Looking for a new backpack but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Let me guide you to the right backpack sizes, types, and features — based on the type of traveller you are.
In my work as a full-time travel blogger I’ve used numerous backpacks, letting me learn all about the best backpack brands and the important features to look for.
One thing I’ve learned is that no backpack is perfect in every respect. For instance, having more features and compartments usually also means a heavier bag. And a pack that’s perfect for one travel style may not be ideal for another. There are always certain trade-offs in terms of comfort, features, price, weight, or durability, so ultimately it’s all about choosing the best backpack for you.
That said, some backpacks do truly stand out from the pack and are sure to make your life on the road a lot easier. Here are some of my absolute favorites that I love to recommend.
Note: All backpacks reviewed physically! No sponsored content.
One of my all-time favorites: the Tortuga Travel Backpack
How to find the right travel backpack
When it comes to choosing a travel backpack, marketing can either help or mislead. If there’s one filter you can use to tell if a backpack is actually good, it’s balance.
The perfect backpack strikes that delicate balance between functionality and simplicity, between durability and weight, between capacity and carry-on compliance. Some brands lean into complexity as innovation, but seasoned travelers know that smart design wins over feature overload.
Here are 4 critical factors that should guide your backpack decision (in the best possible way):
The ideal size range for carry-on travel
It’s easier to carry & keep more of your luggage weight allowance available
No useless pockets or features — just the ones you need
Reliable on the road and made to last a long time
Simplicity vs complexity. This might go against the trend, but don’t be too impressed with backpacks that boast a zillion and a half different features. While these often look great in marketing videos, they usually aren’t so practical to use in real life!
Not to name names, but I believe Tropicfeel’s products are a good example of this: tons of different systems, doo-dads, and carry modes. This looks fantastic in a flashy Insta reel or Kickstarter pitch, but in practice it also increases the weight, bulkiness, and complexity a lot.
Having 6 distinct pockets is great — having 14 of them just makes you forget where you put all your stuff. A balanced design is usually better.
Complex backpacks (like Tropicfeel Shell) are not always the best. This wardrobe system seems amazing until you realize it greatly reduces your packing space and forces you to pack a specific way.
The weight advantage. This aspect is often underappreciated in online reviews. A lower weight makes a pack easier to carry and leaves more of your precious baggage allowance free to use. I always review packs in person (and, if possible, on an actual trip) so I can get a proper feel for the weight and handling.
Carry-on optimized. I HIGHLY recommend travelling carry-on only if you can, even if it’s just for the incredible savings on airfare. This used to be an advantage only on budget carriers, but nowadays many long-haul flights offer cheaper carry-on-only rates.
Every time I’ve flown between continents in recent years, I’ve saved around $200 – $300 on each (economy) flight by going carry-on only. Even if cost is less of a concern, reducing your luggage to carry-on size will give you increased comfort and mobility.
Tip: Not sure what size is right for you? Then check my size table at the end of this guide. If you can pack light, you may not need an enormous bag! My in-depth light packing guide shows you how you can pack a carry-on size pack even for a multi-week trip.
Production quality. Finally, the quality of the materials and especially the zippers is super important. This is one reason why I’ve soured on cheaper backpacks that have failed me in the past. A pack that is truly durable and weather-resistant will give you not just comfort on the road but also stay with you for a very long time.
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45’s hardened anti-theft zipper design 
Zooming in on the Pakt Travel Backpack’s quality materials
Top 10 backpacks for travel (tested & traveler-approved)
My number one rule: Every travel backpack I review goes on at least one real trip. It’s hard to know a product just from unboxing it! My reviews are sometimes based on review samples I get from the manufacturers, other times I simply buy backpacks when they seem worth checking out.
As a professional travel blogger for over 10 years, I’ve done a lot of travelling, and I even lived out of a backpack for some time. Having used over 60 different travel backpacks — yep, I’m a backpack freak! — let me share with you here my absolute top picks:
(All backpacks here should be fine for carry-on travel, though some can optionally expand beyond carry-on dimensions — such as the Peak Design).
