There’s something about traveling that awakens a part of our soul that nothing else quite can. Whether you’re jetting off to Paris for a long-awaited vacation, hopping across countries on a gap year, or traveling for a weekend work retreat, there’s one trusty companion you can’t overlook: the best travel backpack.
Now, if you’re picturing your old college backpack barely zipping up and awkwardly bumping into strangers at the airport, think again. Today’s best backpacks for travel are smart, sleek, functional, and downright stylish. They’re designed with intentional pockets, durable zippers, padded straps, and yes—even secret compartments.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about picking the best carry-on backpack—for men, for women, for international travel, and more. We’ll walk you through features that matter, real-life traveler stories, and a curated list of the best travel backpacks in 2025.
Let’s get into it.
Why a Travel Backpack Is the Best Carry-On Investment
Let’s start with the obvious question: Why choose a backpack for carry on when rolling suitcases are so common?
Here’s the thing: rolling suitcases are great… until you’re sprinting through cobblestone streets in Rome or climbing the stairs of a remote guesthouse in Kyoto. A travel backpack gives you mobility, hands-free freedom, and a whole lot of convenience—especially if it doubles as a backpack suitcase (a hybrid of both).
And for those who travel light, a small travel backpack with just the essentials can go a long way. Literally.
What Makes a Backpack Ideal for Travel?
When looking for the best backpack for air travel, these are the essential features you’ll want to consider:
- Size Compliance: Your carry on travel backpack should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Comfortable Straps and Back Support: This is not where you want to cut corners.
- Smart Organization: Think padded laptop sleeves, quick-access pockets, and hidden compartments.
- Durability: Weather-resistant fabrics, quality stitching, and reinforced zippers.
- Weight: You’ll want the best lightweight backpack for travel, especially for long haul flights or train hops.
Best Travel Backpack for Men: Built for Adventure and Comfort
Let’s be honest—guys love functionality. And the travel backpack for men market has risen to meet that demand.
Take Arjun, for example—a full-time digital nomad from Bangalore. He travels from city to city working remotely. “I need a men travel backpack that holds my laptop, my clothes, my running shoes—and still fits under the seat on a Ryanair flight,” he shared on a recent Zoom call.
For Arjun and men like him, the best travel backpack for men is one that merges rugged design with business-ready aesthetics.
Top Pick: Nomatic Navigator Backpack
Features: Expandable design, laptop sleeve, durable water-resistant material, sleek for both office and outdoors.
Best Travel Backpack for Women: Style Meets Utility
Gone are the days when women’s travel bags were either frilly or overly bulky. The best travel backpack for women today is tailored for both comfort and flair.
Meet Sophie, a solo traveler who’s been backpacking through Europe for six months. “I wanted something that didn’t scream ‘hiker,’” she laughs. “But I also needed it to be practical.”
That’s where the balance comes in. A great backpack for air travel for women should feel light on the shoulders, have accessible compartments, and be stylish enough to carry into a café in Prague.
Top Pick: Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
Features: Stylish, expandable, padded straps, hidden compartments for valuables.
Best Carry-On Backpack for International Travel: One Bag to Rule Them All
Flying internationally? Your carry-on travel backpack needs to be a multitasker. Long-haul flights, airport layovers, and international airline rules demand that your bag is compact, comfy, and compliant.
The best carry-on backpack for international travel should ideally:
- Be under 45L (the sweet spot for most international airlines),
- Have a backpack with luggage strap to sit securely on your suitcase,
- Offer theft-proof zippers and RFID-blocking compartments.
Top Pick: Osprey Farpoint 40 (Men) / Fairview 40 (Women)
Why It Rocks: Legendary comfort, international carry-on compliance, and all-day back support.
Small Travel Backpack: For the Minimalist Explorer
Some of us just want the best lightweight backpack for travel—no extra bells and whistles. Whether you’re a weekend traveler or someone who can live out of a 25L bag (we see you, ultra-light packers), a small travel backpack is the way to go.
This is also where fashion meets function. For city-based travelers or day trips, these bags are clutch.
Top Pick: Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
Great for: Digital nomads, day-hoppers, and anyone who loves minimalist design with maximum organization.
Best Purses for Travelling: The Sidekick Every Traveler Needs
Okay, this one’s not a backpack, but it deserves a spotlight.
Sometimes you just need a lightweight, secure purse when exploring a new city. Whether you’re navigating a local market in Bangkok or strolling through an art district in Lisbon, having one of the best purses for travelling makes a difference.
Look for anti-theft features, adjustable straps, and enough space for your passport, phone, and snacks (non-negotiable).
Top Pick: Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Loved For: RFID blocking, slash-resistant straps, stylish designs.
