Are you traveling to a place where no rolling suitcases have gone before? We started by researching over 75 travel packs before purchasing the top 12. We then put them through a series of side-by-side tests to determine which model excels in specific metrics. Are you looking for something a little more nimble, to keep you light on your feet and maneuverable in your next travel adventure?
A travel backpack might be the solution to your travel needs. If you plan on heading down rough roads and tight alleys, take a look at the collection of travel backpacks we have reviewed. There is a lot of variety in this seemingly small category; you’ll find every blend on a spectrum that includes deluxe duffels, more traditional backpacking styles, school backpack designs, and some truly creative takes on streamlining your trip through the airport.
Best Overall Model
Osprey Porter 46
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%
- Measured Weight: 3.23 lbs
- The volume of Main Pack: 46L
Carry-on size compliantOutdoor chicLightweightLess expensive than other packs it’s an impressive amount of gearBulky
The Osprey Porter 46 stole the show with its recent update. The changes were subtle but powerful. The main difference was that they put the laptop compartment next to the pack’s back panel instead of in the exterior opening flap. This has dramatically improved the balance of the pack, making it carry better, and also making our electronics more secure and less likely to get jostled. As a bonus, this pack was also easier to pack (since this outer flap was now more supple without the laptop in it), which meant even the TSA security officer could quickly unpack and repack for us when we got flagged for inspection at the X-Ray checkpoint.
The only minor nuisance on this pack is that you have to deploy both the shoulder straps and the hip belt at the same time because the shoulder straps clip into the hip belt. This makes sense most of the time, as it is a slightly bigger travel backpack, but we do like the option of deploying only the shoulder straps and keeping the hip belt tucked away to minimize flappy-ness for a quick baggage claim pickup and dash to the taxi. The StraightJacket compression system is also not a favorite feature, but some testers really seem to like it. Overall the little improvements this year went a long way, and we thoroughly enjoyed testing the Porter 46. If you want a smaller version of this pack that will fit in the smaller overhead bins found on regional airlines, consider the Osprey Porter 30.
Top Pick for the Goldilocks Award
Patagonia Headway MLC
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%7
- Weight: 3.11 lbs
- The volume of Main Pack: 45L
versatile easy to useGoldilocks award for balancing travel features not suited for long distances tendency for gear to sag
Patagonia has a knack for finding its way to the top of the charts in most product categories. The Headway is not what you want if you’re hiking a lot, but we had to give it a nod as a Top Pick because it was so easy to use as a general purpose travel backpack. It’s a duffel bag with a few excellent features; most notably the laptop sleeve and backpack straps. The “MLC” stands for Maximum Legal Carry-on, and it fits right into the overhead bin on a plane with no problems. It quickly converts from a briefcase-style bag to a backpack and also to a messenger-style bag with a cross-body shoulder strap. If you like to mix up how you carry your bag, this is the one for you.
The straps are not very well-padded though, so if you plan on hiking with your pack, you should consider a different option. If you prefer flying with a soft-sided duffel or other alternatives to a more traditional carry-on, you can’t go wrong here. It was easy to pack and just the right size for almost any weekend trip we could dream up. Not too big, not too small, the Headway MLC seemed to be just right.
Top Pick for Business Travel
The North Face Overhaul 40
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%
- Weight: 3.78 lbs
- The volume of Main Pack: 40L
ReliableComfortableIntuitive designThin hip belt not great for long hauls with heavy loads
The North Face Overhaul 40 has been usurped from its previous Editor’s Choice award, though it still earns a Top Pick for Business Travel. The main reason it got knocked down is due to some subtle but powerful updates from Osprey for their Porter 46. Additionally, this version of the Overhaul was just a touch heavier, which knocked it down a bit further. We like all of the thoughtful features, like the expansion zipper and fleece-lined electronics sleeves, but these things do add weight.
