The 15 Best Backpacks for Travel in 2025

The Osprey Farpoint 40L earned an 8.5/10 from us because of its outstanding comfort and durable high-tenacity nylon — the harness system makes long walks and airport sprints genuinely painless. Our experience shows it’s impressively lightweight and built for extended wear, but it trades organization and protection for simplicity: the laptop compartment lacks padding and internal pockets are sparse. We also found the water bottle pockets awkward to access while wearing the pack, so plan to stow drinks strategically.

The Travel Backpack Pro 40L is geared toward travelers who prioritize weather protection and toughness, with waterproof fabric and a well thought-out array of compartments including hidden pockets and a key clip. In our testing the construction felt robust and reassuring in wet conditions, making it great for adventure trips and rainy climates. That said, we found the 40L size and 4.5-pound heft make it less appealing for minimalist packers or long city days. It scored 7.5/10 for its durability-forward approach.

Equinox’s Travel Pack 3 is built like a tank with 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon and a lay-flat main compartment that makes packing and airport inspections painless. In our testing the suspended, softly lined laptop pocket carries up to a 16" laptop securely, and the internal organization is excellent for keeping work and travel gear separated. We found the bag is on the heavy side at just over four pounds and the water bottle pocket doesn’t reliably hold every bottle, which is worth considering for daily carry. It scored 7.5/10 for durability and organized packing.

Bellroy’s Lite Travel Pack 30L is a sleek, lightweight option that earned a 7/10 from us for balancing comfort, durability and eco-friendly materials. In our testing we found it stays comfortable even when fully loaded and its water-resistant fabrics and hidden pockets give practical everyday protection and security. That said, the minimal internal organization and lack of a water bottle holder can make longer trips fiddly, and the side-access laptop can be awkward in tight airport queues. If you prioritize light, durable carry with clean lines, it’s a solid pick.

The GlobeRider45 packs notable security features like a hidden smugglers pocket that we found handy for passports and cash, and the overall materials feel durable and weather-ready. During our review we were frustrated by the waterproof zippers that require real effort to operate — especially on a fresh bag — and the water bottle holder lacks elasticity for larger bottles. It earns a 5.5/10: strong on safety and build, but diminished practicality by stiff zippers and limited bottle carry capability.

Osprey’s Aether Plus 70 is built for heavy hauling and in our testing its frame and harness handled big loads well; the removable top lid that converts into a DayLid daypack is very useful for side excursions. Our experience shows the trade-offs: at over six pounds and $410 it’s relatively heavy and pricey, and the water bottle pockets become awkward to use when the pack is full. While not the highest scorer in our guide, it’s a strong pick for trekkers who prioritize carrying comfort.

Osprey’s Aura AG 50L earned a 9/10 in our testing for delivering exceptional comfort and build quality — the Anti-Gravity suspension distributes weight brilliantly and the durable fabrics keep the pack light for long treks. During our review we appreciated the ample pockets and organization for trail convenience, though the hipbelt felt rigid and under-padded at the top and bottom, which can be uncomfortable on long days. The main compartment is top-access only and the suspended mesh backpanel isn’t water-resistant, so avoid overloading beyond the recommended limit.

Peak Design’s Travel Backpack stands out for its versatility — top, side, front and rear access points make packing and grabbing gear effortless for photographers and frequent flyers alike. Our experience shows the organizational layout and hidden pockets are thoughtful, but in testing we were put off by the pack’s weight even when empty and the detachable sternum strap that can be misplaced. While water-resistant and robust, it scored a 6/10 because the convenience of multiple access points is tempered by the extra heft.

If budget is top of mind, the Amazon Basics Travel Backpack is a practical pick that offers expandable storage, multiple carry options and sensible organization without breaking the bank. During our review we liked the value proposition and quick-access pockets, but we found trade-offs in durability and the lack of water resistance, which matters if you travel in wet conditions. The waist strap can be uncomfortable on longer hauls and the internal compression straps are overkill for many users, so expect a 6/10 balance of price versus longevity.

The Asenlin 40L is a spacious, budget-friendly traveler that impressed us with its water-resistant shell and abundant internal compartments for weekend or multi-day trips. In our testing the roomy interior handled layering and clothes well, and quick-access pockets made essentials easy to reach on the go. We did notice it feels bulky when fully packed and offers limited color choices, and the laptop pocket can be snug for machines larger than 17 inches. It scored 6.5/10 as a practical, no-frills option.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager 35L is an affordable, no-nonsense pack that delivers generous storage and clean organization for weekend adventures or gym-to-gate days. During our review we appreciated the main compartment and external pockets, but we found the zippers lack waterproofing and the shoulder straps are narrow with no stow option, which reduces versatility in wet weather or when you want to tuck straps away. It’s a budget-friendly 5/10 choice that favors storage over weatherproofing.

The Thule Subterra 27L is a solid midpriced option that balances durability and clean organization with a padded laptop sleeve and roomy main compartment ideal for daily travel or short trips. During our review we found the materials offer high water resistance so it stands up to light rain, and the front pocket handles small essentials well. It isn’t fully waterproof, however, so you’ll want extra protection in heavy downpours. At a reasonable price and a 7/10 score, it’s a reliable commuter-travel hybrid.

If you want a travel bag that feels built to last, the NOMATIC 40L delivers with water-resistant materials, excellent construction, and a TSA-compliant layout that really speeds through airport security. In our testing we appreciated the multiple compartments, hidden pockets and smart organization that keep tech and toiletries separated for easy access. During our review we also found drawbacks: the laptop sleeve sits buried and slow to reach, and the duffel-to-backpack strap transition can be clunky. It earned an 8/10 for quality, though the $289 price reflects that premium.

The Pacsafe EXP45 travel pack scored an 8/10 in our testing for putting security front and center without sacrificing everyday travel usability — lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets and slash-resistant fabrics give peace of mind for flights and busy streets. At about 45 liters it’s big enough to dodge checked-bag fees on many trips while still providing a laptop compartment, quick-access and hidden pockets for organized packing. We found the build is slightly heavier and the color palette leans neutral, but those trade-offs feel worth it if safety is a priority.