Quick Overview: Best Travel Backpacks
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Best premium carry-on
- Versatile; carry-on size (35L) but can expand to 45L
- Incredible design with premium materials and wonderful touches
- Optional accessories that are 100% amazing
- Reliable performance after 5+ years of regular use
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite
Best budget versatile carry-on
- Balanced design with numerous storage options
- Amazingly comfortable straps and suspension system
- Durable and rugged materials; waterproof zippers
Best budget adventure pack for comfort
- Lightweight (1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs)
- Easy to use, opens like a suitcase
- Highly comfortable to wear even for extended periods
- Amazing value
Best budget adventure pack for organization
- Fresh and colorful design
- Shoulder straps and raincover included
- Amazing internal organization (no packing cubes needed)
Best premium adventure pack
- 2-in-1 system (main pack + detachable daypack)
- Water-resistant polyester that feels like canvas
- Beautiful pack ideal for big trips
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack
Best tech + outdoor pack
- Super comfy suspension system
- Loads of clever packing & tech features (supports packing cubes, camera cubes, tech pouch)
- Sturdy, waterproof & durable materials
Best smaller carry-on backpack
- Amazing internal organization
- Many unique features (waterproof compartment, secret pouch, waist strap can become a sling bag)
- Highly comfortable
- Waist strap doubles as a sling bag
Best premium lightweight pack
- Just the right number of organizational features
- Clever side- and bottom compartments
- Great comfort and fit
- Wonderfully lightweight
Best duffel-style backpack
- Amazing versatility: use as a backpack, suitcase, or duffel
- Relatively lightweight
- Maximum carry-on size
- Many organizational options
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
Best security features
- Unique feature lets you secure all compartments with one lock
- Integrated security system that you’ll actually enjoy using
- Highly comfortable straps and handles
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack
Best premium carry-on
In a nutshell: Perfect usability, organization, and design. Just not ideal for extended outdoors/adventure use. Get this for air travel, holidays, digital nomading, or business travel. You’ll love it!
Sizes: 45L
For a general-purpose carry-on backpack, I highly recommend the Peak Design 45L. I’m a big fan of the Peak Design brand overall, which is known for its simplicity and minimalism while still including lots of neat little features you’ll be glad to have. Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack has been my main luggage for 5 years now, and I consider it close to perfect.
What I love most about the Peak Design 45L is how it combines simplicity with innovation. The bag feels incredibly well thought out, from its magnetic pouches to hidden straps, and foldable origami-style dividers that make packing a breeze. Pairing it with some of Peak Design’s other accessories makes it even better — they’re designed to complement the backpack seamlessly.
The pack is pretty adaptable, with a default 35L capacity that’s perfect for carry-on limits, but can expand to 45L when you need extra space.
It’s also tough, thanks to its 400D nylon shell, which keeps the bag looking sharp even when it’s empty. It’s incredibly adaptable, making it ideal for short city breaks or longer trips.
The only downside of the Peak Design is that the shoulder straps are fairly thin, making it less suitable for very outdoorsy or adventure-focused trips. While it’s comfortable for, say, carrying it through a terminal to your next flight, you wouldn’t really hike with it or go backpacking. (For this, see my picks further down the page.)
This pack is no longer just in grey or black! Check the new Coyote color that was added in 2025.
Price: $240
Why I like it:
- Versatile; carry-on size (35L) but can expand to 45L
- Incredible design with premium materials
- Optional accessories that are 100% amazing
- I’ve used it for 5+ years and it’s held up great!
What you should know:
- Thin shoulder straps, not ideal for long hikes.
- Water bottle pockets feel tight when fully packed
2. Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite
Best versatile budget-friendly carry-on
In a nutshell: A fantastic ‘multi-role backpack’ that can work for adventure trips, but equally for holidays or work. Get this if you’re not sure what type of trips you’ll do and you want to cover everything. It’s a great all-rounder that adapts well to different kinds of travel.
Size: 40L
Tortuga released the 4th-generation Travel Backpack Lite—a lightweight, minimalist pack I highly recommend for adventure travel, backpacking, or digital nomad life.
