Close Menu
RiderTourist
  • Home
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Tours
  • Car Rentals
  • Taxi
  • eSIM
  • Blog
    • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Vacations
    • Adventure
Our Posts
Destinations

The 10 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Destinations

These Are The Best Backpack Brands of 2025

Destinations

18 Best Hikes in San Diego (According to a Backpacking Guide)

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

Important Pages:
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
RiderTourist
  • Home
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Tours
  • Car Rentals
  • Taxi
  • eSIM
Blog
RiderTourist
Blog
Home » 7 Best Backpacks for Travel, According to Experts and SELF Editors | 2024 Picks
Travel June 6, 2025

7 Best Backpacks for Travel, According to Experts and SELF Editors | 2024 Picks

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp
7 Best Backpacks for Travel, According to Experts and SELF Editors | 2024 Picks
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp

The bag you travel with needs to function as your on-the-road closet, medicine cabinet, and vanity. For your next road trip or vacation abroad, consider using a travel backpack to keep your belongings within reach (carry-on queens know what we’re talking about). A good one can fit all of your essentials—plus some of the nice-to-haves that make you feel a little bit more at home, even while you’re thousands of miles away.

Of course, anything you lug around on your back needs to be comfy first and foremost. That’s why we asked experts how to look for the best backpacks for travel; we’re talking ones that won’t tug on your shoulders or strain your back, even when you’re hauling heavy stuff. Our top picks include backpacks we’ve tested and loved, along with top-rated options that reviewers swear by.

Our top picks

  1. Best Overall: Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
  2. Best for Day Trips: Athleta All About Backpack
  3. Best with Organization: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
  4. Best Carry-On: Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack
  5. Best Convertible: Fjallraven High Coast Totepack
  6. Best Expandable: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
  7. Best for Backpacking: Osprey Farpoint 40L

What to consider when shopping for a travel backpack

Here’s what to keep in mind as you browse to find a bag that’ll fit everything you need and feel comfortable on your back.

Your backpack will be heavy enough once you load it up, so you should choose one made of a light (but still sturdy) material that won’t add too much extra weight, Evan Johnson, DPT, director of Och Spine Care Outpatient Physical Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian, tells SELF—think nylon and polyester.

If you plan to wear your bag while sightseeing or hiking, a waterproof (or water-resistant) fabric will come in handy, just in case it rains. Water-resistant backpacks are generally easier to clean too—a nice feature if you’re a chronic coffee spiller.

“Carrying weight can be a good thing!” Taemin Oh, MD, neurological spine surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, tells SELF. “Weights can help you engage your core muscles, develop better posture, and increase bone density.” However, carrying an uncomfortable bag over long periods of time can do a number on your body. The heavier your bag, the more your body will overcompensate by leaning forward, which strains your neck, Dr. Oh says.

To avoid aches and pains, Johnson recommends looking for a backpack with wide, adjustable straps that tighten to bring the bag in closer to your body. Having the weight further out “increases the force of the pull on your body,” he says—think of how holding a dumbbell close to you is easier than holding it with your arms outstretched. Wearing a chest and/or hip strap can also help distribute the weight of your backpack better because it puts more of the load on your pelvis (as opposed to your back and shoulders), he says.

Don’t underestimate the importance of pockets, water bottle sleeves, key rings, compression straps, and all of the other helpful design details backpacks can have. If you’re packing a whole drawer’s worth of clothes for a long trip, look for compression straps that’ll squeeze your outfits tighter to make your bag more compact. Meanwhile, an exterior water bottle sleeve comes in handy on a long hike, and pockets or a key ring can really help you feel organized while you’re on-the-go.

Best Overall: Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L

Patagonia

Black Hole 25L Travel Pack

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Fits a lot
  • Weather-resistant
  • Chest strap
  • Comes in multiple sizes

Cons

  • Mesh water bottle sleeves can tear over time

“I’ve never had or heard of a backpack that’s as durable as the Black Hole Pack,” SELF’s senior commerce writer says. “I can fit so much stuff in its main compartment: At least three pairs of shoes, a sack filled with mid-layers, a laptop, snacks, you name it. The top compartment is perfect for essentials like my wallet, keys, phone, earbuds, and lip balm.”

