<p>Nice, right? Ahead are even more travel backpacks with exceptional ratings and reviews. On top of being easy to carry, these backpacks have all sorts of pockets for things like your laptop, clothes, shoes, water bottles, and other necessities. Many of these styles can even hold enough stuff for a week-long trip!<br><br>Whether you need a sturdy and roomy backpack for your upcoming vacation or something lightweight to use as an everyday work bag, here are 15 travel backpacks you’ll wanna take with you e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.</p>” />
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best overall
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
best overall
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some larger size laptops (15” and up) don’t fit in the laptop pocket, per some reviewers
For all the jet-setters out there who often travel on a plane: This bad boy has an exterior pocket for your laptop! That means you don’t have to stressfully rummage through your backpack to take it out at TSA anymore! Genius, right? Plus it even has a trolley sleeve so that it can sit on top of your rolling bag for easy strolling.
| Material: | 100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 17.5” x 7.25” x 12” |
most functional
Cotopaxi Cotopaxi Allpa 28 L Travel Pack
most functional
Cotopaxi Cotopaxi Allpa 28 L Travel Pack
Pros
- Air-mesh back panel
- 4 grab handles for multiple carry points
Cons
- No place to hold water bottle
Customers specifically love this option for its clam-style opening. Because of this, it’s easier to find something you’re looking for without having to dig through the whole bag. TBH, it’s like a carry-on suitcase (but much more lightweight, ofc) in backpack form!
| Material: | TPU/ballistic nylon |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 19” x 12” x 9” |
best expandable
Béis The Expandable Backpack in Black
best expandable
Béis The Expandable Backpack in Black
Pros
- Comfortable
- Keeps everything organized
Cons
- According to some reviews, the material seems stiff
Where to even begin with this fan-fave product? First off, most importantly, it’s expandable. (Shout-out to all my fellow overpackers!) Yep, when you think you might’ve filled this puppy up to the brim, all you have to do is zip it open one more time, and bam—you’ve got more space. And before you assume it doesn’t have a holder for your water bottle, hold your breath! It has a versatile water bottle pocket that can be used outside or inside the bag. But the cool, handy features don’t stop there! A key leash and a luggage sleeve are also included.
| Material: | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 13″ x 15″ x 7″ |
best adjustable
Herschel Herschel Little America Backpack
best adjustable
Herschel Herschel Little America Backpack
Pros
- Available in 2 sizes
- Adjustable EVA-padded shoulder straps
Cons
- No padding or breathable mesh for the back
This travel backpack from Herschel has a drawstring closure for its main compartment that offers a lot more space than you may think. It’s roomy because of its flexible structure that’ll adjust itself depending on what items you fill it up with. And, ofc, the pull string allows you to customize the size of the pocket.
| Material: | 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 19″ x 11.25″ x 7″ |
most versatile
Luka Collection Luka Laptop Backpack
most versatile
Luka Collection Luka Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Hidden zippered pocket in luggage sleeve
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Luggage sleeve is too small, per some reviewers
Stylish and compact enough to be your work, school, or travel backpack, this option has multiple exterior and interior pockets (hello, shoe and laptop compartments!) for all your on-the-go essentials. BTW, you won’t have to worry about getting it all scraped up, thanks to its scratch-resistant material which will give it a much longer lifespan. Pair it with the Luka Duffle (that I personally love so much) for a cute travel set sitch.
| Material: | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 16″ x 12″ x 7″ |
best water-resistant
Away F.A.R Backpack 26L
best water-resistant
Away F.A.R Backpack 26L
Pros
- Two water bottle side pockets that fit up to 32 oz. bottles
- Zippers are large and smooth
Cons
- Does not have a hook for keys
Best for those who need something that’ll withstand any sort of weather condition, this weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant backpack will keep strong rain or shine. Buyers have said that they’ve used it as an all-day work bag, as well as an excursion bag for outdoor trips.
| Material: | 100% recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 19″ x 12.6″ x 7.7″ |
best draw-string
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L
best draw-string
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Sturdy
Cons
- Straps aren’t very comfortable, per some reviewers
Along with a very spacious drawstring compartment, it has two side zippered pockets for your water bottle or small items and adjustable exterior straps that can hold a yoga mat or a jacket. This backpack is available in four pretty neutral colors that’ll surely go with your ~aesthetic~.