The brand got its start after its founders backpacked around Europe and realized there wasn’t a backpack that was ‘just right’ for this type of travel. They have since succeeded in creating what I think is the best all-rounder world travel backpack. This became even clearer to me while testing my Tortuga backpack, and the difference really stood out.
The best feature is the incredible harness. It’s extremely comfortable to wear, almost on par with hiking or trekking backpacks (while still being a regular travel backpack).
The suspension system is fully featured with a hip belt, sternum strap, load lifter straps, and a properly padded back — just what you need when you plan to travel by bus, train, or reach some places on foot.
If you were eyeing a premium backpack like the Peak Design but want it to be more structured like a backpacking pack with additional back and shoulder support, then this fits the bill. The Pro version even fully height-adjustable, so you can fit it perfectly to your torso height.
Organization is made easy with numerous pouches and zipped compartments, and premium materials are used throughout, including a highly weather-resistant SHELL200 exterior, weatherproof zippers, and soft fleece lining inside the laptop compartment. It has a Swiss Army Knife’s worth of features while getting all the basics just right.
Don’t miss my video review where I show all its features:
Note that Tortuga only ships to US customers. If you’re not American, check out some other recommendations below.
Price: $250
Why I like it:
- Balanced design with numerous storage options
- Amazingly comfortable straps and suspension system
- Durable and rugged materials; waterproof zippers
What you should know:
- Laptop compartment located against your back rather than in a separate quick-access area
3. Osprey Farpoint series
Best low-budget adventure pack for comfort
In a nutshell: a classic backpacker’s pack with a great price and an amazing suspension system. Best for adventurous and outdoor trips.
Size: 40L, 55L (a 40L + 15L daypack combo), 70L
A side-by-side look at the 40, 55, and 70 
The Farpoint 55’s daypack combo 
Left: Farpoint Trek 55. Right: the Farpoint 40.
You’ll actually see the Farpoint mentioned online a lot, especially on backpacking blogs, because it offers amazing value and great quality across all sizes (40L, 55L, and 70L).
Comfort is the main benefit of the Osprey Farpoint 40. The ribbed back panel, trampoline surface, adjustment straps, and fully height-adjustable harness are features you might normally find on a hiking pack and not on a travel pack. They all help ensure the Farpoint 40 is extremely comfortable to carry, even for longer periods. This makes it a highly popular budget backpack for hosteling/backpacking in particular.
All packs in the series have a height-adjustable back panel. The larger 55L and 70L models offer additional padding in the hip belt for heavier loads, while the 40L maintains a streamlined profile.
In terms of storage, it’s best used with packing cubes. The Farpoint 40 doesn’t have as many pockets or clever features as some of those fancier one-bag air travel backpacks, but it’s a reliable choice for adventure trips. You can easily add some packing cubes for more internal organization if you’d like. The 55L and 70L versions include a detachable 15L daypack with a laptop sleeve.
For use as a carry-on, the 40L complies with most airline carry-on restrictions. The 55L can work if you detach the daypack (using it as your personal item), while the 70L is best checked as it far exceeds the carry-on limit. All Farpoint models are slightly heavier than an ultralight bag but work very well for a pack with full suspension, structure, and overall comfort.
Overall, the 40L is great if you’re packing light, heading out for a shorter trip, or need to stick to carry-on rules. If you’ve got a longer trip in mind—say a week or two—and like the idea of a detachable daypack, the 55L hits that sweet spot. And if you’re off on a big adventure or need to pack for all kinds of weather, the 70L’s your go-to.
If you’re still undecided, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right Osprey Farpoint version.
You can watch my video review for more details on all the changes.
Osprey Farpoint 40 price: approx. $185
Why I like it:
- Lightweight (1.6kg / 3.5 lbs)
- Easy to use, opens like a suitcase
- Highly comfortable to wear even for extended periods
- Amazing value
What you should know:
- Only basic organizational features (needs packing cubes)
- Narrow water bottle pockets
Same pack — but a women’s specific fit
If you like the Farpoint 40, there’s also the Osprey Fairview 40—built with the exact same features but designed specifically to fit women better.