This bag can accompany you on hikes, act as a work bag for your commute, or fit all of your necessities on a weekend trip. It’ll hold up through all of that and more: “I’ve had this backpack for eight years, and don’t feel like I need to replace it any time soon,” she says. “It’s still weather-resistant and it hasn’t ripped anywhere on its main body, despite the countless times I’ve dragged it along rocks, shoved it inside a crash pad, or used it as a literal footrest.”

Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.7 lbs | Dimensions: 18.8 x 11 x 5.9 inches | Colors: 6


Best for Day Trips: Athleta All About Backpack

Athleta

All About Backpack

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Compact
  • Comfy straps
  • Water-repellent

Cons

  • Zipper occasionally sticks

This pack really embodies the phrase “sporty-chic,” with its slick polyester fabric that has an ever-so-slight sheen and its simple design (even the water bottle sleeve is hidden inside!). “The size is deceiving—it’s pretty small, but I can fit a ton of stuff inside,” SELF’s senior commerce editor says, adding that the external zipper pocket is perfect for holding smaller stuff that might get lost in the main compartment. “It can be tough to find a backpack that doesn’t give middle school, but this one is simple and stylish.” For a quick day trip, what else do you need?

Material: Polyester | Weight: N/A | Dimensions: 13 x 5.75 x 17.25 inches | Colors: 5


Best With Organization: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover

Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • Has a trolley sleeve
  • Includes a shoe bag and pouch
  • Comes in multiple sizes

Cons

  • Dagne Dover reviewers say it dents easily

If you’re one of those people who prefers when everything has its own place, you’re going to love this Dagne Dover backpack’s 10 (yes, 10!) pockets. Without being big or bulky, it manages to hold a ton and keep it all organized. It even comes with a small pouch and a shoe bag.

“This bag fits so much—I usually stash my liquids and toiletries, a change of clothes (or two), snacks, a Kindle, laptop, and more inside when I travel,” SELF’s commerce director says. “I think the neoprene material is a big part of why it can hold so much stuff: The bag has some stretch to it, so I can really cram everything in. My favorite part is the back zipper pocket, which I use to store my passport case; that way, it stays close to my body but is still easy for me—and not pickpockets—to access.”

Material: Neoprene, polyester | Weight: 2.12 lbs | Dimensions: 13.25 x 5.25 x 17.5 inches | Colors: 9 (but not all are available at every retailer)


Best Carry-On: Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

Calpak

Kaya Laptop Backpack (15-in.)

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Laptop compartment
  • Comes in a bunch of colors and sizes

Cons

This backpack is well under the max dimensions that most airlines allow for a personal item, so that’ll be one less thing to worry about when you’re jet-setting (er—chilling in Economy). It has a stylish square shape, sleek gold hardware, and a cool cut-out design on the front. Plus, it comes in a bunch of colors and even some metallic finishes.

The backpack will fit your laptop and any other must-haves, but is still on the smaller side. “It’s nice and compact, so it can go under the seat in front of you on a plane or easily fit in a car without taking up too much space,” one SELF staffer says. “And you look cute wearing it!”

Material: Faux leather | Weight: 3 lbs | Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.25 inches | Colors: 26


Best Expandable: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Peak Design

Travel Backpack (45-L.)

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Includes laptop sleeve
  • Two expandable side pockets
  • Handles on all four sides

Cons

If you’re carrying lots of tech, outdoor equipment, or other bulky items, opt for this extra spacious bag. It can expand to give you 45 liters of space to play with instead of 35, and the top compresses to bring the volume down to 30 liters. Plus, the entire panel that presses against your back unzips, so you can neatly organize your stuff inside without shoving everything through a tiny top compartment.

“While it seems like a normal bag, the inside is full of features that really make it a great functional bag: The camera cube integration, as well as all of the organizers, make sure all of my stuff is safe and sound,” one Peak Design reviewer wrote. “The straps are thick and comfy, and the hardware everywhere is super nice. On top of all that, I ride a motorcycle every day and find it comfy on rides from 10 minutes to three hours.”

