The Travel Backpacks Our Editors Are Obsessed With After Months—and Even Years—of Testing

Looking for a new travel backpack? Here's what our editors puts on their backs.Marcus LloydEvery avid traveler needs a dependable sidekick—and I'm not talking about a human companion. The best travel backpacks are the ultimate buddies for big adventures, keeping you organized on busy days, taking a load off your hands while you're on the move, and complementing your airport 'fit all the while.But not all travel backpacks are made equal, and this is something Condé Nast Traveler editors know all too well. We've carried dozens of knapsacks to hundreds of cities over the years, slinging them over our shoulders as we've traversed through jungles, hopped into safari vehicles, hiked across mountain ranges, and pulled up to five-star spa resorts. Any travel brand you can think of, we've probably tried its backpack—and we have thoughts.The list below is made up of the 17 best travel backpacks on the market, according to our globe-trotting team. Years of rigorous testing have gone into making sure we stand by these selections, so you can shop—and travel—with confidence. Read on for the travel backpacks we keep going back to (no pun intended).To help us recommend the very best luggage to our readers, more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors spent months (and in some cases, years) road-testing the most talked-about bags on the market. These backpacks have accompanied us on planes, trains, cars, buses, and cruises all across the world. We’ve packed these to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, and trudged through bustling cities with them on our backs. We considered each bag’s weight, capacity, design features, price, and durability when determining which reign supreme.After careful inspection, our editors determined which backpacks deserve a spot in our coveted Luggage Week lineup. The results are a mix of innovative newcomers and longtime, reliable favorites from top luggage brands.Our top picksBest travel backpacksBest laptop backpacksTop picks:Best travel backpackCalpak Luka Laptop BackpackJump to reviewBest laptop backpackTroubadour Apex backpackJump to reviewBest lightweight backpackAway Featherlight backpackJump to reviewBest affordable backpackBagsmart Travel backpackJump to reviewBest for long vacationsMZ Wallace Metro Backpack DeluxeJump to reviewCompare our top picks:Best travel backpacksAwayFeatherlight backpackAway’s Large Featherlight backpack is extremely lightweight at just 1.2 pounds. Former staffer Emily Adler brought this backpack on trips to Costa Rica, Los Angeles, and Connecticut. “I typically use it in addition to a suitcase as my personal item for plane travel,” says Adler. “It fits everything I need very well—headphones, snacks, laptop, planner, and any leftover items that won’t fit in my suitcase.” A zippered laptop sleeve keeps your tech secure, while a perfectly sized passport pocket keeps important documents organized. There's a place for not one but two water bottles, and adjustable, padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable, no matter how much you pack inside. As with many of the backpacks on this list, there's also a trolley sleeve, so you can slip it onto any Away suitcase. Best of all, this backpack is machine washable. Weight: 1.2 lb. Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.8" x 5.9" Capacity: 18L Warranty: One-year warranty ProsMade from water-repellent materiallightweightsleek designConsNot as structured due to the materialThis design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travelers looking for a more elevated backpack. Senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb has been rocking the tan version for years now, and can't imagine pivoting to a different pack. “Not only is it beyond chic, but it has just the right amount of interior space and organizational features to keep me calm, cool, and collected on the go," she says. "But more than anything, I can't think of a better-looking backpack. It's still scuff-free after dozens of trips.” Commerce director Madison Flager agrees: “It’s the most elevated backpack, in terms of looks, that I’ve ever used. It’s perfect for business trips when you’re headed straight to a work function and want to look more professional." Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby. Weight: 3 lb. Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.5" x 6" Capacity: 18L Warranty: Two-year limited warranty ProsMultiple pocketsTrolley sleeveRemovable pouchConsCan feel bulkyCalpakLuka Laptop BackpackA longtime favorite among Calpak fans, the Luka Laptop backpack blends form and function with a plush, spill-resistant exterior that’s built to last. “The Luka backpack is my go-to for travel," says commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. “It's very roomy and flexible enough to stuff to the brim—I've brought it as my personal item on the plane in the past, and, more recently, for weekend stays with friends or family.” The soft yet stretchy material can handle overpacking when necessary, she says, and it wipes clean easily (even after spills of makeup or coffee). There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve for commuting or business trips, plus a roomy main compartment for an outfit, chargers, or toiletries. It’s available in over a dozen colors, making it one of the most stylish and customizable picks on the list. Weight: 1.8 lb. Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7" Capacity: 22L Warranty: One-year limited warranty ProsLaptop compartmentTrolley sleeveWater bottle pocketSoft adjustable strapsConsVery narrow luggage trolley sleeveStubble & Co.The roll top 20LNews editor Hannah Towey has been through the wringer with this backpack, and it's never let her down. “I have never been more grateful to be carrying a waterproof backpack than the time I found myself in the middle of a flash flood as I sprinted to catch my Amtrak train to Connecticut,” she remembers of one trip with this pack in tow. “Had my belongings not been safely sealed inside this fortress of a bag, I may not have possessed the confidence to venture out from the subway into the storm—a fatal hesitancy that would have caused me to miss the train to New London, and the last ferry to Block Island.” She stands by the brand's claim that it will keep your items safe in all weather conditions, and adds that “it's not ugly either—which is not an easy feat for a backpack.” Between the compliments she receives when she's wearing it, the fact that it's dependable, and its handy features (like a laptop compartment and luggage sleeve), she barely minds its couple of downsides: namely that the roll-top design makes it tricky to find what's at the bottom of the bag. Weight: 2.5 lb. Dimensions: 12.6" x 18.5" x 5.5" Capacity: 20L ProsWaterproofCushioned back panelSleek designConsThe roll-top design makes it tricky to get inside with easeWater bottle pocket is a little tightMade from water-repellent recycled polyester fabric, the Refugio Daypack can withstand everything from sharp corners to the occasional drip. “It’s best suited for outdoorsy pursuits,” says Flager, who brought it on a trip across California this year. “I love it for personal travel, especially trips when I have a single hike or day trip factored in and want a backpack that I can still bring on the plane and store my laptop securely in.” The removable tech caddy works as a mobile workstation where travelers can use the zippered pockets to keep chargers and other tech accessories in close proximity. While the main compartment can hold most of the bulkier items, the front pocket has a vertically oriented zipper that makes it easy to get the necessities out. “I also really like the two stretchy water bottle pockets, especially as someone who typically carries a hefty bottle with her,” Flager says. Weight: 1.9 lb. Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 6.5" Capacity: 26L Warranty: Patagonia repair program ProsComfortablePadded laptop caseDual water bottle pocketsConsCould use a few more interior pockets within the main compartmentsWith its sleek look and smart functionality, Bagsmart's backpack is one of the most travel-friendly designs our editors have tested. Kenny calls it “amazing," noting that the clamshell opening makes it ideal for packing like a pro, almost like a mini suitcase. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful compartments for toiletries, journals, tech accessories, and more. The structured shape also makes it easy to keep things tidy, whether you're heading to the office, gym, or airport. “It fits a deceptively large quantity of things and is great for long multi-week trips where you want to make use of every single inch of space for packing,” adds travel bookings editor Jamie Spain, adding that it comes with two packing cubes and a shoe bag. “It’s so practical for longer days on the go, and the added accessories make it feel like a great value.” Weight: 2.2 lb. Dimensions: 18.5" x 12.2" x 6.1" Capacity: 40L Warranty: One-year free replacement for all products with manufacturing defects ProsComes with packing cubes and a shoe bagClamshell opening makes packing seamlessConsA few unnecessary straps and zippersSamsoniteMother Lode travel backpackSamsonite's Mother Load backpack is associate editor Charlie Hobbs's new favorite. “It holds so much,” he says, comparing the expandable (up to an inch and a half) model to a turtle shell when it's packed to the gills. “I can stuff it full and still comfortably bike around with it on,” he adds, mentioning that the many pockets and organizers keep things easily accessible for busy days on the go. No matter how much you expand it, there's no need to worry about fitting it in the overhead bin of an airplane thanks to the external compression straps, which keep everything compact. The U-shaped book opening also makes packing easy, opening up into two sections like your favorite carry-on suitcase. Weight: 3.3 lb. Dimensions: 21.5" x 13.5" x 9.5" Capacity: 45L Warranty: Limited three-year warranty ProsExpandable up to an inch and a halfExternal compression strapsConsOnly three neutral colors: navy, black, and grayTested by research director Alexandra Sanidad on a trip to San Francisco and two trips to upstate New York, this backpack offers cushioned comfort and substantial storage compared to others on the market. “I really appreciated the padded interior to carry both my laptop and tablet,” says Sanidad. “There are such intentional storage spaces with discreet pockets for important things like my passport. Plus, there are two large side pockets that can stash my water bottle.” There are also zippers along the side to expand the bag if you find you need more space. Sanidad notes it can fit a few days' worth of clothes, but it might be a bit heavy to lug around. Luckily, the padded mesh back panel helps to keep you comfortable, while the sternum strap stabilizes the load. Weight: 2.1 lb. Dimensions: 18.9" x 13.4" x 8.7" Capacity: 