The Overhaul packs more like a traditional book bag which makes it more versatile for everyday use, but a bit more cumbersome when packing folded clothing. We loved the separate shoe or toiletries pocket. And we like the laptop sleeve that unzips to lay flat on the X-Ray conveyor belt. We like that we can stow the shoulder straps and hip belt if we end up having to check the bag. Lots of great travel features in the Overhaul, plus a sleek, subtle, and stylish look that would be pleasing for the casual business traveler.
Top Pick for Versatility
Osprey Farpoint 55
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%
- Weight: 4.02 lbs
- The volume of Main Pack: 55L
Simple to packTop-level comfortLarge volumeDetachable daypackToo large to carry-onHeavy
If you’re a serious traveler and looking for a new bag, look no further. The Osprey Farpoint 55 was one of the best overall models in this review and an excellent choice for someone taking off on a long trip who needs (or wants) to take a considerable amount of gear with them. It’s comfortable to carry even when loaded down, and it’s easy to open up and access your gear. We loved the detachable daypack, and there are buckles on the front of the shoulder straps so that it can be worn “kangaroo-style” in front for added security and ease of access. It might look funny, but we’ll tell you what’s not funny — having your valuables stolen out of the back of your pack while you’re walking in a busy place somewhere far from home.
The Farpoint 55 weighs just over four pounds, which makes it one of the heavier options in this review. However, it also has one of the largest capacities and a daypack, so its weight per volume ratio wasn’t too bad. Unfortunately, the main pack is too large to carry on an airplane, but if you’re traveling with some camping gear or climbing gear, you’ll most likely need to check your bag anyways. We loved that we could leave the daypack in a hostel locker and take off on a three-night wilderness trek with the main pack, and then leave that one in our room while we sight-seed with the daypack. Our Top Pick for Versatility is a great option, and it will only make your travels smoother. Should you want to go larger or smaller, the Farpoint comes in an 80L and a 40L option.
Best Bang for the Buck
Osprey Transporter 40
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%
- Weight: 2.34 lbs
- The volume of Main Pack: 40L
VersatileComfortableDurableMinimal electronics pocketsNot comfortable for heavy loads
The Osprey Transporter 40 is a highly versatile and handy travel backpack. It converts seamlessly from “expedition duffel” (which is how Osprey markets it) to travel backpack, and even to an easy-access shoulder bag that carries almost as well as a messenger bag. It is highly durable, and surprisingly comfortable for a pack with no hip belt due to an ergonomic design. Osprey has a long history of making comfortable backpacks, and this duffel bag is, ironically, no exception.
Though very versatile, the Transporter is not optimized for airport travel or electronics. If you travel mostly for business or urban tourism, you might be more pleased with something like the Minaal Carry-on 2.0. And since the Transporter doesn’t have a hip belt, it won’t suit your backpacking or long distance walking needs; you might prefer Osprey’s other packs, the Osprey Porter or the Osprey Farpoint.
Top Pick Destination Daypack
REI Stuff Travel Daypack 22
- COMFORT – 25%
- FEATURES – 25%
- PACKING & ACCESSIBILITY – 20%
- DURABILITY – 15%
- WEIGHT PER VOLUME – 15%
- Weight: 10 oz
- The volume of Main Pack: 22L
Takes up little space in your luggageTop-level comfortGreat value must pack carefully to maintain comfort hip belt or sternum strap
Looking for the ultimate smaller option to count as your airline “personal item”? Want a great pack once you arrive at your destination for day adventures? REI Stuff Travel is our favorite option both abroad and at home. It rolls into a tiny ball and takes up little room in your luggage but is still relatively comfortable to carry around if you pack it carefully. If compressed down enough, it counts as a personal item on most airlines (and not as your one carry-on).
There’s little structure, so you do need to pack it carefully, or objects will jam into your back. A carefully folded extra layer usually does the trick. It’s only 22 liters in volume, so it’s not going to carry all of your gear, even on a weekend trip unless you pack super light. But it weighs only 10 ounces and costs only $30, making it an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight and inexpensive daypack.