I’ve used other Osprey packs such as the Osprey Porter 46 or the Osprey Farpoint 55, but I think the Farpoint 40 is the best of the bunch. The Porter 46 isn’t as comfortable, while the Farpoint 55’s main pack is missing some internal organization features.
4. Cotopaxi Allpa
Best low-budget adventure pack for organization
In a nutshell: A fantastic alternative to the Osprey Farpoint; slight compromises on comfort, but many more organizational features than the Farpoint
Size: 35L, 42L
Starting at $220, the Cotopaxi Allpa is one of the best-value backpacks around. I like its ‘just right’ balance between features and price – more affordable than the most premium backpacks out there, while still having one of the most rugged and durable designs. It’s especially great for backpacker-style adventure travel, but can work fine for city trips as well.
The internal organization features are amazing, letting you get away with not buying any accessories like packing cubes or protective cases. Its harness with a height-adjustable hip belt is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, making it suitable for adventure trips.
The Allpa comes with its range of funky Andean-inspired colors, but if that’s not your thing, there is also an all-black version.
The Allpa is super easy to organize, with its clamshell design ensuring easy access. One side has a big open compartment for your bulky clothing, the other has three zipped cubes for storing smaller items. A rain cover is included as is a shoulder strap for duffel-style carry. Given its many organizational features, you may not need any packing cubes or additional accessories (apart from maybe a toiletries bag).
There is a 35L and a 42L size, both carry-on. Cotopaxi Allpa 35 is the best-selling option and recommended for most travellers. I quite like the Cotopaxi Allpa 42 as I prefer maximum carry-on size.
The one controversial aspect is probably the rubbery 1000D polyester outer shell, which can look a bit blobby if the bag is not full. This material is very sturdy however, so it will protect your gear very well.
Price: $250
Why I liked it:
- Fresh and colorful design
- Shoulder straps and raincover included
- Amazing internal organization (no packing cubes needed)
- Sturdy, reliable materials
What you should know:
- The rubbery 1000D polyester outer shell is love-it-or-hate-it
5. Salkan Backpacker
Best premium adventure pack
In a nutshell:My top choice for a backpacker-style pack that is comfortable, easy to organize, and absolutely stylish as well. A pack for a happy back but that looks the part too — yes, it does exist!
Sizes: 35L, 45L, 45L+20L daypack combo
Salkan Backpacker looks and feels utterly like a retro canvas backpack, yet it’s made of a durable and rain-resistant polyester that emulates this look.
It has a 2-in-1 system, with a daypack and main pack that work seamlessly together. You can buy just the daypack or the main pack, or you can buy them together for a lower price. The main pack is 45 liters (expandable up to 55) and the day pack is 20 liters. Salkan has a customized backpack designer, letting you mix and match different colors and straps.
Salkan’s packs have a fully-featured suspension system with padded straps, a padded back, and a well-padded hip belt with zippers. I’ve found it comfortable to wear for longer periods of time, such as while navigating through a town or getting to an airport terminal.
The best thing about the harness is that you can fully adjust it to match your torso length. This is absolutely amazing for someone like me who isn’t of average height. (I’m 1.94m or 6’4).
I tested this backpack during a six-week island-hopping trip in the Canaries. While it only rained for a couple of days during my trip, I found that the Salkan performed well in any weather. Furthermore, its rain-resistant features make me confident to recommend it for any kind of trip.
Besides the original version, there is now also a slightly more snug 35L carry-on edition. I reviewed the Salkan carry-on in detail here.
Price: $315
Why I liked it:
- 2-in-1 system (main pack + detachable daypack)
- Super stylish design
- Highly comfortable to wear
- Fully height adjustable
- Loads of space and pockets
What you should know:
6. Peak Design Outdoor Backpack
Best tech+outdoor backpack
In a nutshell: A fantastic choice if you are looking for a tech gear / laptop / photography friendly pack that still performs very well in the outdoors or on a backpacking trip
Sizes: 25L, 45L
Note: I’m travelling with this pack now! Separate review + photos forthcoming.
