by Pack Hacker Reviews)
10. VGCUB Travel Backpack
Talking about this pick, some users report that the prevalent shoe compartment takes up significant space in the main compartment, limiting overall storage. Even when it is not fully packed, the backpack can appear bulky, leading to comments about its size and appearance.