27L Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty ProsMany zippered compartments and pockets, including a zipper that allows you to access your laptop from the side without having to dig everything outConsSome of the handles could be longer to make the bag easier to grabTimbuk2Impulse travel backpackThe Impulse backpack is one of the most comfortable options on our list, thanks to its adjustable waist straps and shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly. Copy director Damion Fallon, who hauled the backpack across the northeast this summer, appreciates the numerous pockets that indulge his love for organization: “I was pleasantly surprised each time I discovered a new place to stash things,” he says. “The top pocket, which has an inside mesh pocket, is made of water-resistant material and expands into the bag if you want to quarantine dirty laundry, shoes, or items that could leak.” The storage compartments make it easy to pack a week’s worth of clothes and two pairs of shoes, Fallon says, adding that it's best for travelers who are always heading off on short, spontaneous jaunts. While the aesthetic leans more rugged and outdoorsy, it still has a sleek silhouette and comes in two colorways: lavender and black. Weight: 3.7 lb. Dimensions: 13.4" x 6.2" x 22.4" Capacity: 45L Warranty: Lifetime warranty ProsDurable, roomy interiorMany large pocketsConsThe main zipper is not the smoothestRoamThe Continental backpackEqual parts sleek and functional, the Continental backpack is a thoughtfully designed, customizable carryall made for life on the move. It's also a favorite of Flager's, who has been using it consistently since 2022. “This has been my go-to backpack for the last few years, and I regularly rave about it—so much so my mom bought one of her own," she says. “It’s still in excellent condition; the only real wear is the top handle, which started shedding fabric a few years ago." With a minimalist silhouette and a surprisingly spacious interior, it’s ideal for commuting, travel, or days when you just need a little more room. The backpack features a padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15"), multiple interior and exterior pockets for effortless organization, and a built-in trolley sleeve that makes airport navigation a breeze. Crafted from water-repellent eco-friendly materials and available in fully personalized colorways, it’s a polished pick that doesn’t sacrifice practicality. Weight: 2.4 lb. Dimensions: 17" x 14" x 8" Capacity: 26L Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty ProsCustomizable color optionsSmart internal organizationDurable and travel-readyConsSlightly heavier than averageTop handle may show wear over timeA sleek and structured option for business or leisure, July’s Carry-All backpack lives up to its name with a boxy shape that keeps contents organized and protected. “It’s very well-designed and nice to look at,” says Adler, who used it for a trip to Los Angeles. Though slightly heavier than other picks due to its thick material, she found it comfortable to carry and sturdy enough to hold a laptop, work essentials, and a few clothing items. “The interior is standard but practical,” Adler says, noting that it functions better as a personal item or work bag than a full-on travel pack. Weight: 2.2 lb. Dimensions: 17" x 11" x 6.3" Capacity: 20L Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty ProsSleekDurableProfessional-lookingConsSlightly heavyNarrow interiorZippers may be stiff at firstThe Calpak Luka backpack seen outside New York City's Faena Marcus LloydBest laptop backpacksTroubadour’s Apex backpack is one of the sleekest travel backpacks we’ve tested—refined enough for the office, yet durable enough for daily use. “This backpack is super sleek and elevated. It's best for the commuter, dad, or business traveler who wants something functional and polished," says Kenny, adding that it's crafted from high-quality waterproof fabric that looks luxe and feels light but doesn’t require babying. “You can tell it can really handle wear and tear.” The breathable back panel and ergonomic shoulder straps make it especially comfortable in warmer weather, and the clean, minimalist silhouette gives it a polished edge that’s perfect for business travel. “I've had this for a few years, and it's still in great condition,” Kenny says. “My boyfriend loves it so much he stole it from me.” Weight: 2.2 lb. Dimensions: 18.9" x 12.6" x 5.9" Capacity: 25L Warranty: Five-year guarantee ProsPadded laptop compartmentWaterproof materialTrolley sleeveConsNot ideal for rugged outdoor travelDagne DoverDakota backpackFormer Traveler editor Alex Erdekian has traveled with the Dagne Dover backpack to Mexico, Italy, France, New Hampshire, and Boston, just to name a few places. There are several pockets inside, and it expands enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothing. It’s extremely light when unpacked, and the foamy exterior straps don’t dig into your shoulders—instead, they evenly distribute the weight of the backpack. It's made from neoprene and Performance Air Mesh, which was a selling point for Erdekian: “The look of this backpack is a major part of why I use it so much,” she says. “Something about the neoprene foam look feels really modern and fresh. It also looks so simple and free of distractions, whilst being tricked out with all these hidden bells and whistles on the inside.” Weight: 1.10 lb. Dimensions: 9.5" L x 5” W x 13" H Capacity: 8 L Warranty: Two-year limited warranty ProsSpaciousComfortableChic