This pack is in a unique niche — sitting somewhere between tech bag and hiking bag. If you love to bring your electronics gear on your trips but also want to wear your pack for long periods of time and/or in the outdoors, then this may just hit a perfect sweetspot. It has a clean minimalist aesthetic while using rugged and weatherproof materials.
For years I’ve been saying the standard edition Peak Design Travel Backpack is amazing — with just one caveat. For adventure trips, it’s simply not ideal due to the thinner and less comfortable shoulder straps (among other things). At last, Peak Design created a new product line to address exactly this.
I love the attention to detail on the Peak Design Outdoor, such as the hidden compartment for a passport and the extremely clever top-access loop that lets you quickly grab things from your pack, as well as expand the top a bit to go beyond carry-on size. Having this extra bit of margin to play with I always find quite useful. Although it has a quick top access, it also has a regular clamshell-style opening for easy access to all your stuff at once.
It’s more serious about comfort than any other Peak Design pack, featuring an internal frame, full hip belt, load lifter straps, and wide and comfortably padded shoulder straps. I’ve had no complaints carrying this for several hours!
However, keep in mind it’s not quite an expedition or trekking backpack like the ones Osprey or Deuter make. Peak Design has its roots mainly in photography and tech gear bags, which is clear from the feature-set and aesthetics. It’s a bit less optimized for outdoor readiness and more focused on tech features and usability. You can use all the modular Peak Design accessories such as the packing cubes, tech pouch, etc. with the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack.
The other downside is the price. At an RRP of $329.95 the price is definitely on the higher end for a travel backpack.
Price: $330
Why I liked it:
- Unique combination of tech and outdoor backpack design
- Extremely sturdy materials
- Streamlined design yet full of clever features
What you should know:
- Not quite a trekking or expedition-style backpack if this is what you seek
7. Pakt Travel Backpack
Best smaller carry-on backpack
In a nutshell: Not everyone needs a huge 40L+ max carry-on. This 30L has tons of clever features and is perfect for business travel, overnights, weekend trips, etc. Can also fulfill a support role in conjunction with rolling luggage
Size: 35L
At 35 liters, the Pakt Travel Backpack is smaller than the 40 to 45-liter backpacks mentioned so far. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more streamlined size for shorter trips. The Pakt will fit within virtually all carry-on restrictions, even the more stringent airlines in Europe.
Superficially, the Pakt Travel Backpack may not immediately catch your eye. At least… if you’re looking only at its exterior design. I think it looks good, just not necessarily super unique or different. But what makes this backpack truly compelling is the sheer functionality you’ll find on the inside.
I love the internal organization. Most clamshell backpacks offer one deep main storage compartment, but the Pakt takes a different track by dividing this space into two halves. Sandwiched between them is the laptop compartment. I think this makes perfect sense for both security and comfort.
Due to the split main compartment, it won’t fit big boots or tall hiking shoes. However, this layout makes it way easier to keep your items organized. You can use packing cubes with the Pakt, but you can certainly go without them, too. In terms of comfort, access, and organization, this is my favorite 30L size backpack.
I went for the Black edition (as you can see in the photos), but it also comes in Ocean Blue and a Green that leans more toward khaki. You can check out all the colors here.
What I love most, though, are the little design details — like the quilted interior padding. It’s subtle, but it gives the inside this cozy, almost homey feel. Whether you’re packing or unpacking, the experience is just… nice.
Read my full Pakt Travel Backpack review here.
Price: $325
Why I liked it:
- Amazing internal organization
- Many unique features (waterproof compartment, secret pouch, waist strap can become a sling bag, etc.)
- Highly comfortable
- Waist strap cleverly doubles as sling bag
What you should know:
- 30L size too small for long trips
- Doesn’t easily fit big shoes due to central division
8. Tom Binh Techonaut
Best premium lightweight pack
In a nutshell: It doesn’t have as many zippers or clever features as some competitors, but it’s famed for its premium quality and low weight (2.2 lbs / 1kg), letting you save luggage allowance and travel minimalistically in style
Size: 30L – 45L
The Tom Bihn Techonaut 45L is masterfully designed to address one of travel’s most persistent challenges: carrying everything you need while still fitting within most airline carry-on limits.