| Material: | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 14.2″ x 6.1″ x 20.1” |
best compact
Athleta Revive Convertible Backpack
best compact
Athleta Revive Convertible Backpack
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Interior water bottle sleeve
Cons
- Can only hold smaller items
If you wanna switch up the backpack look, you can easily transform this bag into a crossbody with its removable strap. It’ll give your back a break and keep your bag visible to you at all times.
| Material: | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | Not listed |
best minimalist
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
best minimalist
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Pros
- 100% vegan
- 3 enlarged loops and a key clip
Cons
- According to some reviewers, it stains easily
A consumer favorite for years and years now, the iconic Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack will fit outfits, shoes (it comes with a separate shoe bag), your laptop, and more without looking massive. The large size has 10 (!!!) pockets. FYI: It’s also available in small and medium (which have fewer pockets) in case the biggest style doesn’t suit your needs.
| Material: | Neoprene |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 13.25” x 5.25” x 17.5” |
best leather
Madewell The Transport Rucksack
best leather
Madewell The Transport Rucksack
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Expands to fit a lot
- Ligthweight
Cons
- Discoloration may occur
Sometimes backpacks aren’t the chicest travel accessory, but this Italian leather option is an exception, for sure. It checks the most important boxes: stylish and functional. The main pocket can hold clothes, toiletries, and your laptop while the small front one will fit your phone, keys, and wallet.
| Material: | Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 14 .5” x 10.5” x 7″ |
best carry-on
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Big(60L)
best carry-on
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Big(60L)
Pros
- Waterproof
- Ergonomic shoulder straps
Cons
- Zippers difficult to zip around the corners, per some reviews
Associate shopping editor, Daisy Maldonado, can’t go on a trip without this bag—which can be a duffel or a backpack, FYI. (She loves to use it as a backpack!) You can even pack up to five days’ worth of clothing in it. Daisy’s favorite part of the backpack is the easy-to-access exterior pocket that can carry small necessities.
| Material: | Phthalate-free PVC fabric |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 12.5in x 21.5in x 14in |
best foldable
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack
best foldable
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Water-resistant and tear-resistant
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Water bottles don’t fit in the designated pocket, per some reviews
On the hunt for something really small, but will still have enough space for things like clothes and a tablet? You’re looking at it. (It’s so tiny and malleable that it can fold into its own pocket for easy packing!) Made for day hikes, it’ll also be a great bag for trips involving lots of walking or long bike rides.
| Material: | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 9.06” x 3.54” x 15.55” |
best for backpacking
The North Face Women’s Trail Lite 50 Backpack
best for backpacking
The North Face Women’s Trail Lite 50 Backpack
Pros
- Daisy-chain webbing where you can clip on items
- External pocket that can hold bulky gear such as jackets
Cons
- May be too long for people on the petite side
Your upcoming backpacking adventure will be a much more pleasant experience with this backpack made for these types of excursions. Spotlight specs include a hip belt that has two secure-zip pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, and a sternum strap with a whistle buckle. Its torso-height adjustment lets you customize the fit best for you.
| Material: | Recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 28.3” x 14.6” x 7.7” |
What to look for when buying travel backpacks for women:
When shopping for a travel backpack, you want to have a checklist prepared. There are loads of different styles with a variety of bells and whistles out there, and you want to make sure you know what you’re looking for. Here are some important qualities to keep in mind when finding your ideal travel backpack:
Durability
A travel backpack should last you a long time—regardless of whether you go abroad a couple of times a year or every week. If you want to feel confident that your backpack will withstand the rain or stay clean of scratches, we recommend looking into ones that are made of water-resistant or scratch-resistant material. BTW: There are some out there created with strong fabrics that are even specifically weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant!
Support
Even if you think your back can handle whatever sort of backpack, you should look into styles that will provide you with the most support and comfort. Backpacks with breathable mesh back panels and even adjustable, padded shoulder straps exist to make carrying your bag so much easier and more comfortable on your back.
Special features
Think about the must-have features you can’t live without. Do you need a pocket for your water bottle? Is a luggage sleeve a necessity? Are you on the hunt for something with a key leash? Take your time when thinking about these things so that you find The One that checks all your boxes—even the super niche ones. And don’t skim over the details of these backpacks while you’re shopping so you know exactly what you’re buying!
Assistant Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she’s also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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