Real-World Backpack Tips from Frequent Travelers
Packing Tip #1: “Roll your clothes. You’ll fit way more in your backpack for carry on than folding ever could.” – Neha, frequent traveler
Packing Tip #2: “Always pack a compressible tote. Great for souvenirs or when your travel bag for men is maxed out.” – Jake, travel photographer
Packing Tip #3: “Pick a bag with a front-loading panel, not just a top zipper. It changes everything when you’re living out of your bag.” – Amara, full-time traveler
Backpack Suitcase Hybrids: When You Want the Best of Both Worlds
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to commit to either a full-on suitcase or a traditional backpack, a backpack suitcase hybrid might be your dream gear.
These bags offer structured compartments like a suitcase but are worn on your back like a backpack. They’re also perfect for air travel when you want quick mobility and TSA compliance.
Top Pick: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Why It’s Loved: Zips open like a suitcase, converts from 35L to 45L, weatherproof shell, and fits international carry-on limits.
Specialty Travel Backpacks: Designed for Specific Needs
Just like shoes, not all backpacks fit all purposes. Some travelers have specific requirements—whether it’s camera gear, hiking essentials, or just keeping things ultra-organized.
Let’s break down a few more niche categories and explore what makes these good travel backpacks for unique situations.
🎒 Best Travel Backpack for Digital Nomads
If you’re working remotely while exploring the world (hello Bali cafes and Lisbon rooftops), you need a travel backpack that doubles as your mobile office.
Look for a padded laptop compartment, tech organization panels, USB ports, and room for chargers, a mouse, a journal, and maybe even a small tripod.
Top Pick: Nomatic Backpack V2
Highlights: Sleek and expandable, tech-savvy compartments, RFID safe pocket, and water-resistant build.
🏞 Best Travel Backpack for Adventure Seekers
Hikers, campers, and thrill-seekers, this one’s for you. Your backpack for carry on should double as an adventure-ready bag. Look for hydration pack compatibility, chest straps, external gear loops, and weatherproof fabric.
Top Pick: Deuter Transit 50
Loved by: Trekkers who want a durable hybrid between backpack and duffel with load-balancing support.
📸 Best Backpack with Luggage Features for Photographers
A true backpack with luggage functionality, these bags provide solid gear protection and swift access for lenses, drones, and DSLRs.
Photographers need quick top or side access, customizable padded interiors, and rain covers.
Top Pick: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
Bonus: Great for airports too—meets carry-on requirements for most airlines.
Backpack Add-Ons That Make Life Easier
Don’t forget the little upgrades that make your best travel backpack truly travel-ready. Here are a few accessories worth considering:
- Packing Cubes: Game changers for organizing clothes in your backpack suitcase.
- Compression Bags: Great for bulkier items like jackets or sweaters.
- Portable Luggage Scale: Never get caught with overweight fees again.
- Rain Cover: Some travel backpacks for men or women come with them built-in, but having an extra is smart.
- Neck Wallet or Sling Pouch: Complements your small travel backpack perfectly for quick access to essentials.
Budget-Friendly Yet Brilliant: Good Travel Backpacks That Don’t Break the Bank
Not all of us are ready to spend $300 on a travel bag—and that’s okay. There are several good travel backpacks that are affordable, durable, and still stylish.
Top Pick Under $100: AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
Why It’s Great: Under $60, spacious main compartment, lockable zippers, and fits most airline carry-on sizes.
Runner-Up: CabinZero ADV Pro 42L
Loved by backpackers for: Lightweight, minimalistic design, and RFID blocking.
Riya’s Personal Favorite Picks ✈️
Since this guide is from Riya’s Blogs, it would be unfair if I didn’t include some personal favorites!
Here are Riya’s top 3 travel backpack picks based on years of globetrotting, solo traveling, and minimal-packing adventures:
- Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack – for its versatility and unbeatable design.
- Timbuk2 Never Check Backpack – because being functional doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
- Osprey Farpoint 40 – for comfort, reliability, and a community of travelers who swear by it.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or planning your first trip abroad, these have been my go-to choices—and they’ve never let me down.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Backpack for You?
At the end of the day, the best carry-on backpack for international travel or weekend getaways is the one that fits you—your body, your needs, your aesthetic.
Think of your backpack not just as a bag, but as your sidekick. It’ll be there when your flight’s delayed, when your hostel’s stairs never end, when the weather flips on you, or when you sneak out for a sunrise hike.
So invest in the right one. Whether it’s a travel backpack for men, a sleek backpack for air travel, or a cozy best travel backpack for women, make sure it works with your journey, not against it.
Got questions or favorite bags I didn’t include? Let me know in the comments on Riya’s Blogs. Safe travels and happy packing!
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
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