The 45-liter capacity is ideal for extended trips. If you wash your clothes during your trip and you know how to pack light, it can even be big enough to travel for months on end. If your travel style is based mostly on weekend trips, everyday carry, or commutes, then I would certainly look at the 30-liter version instead.
The pack’s sleek aesthetic is not as immediately eye-catching as some other brands out there, and the ballistic nylon isn’t my favorite looks-wise, but its practical design and functionality are what truly stand out.
The layout inside this pack is where it gets interesting. There’s a U-shaped main opening for easier packing, compression straps to lock things down, and a bigger end pocket that works great for shoes or dirty laundry. You’ll also find a spot for your water bottle, quick-access side pockets, and a top zip for stashing stuff you need on the go.
Quietly one of the best updates—this laptop compartment. It’s padded, suspended, and fits up to a 16” laptop in the 30L—bigger in the 45L. That feature alone pushes the Techonaut into a different category: a travel-and-work bag. And if you’re rolling through airports, there’s a passthrough sleeve so it slides neatly onto your luggage.
What’s interesting — and I believe unique to Tom Binh — is that you can beef up the suspension system with several accessories. You can actually separately purchase an internal frame that will add additional structure to the back panel. I haven’t tried it myself, but if you expect to carry heavier loads, you may find this a worthwhile upgrade. You can also add a thicker hip belt for more support.
The only area where I find myself stroking my beard a little is the price tag. This pack is not exactly cheap, currently selling at $402.00.
Price: $402
Why I liked it:
- Just the right number of organizational features
- Clever side- and bottom compartments
- Great comfort and fit
- Wonderfully lightweight
What you should know:
- Carries a premium price tag (among the most expensive packs I’ve reviewed)
9. Patagonia Black Hole MLC
Best duffel-style backpack
In a nutshell: Some trips call for more of a suitcase-style duffel bag. My favorite is this Patagonia, which can also be used in backpack mode
Size: 30L, 45L
Strictly speaking, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC (which stands for Maximum Legal Carry-on) isn’t a backpack. It’s primarily a duffel-style bag that can also be used in “backpack mode”.
Duffels are really awesome when you just want to throw lots of items into one big burly compartment. But unlike other duffels that I’ve used, such as the Osprey Transporter or the Peak Design Travel Duffel, the Patagonia MLC actually still has lots of storage options as well as a laptop compartment.
The clever bit is that the backpack straps can be fully stowed (turning it into a suitcase) or detached and used as a shoulder strap (turning it into a cross-body bag). It’s in the latter mode that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC is by far the most comfortable.
The harness is quite basic, so don’t expect the ultimate level of comfort while carrying it on your back, but this may be compensated for with its greater versatility.
Re-released with a new design in 2023, the MLC is ideal for carry-on air travel. You can also easily use it as, say, an extra duffel on an overland trip. I took it campervanning in Portugal (a trip with less demand for needing to carry it as a backpack all the time), for which it was perfectly suited.
Price: $239
Why I liked it:
- Amazing versatility: use as a backpack, suitcase, or duffel
- Relatively lightweight
- Maximum carry-on size
- Many organizational options
- Attractively priced
What you should know:
- Shoulder straps are very basic, so it’s not ideal if used exclusively as a backpack
10. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
Best security features
In a nutshell: If you’re going to venture into any risky areas, this pack gets my recommendation, having by far the best anti-theft features. It’s also just an excellent max carry-on size pack
Size: 45L
I recently took the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 to the test on a trip in Portugal and was impressed with its essential features, not to mention the harness, which is comfortable and nicely padded. The security features are the big cherry on top.
Pacsafe’s major achievement is having an integrated lock system that is highly satisfying to use, and so you actually end up using it consistently.