designConsThere are almost too many pockets insideThe neoprene can get a little scuffedMZ WallaceMetro Backpack DeluxeMZ Wallace’s Metro Backpack Deluxe continues to impress with its pillowy soft lightweight design and polished style. “This is my go-to backpack for the office and day trips when I want to bring my laptop along," says Kenny. "I love the super-soft fabric and straps that are easy on my back and shoulders. Plus, there's a pocket for everything—water bottle, phone, laptop, makeup, keys, you name it.” Kenny says it comfortably fits a laptop, a Kindle, headphones, a water bottle, and a change of clothes—all without ever feeling bulky. Unlike backpacks with too many compartments, the single main interior helps prevent overstuffing and stays clean and streamlined. “It's great for commuters and parents who want to stay organized on the go," she adds. "I've had it for a few years now, and it looks good as new. My all-time favorite!” Weight: 1.3 lb. Dimensions: 16.5" x 12.2" x 6.9" Capacity: 23L Warranty: Repair policy with limited exceptions ProsComes with a removable pouchLuggage sleeveLaptop sleeveTwo water bottle pocketsConsIt’s a bit priceyIf you're looking for a backpack that's sleek, stylish, and perfect for a quick day trip, Herschel's Kaslo backpack needs to be on your radar. It's a favorite of associate visuals editor Julia Abbonizio, who took it to Puerto Rico this summer as well as on a small weekend adventure to New Jersey. “It’s a little more expensive than I’d typically spend on a backpack, but I do think the versatility makes it worth the price,” says Abbonizio. “It’s really a catch-all kind of bag, with enough functionality for travel and everyday use. It’s also well-designed and polished enough that you could easily take it on a casual trip or use it for a more formal or business setting.” There are three main interior compartments to keep you organized on the go, and plenty of features designed for those who wish to use the backpack like a personal item, including a trolley sleeve, top handle, and small outer pockets for essentials. That said, it's just as useful for quick trips to work as it is for long flights: “It’s bigger than most other backpacks I have, but the slim profile makes it feel normal and comfortable for everyday use, so I really like that I can fit more than I typically would be able to,” says Abbonizio. Weight: 2.43 lb. Dimensions: 18.5" x 12" x 8.1" Capacity: 30L Warranty: Lifetime warranty ProsSlim but spaciousHandy interior compartmentsConsPriceyWandrdNimbus 18L backpackIf your trips tend to veer toward the adventurous, the Nimbus backpack brings rugged functionality in a surprisingly lightweight package. As contributor Cley Lassale says after traveling to Charlottesville and Seattle with the bag, “the padded straps and cushioned back make it very comfortable to wear.” She appreciates the multiple interior and exterior pockets, especially the hidden back pocket for passports. Though it’s small enough to fit under most airplane seats (barely—“only if I take the water bottle out,” she says), it could comfortably fit a change of clothes, two laptops, and all her work essentials. “It’s a great pick for someone who wants both space and comfort.” Weight: 2.1 lb. Dimensions: 17" x 11" x 5" Capacity: 18L Warranty: Lifetime warranty ProsLightweightHidden security pocketAdventure-readyConsLarge main compartment makes it hard to reach bottom itemsBéisThe Pro travel backpackMade from ultra-tough ballistic nylon, Béis's The Pro backpack is as durable as it is adorable. Available in a variety of fun colors (including Flame, seen here), the structured sack is elevated enough for daily use, but built to be taken across the globe and thrown into overhead bins. “I only tested this around NYC, but the ballistic nylon held up when it began to rain—I imagine it would also do well for someone who takes this bag hiking or to a more rugged environment,” says Sanidad, who has been using it for trips to and from work and the gym this year. “It has a dedicated laptop area and a couple of great zippered compartments for toiletries, which is nice. There’s also a little belt to hold your clothes down if you need it.” The only downside, according to Sanidad, is that the tough exterior can make the backpack feel cumbersome—nice when you need to keep your belongings protected, but unnecessary for everyday use. “While I like a lot of things about it, it retains a hard shape and can feel very bulky in certain situations," she says. "It does get heavy once you load it up.” Weight: 2.47 lb. Dimensions: 18.1" x 11.8" x 7.9" Capacity: 24L Warranty: Béis quality guarantee ProsCute designThoughtful storageLaptop pocket feels very secureConsThe hard exterior can get bulky and heavyThis article is part of Condé Nast Traveler's fourth annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Madison Flager.Paris Wilson is a former commerce writer at Condé Nast Traveler where she covered retail and booking content. Wanting to escape the harsh Michigan winters, she made her way down to Tallahassee, Florida to attend college. She spent four years at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Design where ... Read MoreHannah Chubb is the Senior Commerce Editor at Condé Nast Traveler, where she covers hotels, rentals, experiences, shopping, travel sales and deals, and more. Originally from Canada, she attended McGill University in Montreal for her undergrad, then moved to NYC for a Master's in Journalism from NYU. Over the last ... Read More