Material: Nylon | Weight: 4.5 lbs | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Colors: 4 (but not all are available at every retailer)


Best Convertible: Fjallraven High Coast Totepack

Fjallraven

High Coast Totepack

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • Converts between a tote and a backpack easily
  • Feels lightweight
  • Has a water bottle sleeve

Cons

  • Fjallraven reviewers say its water-resistance isn’t great

Looking for something a little more versatile that you can wear crossbody or on your back? Without fiddling with any buttons or zippers, you can switch this from a tote bag to a backpack. It’s a nice option for bopping around a city, where you might want your bag on your hip for easy access to your wallet (or to avoid accidentally knocking into people on a crowded train).

One Fjallraven reviewer says they’ll use it for years to come after bringing it on a trip: “I used it as my personal item on the plane and it was great for taking to the airport with all of my essentials,” they wrote. “I used it as my everyday bag on a cruise and at all the ports. I walked so much carrying this bag and even rode an E-bike wearing it on my back.”

Material: Polyamide | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Dimensions: 15.7 x 12.2 x 5.5 inches | Colors: 9 (but not all are available at every retailer)

Best for Backpacking: Osprey Farpoint 40L

Pros

  • Comes in multiple sizes
  • Compression straps
  • Hip and chest straps
  • Chest strap has a whistle

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it’s too bulky

Exploring trails on your next trip? This backpack will be your best friend. It has four compression straps (two inside and two outside) to help you fit everything on your packing list, plus external attachment loops to hold any other gear you need.

Unlike other bags on our list, the Farpoint also has a whistle attached to the chest strap and a mesh pocket on the hip strap to keep your phone close by, in case you’ll be venturing out alone. One Amazon reviewer can’t recommend it enough: “I was able to pack for multiple climates for our three week Europe trip,” they wrote. “The quality is top-notch, and the waist and chest straps are game-changers!”

Material: Polyester | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Dimensions: 9 x 14 x 22 inches | Colors: 4 (but not all are available at every retailer)

Get more of SELF’s stellar product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).

Related:

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp
Previous Article4 Reasons to Hire a Mykonos Private Chef
Next Article What To Look For in a Power Station (and Why the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Checks All the Boxes)

Related Posts

Travel

Planning a Wellness Spa Vacation? 7 Non-Negotiables to Consider

Travel

What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Fitting – Beauty That Walks

Travel

AK Monthly Recap: February-March 2025

Travel

9 Best Travel Outfits to Wear on Your Next Trip | 2024 Picks

Travel

Malaysia Visa from Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

Travel

Taiwan extends visa-free entry to Filipinos until July 31, 2026

Travel

Elan Valley Travel Guide: Why You Should Visit Wales’ Most Scenic Escape – Blog

Travel

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in the World You May Not Know Existed

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
Categories
  • Adventure (34)
  • Culture (8)
  • Destinations (80)
  • Travel (81)
  • Vacations (34)
Top Posts
Adventure
Adventure March 17, 2025

Interesting Facts About Spain You Need to Know

Originally settled by ancient Phoenicians, Spain features old-world cities, Mediterranean beaches, and its own unique…

17 Mile Drive – Complete Scenic Drive Itinerary

April 2, 2025

7 Easy-to-Reach Wellness Resort and Spas in the U.S.

April 22, 2025

Best of Borneo: Sabah, Malaysia

April 12, 2025

Tourism Promotions Board drives Community Resilience and Tourism Recovery in Batanes through CSR and Inspection Tours

June 4, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get The Latest News, Updates, And Amazing Offers

Search and compare prices from hundreds of travel providers with one easy search. With our advanced search technology, you’ll find the best prices on hotels, flights, and much more.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Main Menu:
  • Home
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Tours
  • Car Rentals
  • Taxi
  • eSIM
Blog Categories
  • Adventure (34)
  • Culture (8)
  • Destinations (80)
  • Travel (81)
  • Vacations (34)

Subscribe

Get The Latest News, Updates, And Amazing Offers

© 2025 RiderTourist.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.