You can easily close both main compartments using the same ingeniously designed bolt lock. It can be further secured with an included steel cable lock, which can fix the entire backpack to a pole, fence, or luggage rack. The pack’s outer material is slash-proof to boot.
Security is this pack‘s main selling point, but it’s also just a great carry-on backpack. It has all the expected organizational features, including a tablet/laptop sleeve, and is comfortable to carry. As you can see in the picture, the main compartment is just one big open space, which you can pack however you want. If you’re someone who likes a bit more structure, you can get a couple of good packing cubes.
Based on the calibre of the harness, I wouldn’t necessarily take this backpack for long hiking adventures and such, as the moderately padded straps may get tiresome after an extended period of use.
I admittedly haven’t tested this yet, only having used the Pacsafe mainly at airports and while in transit, for which it’s perfectly suited. But if your travel style involves, say, using nightbuses/trains, exploring crowded places, or destinations with lower security levels, then this backpack will provide some excellent deterrence against theft.
You can read my full Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 review here.
Price: $290
Why I liked it:
- Unique feature lets you secure all compartments with one lock
- Integrated security system that you’ll actually enjoy using
- Highly comfortable straps and handles
What you should know:
- Since security is the main focus, there’s no quick-access pocket of any kind
- Laptop compartment is in front (back would be preferable for balance)
Conclusion
I chose these 10 backpacks because each is excellent in its own way. However, many readers who know me from this blog or from YouTube have DMed me for a more personal opinion, so let me share what I travel with currently.
If I were doing more city trips or trips in more developed countries, I would definitely go with a Peak Design 45L (my main pack for shorter trips) or maybe the smaller Pakt for weekend trips.
That said, I mostly do backpacking trips in developing countries, which means a lot more exploring on foot and dealing with limited infrastructure. This means I want extra comfort and good storage solutions for the specific gear I take on those trips. So for my longer adventure trips I go with other options.
If I’m not flying carry-on, I’ll reach for my 45L Salkan Backpacker(it’s really best as a check-in bag and great for overlanding). For carry-on travel + adventuring, I’ll usually go for Osprey Farpoint purely for the comfort level it provides, even though I sometimes lament its lack of organizational features.
What size backpack to choose?
As you may have noticed, many travel backpacks have more than one size, letting you opt for something more compact or more spacious. There are pros and cons to every size.
Backpack sizes are typically expressed in liters (i.e. the total volume they can contain). Thinking in liters might not be totally intuitive, so here are some pointers.
When in doubt, I think carry-ons (around 40-45 liters) are often the best backpacks for travelling, at least if you’re staying in hotels, apartments, or hostels and don’t need to bring any bulky gear (such as for camping). You’ll enjoy a lighter load, greater freedom of movement, and a much smoother travel experience.
I used to think that “bigger is better, because you never know when you’ll need that space”. But a mid-sized backpack will be lighter, more comfortable, and will prevent you from overpacking. A carry-on can also save you a lot of money on airline luggage fees.
A smaller size, like 30L, is better for weekend trips, business trips, or if you’re using a backpack in combination with rolled luggage.
55L+ is what I recommend only for very long journeys, especially ones through different climates that require different gear. When I was choosing a backpack for a trip through South America, which includes both the chilly Andes and the sweltering Amazon, I went with a 55L pack.
10-25L
Too small for a main travel backpack. This size is usually for daypacks or commuter bags.
30L
An interesting mid-size for shorter trips, maybe a maximum of 3-4 days. You could go on longer trips with just a 30L, but you’ll have to be a real minimalist.
35-45L
A happy sweet spot! Perfect for shorter trips, but equally for trips lasting many weeks or months. I usually travel with backpacks of a size around 40L. Packing this light is especially easy when traveling within one climate and when not bringing any bulky gear.
50-65L
Good if you really need extra space. 65L is recommended for trekking if you’re bringing a small tent or other gear. Some long-term backpackers travel with this size backpack, too. Arguably, a main pack around 40L plus a large day pack will give you more versatility, though.
70-120L
NOPE. Only for extreme trekking and camping expeditions. The internal support frames often already weigh several kilos or pounds. This is overkill for most travelers.